Our History

352 Media Group was started in 1997 as "SpyderWeb Page Creation" by Geoff Wilson, Jesse Murse, and Brian Keller. Geoff and Jesse started the company while attending the University of Florida in Gainesville, while Brian worked from his home in Sarasota, Florida. The students, who were all self-taught Web designers, offered affordable Web site packages to small businesses. The trio attracted most of their business from companies finding the SpyderWeb Web site in the search engines.

By 1999, Geoff, Jesse and Brian had built a base of about 30 clients. The workload was becoming overwhelming since the three were enrolled full-time in classes at the university. During the summer of 1999, Geoff and Jesse decided to scale back their class schedules and dedicate more time to growing the company. Brian Keller left the company at that time, while Jason Shindler (CIO) and Peter VanRysdam (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) joined and became co-owners. The group changed the name of the company to "Silverscape Technologies" and incorporated soon after.

Silverscape Technologies expanded rapidly in 2000 and 2001. The company focused on offering complete Web development services, including Web design, Web programming and Web marketing. Silverscape's ability to integrate these services set it apart from its competition. Many of Silverscape's competitors specialized in design or programming, but were not able to offer a complete solution. Additionally, unlike its competition, Silverscape instituted development teams, allowing multiple designers and programmers to be assigned to each project, with a project manager serving as a central point of contact for the client.

During 2002, Silverscape Technologies expanded its services to include interactive CD-ROMs, integrated marketing, printed materials and consulting services. The company attracted new business from several nationally-known clients, such as Pizza Hut and DISHview Satellite Systems, as well as many city and country governments, universities, hospitals and other public institutions.

In November 2002, Silverscape Technologies changed its name to "352 Media Group" to reflect its goal to offer more encompassing, creative and complete business solutions for each customer. The name 352 Media Group describes the progressive full-service approach that the company provides and pays tribute to the area where the company was founded. Besides being the local area code, 352 symbolizes the welcoming business climate in Gainesville that has allowed the company to flourish. 352 Media Group also began establishing satellite sales offices in 2003, with the first located in Atlanta, Ga.

352 Media Group's success has been well documented. The company is growing at a rate of 300 percent a year. Additionally, 352 Media Group now has more than 400 clients throughout the United States, as well as in Africa, Europe, South America and Asia.

Part of 352 Media Group's success is due to the rich talent pool in Gainesville. The University of Florida and local community colleges have a wealth of students and graduates who are eager to learn new Web technologies. 352 Media Group takes several interns each year and trains them to become paid team members.

352 Media Group's future looks very bright, and the company remains focused on becoming the world's leading interactive media and integrated marketing firm.