Can you give us a brief overview of Prodjex as a company and its backstory?
I founded Prodjex in 2017 out of a small office in Liberty, Missouri, driven by a simple but persistent frustration I’d seen in the tech space. Businesses—whether small startups or larger enterprises—were struggling to find web and software solutions that truly fit their needs. Too often, they were stuck with off-the-shelf tools that promised the world but fell short when it came to customization, scalability, or even basic functionality. I’d been in the industry long enough to know that cookie-cutter tech rarely solves real problems, so I set out to build a company that could deliver exactly what clients needed: bespoke, practical, and future-ready solutions. From the beginning, Prodjex was about bridging that gap. We started as a lean operation, just a handful of developers and me, working closely with local Kansas City businesses to build websites, mobile apps, and custom databases that actually worked for them. Over the years, we’ve grown into a hybrid team of 15 in-office staff and 30 offshore developers, blending local expertise with global talent to serve clients across industries—from e-commerce to healthcare to agency partnerships. We’ve built solutions that have transformed operations for our clients, whether it’s a small business needing a website that converts or an enterprise requiring a multi-site platform to handle thousands of users. Our focus has always been on solving problems with precision, not just slapping on a quick fix. That’s the Prodjex story—born out of a need for better tech, built on a foundation of collaboration, and driven by a commitment to results.What can you tell me about your process automation work?
Process automation has become a cornerstone of what we do at Prodjex, and I’m particularly proud of the impact it’s had for our clients. At its core, our automation work is about taking repetitive, time-consuming tasks off the plates of business owners and their teams, freeing them up to focus on what actually moves the needle—strategy, innovation, and growth. Over the years, we’ve honed a methodical approach to identify, design, and implement automation that’s not just efficient but also tailored to each client’s unique workflow. Here’s how we typically approach it. First, we sit down with the client—whether it’s a small Kansas City business or a larger enterprise—and dive deep into their operations. We ask questions like: What’s eating up your team’s time? Where are the bottlenecks? What processes are prone to human error? Often, we find culprits like manual data entry, inventory tracking, or even customer support inquiries that could be streamlined. For example, we’ve worked with clients in e-commerce who were spending hours updating product stock across multiple platforms. Others, like agencies, were bogged down by scheduling and project tracking that could be simplified. Once we’ve mapped out the pain points, we design a custom solution using a mix of tools and tech—think APIs, custom scripts, and platforms like Zapier or UiPath, depending on the complexity. For one client, we built an automation system that synced their inventory across three platforms in real time, cutting their daily workload by nearly half. For another, we automated their customer inquiry routing, ensuring that emails and tickets went straight to the right team member without manual sorting. We’ve even tackled more intricate workflows, like integrating payroll systems with time-tracking apps for seamless HR processes, saving teams hours each week. What I love about automation is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. We’ve automated everything from appointment scheduling for small businesses to multi-site data syncing for enterprises. The key is building something that scales—whether it’s a single script or a full-blown system, we ensure it grows with the client. And we don’t just set it and forget it; we monitor, tweak, and optimize it to make sure it’s delivering results long-term. That’s the Prodjex difference—automation that’s practical, custom, and built to last.What are some emerging trends in cybersecurity, and what would your main advice be to our people looking to stay safe online in 2025?
Cybersecurity is evolving at a breakneck pace, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. I’ve been in the tech space long enough to see how threats grow alongside innovation, and right now, a few trends are standing out that businesses and individuals need to watch closely. First, AI-driven attacks are becoming more sophisticated. We’re seeing cybercriminals use artificial intelligence to craft phishing emails that look eerily legitimate—think personalized messages that mimic your bank or a colleague, down to the tone and signature. These aren’t the clunky “Nigerian prince” scams of the past; they’re targeted, leveraging data scraped from social media or breaches to trick even savvy users. On the flip side, AI is also powering defense—tools like AI-driven threat detection are getting better at spotting anomalies in real time, but adoption is lagging, especially among smaller businesses. Second, zero-trust architecture is no longer optional—it’s a must. The old “trust but verify” model is dead in 2025. With remote work still prevalent and devices multiplying (think IoT in homes and offices), you can’t assume any user or device is safe, even inside your network. Zero-trust means verifying every access request, no exceptions, using multi-factor authentication (MFA), micro-segmentation, and continuous monitoring. We’ve implemented this for clients, and it’s a game-changer for stopping lateral movement during breaches. Third, mobile-first security is critical. Mobile devices are the new battleground—most people access apps and sites via phones, yet security often lags. We’re seeing more attacks exploiting mobile vulnerabilities, like SMS phishing (smishing) or fake apps that steal credentials. At the same time, mobile-first solutions like biometric authentication and secure mobile frameworks are emerging to counter these threats. My main advice for staying safe online in 2025? Prioritize the basics, but don’t stop there. Start with strong, unique passwords—use a password manager if you can’t keep up. Enable MFA everywhere, especially for email and banking. Be skeptical of any message, even if it looks legit; hover over links before clicking, and never download attachments from unknown sources. For businesses, invest in zero-trust and employee training—most breaches still come from human error, like clicking a phishing link. Finally, stay proactive: keep software updated, monitor your accounts for odd activity, and consider a VPN for public Wi-Fi. Cybersecurity isn’t a one-and-done; it’s a mindset.What other services do you offer?
At Prodjex, we’re more than just a web development shop—we’re a full-service partner for businesses looking to leverage technology effectively. Our services span a wide range, reflecting the diverse needs of our clients, from small startups to large enterprises. One of our core offerings is custom website development. We build sites that aren’t just visually appealing but also functional and scalable—whether it’s a simple landing page for a local Kansas City business or a multi-site platform for an enterprise with thousands of users. We’ve created everything from e-commerce stores that sync inventory in real time to client portals that streamline communication. Mobile app development is another big piece of what we do. We’ve built apps for a variety of industries—think patient management tools, appointment schedulers, and even telehealth platforms. Our focus is on usability and security, ensuring the app works seamlessly for users while meeting strict standards like HIPAA where needed. We also specialize in custom database development. This is where we help businesses manage their data more effectively—whether it’s creating a system to track inventory across multiple locations or building a secure database for sensitive client information. We’ve worked on projects that handle terabytes of data without a hitch, integrating with existing systems like EHRs for smooth operations. Beyond that, we offer consulting and process automation, which I touched on earlier. Our consulting work often involves diving into a client’s tech stack, identifying gaps, and recommending solutions—whether it’s a new tool, a custom script, or a full system overhaul. We’ve helped agencies streamline project tracking and small businesses automate repetitive tasks, saving them hours each week. Finally, we provide ongoing support and maintenance. Tech isn’t static, and neither are we—we stick around to monitor, update, and optimize our solutions, ensuring they evolve with the client’s needs. It’s all about building partnerships that last.What sets you apart from your competitors?
What sets Prodjex apart is our relentless focus on custom, practical solutions—and the way we deliver them. In an industry full of cookie-cutter tools and one-size-fits-all promises, we’ve carved out a niche by doing things differently since we started in 2017. First, we’re not here to sell you a generic product. Every project we take on is built from the ground up to fit the client’s exact needs. If you’re a small business needing a website that converts, we’ll craft one that’s tailored to your audience. If you’re an enterprise managing thousands of users across multiple sites, we’ll design a platform that scales without breaking a sweat. I’ve seen too many companies push pre-packaged solutions that leave clients scrambling to adapt—we flip that script by building what you actually need, not what’s easiest for us. Second, our hybrid model gives us an edge. We combine the best of both worlds: a tight-knit Kansas City team that knows the local market and a global talent pool that brings diverse expertise. This lets us deliver high-quality work efficiently, whether it’s a mobile app, a database, or an automation script. Our in-office crew ensures personalized collaboration, while our offshore team keeps projects moving around the clock. It’s a balance that’s worked for us and our clients for nearly a decade. Third, we prioritize long-term partnerships over quick wins. We don’t just hand over a solution and walk away—we stick around to monitor, tweak, and optimize. I’ve heard horror stories of dev firms disappearing after a launch, leaving clients stranded when bugs pop up. At Prodjex, we’re in it for the long haul, ensuring our work grows with you. That’s why clients stick with us, whether they’re in e-commerce, agency work, or other industries. Finally, our Midwestern roots keep us grounded. We’re not a flashy Silicon Valley outfit—we’re practical, no-nonsense, and focused on results. When we say we’ll deliver, we mean it. That combination of custom work, hybrid efficiency, lasting partnerships, and down-to-earth reliability? That’s what makes us Prodjex.Is there anything else about your work that you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?
One thing we haven’t touched on is how much I believe in the power of technology to level the playing field. When I started Prodjex in 2017, I saw too many small businesses in Kansas City struggling to compete because they lacked the right tools. They couldn’t afford the big-name solutions, and the cheap alternatives didn’t cut it. That’s still a driving force for us—we build tech that empowers businesses of all sizes to punch above their weight. Take a local e-commerce client we worked with early on. They were manually updating inventory across three platforms, spending hours a day just to keep up. We built a custom automation system that synced everything in real time, freeing them up to focus on marketing and growth. Within a year, they’d doubled their online sales—not because they had a huge budget, but because they had the right tech. That’s the kind of impact I love seeing. We’re also big on staying ahead of the curve. The tech landscape moves fast—whether it’s new security threats, mobile-first demands, or automation tools—and we make it a point to stay on top of those shifts. Our team’s always learning, experimenting, and bringing fresh ideas to the table. For us, it’s not just about delivering a solution today; it’s about making sure it’s still relevant tomorrow. I guess what I’m saying is this: at Prodjex, we’re not just building websites or apps—we’re building tools that change how businesses operate. Whether it’s a small shop in Liberty or an enterprise with global reach, we want to be the partner that helps them thrive in a digital world. That’s what gets me up every morning, and I’m excited to keep pushing that mission forward.To learn more about Prodjex, you can visit www.prodjex.com