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About SiteVivid
Where Creativity and Technology Meet
SiteVivid, originally known as Creative Sarasota, began as a collaborative venture between Max Kelly and Christopher Austin. Both IT professionals and musicians, Max and Christopher discovered their shared interests in 2004. While they regularly performed music together, they pursued independent careers in IT for the next 14 years.
In 2018, the duo had the opportunity to collaborate on several web development projects. These experiences highlighted their differing but highly complementary skill sets and their seamless working dynamic. Recognizing the potential of their partnership, they combined their talents to establish Creative Sarasota Design & Development.
Over the years, Creative Sarasota steadily expanded its services, introducing new enterprise solutions, features, and software. As their technical capabilities grew, so did their client base. To further enhance their offerings, particularly in feature development and custom programming, they brought on Ricardo Ruggiero—a long-time friend with a skill set that exceeded expectations.
Ricardo’s robust IT background and proficiency in multiple programming languages elevated the company’s technical offerings. Moreover, his values and principles perfectly aligned with the company’s culture, standards, and vision, making him an invaluable addition to the team.
Seeking to offer a complete suite of web services—including design, hosting, and marketing—the team turned to marketing specialist Chris Ray. Having worked with Chris on multiple projects over the years, they were well aware of the exceptional quality of his work. His expertise enabled the company to round out its service offerings, ensuring clients could access a fully integrated website development solution.
As the company’s scope and focus continued to evolve, the team recognized the need for a new identity. The name “Creative Sarasota” felt too geographically limiting for their expanding ambitions. After extensive research and deliberation, they rebranded as SiteVivid, reflecting their dynamic and comprehensive approach to IT services.
Today, Max, Christopher, Ricardo, and Chris bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise across a wide range of interconnected disciplines. Their collaborative synergy, combined with a steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service, enables SiteVivid to deliver world-class IT solutions that truly set them apart.
Christopher Austin
Sr. WordPress Administrator
A life-long artist and musician, Christopher Austin has been developing a broad and robust set of Internet technology skills since 1999. Starting his career in technical support, he steadily advanced to gain experience in nearly every field of the IT industry. As a manager or owner of a variety of hosting, design, and development companies, his experience and expertise evolved to include WordPress, website design, Linux, technical support, hosting, networking, customer service, SEO, AV, project management, and more.
In 2004, Christopher became an early adopter of the trailblazing WordPress Content Management System. Now, a 19+ year veteran of the industry-standard software, his skills are the foundation of SiteVivid’s WordPress development, hosting, and maintenance services.
In 2004, Christopher became an early adopter of the trailblazing WordPress Content Management System. Now, a 19+ year veteran of the industry-standard software, his skills are the foundation of SiteVivid’s WordPress development, hosting, and maintenance services.
Max Kelly
Creative Director
Max Kelly is carrying on the creative tradition inspired by his father and his father before him. Both accomplished artists in the fields of illustration and photography, Max’s artistic bonafides are one that can only come from growing up with true masters of the visual arts. Steeped in creativity, Max spent his youth in darkrooms, at drafting tables, and studying the design and photo annuals that littered his family home. Building upon that irreplaceable creative foundation, Max went on to seek more formal instruction studying fine art in Chicago and in New York, including the renowned School of Visual Arts in New York City. This unique combination of intuitive, real-world, and institutional learning provided Max an uncommon and extraordinary talent. For over two decades, Max has refined and shaped that talent working as a professional graphic and visual designer and photographer. The sum of these experiences and skills are the core of SiteVivid's creative and design services.
Ricardo Ruggiero
Programming Administrator
A true student of the world, Ricardo Ruggiero has never stopped developing his talents. Beyond his bachelors, masters, and MPhd, he has developed an unparalleled diversity of skills over the decades. Not only does he boast an impressive eight different programming languages, expert Ecwid ecommerce capabilities, and a 15-year WordPress veteran, he has been a trusted, successful, and award-winning entrepreneur in his community. Ricardo Ruggiero radiates the values, experience, and work ethic integral to SiteVivid’s success: Critical and analytical thinking; An unstoppable creative drive; A devotion and attention to customer needs.
Chris Ray
Digital Marketing Director
Chris Ray, a Sarasota native, began his marketing journey in 2013 with a focus on performance marketing. Over the years, he has expanded his expertise to include comprehensive marketing and consulting services, specializing in digital strategies across various business sectors. Whether working with corporate clients or small businesses, Chris delivers bespoke solutions tailored to meet diverse marketing and business needs.
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