Every Journey blossoms from the smallest idea and develops a story that lasts a lifetime.

My Journey to Founding Rivertech Digital®

Every entrepreneur has a story, and mine begins in August 2018. At the time, I was in my third year at New College Swindon, pursuing a two-year L3 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing, alongside a BTEC National L3 qualification in Information and Creative Technology. This was a pivotal moment in my life, setting the foundation for the creation of Rivertech Digital®.

The Early Days

During my apprenticeship, I worked tirelessly, dedicating five days a week, eight hours a day to a small but dynamic web design agency located in the Groundwell Industrial Estate, Swindon. This role allowed me to collaborate with several fascinating businesses, such as:

As one of the primary developers in a small team of four designers, I honed my skills in coding, search engine optimization, business strategy, and design. By the time I completed my apprenticeship in November 2019, I had not only gained invaluable experience but also graduated with an A* qualification. This marked a significant milestone in my journey.

The Birth of a Vision

With my apprenticeship behind me, I began reflecting on the wealth of knowledge I had accumulated. I realised I wanted to create something meaningful. A venture that could transform my life and empower businesses to thrive in the digital world for years to come. Then the idea of starting my own business began to take root.

In 2020, I graduated from college with A* grades across all my BTEC courses such as; Information and Creative Technology (L1 & L2), Cyber Security (Internet Safety for IT Users), Security of Database CRM Systems, and Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2016. Armed with this knowledge, I dedicated an entire year to rigorous research, studying what makes a business not only successful but also sustainable in the long run. This period of preparation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Rivertech Digital®.

Building the Dream

In October 2022, I embarked on the technical journey of bringing my vision to life. Armed with Visual Studio, I immersed myself in coding for hours, days, weeks, and months. Using technologies like HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap 4, and Angular, I meticulously built a seven-page website from scratch. It was a labour of love and determination. Please see the video below showcasing my original website.

By January 2023, my first website was complete. I called it “Webtech Media,” and I felt an immense sense of accomplishment seeing my efforts materialise into something tangible. However, just as I was about to register the name officially, I discovered it had already been taken. This unexpected twist could have been disheartening, but instead, it became an opportunity for introspection and creativity.

The Birth of Rivertech Digital®

The search for a new name was a deeply personal journey. I wanted the name of my business to resonate with my identity, experiences, and aspirations. I began reflecting on the trials and tribulations I had faced over the years and the inner strength that had guided me through them. As I pondered these questions, I felt an unexplainable urge to step outside.

It was a sunny day, and I decided to take a walk along the lakeside near my apartment in Wichelstowe. As I approached the water, the weather suddenly turned windy. The gusts seemed to push me closer to the lake, almost as if nature itself was guiding me toward clarity. Standing at the edge of the water, I let my mind quiet and focused on the serene movement of the lake’s surface.

As the rain began to fall, I continued my walk, listening to the rhythmic sound of the water and observing the waves crashing into one another. In that moment, a profound realisation struck me. The water, with its ever-changing nature, symbolised resilience, adaptability, and the unstoppable flow of progress; qualities I wanted my business to embody.

The name “Rivertech Digital®” came to me almost instinctively. It perfectly encapsulated the vision and values I wanted to infuse into my company. Rivers are powerful yet adaptable, carving their paths through challenges, much like the entrepreneurial journey. Technology, like a river, is ever-evolving, constantly shaping the world around us. This name felt deeply personal, meaningful, and aligned with my mission.

Growing Rivertech Digital®

With the name settled, I officially registered Rivertech Digital® and began building the business. The journey from concept to reality was anything but linear. It involved countless late nights, meticulous planning, and a relentless commitment to growth.

At its core, Rivertech Digital® is about empowering businesses to harness the full potential of Digital Marketing. From Web Design and SEO to Content Creation, and Analytics, our goal is to deliver solutions that drive results. Each project we take on is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, helping our clients navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

Lessons I Learned Along the Way

Reflecting on this journey, there are a few key lessons that stand out:

1. Resilience is Everything: Much like the rivers that inspired my business name, resilience is crucial in entrepreneurship. Challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you respond to them that defines your success.

2. Adaptability is Key: The digital world is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a willingness to learn and adapt. This mind-set has been instrumental in keeping Rivertech Digital® relevant and innovative.

3. Stay True to Your Vision: Building a business is a deeply personal endeavour. When your work aligns with your values and passions, it becomes more than just a job, it becomes a purpose.

4. The Power of Community: Collaboration and connection are at the heart of Rivertech Digital®. The support of my clients, team, and mentors has been invaluable in shaping the company’s journey.

Looking Ahead - Our Journey into the Future

As Rivertech Digital® continues to grow, I remain committed to the values that inspired its creation. The journey has just begun, and I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. My goal is to not only help businesses succeed but also to inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

In many ways, Rivertech Digital® is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of my journey, my values, and my aspirations. It’s a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in the potential to create something meaningful.

My Final Thoughts

Starting Rivertech Digital® has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s a journey that has taught me invaluable lessons, pushed me beyond my limits, and allowed me to turn my passion into a purpose. I hope my story inspires others to take the leap and pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. The river flows onward, and so does Rivertech Digital®, always evolving, always progressing, and always staying true to its roots.

Get In Touch Today

Thank you for taking the time to engage in our story. I truly appreciate your time and how much support you are showing my business. Please comment, like, follow and share across all our Social Media platforms. The more love and engagement we receive, the more we can help other businesses reach their full potential. Get in Touch via the Contact Us form on our website or email: rivertechdigital2023@gmail.com.

Life is a foundation on which we build our Dreams, Goals, and Aspirations by utilizing what we have and know… Eventually what we need will come.

— Andrew Bernhardt | Founder & Director