Work Hard, Play Fair

Strong ethics build reputations for Frederick companies
By Jon Stewart News-Post Staff jstewart@fredericknewspost.com

Businesses work hard not only to earn profits but to build reputations that last a lifetime.When times are difficult and the stress on profits is greatest, that’s when it’s tempting to make decisions for short-term gain.But is the income worth the price of lost reputation or survival over the long term?

Jason Feaga has owned 18 Visions Design in Frederick for three years. His firm designs websites, print media and apparel. Feaga has 75 clients, and has not experienced a lull in business, he said. He puts pressure on himself to ensure profits. He recently completed a website for a real estate publication by working all day on Labor Day and until 5:30 p.m. the next day, he said.When meeting clients, Feaga says they are receptive to timelines. “They are willing to wait if you do a good job,” he said. Feaga built his business on small clients and enjoys the oneon-one communication. He recently has added larger clients.“There’s a security blanket with a larger client, but I am not going to look past the small clients who have gotten me here.”