Meeky shared the origin story of Ndevr, which began over a decade ago with a simple conversation between two colleagues. She and her co-founder, Matt, both worked at a previous agency and found they had a shared vision for how to improve projects. Their collaboration during a freelance project was so effective that it led them to ask a simple but life-changing question: "Why don't we start a company?" From that moment, Ndevr was born. She reflected on the early days as a period of significant learning and challenges, but also acknowledged that even after 10 years, the journey remains exciting and demanding.

The Power of WordPress: Beyond the Basics

One of the key topics of the conversation was WordPress. When asked why she chose to specialize in this platform, Meeky pointed to some compelling statistics: WordPress now powers 43% of all websites globally, and an incredible 64% of all content management systems (CMS).

For Ndevr, which focuses on digital media and publishing companies, this is a strategic advantage. It's a platform that many editors and content creators are already familiar with, making it an easier entry point for businesses. Since Ndevr works with enterprise-level platforms, they hire full-stack developers to build robust, high-performing solutions that go far beyond a simple blog. The company also focuses on the health and wellness industry because of Meeky's prior experience with major brands like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, and her desire to help these companies leverage powerful digital publishing capabilities.

The Future of Web Development with AI

Meeky offered a pragmatic and optimistic view on the role of AI in web development. She believes AI is not a job replacement but a powerful tool that will make developers more efficient. She mentioned several use cases, from generating initial code drafts to accelerating the prototyping process.

However, she was also quick to highlight the current limitations of AI. She described it as a "very, very smart prototype" that still requires a senior-level developer to oversee the work, ensuring the code is secure, high-performing, and correctly written. Without a technical expert asking the "right questions," the AI-generated code can be inefficient or even insecure. This means that while AI can handle the "grunt work" and speed up the initial phases, human expertise remains crucial for quality, security, and the final product.

Drag-and-Drop vs. Technical SEO

The conversation also delved into a common question for many business owners: are drag-and-drop website builders bad for SEO and site speed? Meeky explained that the answer is not a simple yes or no; it depends on how the site is built and what's added to it.

A poorly built theme or a site overloaded with unnecessary blocks can certainly slow down the load time and negatively impact SEO. This is because some templates don't optimize the code, leading to multiple instances of the same JavaScript or CSS being loaded, which bogs down the site. She warned that while these tools make things easier, they can also lead to hidden problems if the user isn't careful about what they are adding. The key, she noted, is to have a developer consult on the process to ensure that the plugins and modules are not "fighting each other" and that the site is built for long-term scalability and performance.

The Vision: Quality and Purpose

Meeky also shared some of the unique challenges and requests she's encountered, which she views as "interesting and fun." She recalled a project that required her team to create a data endpoint to pull in real-time local information, such as weather and traffic, for a company's internal display. These complex requests, which require creative problem-solving, are the types of projects that keep her and her team engaged.

When asked about her biggest challenge, she humbly stated that it's simply getting attention from new clients in a crowded market. She finds that the quality of her work and the trust she builds with clients speak for themselves, as most of her clients tend to stay with Ndevr long-term.

Looking ahead, Meeky's vision for Ndevr is a mix of ambitious numbers and a commitment to quality. She and her co-founder are focused on strategic growth and taking on more interesting projects that help clients become more efficient. Her ultimate goal is to help businesses with their digital needs, offering a level of expertise that sets them apart from the competition.

A Lesson in Humility

Finally, Meeky offered a powerful piece of advice she received early in her career. As a young developer, she was in a room with experts from different fields and was afraid to ask questions. She quickly realized that while others were experts in their own areas, they knew nothing about hers. This realization taught her that it's okay to ask questions. She no longer feels the need to pretend she knows everything. This simple lesson in humility has made her more open, efficient, and better at her job.