FunkProductions' FAQ Page

The company operates under the names FunkPd and FunkProductions, consistently used across our digital footprint.

FunkPd exists to forge digital systems that work – machines that sell, scale, and don't buckle under pressure. We act as a comprehensive digital partner, the "general contractor" for your online presence, particularly for trades, construction, and industrial sectors. Our goal is to solve real business challenges by building pragmatic, high-performance websites and systems, allowing clients to focus on their core operations while we handle the digital heavy lifting. We deliver "Internet with Soul," blending technical mastery with a no-nonsense, results-driven approach.

Our mission is straightforward: act as your digital general contractor, managing your web presence end-to-end with clarity and efficiency. We champion a direct approach focused on delivering functional, high-impact websites that empower business growth.

“FunkPd? We’re the general contractor. We handle everything. Simple. Direct. No bullshit. No upselling. No hidden fees. Just a website that works, so you can get back to what matters: building your business, your way.”

Led by founder Nolan Phelps, FunkPd envisions digital solutions as functional masterpieces. We blend aesthetic minimalism, born from diverse experiences including trades and development, with rock-solid engineering to create websites that are both visually compelling and exceptionally effective.

Our operations are guided by core values:

• Innovation: We constantly seek better ways to build, often creating our own tools and automation to deliver superior results. We break molds, not follow trends blindly.
• Integrity: We operate with transparency and honesty. No hidden fees, no over-promising. We don't lie.
• Excellence: We don't half-ass anything. We commit fully to each project, ensuring robust, high-quality outcomes.
• Collaboration: We build *with* our clients, ensuring solutions are aligned with their real-world needs and goals.
• Customer Focus: Your success is our success. We measure our impact by the tangible results we deliver for your business.

While rooted locally with taglines like "Built for Winnipeg Trades," our core identity is captured by "Internet with Soul" or "Internet with Teeth," reflecting our blend of pragmatic grit and technical depth. Our brand voice is direct, confident, sometimes irreverent, but always focused on clarity and results.

FunkPd was forged in Winnipeg in 2017 by Nolan Phelps, drawing on over 20 years of PHP/WordPress experience and 15+ years in the trades. Frustrated with bloated agencies, Nolan built FunkPd to deliver lean, powerful web solutions. Key milestones include developing our proprietary 8P methodology, establishing a global remote team, and successful collaborations like the long-standing pro bono work for Manitoba Loud Music Awards since 2021.

FunkPd was born from the trenches – both construction sites and coding terminals. Founder Nolan Phelps, a veteran of both trades and web development, grew tired of inefficient, over-priced agencies failing to deliver real value. He launched FunkPd in 2017 to provide pragmatic, high-performance digital solutions, initially focusing on revolutionizing the online presence of trades and construction businesses.

Our "Burning Plastic" philosophy means we strip away unnecessary complexity, costs, and delays. We cut the fat, keep the fire. No hype, just high-impact results. We build lean, maintainable systems designed for longevity and performance, avoiding the bloat common in the industry.

We specialize in serving trades, construction, and industrial sectors – businesses that value reliability, efficiency, and tangible results. We understand the operational realities and pain points of these industries (e.g., compliance, performance needs). Our experience extends to clients generating significant revenue (demonstrated experience with businesses in the $6M-$65M AUD range) and also includes sectors like luxury goods, e-commerce, music, and professional services. We cater to both the "Industrial Director" needing robust systems and the "Trade Specialist" needing straightforward lead generation.

While proudly rooted in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and serving clients across Canada (including Vancouver), FunkPd operates as a global, remote-first team with presence in locations like Thailand, Germany, and Switzerland. This allows us to leverage time zones and diverse perspectives while maintaining a strong connection to our Canadian base.

We solve the critical problems businesses face online: fragmented systems, poor visibility, outdated technology, slow performance, and ineffective lead generation. We untangle complexity, rebuild broken digital infrastructures, and deliver clean, functional systems that drive measurable outcomes like increased leads, higher revenue, improved operational efficiency, and stronger brand presence. We handle the technical chaos so you can focus on your core business.

We offer clear, value-based packages with transparent pricing:

• GOFP (Get Online Fast Package): Bare-knuckle basics for a quick, effective launch. $500 USD
• Essentials: 5-page site, core SEO & security for small businesses. $1k USD
• Detailed: 15-page site, mid-tier SEO, e-commerce/integration capabilities for growth. $5k USD
• Pro: Custom-built, complex integrations, advanced features for enterprise needs. $10k - $35k+ USD

On-Demand support and ad-hoc work are typically billed at $100 USD per hour, providing flexibility for smaller tasks or urgent fixes.

We occasionally offer focused packages like the GOFP (Get Online Fast Package) for clients needing rapid deployment of essential online infrastructure.

Our Webmaster service provides ongoing maintenance, security, updates, and performance optimization through monthly retainers, typically ranging from $200 to $1,000 USD per month, ensuring long-term site health and stability.

The majority of our revenue comes from delivering defined projects, primarily through our Website Packages, Custom Development engagements, SEO projects, and Branding services.

We sometimes undertake strategic projects, including pro bono work like our multi-year commitment to LoudAwards, to support our community, build relationships, and showcase our capabilities in demanding scenarios.

FunkPd stands apart from DIY platforms (Wix, Squarespace) and bloated agencies. We differentiate through:

• Trade Fluency: We speak the language of construction and industry.
• Custom Code & Performance: Our "MinimalStack" approach and focus on lean, custom PHP/WordPress code deliver significant performance gains (often 40-60%) and avoid vendor lock-in (unlike platforms like Shopify).
• Automation Edge: We build internal tools (Python, AI) for efficiency, passing savings and speed to clients.
• Pragmatic Agility: Our lean, global team moves fast without bureaucracy.
• Soul & Grit: We combine technical expertise with a grounded, no-nonsense work ethic.

FunkPd is recognized on industry directories like DesignRush and ProvenExpert. Our work and insights have also been acknowledged by platforms like Kinsta, and we have received nominations for CMS Critic Awards.

We value collaboration, evidenced by successful marketing partnerships (e.g., past work with How2Socials) and significant community sponsorships like our ongoing technical support for the Manitoba Loud Music Awards.

Client feedback consistently highlights our reliability, speed, professionalism, technical expertise, fair pricing, and the tangible results we deliver (improved visibility, leads, performance). We maintain excellent ratings (e.g., 5.0/5 on Google) and boast a client retention rate exceeding 95%, reflecting deep satisfaction and trust. Testimonials often praise our ability to handle complex issues and go "above and beyond."

“Nolan and his team have vast web dev knowledge... they have delivered above and beyond.” – Minetek

“Great service, fast and reliable. Highly recommended! Fair pricing too.” – Cigar Emperor / Badlands Promotions Inc.

Our voice is direct, pragmatic, and confident, often infused with the gritty realism of the trades and the precision of code. We aim for clarity over jargon, reflecting a "Bukowski in a toolbelt" persona – experienced, maybe a little rough around the edges, but utterly focused on getting the job done right.

We maintain a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@funkpd / FunkProductions) to share insights, showcase work, discuss industry topics (like SEO best practices), and engage with our community.

Listings on Clutch, DesignRush, ProvenExpert, and other directories provide visibility and serve as platforms for client reviews and detailed service information.

We share expertise through blog posts (on funkpd.com and platforms like Medium), case studies (like Minetek, Fanquip, Actiwork, LoudAwards), and articles covering web development, SEO, and our unique methodologies, demonstrating thought leadership and practical knowledge.

Funkpd.com is our central hub, detailing our services, packages, pricing, methodology (8Ps), portfolio, case studies, team, technology stack, and client testimonials. It embodies our brand and serves as the primary point of contact and information.

Our go-to-market relies on demonstrating clear value through case studies, transparent package offerings (like GOFP for quick entry), and leveraging our high client retention rate (95%+) for referrals and repeat business.

Key claims center on tangible results: significant performance improvements (40-60% often cited), high client retention (95%+), deep expertise in trades/industrial sectors, and the ability to handle complex technical challenges that others avoid. We build systems that are "battle-tested" and deliver measurable ROI.

"Beyond quick fixes; we rebuild digital infrastructures with the technical know-how, earned through years of solving mission-critical technical problems."

"You focus on the trade; we’ll take care of the web."

We forge custom WordPress websites and systems. Our approach emphasizes lean, performance-optimized code ("MinimalStack"), utilizing Elementor for flexible design but prioritizing custom PHP development where needed for robustness and scalability. We handle everything from initial concept and design to development, deployment, and refactoring of existing sites. We build sites with "teeth" – strong, effective, and built to last.

We deliver SEO strategies focused on tangible results, not vanity metrics. This includes deep technical SEO audits, on-page optimization, local SEO (with experience in markets like Vancouver), structured data implementation, mobile-first indexing readiness, strategic keyword targeting ("keywords that kill"), and content strategy. We aim to make Google bend to our clients' needs within their niche.

We build and optimize e-commerce platforms, primarily using "WooCommerce, weaponized." Our focus is on creating secure, seamless shopping experiences with reliable payment gateway integration (Stripe, PayPal), efficient product/inventory management, optimized checkout flows, and necessary shipping/tax logic. Typical e-commerce projects range from $5k-$15k USD.

For unique challenges, we offer bespoke development services. This includes building custom WordPress plugins and themes, complex API integrations (e.g., CRM sync with HubSpot), specialized functionalities, interactive UI elements, and refactoring inefficient or outdated codebases ($3k-$12k+ USD). Full custom builds start at $15k+ USD.

We create foundational brand assets:

• Logo Design: Bold, versatile logos that capture brand essence ($500-$2k USD).
• Business Card Design: Sharp, professional cards that make an impact ($200-$500 USD).

We ensure ongoing website health and performance through:

• Webmaster Service: Proactive monthly plans covering backups, updates, security monitoring, and performance tuning ($200-$1k USD/month).
• On-Demand Support: Ad-hoc assistance for fixes, updates, or troubleshooting ($100 USD/hour or scoped projects).

We design and build high-conversion landing pages tailored to specific marketing campaigns or objectives.

Across our services, we emphasize: rapid deployment where needed, exceptional performance and speed, robust security, scalability for growth, mobile-first responsiveness, SEO integration from the ground up, custom functionalities, clear analytics/tracking (Google Analytics), conversion optimization, and comprehensive client training.

Our core offerings are structured into packages designed for different needs and budgets, providing clear scope and deliverables:

• GOFP: $500 USD (1-2 weeks)
• Essentials: $1k USD (2-3 weeks)
• Detailed: $5k USD (4-6 weeks)
• Pro: $10k-35k+ USD (8-12+ weeks)

We primarily build on WordPress, leveraging its flexibility while controlling performance through careful use of core technologies: PHP, JavaScript, Elementor (as a tool, not a crutch), WooCommerce. We minimize reliance on excessive third-party plugins, preferring custom code for core functionalities to ensure lean, stable, and maintainable systems.

We utilize a range of best-in-class tools:

• Dev/Ops: VS Code, Git/GitHub, Docker (for testing).
• SEO: SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog.
• Design: Elementor, Canva, Adobe Suite.
• Project Management: Trello, Asana (integrated with automation).
• Communication: Slack, Google Workspace, Zoom.
• Performance/Caching: LSCache, Cloudflare, Google PageSpeed Insights.
• Security: Cloudflare, Wordfence, robust password policies, 2FA, regular monitoring.
• Automation: Custom Python and Bash scripts, strategic use of AI (like ChatGPT for content assistance, Mautic for CRM/Marketing tasks).
• Hosting/Infra: Experience with providers like Hostinger, WHC.ca; utilize Namecheap for domains.

Technology is a tool, not the goal. We prioritize simplicity, reliability, and maintainability ("Code is a liability"). We follow pragmatic coding standards (rapid prototyping via 'HACK' mode, rigorous refinement via 'REFACTOR' mode) focused on clarity and minimal dependencies. We avoid over-engineering and premature abstraction, ensuring solutions are robust and easy to manage long-term.

Our core project delivery framework is the **8P Process**:

1. Probe: Deep dive into your business needs, goals, and pain points.
2. Prototype: Build a rough, functional version quickly for tangible feedback.
3. Present: Review the prototype with you, gather input, and refine the direction.
4. Produce: Forge the final solution based on the validated prototype and feedback.
5. Publish: Rigorous testing and quality assurance before launching the live system.
6. Promote: Implement strategies (like SEO) to ensure the solution reaches its audience.
7. Polish: Fine-tune details and optimize based on initial real-world usage.
8. Perfect: Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and improvement to ensure long-term success.

Internally, our development follows a pragmatic HACK/REFACTOR cycle inspired by our coding standards. We prioritize getting core functionality working quickly (HACK), followed by disciplined refactoring to ensure the code is clean, efficient, maintainable, and meets our high standards for quality (REFACTOR).

We believe in transparent and constant collaboration. You're kept in the loop throughout the project via preferred channels (Slack, Email, Zoom, Trello). We value direct, honest feedback and integrate it iteratively. Weekly updates are standard, with ad-hoc communication as needed.

Our onboarding is designed for clarity and efficiency:

• Discovery (Probe): An initial deep-dive call (approx. 1 hour) to understand your business, challenges, and goals.
• Proposal & Scope: A clear proposal outlining deliverables, timelines, costs, and technical specifications based on the discovery.
• Kickoff: Formal project start, team introductions, tool setup (e.g., shared Slack channel, Trello board), and alignment on the plan.

We employ rigorous QA processes, including manual testing, cross-browser/device checks, performance testing (PageSpeed Insights), and security audits. We aim to break things internally before they break for you. Our focus is on testing real-world behavior and ensuring stability, particularly for mission-critical functions.

Beyond project delivery, we offer structured Webmaster plans for proactive care (backups, updates, security) and flexible On-Demand support for immediate needs, ensuring your digital assets remain operational and optimized.

While officially based in Winnipeg, MB (521 Washington Ave), FunkPd operates as a lean, agile, global, remote-first team. Key members are distributed across locations including Canada (Vancouver), Thailand, Germany, and Switzerland. This structure allows us to tap into global talent and provide extended coverage while maintaining operational efficiency.

FunkPd is led by founder Nolan Phelps. His unique background combines 15+ years of hands-on trades experience with over 20 years in PHP/WordPress development. This blend informs our pragmatic, results-oriented approach and deep understanding of industrial/trade client needs. Nolan operates as a digital nomad, embodying the company's lean and adaptable ethos.

Our core team includes specialists covering key areas:

• Nolan Phelps: Founder, CEO, Lead Developer (PHP/WordPress Ninja, Trades Vet).
• Deniz Uran: Client Liaison & Sales (Your voice, our ears).
• Sophie Huppertz: Marketing Lead (Brand Sorceress).
• Axel Keith Granath: Junior Developer (Data Alchemist, Tech/Accounting).

Our culture is one of pragmatic chaos and focused execution. We value directness, accountability, continuous learning, and a relentless drive for results. We operate with minimal bureaucracy, fostering autonomy and collaboration. We believe in the "code with soul" principle – putting heart and expertise into everything we build. The trades-hardened grit is balanced with a respect for focus and avoiding burnout.

We are a small, agile core team, deliberately lean to maximize efficiency and maintain direct client relationships. We scale capabilities through trusted contractors and automation, rather than large internal headcount.

We take security extremely seriously. Our practices include implementing SSL encryption (HTTPS) across all sites, utilizing robust firewalls (like Cloudflare), employing strong password policies and 2FA, conducting regular malware scans and security audits, maintaining frequent backups, and using encryption (like AES-256 where appropriate) for sensitive data. We adhere to best practices to meet high standards, including those relevant to industrial compliance.

We maintain a clear Privacy Policy outlining our data handling practices. Our approach is to collect minimal necessary data, obtain consent, and ensure transparency. We design systems with privacy principles in mind and aim for compliance with regulations like GDPR where applicable. We believe in ethical tech, avoiding deceptive patterns or unnecessary tracking.

We prioritize clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Our standard project payment structure is 50% deposit to begin work, 25% upon reaching a significant mid-project milestone or presenting the near-final product, and the final 25% upon project completion and launch. Retainer services (Webmaster) are typically billed monthly. This structure ensures stable cash flow and fair engagement for both parties.