Please, introduce yourself and your business. (Tell us about your business)
My name is Guillaume Gosselin, and I have been the proud owner of Bauhem web design agency since its inception in 2012. Over the past decade, Bauhem has established itself as a premier Webflow Expert agency in Canada, renowned for its exceptional expertise and innovative solutions.
At Bauhem, we specialize in a comprehensive range of services, including Branding, Web Design, E-commerce, and Business Automations.
Our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about creating unique and impactful brand identities, designing visually stunning and user-friendly websites or web apps, developing seamless e-commerce platforms, and implementing efficient business automation processes.
Throughout our journey, we have successfully completed over 200 projects, each tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients. Our portfolio boasts a diverse array of projects, showcasing our versatility and commitment to excellence.
In addition to our direct client work, we also collaborate with other agencies, leveraging our Webflow expertise to help them scale their businesses and achieve remarkable growth.
With a proven track record of delivering outstanding results, Bauhem Agency continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, setting new standards in the industry.
Whether you are a startup looking to establish a strong online presence or an established business seeking to enhance your digital footprint, Bauhem is your trusted partner for success.
What inspired you to start your business?
Before founding Bauhem, I worked in various agencies and consistently encountered a troubling pattern: salesmen often misled customers about what they could expect to receive, the project timelines, and the potential ROI.
Frustrated by this lack of transparency and integrity, I decided to start Bauhem with a clear mission: to provide honest, reliable, and high-quality services.
Bauhem began with just one client, and I am proud to say that this client remains with us after more than 10 years.
This enduring relationship is a testament to our commitment to client satisfaction, our dedication to delivering on promises, and our focus on building trust and long-term partnerships.
How much revenue was your best year? (include margin if possible)
2018 : $187 500
When did you notice traction when building your business?
The moment I realized we were gaining traction in the business was a true "Oh S**t!" moment. It happened when we recognized a significant need among international businesses for localization, automations, and effective Webflow usage.
At that time, Webflow didn’t offer a localization feature, so we had to get creative and develop innovative solutions to meet our clients' needs while maintaining our commitment to honest, reliable, and high-quality services.
Many of our competitors were limited to working in a single language, which restricted their understanding of the complexities involved in localizing a website. This is where the use of Headless CMS came into play.
We discovered DatoCMS and quickly became early adopters and experts in Canada, alongside renowned agencies like LG2 and Cossette Media.
Another pivotal moment was when we realized the immense potential of automation for businesses.
We started with Zapier and saw firsthand how automating processes could significantly enhance efficiency and productivity.
Since then, we've developed even better, user-friendly, and affordable automation solutions that continue to help our clients streamline their operations and achieve remarkable results.
We were also committed to providing cost-effective solutions by maintaining a small team capable of delivering the work of a larger team. This was made possible by adopting the JamStack approach, which we discovered back then.
JamStack allowed us to build faster, more secure, and scalable websites, ensuring our clients received exceptional value without the overhead costs typically associated with larger teams.
These experiences were eye-opening and transformative, marking our growth and solidifying our reputation as a forward-thinking agency dedicated to pushing the boundaries and delivering exceptional value to our clients.
What was your childhood like? Were you slinging candy on the playground?
I was born in 1980 in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area of Québec, a beautiful region with a population of about 200,000.
My childhood was rich with outdoor activities, enjoying the full splendor of all four seasons. Winter was my favorite, filled with skiing and playing in the snow with friends. However, my most cherished pastime was learning and using computers.
My fascination with computers began in 1987 when my dad bought our first PC for $4000. Despite not knowing a word of English, I was intrigued and excited by this new technology.
At the age of 8, I taught myself DOS and GW-BASIC, laying the foundation for my future career. This early passion for computers led me to pursue a diploma in graphic design, a field that allowed me to blend my creative and technical skills.
My background as a graphic designer, coupled with my technical proficiency, made me a valuable resource in the business world.
My employers appreciated my ability to design as well as troubleshoot and debug computers and servers. This unique combination of skills has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey and success.
What has been your best marketing marketing channel?
Our best marketing channel has undoubtedly been word-of-mouth referrals and client testimonials. The quality of our work and our commitment to honest, reliable, and high-quality services have earned us a strong reputation.
Satisfied clients often recommend us to others, creating a powerful network of referrals that has significantly contributed to our growth. Additionally, showcasing our successful projects and client feedback on our website and social media platforms (Behance, Dribbble, Webflow) has helped us attract new clients who trust the experiences and endorsements of others.
Another key driver of our success has been the Webflow Experts program. In the beginning, being part of this program brought in a significant number of customers.
It provided us with visibility and credibility, connecting us with clients who were specifically looking for skilled Webflow professionals.
This exposure was instrumental in establishing our brand and expanding our client base.
How many attempts at building something did you make before you found what you’re working on now? Did you always have an entrepreneurial drive?
We made numerous attempts before finding what we’re working on now. Our journey began with Adobe Muse, and then we discovered Webflow.
When faced with localization limitations, we had to export Webflow sites and build on external frameworks. Our first attempt was with Middleman, a Ruby framework. Later, we discovered Vue.js with Gridsome, and now we are proud to use the Nuxt.js metaframework.
This framework allows us to create complex web applications while benefiting from Webflow’s design and interaction capabilities.
We are particularly proud of our ability to provide enterprise-class solutions to both small and large businesses at a very affordable cost.
This iterative process and continuous learning have been key to our success, enabling us to refine our approach and deliver exceptional value to our clients.
Since 2008, I have launched several enterprises and helped numerous startups grow.
This experience has not only honed my entrepreneurial skills but also reinforced my passion for innovation and supporting new businesses.
Entrepreneurial drive has always been a part of who I am. My passion for technology and solving complex problems naturally led me to pursue various projects and ultimately build Bauhem.
This drive has been essential in navigating the challenges and opportunities that have come our way, shaping the innovative and client-focused agency we are today.
What is your biggest overhead expense?
Our biggest overhead expense is human resources. Nearly 65% of our expenses go towards this.
All the solutions we use are very affordable, and our customers benefit from this cost-efficiency. We don’t outsource any of our projects; everything is built in-house.
This approach allows us to cover expenses effectively and remain competitive while ensuring the highest quality of work and maintaining strong control over the entire project process.
What’s the most important skill you’ve learned?
The most important skills I've learned are honesty, reliability, and high-quality service. These 3 values form the cornerstone of our approach at Bauhem:
Honesty:
Honesty is the foundation of trust and integrity in our business. We believe in clear and transparent communication with our clients, setting realistic expectations, and delivering on our promises. This straightforward approach fosters long-term relationships and ensures that clients feel confident and informed throughout the project.
Reliability:
Reliability means consistently delivering on our commitments. Our clients can count on us to meet deadlines, provide consistent quality, and be dependable partners. By being reliable, we build a reputation for trustworthiness and create a sense of security for our clients, knowing they can rely on us to support their needs. We don't hesitate to rise flag to help our customer or prevent bad situation.
High-Quality:
High-quality service is our commitment to excellence in everything we do. From the initial concept to the final product, we strive to exceed expectations and deliver top-notch results.
Our dedication to quality means that every project we undertake is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards, ensuring our clients receive exceptional value and outstanding outcomes.
By embodying these values, we ensure that our clients receive not only superior technical solutions but also a trustworthy and supportive partnership.
What do you spend the majority of your time doing, in a given week?
As the sole employee and owner of Bauhem, I wear many hats and juggle a variety of tasks throughout the week. Here’s a breakdown of how I spend my time:
1. **Designing and Managing Projects**:
A significant portion of my time is dedicated to designing and overseeing projects. This involves creating visual concepts, developing project plans, and ensuring everything stays on track from start to finish.
2. **JamStack Development**:
I spend a lot of time on JamStack development, which involves building and maintaining websites using JavaScript, APIs, and Markup. This includes coding, troubleshooting, and optimizing web performance.
3. **Meeting with Customers**:
I regularly meet with customers to discuss their needs, explore opportunities for scaling their businesses, and provide personalized solutions. These interactions are crucial for understanding client goals and ensuring their satisfaction.
4. **Creating Quotes**:
I handle the creation of project quotes, which involves assessing project requirements, estimating costs, and providing detailed proposals to clients.
5. **Community Engagement**:
I actively participate in various communities, including Webflow, DatoCMS, and JamStack. This involves helping others, sharing knowledge, and staying connected with industry peers.
6. **Research and Innovation**:
I dedicate time to research and innovation to stay at the forefront of web design, UX, and web development. I strive to develop solutions that are easy to implement and maintain, ensuring they are reliable and require minimal maintenance.
My commitment to delivering solid, low-maintenance solutions is evident in the fact that many of my customers rarely need to contact us for support, a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of our work. This diverse range of tasks keeps me engaged and ensures that Bauhem remains innovative and customer-focused.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when first starting your business?
When I first started Bauhem, there are several key lessons I wish I had known:
1. **The Importance of Networking**:
Building strong relationships within the industry, communities and with clients is crucial. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights that can significantly impact your business growth.
2. **Value of Customer Feedback**:
Actively seeking and listening to customer feedback is invaluable. Understanding clients' needs and pain points allows you to refine your services and deliver better solutions, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. **Balancing Quality and Efficiency**:
Striking the right balance between delivering high-quality work and maintaining efficiency is essential. Over time, I learned that optimizing processes and leveraging the right tools can enhance productivity without compromising quality.
4. **Financial Management**:
Effective financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow, is fundamental to sustaining and growing a business. Early on, I wish I had a deeper understanding of financial planning to navigate the ups and downs more smoothly. We currently use Zoho Books as our accounting software. Perfect for giving credibility to small agencies like Bauhem.
5. **Adaptability and Resilience**:
The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and bounce back from setbacks is vital. Embracing change and being resilient in the face of challenges helps you stay agile and prepared for any situation.
Knowing these lessons earlier would have accelerated our progress and helped us navigate the entrepreneurial journey with greater confidence and effectiveness.
What’s a big problem you’ve faced as a business owner and what were the emotions behind it?
One significant problem I faced as a business owner was the impact of COVID-19. During this time, many enterprises cut their marketing budgets, which led to the loss of all my employees.
This situation was incredibly challenging, as I wasn’t alone—many competitors struggled, and an increasing number of developers were looking for work.
The emotions behind this experience were a mix of fear, uncertainty, and determination. Initially, the fear of losing everything we had built was overwhelming.
There was a profound sense of uncertainty about the future and how we would navigate such a drastic change. However, these emotions also fueled a determination to adapt and find new ways to sustain the business.
This period forced me to re-evaluate our strategies, streamline operations, and become more resilient.
It was a humbling experience that highlighted the realities of entrepreneurship—the highs and lows, the unpredictable nature of business, and the need for constant innovation and adaptability.
Despite the challenges, this experience reinforced my commitment to providing honest, reliable, and high-quality services.
It taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, and it ultimately made Bauhem stronger and more focused on delivering exceptional value to our clients.
What is your best advice for someone who wants to build a business but feels completely stuck?
If you feel stuck and don't know where to start in the business world, my best advice is to begin small with one customer or a project you're passionate about.
Start with something simple, and learn as you go. Focus on what you love and what you're good at to stay motivated. When I started Bauhem, I didn't know much about establishing an online presence.
Research your industry and competitors to identify opportunities and avoid common pitfalls. Be willing to try new solutions and break conventions.
Build a network of contacts in your industry by attending events and joining online forums.
Invest in your education by taking courses, reading books, and staying updated with industry trends. The more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to handle challenges.
Take action without waiting for the perfect moment or idea. Start small and adjust your approach based on feedback.
Respect your budget, learn accounting and business management, and share your experiences. By staying adaptable and small, you'll be better prepared to overcome obstacles and achieve success
Check out more about Guillaume, here:
Website: https://bauhem.com ,
Webflow Profile: https://webflow.com/@bauhem
