As experts in the Drupal CMS, OpenConcept thrives on the cutting edge of this field. Not only do we arm clients with unprecedented reigns to control their own content, materials, and online relationships, we back it all up with first-class service and support.
What sets OpenConcept apart?
As our name implies, we demystify websites for our clients to put the power in their own hands. We take the time others might not to understand your unique needs, tailor the learning so it best suits you, and make the process comfortable and empowering.
Our involvement with the global open source community means our clients have access to the latest web innovation from around the planet. When something isn’t available, we create it. When something doesn’t quite ‘fit’ with a client, we re-invent it.
Who chooses OpenConcept?
- NGOs, political organizations, labour groups
- government agencies
- small businesses
- special projects
- organizations new to the Internet or seeking to renew their online presence
- anyone who believes in open source
- fans of Drupal
- supporters of our values
Based in Ottawa, Canada, OpenConcept Consulting has been helping clients find Internet solutions since 1999. We are industry specialists in the Drupal CMS and provide clients with thoughtful coaching and services from the conceptual phase to beyond the site launch.
We draw from the effective Drupal toolkit to develop dynamic, database-driven websites for all manner of client: from government agencies to NGOs, from labour groups to small businesses – our successes span across Canada and the US.
Our expertise extends from programming to services like hosting, supporting, and administering Drupal websites. Over the years, our comprehensive service and support program has earned us a solid reputation for providing clients with a sense of confidence that their website operations are in secure and reliable hands.
Who comprises OpenConcept?
Our team is made up of experts in the field of open source web design and Drupal CMS. We are deep believers in the Internet as a tool of change and in websites as the primary vehicle for reaching your coveted audiences.
As important as the products we deliver are the relationships we build with our clients and the broader community. WE RESPECT YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT YOUR GOALS. We understand what our clients are passionate about because we share your convictions.
Each of us is actively involved in our respective local community and is committed to devoting time and resources to the environment, education, and social justice. We bring you over 30 combined years of direct experience in programming, design, online communication, and community organizing.
Your web project is in capable hands.
Meet the team
Mike Gifford, President
Mike Gifford is the founder of OpenConcept Consulting Inc, which he started in 1999. Since 2000, he has been particularly active in developing and extending open source content management systems to allow people to get closer to their content. Mike has been very active in building online campaigns for progressive organizations and politicians in both Canada and the United States. Working with a wide range of organizations, OpenConcept is in a unique position to build community and share the accumulated knowledge from a variety of sectors. Before starting OpenConcept, Mike had worked for a number of national NGOs including Oxfam Canada and Friends of the Earth.
As a techie at heart, Mike likes to get into the code when he gets the chance. Being familiar with everything from accessibility issues to system administration provides the ability to understand the technological big picture. Being ultimately concerned though about the implementation and implications of the technology he is able to envision how your website can become a much more powerful communications tool for your organization.
Mike has been involved with accessibility issues since the early 1990's and is a strong advocate for standards based design.
Ethan Chiddicks, B. Eng.
Ethan has worked on a number of module development projects, including a job tracking module for Union Web Services. Ethan spends his spare time tinkering with his bicycle, cooking, and enjoying Camp Neekaunis. His other interests include culture jamming, the idea of open everything, and building things.
Pawel Skorupski, B. CompSc
Pawel demonstrates his programming versatility with Drupal, PHP and mySQL on a daily basis . Working with a number of high profile clients at Environment Canada, Industry Canada, Canadian Labour Congress and Aboriginal Sports Council he has also become our standard bearer for client training and assistance. Pawel is extremely patient and very skilled at his craft, regularly making Drupal content management and site administration training interesting and fun. Pawel enjoys rock-climbing and mountaineering.
Ron Schnider, B. Comm
Ron has been creating websites since 1996. His areas of expertise are Drupal website development and management, eCommerce, database management and CRM programming. Ron's life passions are parenting, biking, yoga, community website building, cooperative development and organic farming.
Steve McCullough, PhD, Chief Technical Officer
Steve works on a wide range of Drupal/CiviCRM development & server administration activities. A long-time computer guy, his technical experience has included scientific programming in Fortran, web development in ASP and PHP, and business programming in S/370 assembler (really!). Steve holds a doctorate in English Literature and works regularly as a sex educator with Venus Envy, an education-oriented sex shop and book store (where he is also the IT department).
Varun Baker, B. CompSc
Varun does development and project work with clients as Tbase Communications, Volunteer Canada, the Canadian Labour Congress and EBMtools. From programming to design, Varun uses his computer science background to deliver functionally rich, and intuitive client interfaces.
Varun is an advocate for the use of Open Source software in cases where licensing costs can be avoided. Outside of this, his interests and activities include Geographic Information Systems, capoeira and photography.
Devin Johnstone
Devin brings along his experience in public and arts administration (National Art Centre, Ottawa Fringe Festival) as well as his experience designing and maintaining web sites. He is an advocate of open source software and sustainable living. When not in the office, he is working hard as a singer/songwriter in the folk genre.
Jason Redmond
Jason is our project manager, which requires a balance of technical knowledge, communication skills and project management principles. He has experience with design and coding of simple HTML websites but his strength lies in helping clients define and refine their requirements. While away from work, Jason enjoys playing pick-up hockey, winning the occasional poker game and creating/playing music. He is currently a member of Ottawa's postrock/instrumental band, My Dad vs Yours.
