About Speak.Tech

Bridging the gap between affordable web services and professional-grade execution.

Why Speak.Tech Exists

Speak.Tech was created to bridge the gap between affordable web services and professional-grade execution. Too many businesses pay too much for websites that don't work, or they struggle with DIY platforms that promise 'easy' but deliver frustration.

Founded by an experienced web technologist with decades of internet publishing and digital systems experience, Speak.Tech exists to help businesses make informed, sustainable technology decisions.

We believe in clear communication, open standards, and long-term maintainability over short-term hacks. Our goal isn't just to build websites—it's to build relationships with clients who trust us to guide their digital strategy for years to come.

Theodore Duncan Krostue

Theodore Duncan Krostue

Founder & Lead Developer

Theodore (TDK) has been building and breaking websites since the early days of the web. With decades of experience in internet publishing, digital systems, and platform development, he founded Speak.Tech to help South Bend businesses navigate the increasingly complex world of web technology.

From hand-coding HTML in the 90s to building modern web applications with PHP, Python, and JavaScript, TDK has seen the web evolve firsthand. His experience spans custom CMS development, e-commerce platforms, content strategy, SEO optimization, and platform migration—giving him a uniquely comprehensive perspective on what works (and what doesn't) in web development.

"Technology should serve people, not confuse them. My job is to make the web understandable and accessible—whether that means explaining DNS to a client or rebuilding a broken WordPress site. The best technology is the kind you don't have to think about."

Areas of Expertise

  • Full-stack web development (20+ years)
  • WordPress and open-source CMS platforms
  • Custom PHP and Python application development
  • E-commerce systems (WooCommerce, Shopify, custom)
  • Platform migration and legacy system modernization
  • Technical SEO and metadata strategy
  • Website repair and security hardening
  • Internet publishing and content strategy
  • Digital brand equity and domain strategy
  • Server administration and DevOps

What We Believe

These principles guide every project we take on and every decision we make.

Open Standards & Open Source

We build with WordPress, custom PHP, static generators, and other open-source tools. You own your code, your content, and your data. No platform lock-in, no proprietary systems you can't escape.

Clear Communication

We explain technical concepts in plain English. No jargon, no confusing tech-speak. You'll understand what we're building, why we're building it that way, and what it means for your business.

Long-Term Maintainability

We don't build sites that fall apart in two years. Every project uses clean code, documented decisions, and sustainable architecture so your site can evolve with your business.

Education Over Dependency

Our goal is to teach you how to maintain your site, not create dependency. We provide documentation, training, and knowledge transfer so you're empowered—not locked in.

Honesty & Transparency

We'll tell you when a project is too expensive, when a simpler solution exists, or when you don't need our help. Building trust is more important than making a quick sale.

Local & Accessible

Based in South Bend, we're part of the community we serve. In-person meetings, local references, and a genuine commitment to helping Michiana businesses succeed online.

How We Work

Our process is designed to be collaborative, transparent, and results-focused.

1

Listen First

We start every project by understanding your goals, challenges, audience, and constraints. What problem are we solving? What success looks like? What's your budget and timeline?

2

Recommend Honestly

Based on discovery, we recommend the right platform, approach, and architecture. Sometimes that's WordPress. Sometimes it's custom code. Sometimes it's 'don't build a website yet.'

3

Build Thoughtfully

Clean code, clear structure, performance optimization, and SEO built-in from day one. We don't rush. We build it right.

4

Test Thoroughly

Before launch, we test across devices, browsers, and screen sizes. We check speed, accessibility, SEO readiness, and functionality.

5

Support Continuously

After launch, we're still here. Maintenance, updates, training, improvements—your site evolves with your business.

Technologies & Tools

We stay current with modern web technologies while valuing proven, stable platforms.

Platforms & CMSs

  • WordPress
  • Joomla
  • Drupal
  • Shopify
  • WooCommerce
  • Custom PHP frameworks

Languages & Frameworks

  • PHP
  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • HTML5/CSS3
  • MySQL
  • Node.js

Development Tools

  • Git/GitHub
  • VS Code
  • Local development environments
  • Docker
  • SSH/FTP

Design & UX

  • Figma
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Responsive frameworks
  • Accessibility testing tools

SEO & Analytics

  • Google Analytics
  • Google Search Console
  • Schema.org/JSON-LD
  • Keyword research tools

Performance & Security

  • PageSpeed Insights
  • GTmetrix
  • SSL/TLS certificates
  • Security scanners
  • Backup solutions
"Working with Speak.Tech was like having a technical partner, not just a vendor. They explained every decision, taught us how to manage our own site, and built something we're genuinely proud of."
Jennifer Martinez Executive Director
South Bend Nonprofit Organization

Serving South Bend & Beyond

Local to South Bend / Michiana

We're based in South Bend, Indiana, and proud to serve the greater Michiana region. In-person meetings available throughout:

South Bend
Mishawaka
Elkhart
Granger
Notre Dame
Goshen
Niles
Plymouth

Remote Clients Welcome

While we love working locally, we also support clients nationwide. Video consultations, screen sharing, and remote collaboration make distance irrelevant.

Community Involvement

We believe in giving back to the community that supports us.

  • Pro bono website work for select South Bend nonprofits
  • Free web development workshops for local entrepreneurs
  • Open-source contributions to WordPress and other projects
  • Mentorship for aspiring developers in the Michiana area

Let's Work Together

Schedule a Consultation