Some agencies chase trends. Others make big promises. We simply solve complex problems. First Pier was born in Portland, Maine with a simple idea: that remarkable ecommerce solutions come from asking better questions, taking time to get things right, and actually enjoying the journey together.
Our story is one of steady growth and purposeful evolution. What started as a commitment to helping local businesses navigate e-commerce has grown into a full-service digital consultancy, tackling everything from enterprise system integrations to brand transformations. But while our capabilities have expanded, our core philosophy hasn't changed: we deliver thoughtful, lasting solutions by truly understanding our clients' businesses.
Today, our team brings together strategists, developers, designers, and problem-solvers who share a common belief: that the best digital solutions come from combining technical expertise with genuine human connection. Whether we're helping a local outdoor retailer weather a pandemic or launching a national brand's e-commerce presence, we bring the same level of strategic thinking and careful execution to every project.
You'll find that same balance of professional excellence and authentic relationships reflected throughout our culture, approach, and leadership. We invite you to learn more about who we are, how we work, and why clients choose to grow with us.
We believe in building lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Our collaborative approach means working with clients who value strategy and understand their business deeply.
We approach every challenge with careful consideration, believing that well-structured problems lead to effective solutions. Our team values thoughtful, steady progress over quick fixes.
As active members of our Portland, Maine community, we bring our whole selves to work. We're experienced professionals who remain approachable, combining expertise with genuine human connection.
We believe in charting the right course from the start. Our approach begins with understanding where you want to go, then mapping the most efficient path to get there. No scope creep, no rushed decisions—just steady progress toward clear goals. We bring deep technical expertise and strategic thinking to every project, whether it's integrating complex systems or crafting compelling customer experiences. And while we take our work seriously, we believe the best partnerships happen when you actually enjoy working together. Think of us as an extension of your team: we handle the technical navigation while you steer the ship.
We're a team of curious minds who get excited about solving complex problems. Based in Portland, Maine, we've built a culture that values deep work and real connections in equal measure.
Our office runs on a steady supply of creativity, collaboration, and yes, quite a bit of caffeine. We believe in taking our work seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. That means maintaining high standards while keeping our egos in check, asking tough questions while staying approachable, and celebrating wins (both big and small) as a team.
Flexibility and focus shape how we work. Some days that means heads-down problem-solving, other days it's all about client collaboration. We respect each other's time and space while staying connected and supportive. And while we're proud of our Portland roots, our team's hybrid approach lets us bring together the best talent and serve clients wherever they are.
At Helm Digital, our leadership team brings together decades of experience in ecommerce, development, and strategic growth. We've built our reputation by solving complex challenges for businesses of all sizes, from local Maine retailers to national brands. What sets us apart isn't just our technical expertise—it's our commitment to understanding the unique story behind every business we serve.
Founder & Principal / Lead Strategist
Principal / Content & Creative Director
Principal / Digital Director
Director of Accounts
Director of Implementation
Art Director
Lead Developer
Front End Developer
Designer
Designer
Performance Marketing Specialist
Account Specialist
Implementation Specialist
Implementation Specialist
Digital Strategist
