Human what?! That might sound made up, but to me, it’s the only way to build. It’s the philosophy that technology should adapt to people, not the other way around.

In the work we do at Cloud Six, this means building websites that don’t just display code, but tell a story that genuinely connects with a visitor. It means implementing CRMs that don’t just hoard data, but actually help you nurture real relationships and remember the details that matter. It means designing digital ecosystems where the tools—whether it’s WordPress, WooCommerce, or automation software—work quietly in the background to make your life easier, not harder.

That philosophy—prioritizing people over pixels—is exactly what is on my mind as I look at the calendar today.

Thanksgiving is always a natural checkpoint—a moment to pause the daily grind and take stock of where we are. As I look back on 2025 with this human-centric focus in mind, the view is significantly different than it was when Cloud Six first launched three years ago.

In the technology sector, three years can feel like a lifetime. If you look at the tools, the platforms, and the capabilities we have now compared to 2022, the landscape has shifted underneath our feet. We’ve seen the rise of AI integration, massive shifts in search engine algorithms, and entirely new ways that consumers interact with the web. The “how” of what we do at Cloud Six changes almost monthly but our goal of meeting your needs never changes.

But as I reflect on this three-year mark, the thing I am most grateful for isn’t the new technology itself. It’s the realization of what hasn’t changed.

There is a grounding truth that has become the heartbeat of this agency: Technology changes, but human needs don’t.

Despite all the shiny new tools available in 2025 (and believe me, there are A LOT!), the core challenges that businesses face remain fundamentally the same. Business owners are still looking for ways to reclaim their time. They are still seeking authentic connections with their local communities. They still want the peace of mind that comes from knowing their digital assets are secure.

The technology is just the vehicle; the destination is still human connection and business growth.

This perspective makes the work incredibly rewarding. I am thankful that I get to wake up every day and solve these puzzles. The pieces of the puzzle might look different today than they did in 2022—maybe we are using a different automation tool or a more advanced security protocol—but the satisfaction comes from “uncomplicating” that mess for others.

There is a unique joy in taking a complex, rapidly evolving digital environment and boiling it down to something simple and effective for a local business.

As we close out another year and look toward 2026, I am filled with a sense of optimism. Not just because the tech is getting cooler (though it is), but because the mission remains clear. We are here to bridge the gap between the complex digital world and the real-world needs of business owners.

So, this Thanksgiving, I am celebrating the journey, the lessons learned, and the exciting challenges ahead.

From my family to yours, I wish you a happy, restful, and wonderful Thanksgiving.

— Eric Kiel Founder, Cloud Six