Over the years, we have received valuable guidance from Charlie Meyers, founder and CEO of WRIS Web Services, but we have yet to delve into what initially led him to ColdFusion. Recently, we seized the opportunity to gain insights into his inspiration, aspirations, and hobbies.

The Early Days

Our Company History chronicles Charlie's vision for the internet-access market. He started WRIS Web Services (originally named Western Reserve Internet Services) as a reseller of dial-up internet access and hosting. What we are here today to learn is how ColdFusion became an integral part of his company.

WRIS: How did you first hear about ColdFusion?

Charlie: While attending a local commerce meeting, I was introduced to a business-class internet provider interested in expanding into web services. We explored how WRIS could collaborate with them and discovered they were utilizing ColdFusion on their servers. This prompted me and my team to explore the language and its potential.

WRIS: Given your expansion into ColdFusion offerings, I assume you found it promising?

Charlie: We already had numerous existing projects built in ColdFusion, so it was a logical step to expand our team of ColdFusion Developers and make it our primary language. The language offered extensive capabilities that could significantly enhance websites and applications.

WRIS: Did you anticipate how widespread ColdFusion would become?

Charlie: At that time, the scale of its potential wasn’t really clear. It already seemed substantial, so we felt it offered a realm of new opportunities. This ended up being true, and we really began to experience its full potential about five years ago.

WRIS: There’s been speculation over the years that ColdFusion is dying. Did that affect your approach?

Charlie: I never bought into those rumors. Our success with ColdFusion contradicted public opinion. We’ve remained active in building, modernizing, and improving older applications. However, in the mid-2000s, we did notice a shift in customer preferences, with some companies reluctant to invest in custom websites as much. We adapted by serving clients who needed to maintain legacy systems without internal staff familiar with ColdFusion.

WRIS: What are your hopes for the future of ColdFusion?

Charlie: I hope Adobe continues to invest in and grow our community. More regional gatherings focused on learning and understanding developer needs would be beneficial. While the current summits celebrate achievements, expanding them to discuss new features and capabilities would greatly enhance our community's growth.

WRIS: When you’re not working, what do you do for fun?

Charlie: I love camping, particularly at state parks across the U.S. where we can disconnect. I’ve invested time in setting up an RV for off-grid living using solar power. Outside of that, I manage open mic afternoons for budding musicians at a local establishment. Music has always been a significant part of my life and I have the privilege of performing alongside family members and friends.

WRIS Web Services: 2024 and Beyond

Charlie’s unwavering confidence in ColdFusion is clear. This confidence, his dedication to his company, and his commitment to a work-life balance and family time inspires all of us to navigate and seize new opportunities, ensuring the future of WRIS Web Services is nothing but bright. 

Click here for more employee showcases or contact us today to embark on your journey with WRIS Web Services.