Social Firm Wins at the 18th Web Excellence Awards for the Rockford Homes Website

Social Firm Wins at the 18th Web Excellence Awards for the Rockford Homes Website copySocial Firm Wins at the 18th Web Excellence Awards for the Rockford Homes Website copy

We have some exciting news to share: Social Firm has been named a winner at the 18th Web Excellence Awards for our work on the Rockford Homes website. The project was recognized in the Website / Real Estate category, competing against more than 1,750 entries from over 50 countries.

The Project Rockford Homes desktop mobile

The Project: Rockford Homes

Rockford Homes has been building luxury homes across Central Ohio since 1985 and has grown into the region’s largest privately held luxury home builder. When they came to Social Firm, the challenge was straightforward in concept but complex in execution: build a website that makes the homebuying journey feel as premium as the homes themselves.

The redesigned site features advanced conditional templates and ACF for flexible, scalable content management, making it easy for the Rockford Homes team to maintain and update the site without developer involvement. 

We integrated 3D technology embeds that give prospective buyers an immersive look at home designs before they ever set foot on a property. And through direct integration with Zillow and Realtor.com, new listings and updates push across all platforms in real time.

A light brand refresh rounded out the engagement, refining the visual identity to better reflect the quality and craftsmanship Rockford Homes is known for. The result is a site that’s faster and more user-friendly for homebuyers, and significantly easier to manage on the backend for the client.

About Social Firm

Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 2010, Social Firm is a full-service digital marketing and design agency. Our team of expert digital marketers and designers combines passion, technology, and creativity to help businesses of all sizes succeed online, whether that means building a brand, driving qualified traffic, or creating digital experiences that convert. 

We specialize in digital marketing strategy, paid advertising, search engine marketing, website design, and branding and creative graphic design.

What the Social Firm Team Says

Jason Willis, Social Firm’s Creative Director, shared his perspective on the recognition:

The Rockford Homes project came out of months of focused work, balancing the technical complexity of real-time listing integrations and 3D technology with a user experience that feels effortless for the homebuyer. Seeing it recognized among strong entries from around the world is a real reward for us.

Willis added: “Every project we take on is an opportunity to raise the quality of what we design for our clients and for the people who use what we build.

Part of a Bigger Picture

This is Social Firm’s third Web Excellence Award win, following past recognition for the Sports Imports eCommerce website and the Libertas Wealth Management campaign. It’s the latest in a string of industry acknowledgments that also includes:

We’re proud of the work, proud of the team, and grateful to clients like Rockford Homes who trust us to represent their brand on the web at the highest level.

If you’re ready to build something worth recognizing, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at Social Firm.  

Matt Erney
STRATEGIC MARKETING DIRECTOR
After founding Social Firm in 2010, I learned that having a healthy business online requires an equal balance of messaging, design and marketing. My vision is to help businesses compete in the marketplace by simplifying, clarifying and then amplifying their message.

I currently lead the Strategic Marketing team at Social Firm. I believe that to achieve greatness, one must be intentional and move quickly with focus beyond one’s self. I love Columbus and am energized by helping businesses realize their digital potential.
Jason Willis
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Like many in the design world, I started out as a freelance. My early career was on the sales and marketing side of business, and I’ve worked with, and for several large companies. However, my greatest joy is helping and sharing in the success of locally owned organizations.

When I’m not tailgating at an OSU game or playing tennis, I love traveling and creating new experiences with my best girl Kelly and my "little gentleman" dog Charlie. I like visiting all the new restaurants popping up around town and seeing which one can make the best Old Fashioned.
Julie Englerth
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Julie is fully remote and hails from Longview, Texas, deep in the heart of the “Piney Woods” of East Texas where she lives with her husband and three amazing kids. She is also an experienced worship leader at her local church where her husband is a full-time worship pastor. Julie is passionate about encouraging and empowering people around her, leading worship, leading small groups at her church, or spending time with her loved ones.

She works closely with Matt in day-to-day communications and strategic planning. She has a knack for learning new things quickly!
Justin Kline
Web Developer
Like many in the web design world, I started out building websites for small projects and grew into a career focused on helping businesses and organizations strengthen their online presence. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve worked as a WordPress Designer and Developer, building websites for a wide range of clients, including many charity and faith-based organizations, focused on creating clean, easy-to-use sites that reflect each mission clearly. I enjoy taking ideas and turning them into simple, effective websites that help organizations connect with people and share what they do in a meaningful way.

Outside of work, I spend time with my wife and kids, enjoy music, strong coffee, and a great cheeseburger!
Ally Gatien
DIGITAL SPECIALIST
Since graduating from the University of Dayton in 2021 with a focus in Marketing, I have worked for both a small local media agency and a large television station. In my professional career, I am most recently coming from a Digital Sales Coordinator role where I was able to focus in on all Digital Marketing tactics after learning about the world of broadcast TV. I am passionate about helping others and I look forward to being able to help countless local businesses as a Digital Specialist on a more efficient and effective scale!
Geno Marinelli
DIGITAL SPECIALIST
A fresh graduate from The Ohio State University, I’m excited to absorb as much as I possibly can! With prior experience in both advertising creative and strategy, I’m excited to learn from the best. I enjoy staying ahead of the curve, understanding or contextualizing the latest trends and developments in tech and Marketing. If there’s a disruptor, I want to know how it works, why it’s working, and if it can work for us.

As a Digital Marketing Specialist, I will assist in strategy, implementing changes and new initiatives on behalf of our clients helping them to reach their goals and achieve results. My favorite part of any final reveal is the before and after; the side-by-side comparison of the old and the new motivates me to always be looking for new and innovative ideas.
Terence Womble
CONTENT MANAGER
I spent the first half of my career working in public relations and marketing mostly in New York City but also in Toronto, Philadelphia and Columbus. Even with clients as diverse as Philip Morris, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Shakespeare in Central Park, CAPA, Jazz Arts Group, or Broadway shows, the common theme has been compelling stories. Helping craft and share stories for our clients is my passion.

Other passions? Sure. Tennis, jazz, classical music and classic disco; reading, documentaries, fact-based dramas, and forensic crime shows. I also enjoy a perfectly mixed and presented Manhattan – up or on the rocks.
Sheena Erney
ACCOUNTING
I spent over 10 years in corporate banking and quit corporate life to be a stay-at-home mom before my second child turned one. I love taking my four little ones on adventures, but I missed the hustle and bustle of work life. It’s exciting to work for a small business where we can so easily stay up to date and develop our processes as business needs change. Best of all, I get to work with my husband!

When I'm not working, I enjoy golf, reading, traveling and playing cards. Watching our four children learn and grow is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Nick May
STRATEGIC MARKETING TEAM LEADER
With a foundation in digital marketing, analytics, and strategic leadership, I’ve learned that sustainable growth happens when strategy, data, and execution work in alignment. My approach centers on building marketing systems that are intentional, measurable, and designed to scale — helping businesses move from scattered efforts to focused momentum. At Social Firm. I guide our Strategic Marketing team in developing clear roadmaps that connect brand positioning, digital performance, and revenue growth.

When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me on the golf course, at the range, or out camping somewhere off the grid. I value time with my son and love being outdoors — whether that’s hiking, sitting around a campfire, or just getting outside with my dog. Staying active, unplugging when I can, and spending quality time with family keeps me grounded and energized.