Marc Hyde’s path into web work didn’t start with code or plugins — it started with people.
Before launching Marc Hyde Creative, Marc spent years as a pastor, helping people clarify where they wanted to go and how to get there. That same mindset shows up clearly in how he approaches websites today: discovery first, solutions second, and a deep respect for the human on the other side of the screen.
In this interview, Marc talks about why discovery is his favorite part of the process, how becoming a single dad during COVID reshaped his priorities, and the boundaries he had to learn the hard way to protect both his business and his family time. It’s an honest look at building a multi–six-figure business without giving up your calendar, your values, or your life outside of work.
What kind of work did you do before your current business and what did you bring with you into this career?
I served as a local church pastor for six years before I went full time as a website designer/developer, but while in university, I served as the Creative Services Project Manager where I oversaw the print/promotional side for the university. From a hard skill standpoint, I created hundreds of graphics, series artwork, calendars, logos, and websites for my church and others, but the real carry over lies in the soft-skills.
As a pastor, my job was to come alongside people, help them figure out where they wanted to end up in life, and then show them the path forward – which is the definition of good marketing.
What got you into WordPress and how long have you been using it?
I first used WordPress in college (2010), but I did not enjoy it at all. I started using WordPress again in 2020 when a local marketing company needed help with launching a couple websites so they brought me on board. I quickly learned that WordPress is as good as the tools you use to build a website. Since then, I never looked back!
What motivated you to start your own business, and what keeps you going when things get tough?
My children were the reason I started – and COVID.. I decided to step away from the pastorate right before COVID with the goal of having a full time job come May (church agreed). I had a couple great job offers lined up but when COVID hit, all of those job offers went away. I started hustling and realized that as a single dad of two kids, I would rather hustle and be home when the kids were home than to go and work somewhere else where I had no control of my calendar.
What do you do to keep a healthy work/life balance as a business owner?
I generally only work with the kids are in school. I get off around 4pm and it’s been great. There are times when I work later at night, and thankfully, I have a wife that is gracious in that regard. But I try my best to not bite off more than I can chew, and if I do, I just need to be honest with my wife to get it done.
What’s a hard lesson you learned running your business that’s changed the way you operate?
That people don’t always have the purest intentions in mind. I’ve been screwed over a few times, for example: starting the work before getting paid, never getting paid, then they have a logo similar to what I created. Another example was letting someone do a weird payment plan, only to not get paid for a full website. But all of these lessons taught me how to both show grace but hold tighter boundaries.
What’s a book every agency owner should read?
Free Money by Austin Church
What’s your favorite podcast to listen to?
6 Figure Creative & The Web Design Business
What’s a WordPress plugin more people should know about?
What’s your favorite tool, accessory, or gadget on your desk?
Computer dock that turns my Macbook Pro into a tower
What’s your favorite non-WordPress tool or software?
