Built by an Engineer,
Not an Agency
25+ years of software engineering experience, focused on helping local businesses compete online.
Meet the Founder
I'm Jamieson Smith, a software engineer with 25+ years of professional experience. I've built and maintained e-commerce platforms for national brands like Eddie Bauer and PacSun, architected enterprise web applications, and led engineering teams at scale. I founded Claremont Software because local businesses deserve better than template websites and cookie-cutter marketing — they deserve real engineering.
Based in Gurnee, Illinois, I specialize in building high-performance websites and SEO strategies for local service businesses — plumbers, HVAC companies, electricians, attorneys, and more. I understand the unique challenges these businesses face online because I've spent years studying how local search actually works, not just how marketing agencies say it works.
Every website I build is custom coded, not templated. Every SEO strategy is grounded in real technical knowledge. When you work with Claremont Software, you work directly with me — no account managers, no junior handoffs, no surprises.
Our Approach
After 25+ years in software engineering, I bring real engineering rigor to every local business website. Your company's site gets the same attention to performance, security, and SEO that large-scale applications get — because your livelihood depends on it.
I don't use page builders or WordPress templates. Every site is built with modern, hand-written code that loads fast, ranks well, and converts visitors into phone calls. This is the difference between hiring a developer and hiring a "web guy."
While I work with businesses of all kinds, I've developed deep expertise in local service industries — trades companies, law firms, and other businesses that depend on local clients. A service business in Lake County, Illinois doesn't need the same website strategy as a SaaS startup — they need a site that gets the phone to ring.
Custom Coded, Not Template
Every site is built with modern frameworks like Astro and React — the same tools used by companies like Google and Shopify. No WordPress, no page builders, no bloat.
Direct Access to the Builder
No account managers or sales reps. You talk directly to the engineer who builds and maintains your site. Questions get answered in hours, not days.
Long-Term Partnership
Your website isn't a one-and-done project. Care plans and ongoing maintenance keep your site evolving as your business grows and search algorithms change.
What We've Built
Real work for real businesses. See what engineering-driven web design looks like.
Portfolio
Live examples of websites built for local businesses, from trades companies to law firms.
Services
Web design, SEO, backend development, and ongoing care plans — all built on real engineering expertise.
Blog
In-depth articles on web design, SEO, and digital marketing for local service businesses.
Why Businesses Trust Us
The difference between an engineer who builds websites and an agency that sells them.
Real Engineering Background
Two decades of professional software engineering isn't something you pick up from a bootcamp or YouTube course. Your website is built by someone who has architected systems at scale and knows what actually moves the needle.
Local to Lake County, IL
Based in Gurnee, I understand the Lake County market firsthand. Your business isn't just another account — you're a neighbor. As an active member of local chambers of commerce, that community connection shapes every strategy I build.
Results Over Jargon
No smoke and mirrors. I'll show you exactly what I'm building, why it matters for your rankings, and how it translates to calls and revenue. Transparent reporting, real metrics, honest advice.
Ready to Work Together?
Let's discuss your project and explore how we can help bring your vision to life.