Meet Jordan Rhodes | Graphic Designer and Digital Marketing Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Rhodes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Foundry 237—formerly Jordan Rhodes Design—is a creative brand and digital marketing agency based in Atlanta, GA and built for businesses everywhere that are ready to get serious about their presence, storytelling, and strategy.

We specialize in branding, web design, social media, and digital marketing, helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative brands bring their visions to life with intentional strategies and standout designs. Whether it’s a full-scale brand identity, a conversion-driven website, or a fun social media presence that actually works, we make sure every touchpoint feels cohesive, professional, and—most importantly—truly, authentically you.

What Sets Us Apart?
Plenty of designers can make something look good. We make sure it actually works—for your audience, your goals, and your growth. (AKA your $$$)

Strategic Design – We don’t just “make things pretty.” Everything we create, from logos to websites to marketing materials, is rooted in strategy, psychology, and what actually drives engagement and conversions.

Big Agency Quality, Small Business Approach – No cookie-cutter solutions here. We bring the high standards of big-$$ marketing to small and medium-sized businesses, all with a personal, tailored approach.

Creative & Operational Expertise – With my background in branding and marketing and Russ’s expertise in operations and client experience, we bring a rare mix of creativity and structure to every project. We’re not just building brands; we’re setting businesses up for long-term success.

What We Offer
Branding & Identity – Logos, brand strategy, guidelines, and everything you need to look totally professional and polished.

Website Design & Development – From starter sites to full-scale e-commerce, we build – or just design – websites that are both stunning and functional.

Social Media Strategy & Management – Content creation, engagement, and strategy to turn followers into loyal customers.

Marketing & Content Creation – Email marketing, ad creatives, custom graphics, presentations—you name it, we handle it.

What We’re Most Proud Of?
Honestly? The trust our clients put in us to bring their brands to life. Seeing our clients light up when they see their branding, website, or marketing finally reflect their vision… it’ll never get old. We’ve helped everyone from local entrepreneurs to national brands create something they’re truly proud of.
And now, with our evolution into Foundry 237, we’re taking things to the next level: new name, new look, same (if not stronger) dedication to creativity and strategy. Keep an eye on our Instagram for the official launch of the new website. We can’t wait to share what’s next!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Getting here wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly freaking necessary. I spent years right after graduation working in the corporate world and at cheeseball tech startups, feeling drained, uninspired, and stuck in environments that didn’t align with my values, creativity, or my body’s longing for sobriety. I will truly never forget crying in every single one of my office bathrooms, dreading every single Monday, and forcing myself through unspoken-but-mandatory happy hours just to fit in (AKA we pretty much had to go). Check on your friends working in these spaces – they are more than likely slightly unwell. Lol.

One day, thank goodness, I finally realized I wasn’t “working through” anything—I was just tolerating it. And barely at that… and I didn’t want to do that anymore. So, I left. I quit. I ran. Hard.
Freelancing was absolutely terrifying at first, but I knew I couldn’t keep shoving my creative spirit and drive to work for and on my own into a small, icky corporate-lingo box. Now, I get to work on projects that actually excite me, collaborate with businesses and brands that I believe in, and shape my own path for my OWN business. The list of lessons I’ve learned is endless, but one stands out: If something isn’t working for you, you don’t have to fight to make it fit. You can build something better. That’s exactly what I did, and am working on making better for myself every single day, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has so much to offer, but if my best friend was visiting, I’d make sure they got a mix of the classics and some off-the-beaten-path gems.

Day 1: Start with the Georgia Aquarium, because it’s a freakin’ must. The new shark exhibit is worth it alone. Then, grab some tacos, margs, and the best elote at Bone Garden Cantina before exploring the street art and quirky shops in Little Five Points (L5P).

Day 2: Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden (our engagement spot!) for some fresh air and inspiration (a gorgeous orchid exhibit is there now!), then hit up Lloyd’s for a solid old-school diner-style meal of arguably the best pizza in Atlanta. You’ll feel like you’re in a late 90’s Pizza Hut, but cooler. Much cooler.

Day 3: Stroll through the ATL Zoo or check out an exhibit at the High Museum (always one of my favs), then head to East Atlanta Village (EAV) for a live show at The EARL and the best late-night food all through the neighborhood.

Day 4: 100%, go get a tattoo at Southern Star Little Five, Liberty Tattoo on Ponce, Gate City Tattoo in EAV, or Big Cat Tattoo near Buckhead (I’ve got you covered all over the city, trust me. Lol.) Then head to browse vinyl at Criminal Records or Wax ‘n Facts. End the day at the new (amazing!) L5P Diner for late-night comfort food.

Day 5: Opt for a chill Beltline stroll (as long as it’s not a sunny weekend day!), or spend a chill day in our little backyard oasis, hang out with our four fur babies, cook up something amazing with us, and watch a movie.

Sometimes, the best plans are no plans at all. (Or Stardew Valley until 4am… there’s always that.)
For me, the best experiences aren’t just about places—it’s about the energy of the city and the people. Whether it’s a night out in EAV, a quiet walk through the Botanical Gardens, or just cooking at home, Atlanta has a way of feeling like home no matter where you are.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My fiancé—my life and (recently) business partner, Russ as I transition my solo design studio into a full-fledged marketing agency. He’s been my biggest supporter, sounding board, and collaborator. From late-night brainstorming sessions or Stardew Valley binges, to celebrating every little win together the best ways we know how, he’s there for me through it all, and I couldn’t imagine this journey without him.
Very honorable mention for the incredibly appreciated support system from my lovely family as well! Here’s hoping Nanny is up there proud of all of the good I’m trying to put back into the world. I love ALL of you more than words.

Website: https://www.foundry237.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundry237

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundry237

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundry237

Image Credits
Monica Farber
Grace Kelly