Hidden Gems: Meet Jesper Dinesen of Engine Web Development

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesper Dinesen.

Hi Jesper, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From our site – https://runengine.com/let-me-tell-you-a-story/

From a young age I was entranced by computers and technology. I grew up in Denmark, and received a dual degree in Computer Science and Business at the Copenhagen Business College. While I was dedicated to my studies and eager to embark on a successful career in programming and development right on the cusp of the digital age (in the 1990’s), life had other plans in store for me.

It was in the early days of the internet that I met this American girl online, and soon after (well, about 18 months after), I found myself on a life-changing journey across the Atlantic, fiancé visa in hand, to the United States. The decision to relocate was not without its challenges, but it was certainly the right one.

Upon immigrating to the United States in 2001, I quickly realized that achieving my career dreams would require hard work, determination, and resilience. Thankfully, my wife and I both had all of those things. In 2005, with unwavering dedication and a desire to create something truly special, I took the leap and founded what would eventually become Engine Web Development.

This venture was born out of a passion for personal relationships and a commitment to delivering quality experiences to people. It was about more than just business; it was about forging connections and leaving a positive impact on the lives of our clients and customers.

Over the years, our company has grown and evolved. Today, I am proud to say that our company continues to thrive, driven by the same values and principles that inspired its creation. It’s a testament to the incredible opportunities that can arise when you’re willing to take risks, work tirelessly, and never lose sight of your dreams.

As I reflect on my journey from Denmark to the United States; my marriage and the struggles we have had with work authorization, challenges with building a family, working multiple jobs, being far away from my family of origin and friends I grew up with, and the unknown challenge of entrepreneurship, I am reminded that anything is possible when you believe in your vision and are willing to put in the effort.

My wife Michelle and I now work together at Engine and have an amazing team around us for our clients. Technology certainly changes all of the time, but the one thing that always remains is why I started my company in the first place: dedication to my clients and quality service. If you ever want to reach me or my wife, our emails are [email protected] and [email protected] and my cell is 616-378-0480.

We’ve all got a story. This is a snippet of mine and I’m putting this here for you to give you a little insight as to who this guy with the different sounding name is (by the way, it is pronounced, “Yes-per”) and what my company is about. Technology changes all the time and I keep up with it as best I can and thankfully have a great team that stays up to date with the latest tech trends.

Technology and figuring out a digital presence can be overwhelming and confusing. At Engine, our goal is to get to know you and your goals and then use our expertise to make the process easy and comfortable. You have a business to run and your own journey. Let us do what we do so you can do what you do best.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
That is a fantastic question, and honestly, I’ve been blessed with some great people—mentors, clients, and associates—which has certainly made the journey easier. But no, it hasn’t been smooth. Starting from scratch meant sacrifices and cutting corners often in my personal life just to keep the vision alive. Professionally, it’s a constant struggle to find and keep great employees while competing with bigger firms. Beyond staffing, the nature of web development means we’re constantly battling technological obsolescence and managing client expectations when projects inevitably expand. We choose to focus our energy on what we know best, making sure we do it exceptionally well rather than chasing every flash-in-the-pan idea. It’s an effort to stay secure and profitable, but those challenges are what make the successes so rewarding.

As you know, we’re big fans of Engine Web Development. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The simplest way to put it is: We build custom, reliable digital solutions so you can focus on running your business. Since I started the company in Grand Rapids back in 2005, we’ve focused on being a full-service partner—not just a one-off developer. That means we handle everything from designing a beautiful new website to providing secure hosting and maintenance.

What really sets us apart is our dedication to great sites, amazing functionality, and quality custom programming that lasts. While a lot of companies chase every new “flash-in-the-pan” idea, we focus on what we know best and ensure our core practices are exceptionally strong. This approach is why we’ve been around for 20 years, and why four out of five of our clients stay with us long-term. We want to be your trusted partner who gives you honest, unbiased advice.

We are most proud of our identity as the “Engine”—the reliable mechanism that drives our clients’ online success. If you feel confused or overwhelmed by technology, we are the place to call. Whether you need a simple site refresh or complex custom programming, we promise clear communication and expertly crafted digital solutions.

What matters most to you? Why?
A Great Relationship Among Our Team: We know the best products come from a collaborative and supportive internal environment. We prioritize strong relationships among our employees, ensuring open discussion, shared growth, and mutual respect. This cohesive internal team is the “engine” that guarantees consistent quality and innovative problem-solving for our clients.

Open Communication with Our Clients: We believe the greatest driver of project success is clarity. We commit to continuous, transparent, and open communication with every client. Our goal is to translate complex technical processes into language you understand, ensuring your vision is met on time, within budget, and without surprise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://runengine.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enginewebdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runengine
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/-engine-/