Marketer, entrepreneur, and educator.
Marketing insight.
Business perspective.
I’m Chris Stephens. I bring a marketer’s understanding of people and an owner’s perspective on building a business.
Founder & Managing Director of Twirling Umbrellas. Based in Kelowna, British Columbia.
A career connecting people, ideas, and business.
I’ve spent more than 20 years building websites and helping organisations make better digital decisions. My background in marketing, development, and running a business helps me look at what a website needs to do for the people who use it.
I founded Twirling Umbrellas, where our team works with associations, regulators, non-profits, and other organisations. Running an agency has taught me how to set priorities, make good use of a budget, and build lasting working relationships.
I’ve also taught at the Centre for Arts and Technology in Kelowna. I enjoy explaining complex ideas in everyday language and helping people make informed decisions.
I’m also a developer, explorer, husband, and father.
A practical perspective on technology.
WordPress
I help organisations plan, improve, and maintain WordPress websites that are accessible, reliable, and easy to manage.
Web architecture
I help work through how a website is built, how its content is organised, and how it connects with other systems, so it can keep meeting the organisation’s needs.
Artificial intelligence
I help organisations work out where AI could save time or improve a service, what it would take to put it into use, and how to handle their data responsibly.
Cybersecurity
I consider security and privacy when planning websites and digital services. I’m also working towards a cybersecurity credential as an ISC2 Candidate.
Experience &
recognition.
Small Business BC Awards, 2020.
Founder & Managing Director
Twirling Umbrellas
Former instructor
Centre for Arts and Technology, Kelowna
Kelowna Top 40 Under 40
Personal recognition
Small Business BC: Best Company
Awarded to Twirling Umbrellas, 2020
Pantheon WebOps Certified
Website operations and digital platforms
Google Ads & Google Workspace
Certifications
ISC2 Candidate
Cybersecurity credential in progress
Let’s start a conversation.
If you’re looking for help with marketing or technology, or considering a board or committee appointment, I’d be happy to talk.
Selected writing on Twirling Umbrellas: Modern web architecture in the age of AI · WordPress for mission-driven organisations