Today we’d like to introduce you to James Foss.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I definitely didn’t take the typical path into web development.
For over 13 years, I worked as a diesel mechanic. I enjoyed solving problems, whether it was tracking down an electrical issue or diagnosing a complex engine problem. Looking back, I think that’s where my passion for problem-solving really started.
Outside of work, I found myself becoming more and more interested in technology. What started as curiosity turned into a hobby, and eventually an obsession. I spent years teaching myself web development, Linux, server administration, networking, SEO, programming, and now AI. Honestly, the learning never stops, and that’s one of the things I love most about this industry. Technology is always evolving, whether it’s websites, AI, or the tools businesses use every day. There’s always something new to learn, and I enjoy staying on top of it so I can bring the latest ideas and technology to the businesses I work with.
As I learned more, I noticed something that really stuck with me. There were so many amazing small businesses that provided incredible products and services, but they either had outdated websites, no online presence at all, or simply weren’t getting found online. I knew I could help change that.
That’s what inspired me to start Linear Web Solutions.
I wanted to build a business that helps other small businesses grow. As a small business owner myself, I understand how hard it is to compete, especially against larger companies with bigger marketing budgets. My goal has always been to give local businesses access to professional websites, strong local SEO, reliable hosting, and modern AI tools without making the process confusing or out of reach.
It was also an opportunity to turn something I was genuinely passionate about into a career that was a little easier on my body. After more than 13 years turning wrenches, I was ready for a new challenge—one that still let me solve problems every day, just with a keyboard instead of a toolbox.
Building a business hasn’t always been easy. Like most entrepreneurs, there have been plenty of late nights, setbacks, and moments where I’ve had to figure things out as I went. But every challenge has taught me something new, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing the impact it has on other businesses. When a client tells me they’re getting more phone calls, more leads, or new customers because of a website or marketing strategy I built, that’s the best feeling. Knowing I’ve played a small part in helping another local business succeed is what keeps me motivated every day.
I’m proud to call Oregon home and even prouder to work with the incredible businesses that make our communities what they are. My goal with Linear Web Solutions is simple: help small businesses thrive by giving them the same technology and opportunities that larger companies have, while continuing to learn, grow, and adapt alongside this ever-changing industry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not—but if it had been, I probably would have been doing something wrong.
One of the biggest challenges has been starting a business from scratch while working in an industry that seems to reinvent itself every other week. Just when you think you’ve mastered something, a new framework, AI model, or Google update comes along and says, “Surprise! Time to learn something else.” The good news is I genuinely enjoy learning, so I don’t mind chasing the next challenge.
Making the jump from being a diesel mechanic to running my own business was another big leap. Trading a steady paycheck for entrepreneurship can be a little terrifying. One day you’re fixing trucks, and the next you’re wearing about ten different hats—developer, server administrator, salesperson, marketer, accountant, customer support… and occasionally IT support for family members because “you work with computers.”
I’ve also learned that growing a business takes a lot more patience than I expected. There isn’t a magic button that makes customers appear overnight. It’s a lot of showing up every day, doing good work, building relationships, and trusting that the effort adds up over time.
Even with the challenges, I wouldn’t change it. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable, and honestly, solving problems is what I enjoy most. Whether it’s debugging code at midnight or helping a client figure out how to grow their business, it’s all part of the adventure. Besides, my laptop weighs a lot less than a transmission, so my back is pretty happy with the career change.
As you know, we’re big fans of Linear Web Solutions . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I started Linear Web Solutions because I kept seeing great small businesses that deserved a better online presence. Some didn’t have a website at all, some had one that looked like it hadn’t been touched in years, and a lot of them just weren’t showing up when people searched for their services. I knew I could help with that.
I build custom websites, provide managed hosting, help businesses improve their local SEO, and I’m always looking for ways to use AI to give small businesses an advantage. Technology changes so quickly, and I don’t think those tools should only be available to big companies with huge budgets.
One thing that’s really important to me is that when you work with Linear Web Solutions, you’re working directly with me. I’m not outsourcing projects, and when you call, text, or leave me a voicemail, it’s me answering or calling you back. I live here in Roseburg, and I like being able to build real relationships with the people I work with.
I’ve also always believed in quality over quantity. I’d rather spend the extra time building something I’m proud of than rush through a bunch of projects just to say I did more of them.
I don’t build cookie-cutter websites. I use modern technologies like Next.js and leverage AI where it actually makes sense—not just because it’s the latest buzzword. Every website is built specifically for that client, and I even manage the hosting myself on Linux servers that I configure for each business. That gives me complete control over everything, from how the website performs to how secure and reliable it is. My goal is to build something that fits the business, not force the business to fit a template.
The best part of this job, though, is hearing someone say, “This is exactly what I was hoping for,” or even better, “This is better than I imagined.” Seeing a client excited about their new website or hearing that they’re getting more calls because of something I built is hard to beat.
At the end of the day, I’m not just building websites. I’m helping people build their businesses. If someone trusts me with something that’s this important to them, I want them to know they’re getting someone who’s just as invested in their success as they are.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my grandpa, Jerry, at his welding shop, Jerry’s Welding, in Canyonville. I loved being out there with him, helping where I could, watching him work, and just being part of whatever project he had going on.
Working alongside him really sparked my curiosity. He taught me to take pride in what I built and to do things the right way. If your name was attached to something, it should be something you were proud of. That’s a lesson that’s stuck with me my entire life.
I’ve also always been the kind of person who likes to figure out how things work. Between spending time in my grandpa’s shop and taking things apart—sometimes with permission, sometimes… not so much—and trying to put them back together, I was always curious about what made things work. Whether it was electronics, tools, or anything mechanical, I wanted to understand what was inside.
Looking back, I think that’s what eventually led me into both diesel mechanics and web development. They’re obviously very different careers, but they both scratch the same itch for me. I enjoy solving problems, learning how systems work, and building things that last. Apparently I never really outgrew that curiosity—I just traded taking apart gadgets and working in a welding shop for building websites, configuring servers, and writing code. The curiosity is still the same, and so is the pride I take in everything I build.
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://linearwebsolutions.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linearwebsolutionsofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@linearwebsolutionsofficial
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/linear-web-solutions-roseburg?uid=4wR_aXC1hl1fp2UEZx-hDg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1MiBVcuZUUMEPYm57
