How Our Story Began
In 1997, Lingo's journey began with our CEO, James Levisee, developing a strong passion for building websites. By 1999, with a certification as a Web Master Professional in hand, he had already launched his own web development company. Rapid growth followed, as did a team of dedicated employees. But this was only the beginning of something far greater.
A Shift in Calling
A profound personal experience altered James' path. He had an unbelievable encounter with God, who told him his grieving was over and they had work to do. James didn’t know he was grieving at the time, but he had felt miserable. He found himself at a local church, where his IT role was less about technology and more about being a beacon of positivity and support to the pastors and community — a mission he embraced wholeheartedly.
Throughout this process, James felt a strong presence of God in his life, guiding him to develop close relationships with people. For two and a half years, he grew into someone who loved people and built strong relationships.
One day, God told him it was time to go. James knew He wanted him to help people but didn’t understand how. He contemplated the move for six months before resigning from the position he loved so much. With no job or income, James then just went by faith.
Throughout this process, James felt a strong presence of God in his life, guiding him to develop close relationships with people. For two and a half years, he grew into someone who loved people and built strong relationships.
One day, God told him it was time to go. James knew He wanted him to help people but didn’t understand how. He contemplated the move for six months before resigning from the position he loved so much. With no job or income, James then just went by faith.
A Leap of Faith
On January 13, 2017, a fateful call about a website project marked the inception of what would become Lingo. James received a call from an acquaintance who had no idea he had left his job. He asked me if James would be willing to build a website for his company, and after they met for lunch that same day, and he wrote him a check to get started.
That’s how the company was born. James didn’t have a brand name at first, so he began with his email address domain, iTJames.com.
James didn’t set out to start a company. He just began taking it one day at a time, doing everything from logo design and computer systems management to full-blown e-commerce websites.
From iTJames to Lingo
As iTJames.com transformed into a more professional business, the name no longer resonated with James or the prominent clients he was targeting. The thought of changing the name lingered for some time before his wife's maiden name, Lingo, stuck out to him. It was perfect for the business –– both in terms of technology support and online marketing. On April 8, 2020, James established Lingo Technologies as the first official branch of company.
A People-First Approach
Our core philosophy is simple: relationships over transactions. At Lingo, we believe in a community, not a customer base. Today, we are still growing with a people-first focus. Our goal as a company is to develop a unique culture. We don’t have competition. We don’t have customers. We have friends.
"I believe with all my heart that God gave me this business to connect with people and provide resources for His kingdom. People are valuable. Relationships are significant. I know my heavenly Father loves people and wants me to carry His love to everyone I meet. The business will be useless if I ever lose sight of this fact. That’s the foundation of this company. If you understand that, you can understand the values and principles the company is based on.
I mention Jesus Christ on our website and in my email signatures, not to persuade but to proclaim His goodness. After all, it’s His business, not mine!
We believe it is a choice if you want to do business with us. We want to honor that choice. If you don’t want to do business with us, we also want to honor that choice. Either way, you’re our friend. We love you.
If a customer decides to leave us because they are unhappy, we want to help them find a better alternative and celebrate the move. This may be a contradiction to other brands, but it’s the only way to operate with true joy! No matter what, I am beyond thankful for God, family, friends, and everyone in my life.
Thank you for being a friend to us."
-James Levisee
Founder, CEO
Founder, CEO
