Portfolio | Biography
Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Mike Hetman developed an interest in computer programming and graphic design at a very early age. In college, Mike focused heavily on both of these areas before graduating. In 1996, he was first hired as a web designer at a NJ based Internet Service Provider (ISP) called InterPow. InterPow’s success grew rapidly as the company became one of a handful of options for northern New Jerseyans to get connected to the Internet during the era of dialup modems.
During InterPow’s entire run from 1996 to 1999, Mike was the lead web designer and technical contact for the firm, having built dozens of websites for businesses throughout New Jersey. The company was then acquired by a larger ISP called BlastNet. However, by this time, faster Internet options were quickly becoming available spelling a rapid demise for most ISPs. After a brief stint at BlastNet and observing this decline, Mike decided to embark on a new career path with Music.com in 1999.
Mike spent two years at Music.com producing websites and interactive Flash promotions for well known artists such as Papa Roach, Placebo, Paul Overstreet, Merle Haggard, and Ray J. Simultaneously taking a press role in the company, Mike interviewed artists such as Alice Cooper, the Violent Femmes, and Oleander, and contributed to album and concert reviews.
In 2001, Music.com expanded to a magazine subscription producing only one issue before the company ceased operations. This issue received wide circulation and has been bought and sold on the Internet.
After having worked for smaller firms and freelanced significantly, Mike joined CMS Forex in 2005. Acting as the sole web designer, Mike commandeered much of the company’s early marketing efforts and for the year 2006, CMS Forex was ranked by Inc. Magazine as the 7th fastest growing financial company in the United States. In late 2010, a larger firm, Forex.com acquired most of CMS Forex’s assets.
Since this time, Mike has returned to freelance work. As a freelance designer, Mike was responsible for the complete branding and web design of college portals, College.com and OnlineCollege.com in 2011. From the time of its relaunch in May 2011 to Mike's final efforts in January 2012, College.com experienced more than a 100% increase in traffic.
Mike, along with brother Greg, are also known for founding IronMiners in 2005. Designed by Mike, IronMiners.com is a destination for enthusiasts of American mining history. In 2006, the website received the prestigious Yahoo Pick of the Day award and in 2011, served as an inspiration for the novel Darkness, My Old Friend, by New York Times bestselling author, Lisa Unger.
During InterPow’s entire run from 1996 to 1999, Mike was the lead web designer and technical contact for the firm, having built dozens of websites for businesses throughout New Jersey. The company was then acquired by a larger ISP called BlastNet. However, by this time, faster Internet options were quickly becoming available spelling a rapid demise for most ISPs. After a brief stint at BlastNet and observing this decline, Mike decided to embark on a new career path with Music.com in 1999.
Mike spent two years at Music.com producing websites and interactive Flash promotions for well known artists such as Papa Roach, Placebo, Paul Overstreet, Merle Haggard, and Ray J. Simultaneously taking a press role in the company, Mike interviewed artists such as Alice Cooper, the Violent Femmes, and Oleander, and contributed to album and concert reviews.
In 2001, Music.com expanded to a magazine subscription producing only one issue before the company ceased operations. This issue received wide circulation and has been bought and sold on the Internet.
After having worked for smaller firms and freelanced significantly, Mike joined CMS Forex in 2005. Acting as the sole web designer, Mike commandeered much of the company’s early marketing efforts and for the year 2006, CMS Forex was ranked by Inc. Magazine as the 7th fastest growing financial company in the United States. In late 2010, a larger firm, Forex.com acquired most of CMS Forex’s assets.
Since this time, Mike has returned to freelance work. As a freelance designer, Mike was responsible for the complete branding and web design of college portals, College.com and OnlineCollege.com in 2011. From the time of its relaunch in May 2011 to Mike's final efforts in January 2012, College.com experienced more than a 100% increase in traffic.
Mike, along with brother Greg, are also known for founding IronMiners in 2005. Designed by Mike, IronMiners.com is a destination for enthusiasts of American mining history. In 2006, the website received the prestigious Yahoo Pick of the Day award and in 2011, served as an inspiration for the novel Darkness, My Old Friend, by New York Times bestselling author, Lisa Unger.