How Standard Beagle got its name: The story behind the agency

From freelancer to founder

In 2012, I decided to expand my business. I had been freelancing for years, building websites on the side while working full-time. I loved helping small business owners, artists, and nonprofits get their presence online. It was fun and fulfilling. But I wanted to help more people and make it something bigger.

What I really loved wasn’t just the design or the code. It was the collaboration. Sitting down with someone, figuring out what they needed, shaping their ideas into something tangible, and watching their face light up when the website came to life. That feeling—that spark—is what fueled me to grow.

At the time, I was operating under the name “House on Payne Web Design.” It had personal meaning, and I was attached to it. But as I looked toward the future, I realized I needed a name that would grow with us—one that wouldn’t risk legal trouble (there was a trademark conflict waiting to happen), and one that would reflect not just me, but my team.

Because right around then, my husband Andy — who had always been my behind-the-scenes cheerleader — decided to officially join me.

Andy’s a powerhouse in development and systems. Where I bring design and UX, he brings code and architecture. Between us, we had decades of experience. All we needed was a name.

Naming the Beagle

We threw around a lot of ideas, none of which stuck. Then one morning, Andy burst into the room.

“Standard Beagle!” he said.

“…What?”

“Standard Beagle! Get it?”

It took me a second, but then I smiled. It was perfect.

You see, we had a dog named Bennie. She’s a coonhound—though most people assume she’s a giant beagle. Whenever someone would ask, “Is she a beagle?” we’d laugh and say, “She’s our standard beagle.”

That little joke became part of our identity. It reflected our sense of humor—dry, a little nerdy, but warm and memorable. Just like us.

Meet Bennie, our “Standard Beagle”

Bennie was more than a name inspiration. She was our mascot, our daily companion, and our walking metaphor. Curious. Loyal. Full of energy and completely unafraid to make her voice heard (anyone who’s heard her bark knows).

And just like Bennie, we wanted our new company to stand out. To speak up. To bring joy to the people we worked with and make a lasting impression.

So we made it official: Standard Beagle was born.

Why it still matters

More than a decade later, that name still means everything to us. It reminds us of where we started, at a kitchen table with a big dream and a bigger dog. It reflects who we are: a small but mighty team that leads with heart, collaboration, and a bit of quirky spirit.

We’ve grown a lot since then, working with amazing clients in SaaS, health tech, higher ed, and beyond. But our core hasn’t changed. We still love sitting down (virtually or in person), asking thoughtful questions, and building something meaningful together.