✦ What we are
Unapologetically
Christian.
Confessional.
Conservative.
Maximalist.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Why we exist · 01
Built for growth.
Forged in Appalachia.
The digital marketing industry is often staffed by individuals who are disconnected from the values and daily lives of everyday Americans. How we are different lies in our commitment to bridging that gap. What sets us apart is our focus on aligning marketing strategies with traditional western values, ensuring your message resonates with the people you aim to reach.
Barbed Wire Studios stands apart the same way its parent does — unapologetically Christian, Confessional, Conservative, and Maximalist. We are here to serve everyday Americans focused on supporting their families and positively impacting their communities. From small family businesses and emerging enterprises to established legacies, we are your trusted media partner.
Appalachia Digital was forged in Appalachia. Barbed Wire Studios carries the same convictions and the same standards onto Texas ground — the shops, job sites, ranches, and firms that do the actual work around here.
“Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but the power to do what we ought.”
“Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.”
What we confess · 02
Our core values.
Four commitments that decide what we build, who we build it for, and how we answer for it.
Christian
Appalachia Digital’s founder, Brenton Riling, is a born-again Christian, saved by grace through faith in Christ, to God’s glory. He submits to Jesus Christ’s authority in all areas of life and business. Faith guides his decisions, actions, and commitment to honoring God, even when it means standing apart. Barbed Wire Studios works under that same authority.
Confessional
We hold firmly to the historic Reformed Christian faith as outlined in key documents like the Heidelberg Catechism, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the 1689 London Baptist Confession. These confessions guide our beliefs and business principles, affirming unified yet decentralized leadership both in the church and society. This structure, aligned with the original constitution, allows room for innovation.
Conservative
We embrace conservative values rooted in our confessional Christian faith. These principles shape our work, our interactions, and our contributions to society as we strive to uphold truth, integrity, and accountability.
Maximalist
We believe in Christian Maximalism — that the gospel of Jesus Christ should impact every aspect of life, from the personal to the professional, even in political spheres. Faith isn’t confined to Sundays; it actively guides each decision, interaction, and project we undertake. Through this approach, we, by God’s grace, help build communities where businesses, churches, non-profits, and ultimately all people flourish.
The standard · 03
How we operate.
Five commitments that hold whether the work is a website, a search campaign, or a phone call before the crews roll out.
- 01
Commitment to excellence
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality service to our clients. Every website, SEO strategy, and solution we deliver is built on rigorous standards of excellence and a desire to honor Christ through our work.
- 02
Deep engagement
We believe in fostering meaningful connections with both our clients and their audiences. By listening carefully, responding promptly, and interacting thoughtfully, we aim to build strong relationships that reflect our faith and commitment to serving others.
- 03
Transparency and honesty
Guided by Christian principles, we value honesty and transparency in everything we do. Our clients can trust that we will always be open about our strategies and decisions, ensuring you know what we’re doing and why. We are confessional Christians, meaning we hold ourselves to a high standard, recognizing we will have to answer for our every act.
- 04
Measurable results
We pursue real, tangible outcomes that align with your business goals. As stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we continually monitor and optimize our strategies to ensure you get the best return on investment, always adapting to serve your needs better.
- 05
Localized dominion
When Barbed Wire Studios takes on a new client, our goal is to see them dominate their local market and be a source of positive influence and flourishing. For this reason, as believers in free enterprise, we are selective in who we choose to work with.
Two branches · 04
One outfit.
Two territories.
Appalachia Digital works out of Lynchburg, Virginia, serving Appalachian and national businesses. Barbed Wire Studios is its Texas regional branch, run from North Zulch and working the markets from the Brazos Valley down through the Houston metro.
The confession, the standards, and the way we operate are the same on both sides of the fence. What changes is the ground: Texas competition, Texas service territories, Texas customers, and reputations built one job at a time. Local grit, long reach.
Visit Appalachia DigitalThe crew · 05
Meet the team.
The people behind the mission.
✦ Also on the team
- KatieAdmin Assistant
- Rick JansenSEO Specialist & PPC Manager
- NateJunior DevOps
Partner with a team that shares your values