Robby started The Nine in 2007 with a vision of becoming a leader in the digital landscape in The South.  His background in Architecture (bachelor Architecture, Auburn University 2003) has helped him with designing the user interface for Caboose (The Nine's custom Content Editing Framework) and overseeing the direction and future of The Nine.  As Chief Architect, he works closely with the lead designers and front end developers to help share his passion for great design.  It has always been his goal to provide a work environment that motivates and keeps his employees pushing to be the best in everything that is produced from The Nine.  He is active in the community and his church, The Highlands.  His heart for the homeless is the driving force behind everything that he works to accomplish with Canvas a newly founded 501(c)(3) that is in the works.

Billy graduated from the Computer Science program at The University of Alabama, where he fine-tuned his programming skills. His background in graphic design enables him to code websites that are both visually appealing and easy to use, while maintaining a high level of functionality. Billy has in-depth knowledge of HTML5, CSS, jQuery, and Ruby - and dabbles in other languages. When he's not coding, Billy enjoys bonfires, quoting The Office, reading books, and traveling to Colorado. He is also the proud owner of a Dalmatian that has become our office mascot. He grew up in Dallas and Birmingham, and now resides in Tuscaloosa after graduating from university.

James graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a strong pursuance in creative design. He is highly involved with his local Tuscaloosa church and enjoys serving the community in any way he can. Shortly after beginning work with the creative department of a New York Times affiliate, he was persuaded by The University of Alabama to return to school and teach undergraduate design courses as well as pursue a Master of Arts degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the institution. After working with high profile, major outdoor retailers and professional athletes to develop creative branding material, James Bates has gained a foundation on which he continues to perfect his craft. His work can be found in many outdoor lifestyle websites and magazines, as well as Southern lifestyle magazines such as Elle Decor and House Beautiful. James brings years of creative development along with years of professional photography with him to his many projects and extends his knowledge and expertise to client work.

Jon was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from The University of Alabama. He has worked on major software development for nationally-used software and continues to develop his app developing skill across multiple platforms. He specializes in iOS app development and device management, but is also proficient in back-end development on the Rails platform. When Jon is not spending time crafting software, he enjoys the great outdoors, traveling, and experimenting with new technology.

Emily is a senior studying Computer Science on the STEM Path to the MBA at The University of Alabama. She is also pursuing minors in Mathematics and Advertising. She first started learning HTML and Photoshop in middle school and has loved both ever since. Career-wise, Emily is an aspiring software engineer. When she's not studying or working, she enjoys photography, crafting, traveling, and music.

We work a sustainable work pace. We work four days for clients on projects and one day on “investment time.” Our typical work week will be Monday through Thursday on client work and Friday on investment. Our investment time is time for investment in ourselves, The Nine and our community. We learn, we prototype, we build and we give back. We work on open source software, we contribute to the Think Tank project, we write blog posts and we continue to work on making Caboose the CMS choice for every developer using Rails as their programming language. We also work on Canvas and Cotton Spark, which is currently in the planning stages (more to come soon).

This time allows for us to put in the work to be the best at what we do, which in turn provides you with the best solutions and technologies avaiable.

We love dogs. Our dogs are an integral part of our daily successes and failures. Take solace in the fact that your beautiful site was designed and built with a puppy in our lap. We also love our Moms.

Cooper is a three-year-old dalmatian. He is completely deaf, but that doesn't slow him down! He loves to run, chase squirrels, and knows sign language. He enjoys wrestling with his best friend Coast and getting into trouble.

Bentley is a miniature goldendoodle. He likes to play rowdy and get all the attention.

Coast is a full-size goldendoodle and loves the water. He is going to be a big boy one day.