The Owner

Media Mechanic is owned by 4 time award winning designer/developer Paul Ward

As the CEO of Media Mechanic for over 17 years, I have built a reputation as a dynamic leader in web design, development, mobile apps, SEO, graphic design, and video production. My expertise lies in product management, project execution, team leadership, and staff mentorship, ensuring that every project runs smoothly from concept to completion.

I specialize in translating complex technology into clear, actionable strategies—making it easy for clients to understand and engage with the process. By acting as an advocate for my clients, I bridge the gap between their vision and technical execution, ensuring that the final product aligns with business goals and user needs.

My process begins by taking client concepts and designing comprehensive application systems that are both scalable and user-friendly. From there, I create intuitive UI/UX designs that enhance user engagement while maintaining development feasibility. I then break down the project into actionable tasks, timelines, and budgets, ensuring a streamlined workflow for my development teams.

A strong believer in team collaboration, I build and mentor high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. I have a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact digital solutions on time and within budget.

Whether launching a startup product or optimizing an enterprise platform, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership that ensures success. My ability to turn big ideas into practical solutions makes me a trusted partner in any digital initiative.

Let’s build something great together!

Family Life

Family is the cornerstone of my life.

Raised in a close-knit Midwestern home with my four siblings, I learned the values of leadership, creativity, and hard work early on. As the eldest child in a family with a strong artistic and musical influence, I developed a deep appreciation for these principles.

I married my wife, Nicole, whom I’ve known since middle school, and together we have two children, Susan and Jaxon. Providing a stable and fulfilling life for my family drives everything I do.

Aikido Instructor

In 2015, I founded West Linn Ki Aikido, a nonprofit dojo affiliated with the Northwest Ki Federation. As the owner, I oversee all aspects of the business, including budgeting, marketing, staffing, scheduling, sales, and member communications. As the Chief Instructor, I teach Aikido to students ranging from ages 4 to 80, guiding them from beginner to advanced levels. I provide leadership & coaching to my black belt assistants, fostering a strong sense of community among our students and their families.

I hold a 3rd-degree black belt in Aikido and a 2nd-degree black belt in Japanese Ki Development, which includes mind-body coordination, meditation techniques & conflict resolution. Additionally, I am a certified Assistant Examiner & Associate Ki Lecturer with the International Ki Society. I am a graduate of the New Instructors Apprenticeship program under 8th Dan Calvin Tabata Sensei—one of only three 8th-degree black belts outside of Japan.

My training has taken me around the world. In 2016, I trained at the Ki Society World Headquarters in Japan under Shinichi Tohei Sensei, President of the International Ki Society. In 2019, I was selected by the Oregon Ki Society to attend the National Ki Society Instructor’s Conference, where I again trained under Master Shinichi Sensei. In 2022, I accompanied Calvin Tabata Sensei on a private visit to Ki Society World HQ in Tokyo, where I collaborated with Ki Society leadership on a global membership tracking system and received additional Aikido training. In 2023, I was invited to join a team of chief instructors leading a seminar in the Czech Republic. Over the years, I have trained at dojos across the U.S. and internationally.

Since the COVID pandemic, I have taken on a senior role within the Northwest Ki Federation, playing a key part in developing online teaching capabilities for all Northwest Ki Federation dojos. Additionally, I helped design the online membership tracking system for Ki Society International.

Musician & Artist

The Wards have a rich legacy of artists and musicians, and music has been a lifelong passion of mine. I have studied saxophone, drums, guitar, and bass across various genres, earning recognition in state competitions. Throughout my musical journey, I released several albums, selling thousands of copies, with songs receiving airplay on multiple radio stations. My work has also been featured in major newspapers and music magazines. I’m grateful to have been part of exceptional musical teams that contributed to these achievements.

I transitioned from performing to focus on my career, my wife, and our growing family. Currently, I volunteer as a music instructor, sharing my experience and passion with the next generation.

Hobbies

I believe hobbies provide valuable insight into a person’s character, offering a window into their personality and interests. Whether it’s a love for sports, music, literature, or film, our pastimes shape who we are.

Having spent my adult years split between Grand Rapids and Portland, I’ve developed an appreciation for city living. I enjoy the vibrancy of sushi bars, live music, art galleries and a well-crafted cappuccino.

However, I also have deep roots in rural life, growing up in a small town near Lake Michigan. I cherish outdoor activities such as hunting with my brother, camping with family, and fishing with my kids. I enjoy mountain climbing, hiking, and exploring the woods. I am an avid gardener, spending weekends tending to my small orchard & vineyard while maintaining our gardens, rose beds and bonsai collection.

I’ve had the privilege of traveling extensively, visiting most of the lower 48 states and experiencing many of the country’s natural wonders and vibrant cities. Internationally, I’ve explored Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Canada, Japan and Mexico.

I’ve been deeply interested in politics, world history, and religion from a young age, and I regularly indulge my curiosity by reading books and scouring the internet for insights.

Like many in my generation, I grew up immersed in comic books, video games, sci-fi movies, and Star Trek. Fortunately, my wife shares many of these interests and, in some cases, even outpaces me in enthusiasm.

While sports may not be a big interest of mine, I do enjoy a few exceptions, such as playing golf, snowboarding, watching my kids participate in school sports, attending MMA fights, and playing paintball.

That gives you a good sense of my passions and pastimes.

Paul Ward
Paul Ward
Owner / Designer / Developer / Project Manager

As the leader of Media Mechanic, Paul defines the company’s vision and strategic direction. With over 20 years of experience as an award-winning designer and developer, he has built a distinguished career delivering impactful digital solutions for a diverse range of clients.

Paul’s impressive portfolio includes high-profile companies such as BASF, Amway, Kaiser Permanente, OHSU, Ford Motors, CAT, USPS, Wolverine World Wide, Kawasaki Global, and Roadrunner Records. In addition, he has partnered with numerous small to medium-sized businesses, hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, ad agencies, and startups, consistently driving success across various industries.

Role:
Business Manager, Sales Manager, Project Manager, Conceptual Development, Digital Strategist, Creative Director, Designer, Programmer, Android & iOS Mobile Development Specialist

Favorite Software:
Android Studio, XCode, BBEdit, Coda, XD, Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, ProTools, Cubase, Premier

Languages:
PHP, XML, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, UNIX Shell, C#, Objective C, Swift

School:
Kendall College of Art & Design, Ferris State University

Field of Study:
Visual Communications, Multimedia & Computer Science

Fun Facts:
Paul is an Aikido Martial Arts instructor who owns West Linn Ki Aikido.