About

Hi, I'm John Stempien — the person behind True Pulse Media.

I’m a Chicago-based WordPress developer and web professional with over 10 years of experience building digital products for agencies, healthcare systems, and businesses of all sizes. True Pulse Media is my studio — and when you work with me, you’re working with me directly. No handoffs, no junior developers, no account manager playing telephone.

My career started in digital agencies, where I learned to build fast, build right, and deliver under real deadlines for real clients. I’ve served as Senior Web Developer at Pinnacle Advertising, where I led web development for Tier 3 automotive clients for nearly seven years. Before that, I was Senior Web and Multimedia Developer at Advocate Health Care, one of the largest health systems in Illinois, managing complex digital projects and cross-functional teams.

Along the way I’ve built sites for brands like WeatherTech and Grossinger Auto, developed eCommerce stores, produced video campaigns, and written more lines of WordPress code than I can count. I’ve also launched three digital products of my own — Applyn, SavvySubs, CandleCalc Pro, and ShoopyGo — which means I understand the full lifecycle of a digital product, not just the development side.

I started True Pulse Media because I wanted to take everything I’d learned inside agencies and apply it directly for small businesses — the clients who actually need it most but rarely get a senior-level developer’s attention. My goal is simple: build you something that works, that lasts, and that you’re proud to send people to.

What I Bring to Your Project

CORE SKILLS

Professional Background

Founder & Developer

True Pulse Media, LLC (2024–Present)
Founded True Pulse Media to provide senior-level WordPress development and web design to small businesses. Launched three independent digital products: Applyn (AI career tools SaaS), SavvySubs (iOS subscription tracker), and VINlingo (AI content SaaS for auto dealerships).

Senior Web Developer

Pinnacle Advertising (2017–2024)
Led web development for Tier 3 automotive clients across the Chicago area and beyond. Built and managed WordPress sites, executed digital advertising campaigns, implemented SEO strategies, and oversaw eCommerce and email marketing programs for nearly seven years.

Senior Web & Multimedia Developer

Advocate Health Care (2015–2017)
Managed digital projects and a cross-functional team of designers and developers for one of Illinois' largest health systems. Led multimedia campaigns, patient portal UX improvements, and high-profile event A/V production.

Digital Director

Garvey's Office Products (2014–2015)
Led a full corporate website redesign, implemented SEO and SEM programs, and produced branded video campaigns that expanded the company's digital presence and drove B2B inbound leads.

Ready for a Website That Actually Works for Your Business?

Let’s have a straightforward conversation about your project. No sales pitch, no agency runaround — just a real discussion about what you need and how I can help.