About Us
Our Story
Founded in 2005 by Dave Goerlich and Josh Walsh, The Refinery began as a small software design and development agency with a commitment to blending strong user experience design and software engineering. Starting from humble beginnings, with two friends working out of their dining rooms, the company quickly grew by focusing on solving meaningful challenges for its clients. Early projects included CMS-based marketing sites, e-commerce platforms, and SaaS products, laying the foundation for the comprehensive services offered today.
Over the years, The Refinery evolved into a trusted partner for organizations seeking to minimize risk and maximize the business value of their technology investments. In 2021, Dave became the sole owner, guiding the company through significant transformations, including navigating post-pandemic market shifts and expanding into new opportunities. The team’s decades of collective experience in software design, engineering, and strategic consulting empower them to address complex challenges with precision and insight.
Through this journey, The Refinery has built a reputation for helping clients define and execute technology projects that deliver measurable results. From mid-market manufacturers to startup and early-stage companies, our team works across these dynamic sectors to uncover root challenges, craft effective solutions, and create long-lasting impact. What started as a small operation has grown into a company committed to transforming how businesses approach technology investments, ensuring that every project delivers value that matters.
We are driven by a passion for problem-solving and a dedication to delivering results that truly matter. Every member of our team shares a commitment to helping our partners succeed by turning complex challenges into actionable solutions that align with their most important goals.
What Drives Us?
At The Refinery, we believe that effective solutions come from understanding the "why" behind the challenge. This approach, combined with our commitment to reducing risk and maximizing impact, ensures our partners achieve outcomes that matter.
Our Core Belief
We don't have clients—we have partners. Their success is our success. We adopt our partners' goals as our own, recommending solutions that drive the most significant impact, and even advising against action if it's not the best course.
Our Purpose
To redefine how businesses invest in technology by ensuring every decision minimizes risk, aligns with measurable outcomes, and delivers substantial business value.
Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG)
By 2035, we aim to prevent $1 billion in wasted technology investments, helping businesses make smarter decisions. Using our proprietary LoBI framework, we uncover root causes, align projects with outcomes, and deliver solutions that drive financial results—maximizing value while minimizing risk.
Why Choose Us?
Proven Risk-Reduction Framework
Our proprietary Language of Business Impact (LoBI) framework ensures every project aligns with measurable financial outcomes.
Strategic, Consultative Approach
You’ll benefit from solutions that address root causes, ensuring that every recommendation targets the highest-value outcomes for your business.
Focus on Measurable Impact
Whether it’s increasing revenue, reducing costs, or managing risks, every decision we make is tied to clear business goals.
Long-Term Delivered Value
We’re not just here to deliver a project—we’re here to build lasting partnerships that drive ongoing success.