Section 9 Studios Seeks to Grow Local Brand

If you've ever passed Section 9 Studios on York Road in Hatboro and wondered: "What the heck is that place?", you are not alone. 

Section 9 owners Geoff Molt and Jason Krol spoke of many times where a curious passerby wandered through the entrance, simply wondering what was inside. 

At first glance, it may be difficult to visually figure out what the studio does. 

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a life-size mannequin retrofitted with combat gear and a gas mask. Inside, there is dim lighting and a bright-orange highlight wall, along with enough video game systems to satisfy the entire gaming needs of every teenager on the East Coast.

Though the office may resemble the pinnacle of all man caves, it is in fact the location of a highly successful, multi-faceted Web-based media company, whose list of clients include health care giants Johnson and Johnson, as well as Bausch + Lomb.

Section 9 Studios began in 2002 as a side project for Molt and Krol. Over the years, the project consumed more and more of their time, leading to its eventual establishment as a limited-liability company in 2008.

Fast forward to 2011, and Molt and Krol are looking to expand their business on a more intimate and local level.

"We've had a few local businesses contact us, but we've never really proactively gone out looking for that kind of business," said Krol.

"We want to grow, and we want to start getting more involved with local businesses, restaurants and bars, places where we can be creative," added Molt.

Aside from the company's main focus, which is Web design, Section 9 also provides other services, including video editing and recording, e-mail marketing, Flash presentations and a variety of other electronic media services.

In looking to expand their services to the local community, Molt and Krol may also be looking to expand their workforce, which currently stands at five.

"We'd like to hire two more people by the end of the year, if everything works out," said Molt.

Currently, the business operates on the backs of Molt and Krol, who share programming and designing responsibilities. They are joined by two others, and have recently hired Jen Koch to help secure new clientele.

But where does gaming fit into all of this?

Molt and Krol have been avid gamers for an incredibly long time. Employees
frequently spend their lunch playing competitive "Mario Kart" on the Nintendo DS, or "Call of Duty" on the many Web-connected Xbox 360s. Though it may seem like a hobby, Molt and Krol have a bigger goal in mind.

The duo have been working on a competitive online gaming site, similar to GameBattles, for the last few years.  The project initially began as a way for their friends to schedule online gaming sessions, but over the years, the Web site has morphed into something much larger, and much more promising.

Additionally, the studio plans on making good use of its equipment once the weather gets better.

"In the summer, we're going to see if we can host a few events or tournaments," said Krol.

The mixture of creativity and gaming certainly makes for an interesting work dynamic, though to assume employees are laid back time-wasters would be far from accurate.

Feel free to visit the Web site or call 215-675-2688, for more information.