Kelp was founded in 2018 by Stefen Phelps, Luke Kenney, and Caleb Kenney out of frustration with trend-driven agencies that prioritized marketing gimmicks over quality design and engineering. Starting as freelancers who valued collaboration and thoughtful craftsmanship, they aimed to build an agency emphasizing clarity, strong engineering, and honest culture. Today, Kelp is a small, senior team delivering durable, well-designed digital products with focused effort and transparent communication. They prioritize performance, accessibility, and open standards, ensuring longevity and real-world effectiveness over flashy trends. With respect for work-life balance, the team works intentionally, avoids unnecessary busyness, and values humility and honesty in client relationships. Kelp fosters teamwork among specialists without silos, embracing tools wisely while maintaining deep understanding and building on the open web.