Steven Freivogel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Steven, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
It’s a mix of routines and small surprises. I try to find a little meaning or peace in the ordinary parts of the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Steven Freivogel, and I’m the founder of Black Knight Publishing, a creative and digital media brand dedicated to blending storytelling, design, and technology. With over 20 years of experience as a Front-End Developer, full stack and Digital Marketing Specialist, I’ve built a career developing responsive, ADA-compliant, and SEO-optimized websites for government, healthcare, and enterprise clients. My technical toolkit includes HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, WordPress, Shopify, Drupal, UI/UX design, and database development—all geared toward crafting immersive, user-centered digital experiences.
What makes my company unique is the combination of creative publishing and cutting-edge web development under one brand. Black Knight Publishing isn’t just about producing stories—it’s about building digital ecosystems around them. From multimedia storytelling and AI-driven creative projects to optimized online platforms, I focus on how technology and imagination intersect to reach and engage audiences in new ways.
Currently, I’m expanding Black Knight Publishing’s catalog of original works and digital projects that merge art, code, and narrative—bridging the gap between traditional publishing and the future of interactive media. My mission is to empower creators and readers alike through innovative digital storytelling experiences that are both accessible and impactful.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One defining moment for me was realizing how creativity and technology could coexist—not just as separate skills, but as partners in expression and problem-solving. Early in my career, I worked on a project that required building a fully accessible website for a government client. It wasn’t just about meeting compliance standards; it was about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, could experience the content equally. That experience opened my eyes to how powerful technology can be when it’s used to include, not exclude.
Since then, I’ve seen every project—whether it’s developing a platform, designing an interface, or publishing a story—as an opportunity to build something that connects people. That mindset now drives everything I do with Black Knight Publishing: using creativity, storytelling, and innovation to make digital spaces more human, more inclusive, and more inspiring.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, resilience, and perspective in ways that success never could. When everything is going right, it’s easy to move fast and stay comfortable — but it’s the difficult seasons that strip away illusion and reveal what truly matters. I’ve learned that setbacks, failures, and even long nights of frustration are often the forge where clarity and character are built.
In my own life, moments of struggle — whether rebuilding after a project collapse, facing creative burnout, or navigating uncertainty — have taught me to slow down, listen, and rebuild with purpose. That’s shaped both my personal philosophy and my work with Black Knight Publishing: creating from a place of depth, honesty, and endurance. Success can celebrate what you’ve achieved, but suffering teaches you why you’re doing it — and that “why” becomes your real strength.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is authenticity — staying true to your vision, your craft, and the people around you. They know I care deeply about creating things that have meaning, whether it’s a website, a story, or a brand experience. I’m driven by the idea that what we build should not only look good or perform well, but also connect with people on a human level.
They’d also say I value loyalty and growth — I believe in lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and helping people see their own creative potential. Whether I’m working on a project for Black Knight Publishing or collaborating with a client, it always comes back to that same core: making something real, lasting, and driven by purpose.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I built things that mattered — not just in code or design, but in the way they made others feel seen, included, and inspired. That I used creativity and technology not as tools for profit, but as instruments for connection and storytelling.
I’d want people to remember that I believed in the power of persistence — that no matter the setbacks, I kept creating, kept learning, and kept helping others do the same. Through Black Knight Publishing, I hope my legacy reflects a belief that stories, art, and innovation can shape the world for the better when they come from a place of authenticity and heart.
If, years from now, someone says that something I made encouraged them to chase their own idea or to keep going when it got hard — that would be the story worth leaving behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackknightpublishing.net/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackknightpub
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackknightpub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackknightpublishing/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/invasion100
