I’m Chris Gsell


I grew up around the trades and learned early what real trade work asks of the people doing it.

For nearly a decade, I worked in advertising production on digital projects for brands including GEICO, Buffalo Wild Wings, CarMax, and more. That work taught me how clear messaging, strong visuals, and a straightforward customer experience shape the way people see a business.

Later, welding school and fabrication gave me another perspective: skilled trade businesses do demanding work, and the digital side is often one more thing owners are expected to figure out on their own.

HotPass brings those worlds together—helping local businesses build an online presence that reflects the quality of the work they do every day.

Why "HotPass"?

In welding, a hot pass is a follow-up weld made with enough heat to clean the root and clear out unwanted material before the final layers go down.

That is the philosophy behind HotPass Digital. You built the roots of your business through real work and real skill. I help clean up the digital side, strengthen the foundation, and make sure your business looks as professional online as the work you do in the field.