Why Choose Us?
We Take Care of You
We won’t confuse you with “tech talk.” We sit down with you, owner to owner, to develop a plan for your website that can be implemented now… with a vision for the future.
When you partner with First Wave, you gain more than a website designer or SEO specialist. You gain an experienced digital team that works alongside your business, helping you make informed decisions today while planning for future growth.
We bring together website design, development, SEO, hosting, digital marketing, technical support, and emerging technology to provide coordinated, dependable service. Just as you rely on your accountant to understand your finances, you can rely on our team to understand your digital presence and help it work for your business.
First Wave combines forward-thinking digital expertise with traditional business values. We believe in honesty, integrity, accountability, and building lasting relationships with the clients we serve.
First Wave Team!
The People Behind Your Digital Success
The digital world has grown far beyond what any one person can manage alone. Delivering exceptional websites, marketing, SEO, hosting, design, and technical support requires a collaborative team with a wide range of skills and experience.
First Wave has proudly built a dedicated, trustworthy team of professionals who share a commitment to quality, client success, and continuous learning. Together, we combine our individual strengths to provide the dependable service and high standards our clients have come to expect.
Lynn Riel – Van Bolderen
CEO – Website Developer, Graphic Artist, SEO & AI Expert
Lynn is an award-winning digital entrepreneur, creative strategist, educator, and the founder and CEO of First Wave Website Management Ltd. Her career in technology began in 1994 through Niagara FreeNet, during the early years of the public internet. In 1997, she founded First Wave with a vision of helping businesses understand and benefit from the rapidly changing digital world.
Before dedicating herself fully to First Wave, Lynn spent approximately 10 years as a computer instructor, corporate trainer, course developer, and keynote speaker. She taught website development, graphic design, Microsoft Office, and internet technologies through organizations including Niagara College, Niagara FreeNet, MicroAge, and all Ontario Colleges through the blackboard system on OntarioLearn. Her background as an educator continues to shape her leadership style today: she believes in making complex ideas understandable, empowering people through knowledge, and continually preparing for what comes next.
Over the years, Lynn has evolved from an independent website designer into the leader of an established, multidisciplinary digital team. Under her direction, First Wave has expanded its capabilities to include website development and rescue, graphic design, organic SEO, digital marketing, hosting, e-commerce, technical support, and AI-powered digital solutions.
Lynn’s greatest accomplishment is not simply the number of websites she has designed, but the company, infrastructure, and team she has built around a shared commitment to client success. She has intentionally developed First Wave as a collaborative organization where talented professionals contribute their own expertise, ideas, and leadership. Her goal is to build a company that continues to grow, adapt, and serve its clients well beyond any one individual.
Known for her creativity, persistence, and ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles, Lynn enjoys bringing together strategy, technology, design, and people. She is particularly passionate about helping established organizations evolve, rescuing challenging digital projects, and developing practical ways to use emerging technology and artificial intelligence to improve business operations and customer experiences.
Today, Lynn’s focus extends beyond creating websites. She is dedicated to developing people, strengthening systems, exploring new ideas, and building businesses with long-term value. As both First Wave and the digital landscape continue to evolve, she remains committed to lifelong learning, thoughtful leadership, and helping others confidently move into the future.
Lynn’s Family is pictured below; Nathan, Lynn, Rod, Jacob & TJ
Neil McQuiggan
Website Developer, Google Account Manager
Since joining First Wave in 2014, Neil has dedicated himself to his craft as a Master Website Builder and Account Manager. His ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and develop creative, effective solutions makes him a valuable member of the First Wave team.
Neil’s expertise includes computer programming, code development, PHP, Java, CSS, HTML, cPanel management, SEO, artificial intelligence, Divi, WooCommerce, APIs, and Google systems management and support. His exceptional technical abilities, continually expanding knowledge, and natural curiosity allow him to take on challenging problems and provide valuable support to First Wave’s growing client base.
A lifelong learner, Neil is passionate about staying current with the changing demands of the internet, artificial intelligence, website development, programming, and emerging technologies. His dedication to First Wave and his fantastic sense of humour have earned him the respect of his colleagues and make him a pleasure to work with.
Neil also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Chemistry from Brock University.
Debbie Klonowski
Social Media Expert, Account Manager
Since joining First Wave in 2018, Debbie has spread her wings and grown within the company, earning her roles as Social Media Manager, Technical Writer, and Proofreader. Her sunny personality and genuine care for others make her an invaluable member of the First Wave team and an absolute joy to work with every day.
Debbie is dedicated to client success, has a strong work ethic, and is consistently reliable. With more than 20 years of customer service experience, she brings exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a natural ability to multitask with ease. Her strong writing and communication skills allow her to transform complex information into clear, engaging, and thoughtful content.
A motivated self-starter, Debbie brings fresh ideas to the team and continually looks for ways to improve and grow. Her commitment to First Wave’s client base, lifelong learning and her ability to expand her knowledge in the fast-changing world of social media and digital marketing have been exceptional. She also holds an Honours Medical Office Certificate from Sir Sandford Fleming College.
Chauntelle Klonowski
Executive Assistant, Junior WebMaster
Since joining First Wave in 2026, Chauntelle has proven herself to be a valuable addition to our team. With an exceptional work ethic, strong verbal communication and organizational skills, and a natural ability to manage multiple priorities, she approaches each task with enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtfulness.
A Social Service Worker graduate, Chauntelle has a genuine passion for people and a strong desire to support others in meaningful ways. She is clever and a fast learner who readily understands new concepts, solves problems, and adapts with ease.
Dedicated to teamwork and continuous improvement, Chauntelle looks for opportunities to expand her skills and knowledge. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and deepen her expertise in website development, design, client support, and project coordination.