About PRÜF
PRÜF is a boutique digital consultancy based in Alexandria, Virginia—rooted in the belief that strategic work doesn’t require agency overhead, and great execution doesn’t require a dozen middlemen.
How PRÜF Started
PRÜF Creative launched in 2020, during the pandemic—when a lot of things were getting stripped down to what actually mattered. The idea was simple: do digital strategy and execution the way it should be done, without the bloat.
Before PRÜF, I spent over 15 years in agencies, in-house teams, and consulting roles — watching good work get buried under layers of process, politics, and billable hours that didn’t add value. I saw talented strategists hand off half-baked plans to junior developers. I saw creative teams design things that were beautiful but technically impossible. I saw clients pay for “collaboration” that was really just internal confusion.
The philosophy behind PRÜF is straightforward: things can be done better. Better process. Better communication. Better outcomes. And you don’t need a team of 20 to do it.
15+
Years Experience
200+
Projects Delivered
10yr
Avg Client Relationship
Who’s Behind PRÜF
I’m Tom Finley—strategist, developer, designer, and the person you’ll actually be working with when you hire PRÜF.
My background spans digital strategy, WordPress development, branding, UX design, and marketing execution—which is a weird combo, but it’s exactly why PRÜF works. I can plan the strategy, build the site, write the copy, optimize for SEO, and set up your email campaigns. No handoffs. No “let me check with the team.” Just direct, experienced execution.
I’ve worked with:
- Nonprofits and advocacy organizations that need to move fast and maximize every dollar
- Small businesses and service providers that want a partner, not a vendor
- Startups and creative studios that need someone who can figure it out without a playbook
What clients appreciate most: I don’t upsell. I don’t pad timelines. I don’t recommend things you don’t need. If something’s not going to work, I’ll tell you. If there’s a simpler way to solve the problem, we’ll do that instead.
The PRÜF Approach
PRÜF operates as a fractional CMO/CTO hybrid—which is a fancy way of saying: strategic guidance + hands-on execution, without the enterprise price tag.
Strategy and execution in one person. No game of telephone. No “the developer doesn’t understand the strategy” or “the strategist doesn’t know what’s possible.” Just clear direction and clean work.
What Makes PRÜF Different
Solo is a feature, not a bug. When you work with PRÜF, you’re working with someone who has 15+ years of experience across strategy, design, and development. You’re not paying for junior staff to learn on your dime. You’re not dealing with account managers who “check with the team.” You get direct access to the person doing the work.
Local, not outsourced. Based in Alexandria, Virginia. I understand the DMV market because I live here, work here, and build relationships here. When you need to meet face-to-face, I’m 20 minutes away—not on a different continent.
Built for long-term partnership. The average PRÜF client relationship is over 10 years. That’s not by accident—it’s because PRÜF doesn’t operate like a transactional agency. We solve the immediate problem, then stick around to help you grow.
Transparent process, no surprises. Fixed-price projects where possible. Clear proposals. Honest timelines. If something changes, you’ll know why and what it means. No scope creep, no surprise invoices, no “that’s technically out of scope” nonsense.
Who PRÜF Works With
PRÜF is built for organizations that:
- Need strategic work, not just execution. You want someone who understands your goals and can build a plan—not just take orders.
- Value experience over “agency scale.” You’d rather work with one seasoned expert than a revolving door of junior staff.
- Want a partner, not a vendor. You’re looking for someone who’ll tell you the truth, even when it’s not what you want to hear.
- Operate in the DC/Northern Virginia area—or anywhere else, for that matter. PRÜF works with clients locally and nationally, but there’s a focus on serving the DMV market.
Current and past clients include nonprofits, small businesses, service providers, creative agencies, and advocacy organizations. Industries range from hospitality and retail to education, healthcare, and professional services.
What It’s Like to Work With PRÜF
Discovery: We start with a conversation—not a sales pitch. I need to understand your goals, your challenges, and whether PRÜF is the right fit. If we’re not a good match, I’ll tell you. If we are, I’ll send a clear proposal outlining scope, timeline, and cost.
Collaboration: I work with you, not for you. You know your business better than I do, and I know digital strategy and execution better than you do. The best work happens when we combine those two things.
Execution: I build, test, iterate, and deliver. You’re kept in the loop throughout—no disappearing for weeks and then showing up with something you’ve never seen before. Regular check-ins, clear progress updates, and opportunities to course-correct if needed.
Partnership: Once the project is live, PRÜF sticks around. Ongoing support, strategic consulting, updates, and improvements as your business evolves. Most clients keep PRÜF on retainer for ongoing work—because it’s easier to have someone who already knows your setup than to onboard someone new every time you need something.