The Refinery

09/30/2025

Do you ever miss when technology felt… simpler?
Back when the biggest decision was whether your system lived on a mainframe or a PC? IBM, Microsoft, Borland, or Lotus?

Not whether it came with “AI” baked in?

Just because something is “legacy” doesn’t mean it’s broken or ready for the scrap heap. Those older systems might actually be the strongest patches in your quilt. They’ve stood the test of time, and they still carry real weight.

Here’s your permission: Keep what works. You don’t have to replace it.

But don’t stop there. Take a look at the stitching around that patch. How can you strengthen it and make your quilt even stronger? Maybe AI doesn’t belong in your patches at all, but in the stitching that holds them together.

09/17/2025

Do your company’s systems feel like a patchwork quilt?

Old tools, new platforms, and quick fixes can hold together for a while… until they don’t. And when seams start to fray, the frustration usually lands on your desk.

That’s why we created the Quilt Check self-assessment. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll see how well your systems are stitched together, where weak spots are showing, and what that means for your ability to lead with confidence.

It’s free, fast, and built for busy leaders like you.
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Try the Quilt Check today: https://the-refinery.io/quilt-check

07/14/2022

A surprising amount of non-medical businesses are unaware that they are required to be HIPAA compliant, running the risk of hefty fines and penalties. Here's why...

If you’ve recently been to a doctor's office or hospital, you’ve signed a piece of paper regarding HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). HIPAA compliance is the set of rules and regulations created to help protect PHI, or personal health information. These standards pr...

07/13/2022

If you've been to a doctor over the last 10+ years, you were required to sign a HIPAA form. So, what is HIPAA, and how is it different from PCI?

PCI and HIPAA standards both have high requirements to meet, but what is the difference between the two, and why are these compliance standards important for both consumers and businesses?

07/11/2022

Building a web application that is HIPAA compliant can be a bit overwhelming. Even finding the right developer can be quite a task. To start, be sure these 5 vital rules are understood.

Keeping medical data safe and secure is more crucial than ever these days, and this is why HIPAA compliance continues to become more stringent. Be sure to understand these 5 rules.

07/10/2022

Can you name 9 different types of web applications?

Many of the largest companies in the country use web applications as their primary method to interact with their customers. But how do we know what type of web application is best for our business?

07/08/2022

Did you know that software can be a medical device and be regulated by the FDA and EU? Here's a high-level look at what it takes to be considered a SaMD.

Basically put, it’s independent software that, on its own, works as a medical device. So what does that mean? Read more and find out.

08/05/2021

Are you familiar with Customer Intent? If you're planning on redesigning or refining your website in the near future, using customer intent as a guide can have a big impact on your site's future performance.

I want you to think of some recent purchases you made. Did you know the exact product you were going to buy? Were planning on purchasing a type of product, but weren’t sure exactly which one you would take home? Did you have a need or problem to solve, but no idea how you were going to solve it?

06/17/2021

Do you have strong leadership qualities and excellent customer service skills?

The Refinery is seeking an individual to join our team as a Project Manager in our Cleveland, Ohio office. The right candidate will need proven leadership capabilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills, seasoned organizational skills and a desire to work as part of a team to see a project from concept to fruition.

If this sounds like you, check out the job posting below and submit your resume.

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04/01/2021

Big changes at The Refinery today!

We are switching all our development to the security and stability of Wordpress hosted by IIS on shared GoDaddy servers.

Also, to save our customers budgets, we will be sending email directly from these GoDaddy servers.

Lastly, we are issuing self-signed SSL certificates for each customer which speeds up the installation time and saves you tens of dollars each year.

02/18/2021

Our CMO Josh Walsh was a featured interview in Chapter 6 of the Salsify - The Digital Shelf Institute.

In this interview, Josh reminisces with client Scott Sommers at The Duck Brand about how we turned insights we heard from our customers into marketing campaigns that drive engagement in the catalog.