All posts by Kyle Maurer

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Nathan Driver Speaker Interview

Bio

Nathan Driver

I am currently the digital media strategist / web developer for an advertising agency (Ohlmann Group). Anything web related I have my hands in.

Nathan will be presenting “SEO Your WP Site” at 4:30pm in Room D.

Why do you use WordPress?

Why not? The ability to craft it to do just about anything still amazes me to this day. The open source and community as a whole makes WordPress enjoyable.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I actually started in 2007-08 when I first using the “J” CMS. I found it cumbersome and the lack of support and community was obvious at that point in time. When I first got in I was blown away by its capabilities from the jump creating hundreds of niche websites and helping small businesses claim their digital space.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about WordPress and meet the people who are in the online community then they should come. It’s not just a bunch of WP geeks…well it is, but we welcome everyone. It’s warm – it’s inviting – it’s fun.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

The most recent was in Dayton’s WordCamp when we had Cory Miller speak as our keynote. It had nothing to do with but WP rather his journey as an owner of a company that is centered around WP. It was truly inspiring.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

There are too many to list. The biggest part of the WordPress project is handing the keys over to the client and teaching them how to use it. To take that fear away and show them how user-friendly WP truly is.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

Meeting new people – building relationships.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Get involved in the WP community first. Make the connections and be willing to lift others up first.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I am a geek and watch Doctor Who religiously.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Great question – its never one person. To name a few:
Cory Miller
Chris Lema
David Bisset
…..

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Teaching people not to be scared of the updating their site.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

Tremendously. It gave me the confidence to try new things, become a speaker, and even organize a WordCamp in Dayton.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Want to know more about search engine optimization, social media marketing, or anything marketing related…

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

They should know about Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools and how they interact.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

There are so many…
WP Beginner
WP Codex
TutsPlus
Smashing Magazine
CSS-Tricks

Where can we find you online?

Anywhere – just Google the name: “”nathan driver””
…or simple:
My blog
Me on Twitter
Me on Google+

Dustin Hartzler Speaker Interview

Bio

Dustin Hartzler of Automattic

Dustin Hartzler is a WordPress developer, podcaster and Happiness Engineer at Automattic. His passion is teaching other how to use WordPress effectively.

His weekly podcast Your Website Engineer has been downloaded over half a million times and in 163 countries.

Dustin enjoys speaking at tech events where he can actually see his audience :) He’s spoken at a dozen WordCamps across the midwest and at New Media Expo, Financial Bloggers Conference and Podcast Movement.

Dustin will be presenting “You’re Doing it Wrong:13 Mistakes that WordPress Beginners Make”.

Why do you use WordPress?

I use WordPress because it’s my job :)

But if it wasn’t my job, I would still use it as it’s simple enough to do the things that I need it to quickly, yet robust enough to build the most complex sites possible.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I got started with WordPress in 2009 when a friend wanted me to build a website for his local political campaign. I had heard about this thing called WordPress and decided to check it out.

I almost quit using in the middle of the project because it took me three times longer to do anything, since I had to look up and research how to use WordPress along the way.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

WordCamps aren’t your typical boring work conferences. They are all day workshops where you can learn about WordPress and meet other local (and sometimes not local) WordPress users and fans.

The cost of admission is really affordable and it normally includes lunch and some other WordPress swag.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

Last year, at WordCamp Grand Rapids, I had the opportunity to meet and hang out with two of the members of the ServerPress team.

After they demoed their software for me, I was able to interview them on a podcast and they let me give away a one year license of their software to my listening audience.

I’m still good friends with these two and sometimes they show me behind the scenes of future releases.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

At WordCamp Milwaukee, a small team of us built this website for a small non-profit in Milwaukee.

This was an official activity of the WordCamp and it was fun to spend some extra time throughout the day building a website for a non-profit that only had a Facebook / Instagram online presence.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

The two reasons that I go to WordCamps are to learn something and to meet people.

WordCamps have different tracks so users with any skill level can learn how to use WordPress better.

My other favorite part is meeting people. I try to make it a point to meet one or two people at each WordCamp I go and spend most of the WordCamp learning about them. I also try to make it a point to ask everyone how they use WordPress.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I’m a husband and father who loves spending time outside / playing sports.

Oh, and I’m tall. Don’t be surprised when you meet me at WordCamp Ann Arbor :)

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Brian Richards of WPSessions.com.

He just left his position at Web Dev Studios to spend all of his efforts creating the best video learning site for WordPress at WPSessions.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

My biggest accomplishment is that I now have my dream job as a Happiness Engineer at Automattic.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

I’ve formed a lot of friendships with folks around the midwest and now I’m more excited to go to WordCamps to hang out with my WordPress buddies.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

If you’ve just started using WordPress within the last year, then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.

or

If you’re interested in working at Automattic, then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

How to install and use the WordPress Dashboard. Then we’ll cover some of the mistakes that most WordPress users make.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

Right now, I’m loving the video lessons at WPSessions.com.

Where can we find you online?

YourWebsiteEngineer.com or DustinHartzler.com

Marc Benzakein Speaker Interview

Bio

Marc Benzakein of ServerPress

Marc Benzakein has been working online since the mid 90s, starting as a Network Administrator for a small, independent ISP in Southern California and has been involved in almost all aspects of technology. In 2009, he started developing in WordPress, first for his own purposes and then for clients. In early 2013, he got involved with ServerPress, LLC, makers of DesktopServer, a local development tool created for WordPress designers and developers.

Marc lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his wife, Jessica and two children, Eli (9) and Brenna (4).

Marc will be presenting “How to Rock a WordCamp Even if You’re a Total n00b”.

Why do you use WordPress?

Because WordPress is awesome. Not only as a CMS but as a Community Project. I’m a huge proponent of community in every possible aspect of life. The WordPress Project proves that Community can help businesses grow while maintaining a code of ethics.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I started using WordPress for my own personal purposes in 2009 and once I discovered how easy it was to customize it into a website platform, I was sold.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

Nowhere will you get more bang for your buck when it comes to business, community involvement and learning opportunities. It’s not like any other conference out there.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

(1) It happened this past weekend at WordCamp Milwaukee. I sat down with one of the presenters who is blind. She spoke about accessibility and, after talking some, she wanted to test out our software to see how we addressed accessibility issues. To be honest, we had never really considered the layout of our software from an accessibility standpoint. While it made perfect sense to someone with sight, I was shown ways in which we could improve our software as I watched her work through the process.

It was a definite “”eye-opener”” for me and is not something that would have had as great of an impact had I not seen it first-hand.

(2) Also at Milwaukee, I was able to bring my kids down for Saturday. They had a BLAST! What other business conference environment can you think of where people can bring their kids AND feel welcome and part of the action?

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

We are working on DesktopServer 4.0. That’s all I can say right now, other than it’s going to be frickin’ awesome!

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Get involved with the Community as one of your first steps. You’ll learn so much from it and you’ll get to contribute almost right away. Before you know it, you’ll have a leg up where you might have struggled before. It’s the most accepting, helpful community I’ve ever been a part of.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

There is nothing that I do without my family in mind. Most people figure that part out within 5 minutes of meeting me.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Pippin (and not why you think). I was just recently at WordCamp Kansas City and I was lucky enough to spend some time hanging out with Pippin. After Saturday’s sessions, a group of about 15 of us went out to dinner.

As happens with many WordPress events, someone springs for the tab. In this case, Pippin paid for the meal. But that was not the amazing part to me. What was amazing was the understated way in which he did it. In fact, half of the people there didn’t even know WHO paid for their meal. While some might make a big show of paying for everyone, Pippin did it in the most humble way possible. I found that very appealing and inspirational.

The WordPress Community is full of people that will pay but finding the humble ones that have more talent and more to give in their little pinky than most have in their entire bodies is rare.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Speaking at WordCamps. It took me a long time to conclude that I had something to give back in that way and then overcome my fear of speaking in front of a crowd (ok – I still cope with that). I am thrilled that I have been able to speak at several WordCamps now and it’s even better when people contact me later and tell me that they learned something!

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

Plain and simple: If it weren’t for WordCamps, our company would not have gotten the exposure that it has. People use it in their presentations, both actively and as a reference. We would not be where we are if it were not for WordCamps.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Run a WordPress based business.

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

Nothing. I am happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability and I try to keep my topics basic and understandable no matter what level of experience you might have.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

My business partner Gregg. He is always ON TOP of things. Always!

Where can we find you online?

@MarcBenzak
Marc Benzakein on Google+
MarcBenzak on Yo (yes, I have yo although I’m not sure why yet)

Jon Kuperman Speaker Interview

Bio

Jon Kuperman

I’m a software engineer at Twitter. I spend my days building web applications and my nights working on open source software and blogging. Currently based in San Francisco.

Jon will be presenting “Integrating WordPress with a popular JavaScript Framework such as Backbone or Angular”.

Why do you use WordPress?

I think WordPress is the ultimate blogging platform. It’s easy to configure, fun to fine-tune and once it’s set up, it stays out of your way

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

I built a plugin for displaying Twitter intents on your blog.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Get to know the community. One of my favorite things about WordPress is the vibrant and thriving community. It’s great to do all of the proper things involved in setting up a business, but it’s really important to reach out to other WordPress developers / users in your area and get involved.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I love hiking, playing music and writing.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Are interesting in pushing WordPress to its limits.

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

A basic understanding of JavaScript frameworks.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

The Codex.

Where can we find you online?

Twitter – jkup
Github – jkup

jonkuperman.com
codeplanet.io

Angela Bergmann Speaker Interview

Bio

Angela Bergmann

Over 14 years of experience in website design and development – 11 of which I have specialized in WordPress. I create user friendly websites that are aesthetically pleasing, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engine indexing.

Angela will be presenting “Plugins 101 – 7 Awesome Plugins Everyone Should Be Using” at 1:30pm in Room D.

Why do you use WordPress?

The better question is why wouldn’t I? I have yet to find a project that WordPress couldn’t handle. Plus, beyond the ease of use WordPress provides, the community is amazing.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I started using WordPress way back in 2002 with a little blogging script called b2/cafelog. Prior to that I had been using a script called Greymatter. I was very into the personal blogging and domain scene, and being able to use a script to update your “blog” was the big new thing.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

Everyone can and will learn something. From someone that has never used WP, to those with advanced knowledge. It’s more then worth the time and money to attend.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

The amazing community at each WordCamp. Every single time I attend a WordCamp I am just blown away by everyone coming together to share there knowledge and expertise.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

I recently was part of a team that rebranded and relaunched the website for the city I live in. It was amazing to redo the site in WP multisite, not just as a job, but as a resident.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

The people, hands down. I always come away with new friends.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Pick a niche. I think we all fall into the category of wearing many hats, but you really have to pick a niche. That’s not to say you turn away things outside of that niche, but find a specific spot to excel in.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I am a huuuuuge gaming nerd. When I’m not working on WordPress related stuff, I am gaming online. I play WoW on PC and Diablo 3 on Xbox One mainly, but I almost always give a new MMO a run.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Joost de Valk

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Creating a career out of what started as a hobby.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

I’ve become more involved in my local WP community, and the greater web local community as a whole.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Have SEO questions

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

WP Tavern

Where can we find you online?

Twitter. I am a huge fan of twitter, and it can at times be the best way to reach me.

Tim Yow Speaker Interview

Bio

Tim Yow

While Tim actually owns 3 businesses, including a coffee / ice cream shop in Franklin Village, he still manages to dedicate nearly all of his available hours to YowSeo, an online marketing firm he started in early 2012. YowSeo was created with the intention of staying specialized, building on Tim’s many years of experience in the field of SEO, and avoiding the temptation of taking on more to become a “one stop web shop” like most companies offering SEO today.

Tim will be presenting “The Traffic Data that Matters in Google Analytics”.

Why do you use WordPress?

I started using WordPress because I was impressed with the user-friendly dashboard. I kept using it when I saw how the WordPress sites I optimized performed in Google compared to sites built from scratch or on other content management systems.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I began experimenting with it for my own sites in 2009 and, by late 2010, I was convincing clients and others I knew to go with WordPress and helping several with installation and set up.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

If you understand the importance of a strong web presence for your business, I know you’ll find that building in WordPress is the best way to set the stage for success. It is an ideal platform for updating, maintaining and optimizing your web pages and has the best community for support. You’ll see what I what I’m talking about the moment you attend your first WordCamp.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

My first time presenting in 2012. I was just sure I’d have a heckler who ruined the session. Instead I spoke to a packed room and got a lot of positive feedback afterwards.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

The one that has been getting my attention recently is MichiganMarketer.com.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

Meeting such a diverse group of people with diverse goals behind why they are on the World Wide Web.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Embrace excessive content and provide more information than you think your site visitor wants. When they’ve had enough, they’ll stop reading or begin skimming. On the other hand, if they find your site is informative and valuable, they’ll come back and return visitors are usually the ones who become customers or subscribers.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I just became a grandfather in June.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Michael Torbert, the creator of the All In One SEO Pack

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Coordinating and conducting “Web Workbench for Non-Profits”, a full day workshop to train how to build a WordPress website, optimize it for search and implement social media with contribution from volunteers representing 5 other companies.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

Incredible connections. Great new friends. Invaluable insight. An entire drawer full of WP shirts. Need I go on?

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Want Google traffic.

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

Find a way to click around Google Analytics, even if you have to access a friend’s account. Learn the definition of “bounce rate” while you are online.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

WordPress.org

Where can we find you online?

Twitter: @yowseo
Facebook: /yowseo.online.marketing
Websites: http://yowseo.com and http://michiganmarketer.com

Joseph Herbrandson Speaker Interview

Bio

Joseph Herbrandson

After switching out of a sales career, I began working with WordPress websites and creating for small businesses and local professionals. I have been doing so for over 5 years now, specializing in secure websites since my very first customer came to me after having a security incident.

Now I work for Sucuri.net, an industry leader in website security and malware detection, removal and prevention. I work with customers everyday (many of them WordPress users) that have been hacked or infected, and work to re-mediate their security issues and implement a solution to prevent any further infections or attacks.

Joseph will be presenting…

Joseph will be giving a presentation titled “Good Posture is Key to Security”.

Why do you use WordPress?

The simplicity of its power and reach makes it one of the most versatile platforms around. It’s easy use, fix, and it’s supported by one of the most dedicated teams in the open-source community.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

Several years ago, after repeatedly fixing a customer’s old html site, I decided to take the plunge into WordPress and never looked back.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

The collaboration and talent that you see at WordCamps is unmatched in other communities. WordCamps are low cost, highly informative, and are guaranteed to motivate you whatever your goals are.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

I always learn something new at WordCamps, so my favorite part is finding the newest piece of knowledge that I can take home with me.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

As far as website remediation and malware cleanup goes, I recently worked on and completed my five-thousandth infected or attacked website. WordPress made up the vast majority of these.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Want to secure your WordPress website.

Where can we find you online?

I work at Sucuri.net, and am I’m always trying to find time to write at and update Herbrandson.net.

Kyle Maurer Speaker Interview

Bio

Kyle Maurer speaking

Kyle is the co-founder and lead developer for Real Big Marketing, based in Jackson, Michigan. He’s a huge fan of WordPress, uses it every day and makes awesome stuff with it.

Building websites and developing plugins are his passions. Playing guitar is the only thing that could realistically get him to stop developing…if it only paid better.

Kyle will be presenting…

Kyle will be moderating the business panel “Building a WordPress Business” and also the developer panel “The Joys of Being a WordPress Developer”.

Why do you use WordPress?

Because I’m not a fan of headaches, frustration, confusion and limitations which is what I get with any alternative. I’d much prefer to stick with WP where I can accomplish anything I or my clients dream up.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

A few years back I was making websites from scratch using Dreamweaver when someone more experienced than I explained very kindly that no one actually makes websites that way anymore. The smart people are using this thing called WordPress. I gave it a whirl and have never considered going back since.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

There’s usually beer after. And you can ride with me.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

Meeting Matt Mullenweg at WordCamp Chicago in 2013 was really cool.

I also had a really good time at the speaker dinner in North Canton, Ohio. We got to go on a fun guided tour through the city and see some art galleries and stuff. It was pretty interesting and I made quite a few new friends.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

Definitely clientdash.io has been my favorite recent project. It’s a really cool plugin that @JoelWorsham and I have been iterating on for months. I like where it’s going and we have some really cool stuff in the works for the next couple releases.

I’ve also been having a great time developing some themes from scratch using Zurb Foundation which is a very cool CSS/Javascript framework.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

Getting new stickers.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

WordPress is growing fast so don’t hesitate. I think this is an excellent time to jump on board as there are so many incredible opportunities in this market right now. That and focus on quality. There’s not much room for more sub-par products and services.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I’m an award winning film director and play in a band. Don’t bother looking either up though. Just take my word for it.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Too many to count! I’ll list a few:

Peter Shackelford has always been a tremendous help and inspires me all the time to try new things and raise the bar.
Joel Worsham‘s creativity and development super powers constantly inspire me to improve and create bigger and better things.

Others who have impacted me in a big way: Ross Johnson, Brad Parbs, Chris Lema, Steve Zehngut, Pippin Williamson, Sam Hotchkiss, Jason Crawford, Chris Coyier, John James Jacoby, Rickey Messick, Andrea Rennick, Cory Miller, Brian Retterer, Kellen Mace and many, many others.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

I’m tempted to say the plugins I’ve been able to create or help create because I’m very proud of them but honestly creating a sustainable business that allows me to do what I want to do and be my own boss by using WordPress has really been my greatest accomplishment.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

Incredible connections. Great new friends. Invaluable insight. An entire drawer full of WP shirts. Need I go on?

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

…are here…

Actually, I’d really love to talk to anybody who’s struggling with WP or anyone living near Jackson county or any developers looking to collaborate on projects or anyone who can introduce me to the best beers in town.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

I think my local development environment is hard to beat. There I can experiment with anything and learn on my own.

More traditional resources would be Twitter, the Codex, Tuts+, CSS Tricks, Pippin’s Plugins and all my developer friends on Skype.

Where can we find you online?

Real Big Marketing
@MrKyleMaurer
LinkedIn
Google+
WP Round Table

Phil Hoyt Speaker Interview

Bio

Phil HoytPhil identifies himself as a life time nerd and professional web developer.

Why do you use WordPress?

WordPress is a great platform with an amazing community and support.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

Around 2006 I was in need of a better blogging platform than the ones I had previously used and the only clear winner was WordPress.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

There is something for everyone, from intro user to power user, to novice professional to WordPress Ninja there is always great conversation happening. Why wouldn’t you want to enjoy that.

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

Well I have only been to a few, but I have met some really great people and got the opportunity to talk with others about very specific WordPress topics that I wouldn’t be able to anywhere else.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

I worked on a trilingual (english, japanese, chinese) site for a marketing company using WordPress multisite. Got to use some front end stuff I don’t get to play with everyday like Bootstrap, Parallax and some AJAX to dynamically pull content.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

Lunch… Joking of course!!! Happiness Bar is pretty fun to help people out.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

Define what you are good at and where you want to go. Are you more front end or back end heavy, Have you thought about making WordPress products (themes, plugins, etc…), Per project base is hard to get your hands around, but not impossible to make a living, If you are lucky you will find a way to make an annuity out of it.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I was in a metal band for several years as a vocalist, I can get pretty brutal.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Pippin Williamson is kind of amazing. I like what he has built for himself and hope to aim for that.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

I built and launched a Theme Framework into the theme directory late last year and I continue to refine it everyday. That was pretty cool looking to do more of that.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

Again only been to a few, BUT I have met some really interesting people, I started a WordPress Cleveland Meetup group, and I look to grow my personal brand and business with other Pressers.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Want to build Themes that stand the test of time.

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

An understanding of HTML, CSS, and the WordPress codex would be a great start but not mandatory. My talk is more about how to get people thinking about developing differently than a step by step instruction manual.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

WP Bacon was fun while it was around, WPMU is cool, WP Lift and WP Tavern have some cool articles. Idk I read a bunch of blogs hah.

Where can we find you online?

philhoyt.com
@philhoyt

Joel Worsham Speaker Interview

Bio

Joel WorshamI am a web developer and designer. I haven’t been in the field for very long, but I’ve been learning it as fast and hard as possible! I currently work as a developer at Real Big Marketing and also make plugins in my spare time. I love developing and designing for the web and I hope to be able to do it for a long time.

Why do you use WordPress?

Why wouldn’t I? WordPress has everything anyone could ask for from a CMS. It has ease-of-use, flexibility, powerful tools, great security, and a talented team of developers always making it better.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

“It was a dark, stormy night of mid 2013. Okay… maybe not dark and stormy, but it was mid 2013. I began to use it out of necessity for the job I was in, and to be honest, I didn’t like it at first!

“”What is this? This dumb software just keeps stripping out all of the HTML I copy/pasted in!””

Needless to say, once I started learning the proper way to use it, and how powerful the customization options are, I never looked back.”

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

“The average web developer in Michigan brings in around 60K + a year…

…Okay there’s more to it than that! The WordPress community is absolutely amazing. There’s no better place to network and meet new, great people. Developing friendships and websites at the same time, what’s better?”

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

I’ve learned so much. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m a better developer because of WordCamps. I always learn new things.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

Me and the lead developer at Real Big Marketing are working on a plugin called Client Dash. It allows complete webmaster control of the admin UX for clients. It’s pretty neat.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

“The community.

(sometimes the food…)”

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

There’s no doubt that you have the ability. WordPress can be the platform of a business from the individual who does no programming, to the one who does it every day. And it’s free!

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I love music. I play drums, guitar, piano, and I sing, and it’s my not-so-secret dream to be able to make a living off of it someday… or at least 50/50 with my web development!

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

Cory Miller.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Hard to say. Probably the fact that for the first time in my life, I love my job.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

They’ve allowed me to grow as a developer and network with a ton of incredible people who have inspired me to go further.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

Love pizza…. and WordPress development,

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

The basics of WordPress action hooks and basic theme / plugin development, though I’m sure everyone can gain SOMETHING from the talk.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

Well, right now I have to be non-original and say the WordPress codex.

Where can we find you online?

joelworsham.com
@JoelWorsham