Bio
Jordan Quintal is a successful Online Multipreneur, a seasoned Web Developer, as well as a WordPress Contributor and Community Member.
Jordan is the current President at The Genius Web Media Inc. that was founded in 2007, and he has over 15 years of web development experience. His skill, intelligence, and ambition have allowed him and his company to flourish in a very competitive Media market.
Jordan is also an active advocate and educator towards Web and WordPress accessibility.
Jordan will be presenting “WordPress Accessibility – the fundamentals of Web Accessibility” at 4:30pm in Henderson Room.
Why do you use WordPress?
My company and I use WordPress because of its flexibility.
We love the challenge of taking a project that wouldn’t normally be built in WordPress and building it in WordPress anyways.
Some people say “but why WordPress?”…we say “Why not?”
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I started using WordPress in 2006. I was attending college at the time, and one of our Professors went outside of the school curriculum and taught us WordPress instead of just standard PHP. He told the class that one day, we may be able to grow successful businesses using WordPress, so I have been evolving my skills since then.
What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?
I think that is is extremely important for any freelancer or growing business to attend local, communal events. Gaining exposure and increasing business related networks can be the key catalyst to growth and success. You really never know who you may run into, and how they can impact what you do.
Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.
At WordCamp Chicago 2013, I had the honor of meeting, shaking hands with, and briefly speaking to WordPress Founder Matt Mullenweg!
Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.
We are in the midst of building a full blown WordPress plugin that is centered around the Canadian Real Estate Board’s Data Distribution feed (CREA DDF). We are hoping to drastically improve Real Estate and WordPress compatibility.
What is your favorite part of WordCamps?
I truly love the people. Travelling around North America and attending various WordCamps has allowed me to meet some of the best people out there.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?
Starting a company can be challenging.
Take the time to properly organize yourself; and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because believe me, you will.
Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.
I’m a huge FOODIE! I LOVE going to new restaurants, bars, cafes, etc.
You can always catch me trying something new somewhere in town.
Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.
To be honest, I am truly inspired by WordPress Founder, Matt Mullenweg. He turned a simple but great idea into an empire. From an entrepreneurial perspective, I aspire to reach his level of success in the online media industry.
What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?
In 2012 I was offered my first WordCamp presentation in Toronto; which was the only one I did that year, and at the time was a huge accomplishment. By the end of 2014, I will have attended/presented at at least 8 WordCamps across Canada and the U.S.
How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?
WordCamps have allowed me to network with the right individuals and learn very valuable information that has positively impacted the growth of my business.
Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.
If you — share the same passion for making the web an accessible place for everyone — then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.
What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?
To attend my talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor, all I ask is that everyone come with an open mind.
Accessibility is important to me and MILLIONS of other people. If I can get at least one more person on board with the movement, I will have done my job.
What is your favorite WordPress related resource?
Right now I am a huge fan of the various plugins built by iThemes.
I regularly use BackUpBuddy and recently started using there Security plugin.
Where can we find you online?
Go to Google, do a search on “Jordan TheGenius Quintal” and you will find all that is published about me.