Adam teaches a variety of courses in the Southern California area, presents a monthly WordPress seminar at SBDC, runs the SouthBay WordPress Meetup and produces a weekly podcast over at kitchensinkwp.com. He also was the lead organizer of WordCamp Los Angeles this year.

Adam Silver will be presenting “WP Battles: Webmaster vs. Hacker” on Saturday, October 15 at 1:55pm in the Amphitheatre.

Why do use WordPress?

It allows me to share my content (kitchensinkWP.com) as well as help others share theirs.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I started using in late 2008, early 2009 WordPress for my photography site, though I pivoted as that industry changed and I was asked for help in building websites for friends and eventually clients. Someone then suggested I teach a class and I did that via the local adult school for 4 years. I recently went out on my own as far as teaching.

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

If you want to be a part of an amazing community and make friends from all walks of life, go to a WordCamp. I am happy to say that many of my closest friendships started at a WordCamp.

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

While talking to someone in the hall, a person walked by, stopped, turned around and asked “are you Adam Silver? ” I said yes and they said “I recognized my voice from my podcast. That was cool!

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

As I have attended a lot of WordCamps, I still find my favorite part is presenting. I really enjoy sharing what I know to others. Other than that, it’s great seeing friends across the country as well as make new friends.

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

Find an area that you have passion for and focus on that. Code, design, customer service, business development..etc. No need to try to do it all. Also surround yourself with people smarter than you, .trust me, it helps. Lastly things take time. There is no overnight success, or magic formula for “passive income”. Do good work. Provide Value.

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

I have an amazing wife of 18 years and 3 really cool kids!

Name someone in the WordPress community that inspires you.

Way to many to just have 1, so here are a few:
Dustin Hartzler, Morten Rand-Hendriksen, Cory Miller, Steve Grunwell, Kyle Mauer, Marc Benzakein, Natalie MacLees

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Being the lead organizer for WordCamp Los Angeles this year. It was an honor to make it come together for the community

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

WordCamps have had a huge impact as I simply a “user” for my old career in photography. I now make a living as a WordPress educator/trainer and providing client support with conciergewp.com. None of those things would have happened without the information and relationships that were made at WordCamps.

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

are new to WordPress, podcasting or just to the community and like to laugh…

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

Have an open mind!

Where can we find you online?

on twitter: @heyadamsilver or @kitchensinkwp
on web: kitchensinkwp.com