Speaker Spotlight: Marc Benzakein

marc-benzakeinMarc is the Operations Manager of ServerPress, LLC, but secretly, people there call him “The Mayor.” It may sound all well and good, but Marc knows that the real reason for it is because whenever something goes wrong, the mayor is the one who gets thrown under the bus first. As his first act as Mayor, Marc passed legislation by issuing an Executive Order removing all busing and other public transportation (as a precautionary measure, of course).

With that out-of-the-way, Marc has been working his way through WordCamps over the past couple of years, because hey. . . who doesn’t like words (we all use them) and a good camping trip? Seemed like a natural match to him. Imagine his dismay when he found out that these were conferences intended to educate people within the WordPress Community. None the less, as with everything Marc does, he decided to make the best of it and says he’s been enjoying this aspect of camping and plans to incorporate many of the things he’s picked up at WordCamps in his regular camping trips.

When asked about what he likes most about WordCamps, he’ll tell you that it’s the Community, although he remains highly suspect of any group or community of people who would have him as a member.

Most people think that Marc has a screw or two loose, but it’s ok. He’s like that uncle that’s not quite crazy enough to call “everyone’s crazy uncle” but not quite sane enough to call “everyone’s cool uncle.” Those people may be right. You can connect with Marc on Twitter @MarcBenzak.

Marc Benzakein will be presenting the “Local Development Workshop” on Friday, October 14 at 8:00am in the Wolverine room.

Why do use WordPress?

Because it’s what works best with our flagship product, DesktopServer. And it happens to rock.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

A long time ago, in a business totally not related to web development, I needed to create a site that had a specific functionality. I discovered the world of plugins, and thus, WordPress (or was it the other way around?). And the rest, as some people might say, is history.

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

Dude! You’ve gotta go! I mean, seriously. If you want to make connections, friends, gain knowledge, or give up a weekend to hang out in a climate controlled building that someone else is paying for, it’s a no brainer!

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

This one time, at WordCamp, there was a camp that sponsored the speaker housing. It was cool hanging out in a big house with a bunch of speakers. We formed bonds that weekend that went beyond anything I’ve experience professionally. Most of us are friends to this day and we all agree that it was one of the best WordCamp experiences EVAH!

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

DesktopServer 4.0. Sorry. I don’t work much within WordPress these days. I just work to help people work with WordPress more efficiently.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

Hallway Track. Period.

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

I have a whole presentation on that. But I think the best piece of advice I can give is to start out focusing on one thing or aspect or specialty until you have it down. Do it well and people will look to you as an authority.

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

Pretty much everyone who knows me knows that it’s all about the kids. My awesome wife and I currently foster six children (leaving us with a total of eight) with the goal of adopting them. We truly believe that kids are some of the few victims, and all of them deserve a shot at realizing their potential. Our life goal is to help any child we have contact with realize that potential by giving them the tools, love, support, and stability they need to do that. As rewarding as my professional life is, they pale in comparison to the rewards of helping these kids.

Name someone in the WordPress community that inspires you.

(In no particular order)

Pippin: For his humility

Topher and Cate: For their dedication to their family

Michelle Schulp: For her determination on days when she just doesn’t feel like it

Gregg Franklin: His loyalty and desire to help is unmatched anywhere

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

The family I’ve built within the Community and within our company.

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

I am pretty sure that if we did not attend WordCamps and support the Community at large, we would not be the success we are.

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

are looking to improve the quality of your life

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

I really recommend that you download and install DesktopServer from serverpress.com. It’s free and it will be part of what I go over during the workshop.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

My friends within the Community

Where can we find you online?