Topher is a Christian, husband, father, WordPress developer.
Topher will be presenting “What’s a REST API and Why Should I Care?” on Saturday, October 15 at 1:30pm in the Amphitheatre.
Why do use WordPress?
So many reasons. The platform does what I need to get done in the best way I’ve found so far. The people around it are wonderful. The availability of education is sky high. It’s simply the best option for building web sites.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I tried it out when it first appeared on the scene, but didn’t like it much. I came back to it in 2010 for a job, struggled for a while, and then 3.0 came out with Custom Post Types and everything changed. I haven’t built a site with anything else since.
What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?
I’d love to share a meal with you and hear about your project. I’d love to hear about your journey in life, and in web development. So would all of my friends. And they want to be your friend too. We want to come along side your project and help out where we can.
Going to WordCamp means joining a team that can help you get done what you’re working on.
Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.
Someone I’d never heard of came up to me and said that a talk I’d given changed the way they build web sites, and that changed their career and their entire life. it’s breathtaking.
Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.
The company I work for, Modern Tribe has a cool
client I’ve gotten to work with called “What Should We Do?”. It’s a
concierge service in New York. You tell them what you like to do, and
when you’d like to do it, and they find cool stuff for you to do and
make all the arrangements, so you don’t have to do anything except show
up and have fun.
It’s a cool idea and it’s been a lot of fun to work on.
https://www.whatshouldwedo.com/
What is your favorite part of WordCamps?
The parties! Actually, that’s mostly true because the best part about the parties is talking to people. I love all the relationships I’ve made over the years and I’m excited about all the new ones coming up.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?
If you already know WordPress, concentrate on learning everything else. Learn about taxes, laws, time management, employees, etc. The idea that you can simply start a WordPress business because you know WordPress is a terrible lie.
If you don’t know WordPress, start there. 🙂
Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.
I have my pilot’s license.
Name someone in the WordPress community that inspires you.
Tom McFarlin
What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?
How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?
WordCamps allowed me to make relationships, and relationships are where GOOD contracts come from. WordCamps allow you to create a reputation, and a good reputation is solid gold.
Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you ___________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.”
are attending WordCamp Ann Arbor
What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?
Nothing specific. My talk is aimed right at people who don’t already know anything at all about the topic.
What is your favorite WordPress related resource?
Slack. I’m a member of a number of great slack groups where I can talk to people in real time.
Where can we find you online?
topher1kenobe works just about anywhere.
- http://topher1kenobe.com
- @topher1kenobe
- topher1kenobe on WP Slack