Faces of WordPress: John Housholder

john housholder

John Housholder

How were you first introduced to WordPress?
Seven years ago, I needed a website built fast and my sister-in-law, who lived in Birmingham, invited me to a WordCamp. I learned a lot fast and next thing you know, I started making a living using WordPress.

What do you like about it?
I like that there is a small barrier to entry to use the platform. If you don’t know a lot or any code, you can still use it. This creates a large worldwide user base.

What do you do with WP now?
I run Ah So Designs, a local WordPress development company. I no longer develop websites for our company. I focus on business development within WordPress and UI/UX design.

How as the WP community helped you?
Five or so years ago, I saw Randy (Hicks) at a local coffee shop and we started WP Nashville. The community has been great! I’ve learned a lot through others and have made most of my employee hires from people I’ve met within the community.

Did learning WP lead to any significant changes in your life?
I quit my corporate job, married a beautiful woman, got a dog named Dunn, and now help run a WordPress company. None, well besides the dog, would have been possible without WordPress. I’d like to say my wife married my because I am incredibly good looking, but let’s be realistic, she really likes to watch me make websites because she likes dorks 🙂

What would you tell a new user? A new developer?
Play with WordPress and have fun! When it stops being fun, hire a professional who is fun.

Anything else we should know?
I’ve got friends in low places…

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