Interview with Chris Lema & Steve Zehngut

Interview, Speakers

Steve and Chris will be presenting Are you ready to learn a bit about Pricing? on Saturday in the Business/Project Management track

Chris Lema – twitter dark blue jeans social media icons designed by icons.mysitemyway.com facebook dark blue jeans social media icons designed by icons.mysitemyway.com LinkedIn dark blue jeans social media icons designed by icons.mysitemyway.com Google+ dark blue jeans social media icons designed by icons.mysitemyway.com

For twenty years Chris has been managing high performers and overseeing new product development.

He’s a daily blogger, an ebook author, a public speaker and works as the VP of Engineering for Emphasys Software. In his spare time he helps companies leverage WordPress, and WordPress companies find leverage.

Steve Zehngut – twitter dark blue jeans social media icons designed by icons.mysitemyway.com facebook dark blue jeans social media icons designed by icons.mysitemyway.com LinkedIn dark blue jeans social media icons designed by icons.mysitemyway.com

Steve founded Zeek Interactive in 1995 and he has been the creative technologist behind the Huntington Beach based company since its inception. Under his direction, Zeek has grown from an apartment bedroom to one of Southern California’s leading development and consulting shops.

Steve is the organizer of the OC WordPress Meetup and has helped build the community to over 850 members. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has taught interactive courses at UC Irvine, USC, the American Film Institute, and Cal State Long Beach. Steve has a BA in Film from Cal State Northridge.

Interview:

Why do you use WordPress?
Chris: It continues to be the easiest CMS to deliver editable websites for customers.

Steve: Ease of use for my clients. Rapid development for me.

What would you say to convince someone to attend a WordCamp?
Chris: They’re a great place to get introduced to an incredible community of helpful people.

Steve: WordCamps are the fastest way to get up to speed on WordPress. They are typically a 2-3 day intensive workshop covering several WP related topics. I also attend WordCamps for the networking opportunities. You get to rub elbows with the best in the WP community.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?
Chris: Watch as much of the Matt Report as you can!

Steve: A quick business tip: Specialize. Do not try to be an expert in everything. Understand your strengths and focus on them. Partner with others who compliment those strengths.

Also, participate in your local WordPress meetup. If one doesn’t exist in your area, start a WordPress meetup. This is a great way to share with your peers and also to trade knowledge.

What is your favorite WordPress-related resource?
Chris: The WPWatercooler – it’s a 30 minute weekly show that is full of fun and educational material.

Steve: I use the Codex everyday.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related
Chris: I’ve participated in the design, development, marketing, pricing and launch process for over 90 software as a service (SaaS) products.

Steve: I love to play poker, although I don’t have any time to play currently. If anyone needs a lesson, I am happy to help you part with your hard-earned cash.