Age: 31
Location: Janesville, WI
Profession: VP Development Plainblack
Homepage: www.plainblack.com
Favorite Color: Blue
 

WebGUI

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In what way(s) do you contribute to WebGUI or the WebGUI Community?
 
I have written hundreds of custom applications for WebGUI and have contributed many features, most notably the current Authentication System, the LDAP Connection Manager, the Project Management System, and the Time Tracking System.  I also design and manage all of the custom development projects for Plain Black as well as the contractors who work with us.
 
When did you first hear of WebGUI?
 
I have known about, and been writing applications for WebGUI as long as it has existed.
 
How and when did you get involved in WebGUI?
 
JT came over to my desk and said, "Hey, go to www.plainblack.com" back in 2001 when we both worked together.
 
Are you paid to work on WebGUI?

Yes.
 
How much time do you spend on WebGUI?
 
I average 60-80 hours per week working on WebGUI.
 
What do you think is still missing from WebGUI or the WebGUI Community?
 
Female models to show off our clothing line.
 
What keeps you motivated to keep working on WebGUI?
 
I love what I do.  That is motivation enough.  Oh, and money.
 
What's WebGUI's killer feature and why?
 
The WRE.  Having WebGUI pre-configured and fine tuned without having to know much about MySQL, Apache, or Mod Perl is an amazing feature.  Also, the administrative tools that we give away help to make WebGUI as powerful as it is.
 
What's WebGUI's greatest weakness and why?
 
Not enough open source developers contributing to make WebGUI better.  WebGUI is where it is because of a handful of very skilled developers.  Imagine where it would be today if we had twice as many minds contributing.
 
What makes you work on WebGUI over the competition?
 
I’ve done research on many competitors and nothing stacks up to WebGUI in terms of power and flexibility.  You truly can make WebGUI do just about anything.  Also, I really enjoy working with the Plain Black team, even if JT can be one big pain in the rear from time to time =)
 
What's your most brilliant WebGUI hack?
 
So far, it would have to be a tie between an HRIS system I wrote for a client and the Project Management system (even though it’s still in it’s infancy stages)
 
Have you attended the WebGUI User's Conference?
 
Yes, I lecture.
 
Where do you keep your Gooey doll?
 
I shredded mine and dumped it over southern Wisconsin at 12000 feet because the spirit of WebGUI should be everywhere!  Just kidding, my dog ate it.
 

Personal Stuff

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How would you describe yourself?
 
I’m pretty laid back.  I enjoy working, but I like to complain about it to anyone who will listen!  I’m a people person and I really enjoy building professional relationships and networking.
 
Are you married, dating, or otherwise involved?
 
Happily married (my wife is standing behind me as I type this)
 
Do you have any kids?
 
I have a 4 year old boy.
 
Do you have any pets?
 
We have two dogs and various yard creatures for short spells.  To date: 3 toads, a frog, 3-4 lightning bugs per evening, and a baby bunny.
 
If someone visits your area, what's something they must see or do?
 
I haven’t been here long myself so I don’t know.  The local bars are lots of fun though!
 
What do you hate?
 
People who have more than 10 items in the 10 items or less grocery lane, People who do not turn on their blinker when changing lanes, and paying taxes.
 
What do you love?
 
I love playing games.  Give me an evening with some good friends and any type of game and I’m happy.  I also love spending time with my family and I enjoy a good horror novel from time to time.
 
What's the last book you read?
 
I’m in the middle of the last of the Dark Tower Series “The Dark Tower” by Stephen Kink
 
What's the last CD/MP3 you bought?
 
Fall Out Boy
 
What's the last movie you watched?
 
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

You're stuck on a train/plane for 6 hours and bored out of your mind, what
do you do to amuse yourself?

If I’m on more than a 3 hour flight (which I try to avoid as I hate to fly), I take two Xanax and pass out.  If it’s a 6 hour train ride, I would watch a movie or work.
 
Any last words?
 
Box; Toaster; Alumnimum; Maple Syrup ... No I take that one back.  I’m gonna hold on to that one!