Summary
AI Bernard
The interview with Dan Knaus delves into his rich and diverse life experiences, spanning several U.S. states and culminating in his current residence in Canada. Dan begins by describing his early years, having been born in Poughkeepsie, New York, and growing up in Chatham. He discusses his high school years in New Jersey during the tumultuous 1970s, noting his early interests in literature and technology. He highlights his experience in a summer program at Oxford, where he met his former wife, an event marked by a humorous anecdote about skinny dipping and nettles.
Dan’s professional journey is equally varied, covering his transition from an academic path to freelance web development, which eventually led him to WordPress. He provides insight into his role as a solutions architect at Multi Dots, an enterprise agency, and shares his philosophy on problem-solving and project development. Dan also reflects on his teaching experiences, predominantly focused on literature and writing rather than technology.
Family life is a central theme, as Dan discusses raising his four daughters and their respective educational and professional paths. He touches upon the family’s move to Canada due to his former wife’s job, and his children’s dual Canadian-American identities. Despite splitting up a couple of years ago during the pandemic, Dan maintains a positive outlook on his family’s achievements and future.
Throughout the interview, Dan offers a glimpse into his personal interests, such as his fondness for reading existentialist authors in high school and his early fascination with programming. He also reminisces about his diverse educational background, which took him from North Carolina to Milwaukee, and eventually to England for his summer program at Oxford.
The interview concludes with Dan’s thoughts on the cities he has lived in, his continued involvement in the WordPress community, and a light-hearted discussion about the various people and places that have shaped his life. He ends on a hopeful note, looking forward to future engagements and travel, particularly within the vibrant WordPress community.
What’s Dan Up To? Find Out At The WP World.