Summary
AI Cedric
Eric Karkovack was initially interested in becoming a radio DJ but found the job difficult to obtain and later unappealing due to the restrictive nature of playlists and the harsh business environment. Instead, he gravitated towards web design, starting his career by maintaining websites for radio stations and a local newspaper in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. His passion for computers began in elementary school with early exposure to Apple IIc computers and games like Oregon Trail. This interest continued into high school, where he self-taught HTML during the early days of the internet, eventually leading him to a career in web design and development. He spent a year at a local newspaper before transitioning to freelance work, building a successful career out of his home office where he enjoys the independent work environment and the freedom to create as he wishes.
Apart from his professional life, Eric met his wife on a blind date set up by his family. Their first date lasted five hours, and he knew she was the one when he ignored a Philadelphia Flyers game to focus entirely on her. They married after eight years of being together and have a 16-year-old daughter named Natalie, who aspires to become a neurosurgeon. Eric’s wife is a veterinary technician, a career she pursued after working alongside the vet she knew since childhood.
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Eric’s passion for tech blends with a love for simpler, natural hobbies, such as birdwatching. He enjoys spending time in his backyard, observing and feeding local birds like cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers. For Eric, this hobby offers relaxation and a break from the demands of tech work. He has also found joy in traveling to birdwatching destinations like Cape May, New Jersey, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which provide unique experiences and opportunities to observe different bird species.
Throughout his career, Eric has actively participated in the WordPress community, attending and speaking at WordCamps. He served as a host for the WP Minute podcast, where he discusses WordPress-related topics and interviews other industry professionals. Despite the shift towards remote work and virtual conferences due to the pandemic, Eric continues to find value in these community interactions, both for the knowledge they provide and the connections they foster.
Lastly, Eric reflects on the personal experience of euthanizing his pet dog Toby, which was a deeply emotional moment for him and his family who gathered as a veterinarian performed the procedure.
Despite the professional and personal hardships, Eric’s journey showcases a blend of technical expertise, community involvement, and a profound appreciation for family and nature.
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