Tazzu Blog

At the age of 25, Steven Stark – known as sstark in the Tazzu Forums - is as ambitious as they get!

Stark’s interest in computers and the internet started when he was just a kid. As Steve puts it “I was navigating MS DOS before I could read, using sticky notes my mom made for me.�

When asked how he got hooked on Web Development and Internet Programming Steve explained that while he was working in Kamloops as a Jr. web designer for a small web development company, his boss took a 6 month leave of absence and left Steve in charge.

“During this time the local YMCA had a large list of website updates for me. I worked closely with their staff. They liked me and my work so much, that they considered themselves ‘my’ client as opposed to the company’s client, and insisted that if I were to ever leave, they would go with me.” Steve never did take them up on the offer, but remembers how great it was to feel appreciated. “From then on I have loved this job, and for a whole new reason.”

Today, Stark owns 3 and 1/2 completed websites – as he puts it!

StevenStark.com - Stark’s technical blog and portfolio website, where he talks about theories and practices of the industry, along with a few tutorials.

Smart-Love.ca - An online Dating and Networking website similar to what one might get if you were to mix Facebook with Plenty of Fish. Steve uses this website to showcase examples of Joomla’s community capabilities.

VanListings.com - Steve refers to this as 1/2 website. “It has been left half built for some time, but not forgotten.” This is a Listing website for Vancouver goods, services, rentals and estates.

VancouverOnlineMedia.com - This is Stark’s most recent project. VOM is a resource website for Vancouver and West Coast media developers. Members can showcase their work, easily apply for jobs and manage their hours all for free.

I’ve just signed up on Steve’s new website VOM, and have asked him to tell us a bit more about his recent project.

“At VOM members can create an extensive profile that includes their cover letter, skills matrix and important information. You can add your portfolio items through the Portfolio Manager, and your resume, through the Resume Manager, which is linked to your profile.

Members can also apply for jobs through VOM’s Job Manager. “All your information will be input for you, making job applications simple. Once you get the job, you can then keep track of your hours and create invoicing reports through the Time Calendar.” Steve made this website to be a center point for media developers and clients to connect with each other, and adds “it is very important to me to keep all my websites free of charge, it feels good to give something back.”

VOM has been online now for just a couple of week, and Steve has had amazing results. “We have 15 registered developers and students, 72 listed portfolio items, 40 job postings and 12 forum messages… I encourage everyone to join!”

Didn’t I tell you Steve was one ambitious pup!? Oh to be young again!

With so much ambition, I just had to ask Steve what the driving force was behind all this activity. Steve very graciously shared with me that at the age of 14 he was diagnosed with a genetic syndrome called Charcot Marie Tooth, which - over time - deteriorates the muscle furthest away from the spinal cord. “Currently I have a third the normal reaction speed in my ankles and wrists, and carry the muscle mass of a 5 year old. When I am older there is a high chance that I will be in a wheel chair and might even be unable to hold my own fork. I keep myself busy, I use my hands constantly without over-using them and walk a lot as to keep what little muscle I have healthy.” Steve has made a choice to advance his career as fast as possible. With the slow but steady advancement of his muscle deterioration Stark may be forced to retire at 30 – sad but a true possibility. Of course you’ll never catch Steve wading around in self-pity, he’s got no time for that!

Steve has had to overcome many troubles as a youth, and will openly share that he had spent a long time in the party scene, and has only in the last few years emerged out of that phase. Steve says of his loving family “they are still there for me, even after coming through some very hard times.” He goes on to admit “I enjoy having my family over as often as I can. Last Christmas, for example, I had my dad and sister here, and two of my roommates also had their family over. It turned out to be a large house full of strangers who all got along amazingly so. We all had one of the best Christmas’ of our lives.”

With the interview coming to a close I asked Steve if there was one thing he wished he could change about himself, and if so, what it would be.

Steve replies, “I am always changing! I crave on change, and ask myself that very question quite often. Currently, I am trying to stay calmer when dealing with highly frustrating situations and learn how to save a little money.”

There you have it folks! For Steve - a brave and ambitious young man, there has never been any looking back. From programming Q-Basic games in early elementary school, and his first website project Anime-n-stuff to his most recent project Vancouver Online Media, Stark is determined to prove himself positive and persistent in life, and a serious contender in business.

Steve we really wish you much success in all you do. It is a pleasure and an honor to have you in the Tazzu Forums.

Technorati Tags: Steven Stark, Vancouver Online Media, Smart-Love, VanListings, web development, web design, MS DOS, Q-Basic, Flash, Joomla, LAMP, FaceBook, Plenty of Fish, Charcott Marie Tooth