rorycw

[rorycw]

Turning 30...

Follow up to "Turning 28" & my favourite "Holy bananas, I'm 22 tomorrow".

As mentioned before, I use to dread my birthday each year as I felt the time for me to accomplish what I wanted was ticking away. That feeling stopped when I turned 22 and I'll happy to say that it wasn't been be back!

I look at 30, as just the next stage of my life, also the #OleManClub.

I'm happy with everything that I have accomplished, happy with my failures (that I try to learn from daily), grateful for my family and friends who helped me to achieve each and everything.

That's enough chat... Picture time.

[rorycw]

Jamaican Care Packages in the Media

We were recently featured on Ingrid Riley’s “Sun, Sea + Innovation” and Cherie B’s “Black Travel Podcast”. Special thanks to these women for featuring Jamaican Care Packages on their platforms.

Take a listen below

Sun, Sea + Innovation - the entire episode - click here to listen

Black Travel Podcast - I get a shoutout at 10:20  - click here to listen

[rorycw]

2016 - the year that was

I don't quite remember setting formal goals for 2016, but I do recall at the start of the year a co-worker announced she was was leaving my then place of work. My then boss, great boss by the way, said jokily, "I don't want to hear of anyone else resigning for the rest of the year."

While I didn't have any formal plans to resign and focus on Jamaican Care Packages (JCP) at that time. Six months later, I resigned.

I had a lot of ups and downs in 2016, however the biggest step/achievement/move was me deciding that after working on JCP for two years nights and weekends. I was going to do it full time. I felt that things were coming together for me to do it, and honestly if I didn't at that time, I probably never would. So June 24th, 2016 I gave my 5 weeks notice.

Looking back it was one of the easiest decisions that I have made. Things are going well, don't get me wrong, it's a lot of work and then some. But I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. JCP and myself has grown, however there is ALOT more to go. With my directors and advisors thats exactly what I plan to do in 2017.

Which brings me to some public goals for 2017 both personal and business related.

Personal:

1.) Join and participate in at least two business related associations 2.) Under-go management training & listen to one audiobook monthly. Currently listening to Traction and The Hard Thing About Hard things 3.) Build a stronger personal brand 4.) Start investing at least 30% of my income. 5.) Sell my manual car, buy an automatic :) [Long story]  

Jamaican Care Packages 

1.) Outsource more aspects of operations 2.) Grow monthly revenue (duh!) 3.) Expand!

PS: They are clearly more goals for JCP, however I prefer to discuss with internal team and work hard to achieve day by day.

One down of 2016, was most definitely my weight gain. Back in 2013/4 I was about 195, then that went to 220 in 2016, now at 229 in 2017. I went to the gym most of least year, got down to around 215 however I never watched my diet. That has and will change in 2017. Goal is to get back to 200 slim/fit..

A special thank you to some of folks who helped to have my best year yet.

Mom and Dad - countless days and nights on JCP. They were there from day one.

Tamara N. - always being there for me.

Marc G. - guidance and motivation to help me get JCP this far.

Jermaine H., Chris O. and Gordon S.

[rorycw]

JCP Announcement + Turning 28

[This has been in my drafts since July 13th]

This is a follow up to my "Holy Bananas, I'm 22 tomorrow" blog post, which is actually the favorite post I've ever written even though the formatting is messed from my blog migration.

Quite a bit has changed in six years. Some good, some not so good. and some amazing.

I no longer do what I did in the past and dread getting older, which I even mentioned 6 years ago. "Aint nobody got time for that!". Now its time to actually get things done and move forward with my life.

Firstly, I'm so happy to see another birthday with my family and friends. Anyone that knows me, know that I'm HUGE on family. As I tell everyone I really "lucked out" when it came to them. May that continue :)

Had an incident almost three years back that pretty much changed my life, got injured playing football. Causing me to no longer be able to jog, jogging was my jam. I loved it, it made my feel great, plus I lost 30+ pounds. Sad to say I've gained back most of that, but I've been going to the gym so hoping to shed that in due time.

Last year this time, my business "Jamaican Care Packages" was selected for the fifth season of "The Innovators". My episode aired July 13th, 2015 and wow, was that a night. I call my episode an interesting one. I didn't complete all of my assignments, for a few reasons, and was slated by Yannick and Gary for it. Nonetheless, I continued learning, growing and building my business...

Jamaican Care Packages Announcement

Entrepreneurship has always been a passion of mine, I've been reading business blogs, listening to business podcasts, for longer that I care to share. Started and fail many a times.

Then came Jamaican Care Packages, not as technical as my pursuits and most definitely not as sexy, but it solved a need, has traction and our customers love us.

I've always wanted to do my own thing time full-time, never had opportunity and the courage to.  However I'm happy to announce that today (July 29th 2016) is my last day of employment and starting August 1st, 2016 I'll be pursuing Jamaican Care Packages full time.

It actually took a little while to get here, I recall speaking with Jermaine, Gordon, Marc, Matthew M. , Leanne M., Chris (first person I told about JCP to back in 2014) and others about it. However I believe it's similar to marriage, there's no clear sign or indicator. When you know, you just know.

Now I know.

The future is bright, the future is unknown. But I'm ready for it.

[rorycw]

Just Do It - The story of Jamaican Care Packages

Just do it. On Thursday (May 21st, 2015) I pitched (for the first time ever) Jamaican Care Package (JCP) at Startup Jamaica's office to the co founder of Dev Labs. Before we get into that, let's take a scroll back and talk about the inception and growth of my JCP.

I got the idea for JCP in bed one night, I thought to myself "I've come across numerous Facebook posts of persons either expressing that they miss Jamaican snacks or them showing off that they were able to take some back with them from Jamaica" I figured, this seems like a problem that I can solve. I quickly messaged Chris (who loved it), then to all of Facebook friends living abroad if they would be interested. I would estimate about 50% said not only was it a great idea, but that they would buy. So I was ready, I quickly added a page to my blog and I was in business. So I created my first package and expecting orders to flow in. 

Of course they didn't, I had set a discount to end on certain day and that day came and not even one order. I remember the members of my mastermind group had seen improvements in their businesses and I had nothing to report. Then around 8pm, I get an PayPal notification, it was from Michelle. Michelle was an old prep school friend, that I haven't seen in over 15 years. I was elated, I had my first order :)

Though I had a few orders here and there, I still wasn't sure feeling JCP and seeing where it could go. After receiving some encouraging words from literally everyone I spoke to (Big up Jermaine). I pressed along over the coming months. sales and revenue increased. I've learned so much in terms of actually running a business (following up with customers, asking for money and learning when to say no.) You only learn these things by doing! I was featured on a local business reality show, and even though I have a feeling that I won't like how my segment ended. At the end of the day, during the past months, my revenue has grown, and I'm focused on continuous growing it. Then wanting to become get more involved in the local startup scene, I applied to the pitch to Startup Jamaica for a upcoming Dev Labs session. I was accepted and started developing my pitch. I focused on my strengths, (real business with traction). I thought the pitch went great, as I was able to get my points across and the audience really took a liking to it. I feel some of the teams (myself included), felt that Dev Labs would be investing in us. When driving home, I realized that wasn't the right mindset to have. We create our businesses to make money, end of story. Hopefully for funding in order to get there I think is the wrong way to go about it. Especially in Jamaica with our startup ecosystem, that just isn't practical. While I know some have and others will, at the end of day. It's all about revenue and making money. I love my business, I bring smiles to my customers faces. My family(Mom, Dad and Kim) helps me day by day, I hope some of this can rub off on them as well. With them making strides in their own business as well. Let it continue to do so...

[rorycw]

Winning the Diversity Scholarship to Strange Loop

Last July I came across a tweet. It was from a friend that won a Diversity scholarship to attend Strange Loop. I quickly did my research to see what it was about.

In a nutshell Strange Loop issues scholarships (travel, ticket and accommodations) to persons underrepresented in technology (more info here). I submitted my application - advising of background and past achievements in the field and was selected!

Just like that - I was off to St. Louis to attend the tech conference. I finally got the opportunity to meet a long time friend Chris Oliver. We connected via GitHub back in 2011 when I had forked one of this repos. It was great meeting Chris. 

Next up was the conference. I wanted to really hone in on the workshops and get my hands dirty. I felt the sessions would be great, however I wanted to code and do things. So the workshops it was!

I heard about GO, and felt this was a great opportunity to learn some more about it. So I attend a intro to Go workshop.

Right up after the Go workshop was a VIM one. I didn't plan to stay for it, but then remembered how many times I've started to learn VIM and figured this was a sign.

It was easily my favorite session, Bill Odom really knew how to work the room (which was at least 70% female). I'm glad I was able to chat with him afterwards as he really opened my eyes to the editor.

The most entertaining session was by Julie Lavoie. See link below

My fav session so far - "Analyzing Rap Lyrics in Python" by @hsjuju2 #strangeloop

A video posted by Rory Walker (@redrory) on Sep 18, 2014 at 10:44am PDT

I attended other talks, "The Mess We're" In" was one that really stood out to me.

Me at my first baseball game.

PS: Huge thanks to Bridget and the rest of the Strange Loop team for giving me the opportunity to not only meet and learn from some brilliant minds, but also to explore a brand new city.

[rorycw]

Its been a busy Sunday. Two JA Care Packages shipping first thing in the morning. Follow @jacarepackages for more info JaCarePackages.com

[rorycw]

Good job Hilton, amazing view to the baseball field. All because I code. #grateful #whataview (at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark)

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Mobay leg complete - Passed by old stomping ground (Chukka). St Louis time @strangleloop_stl ✈️

[rorycw]

We have a launched, link in my profile. Early discount $24 + Free Shopping (ends August 31st) rorywalker.com/carepackage

[rorycw]

Following in the footsteps of @tristanwalker , hand written thanks to Jamaica Care Packages first customer. http://rorywalker.com/carepackage

[rorycw]

Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

(via tristanwalker)

True words

[rorycw]

So July of last year, I made the decision to leave my full time job and join the inaugural Code For The Caribbean Fellowship.

Here's the video of the project, our outputs and the final Demo Day.

You can glimpse me at 3:14

[rorycw]

My review of the iPhone 5

I sent this to a friend in a WhatsApp message "Got an iPhone 5 It's just amazing It's night and day difference from my 3GS. It's the best phone I've ever seen / used I'm a apple fanboy, but it's literally a beautiful device Better than sex"

[rorycw]

"Seeking a development team that will actually take the time to know you and your business before writing a line of code?"

How about one that understands your budget and is ready to work with you to identify your business's problems and pain points; and only move forward if it's a perfect fit.

Developers who would help you:

Build loyalty with your customers.

Improve your bottom line.

Create a large return on investment on the web.

We solve your problems, not ours.

Prototype & MVPs Development

Whether you’re looking to realize an idea, or build an app from scratch. We will help make it a reality.

Starting from $3000 - Learn More

[rorycw]

Sublime Text 3 - Tip #1

Update : NetTuts - has a guide on great Tweaks for Sublime Text 3 

Flat is in, right?

Lately I've been spending more time in the /rails and /ruby subreddits. Both are most definitely worth a subscribe if you are into Ruby development.

I came across the flatland theme for Sublime Text 3 (SB) (my editor of choice from I came across it on HN probably 2 years back) It looked beautiful, don't just take my word for it, see below.

I had to have it! They were three ways to install all with varying levels of effort. I was in bed reading; so the one with the least effort caught my eye. The "Package Control option" - mhmm didn't know that SB had that. It reminded me of the Application Center from Ubuntu. You just search for whatever resources/package you want and you can install it from right there in the editor. So I tried the command but I had to install it first, which was a breeze.

Step 1 - Open your console in SB - "Control + ` " (under tilda) Step 2 - Enter the following to install to install Package Control on SB 3 

import urllib.request,os,hashlib; h = '7183a2d3e96f11eeadd761d777e62404e330c659d4bb41d3bdf022e94cab3cd0'; pf = 'Package Control.sublime-package'; ipp = sublime.installed_packages_path(); urllib.request.install_opener( urllib.request.build_opener( urllib.request.ProxyHandler()) ); by = urllib.request.urlopen( 'http://sublime.wbond.net/' + pf.replace(' ', '%20')).read(); dh = hashlib.sha256(by).hexdigest(); print('Error validating download (got %s instead of %s), please try manual install' % (dh, h)) if dh != h else open(os.path.join( ipp, pf), 'wb' ).write(by)

Step 3 - Restart SB 3  Step 4 - Open Package Control using - "Shift + Command + P" Step 5 - Select Package Control:Install Package Step 6 - Search and select "Theme - Flatland" Step 7 - Enable in your User Preferences by adding

theme": "Flatland Dark.sublime-theme"

[rorycw]

Some regrets in my adult life

Google defines regret as - feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that has happened or been done, esp. a loss or missed opportunity).

We all have regrets, some try to convince themselves that they don't. Others say it was all a learning experience. I'm in latter camp. I believe that life comes with regrets; things that you should of done: make that move on that girl, put in that extra day of studying and even apply to that job.

I won't go into my teenager regrets, however I will share a few of my regrets over the past 3 years.

Not listening to my mom and setting up a monthly automated savings from salary.

I was hired at my first job before completing my final year, (I was working from home in Kingston whilst preparing for my final exams). I remember the first time I got paid. It seemed so much. I thought to myself "how can I spend all of this money?" (looking back - that seems so FUNNY and naive of me to say). Mom was quite adamant that I set up an automated deposit from my salary and I just overlooked it. I was always a saver and continued saving my money, but I always had access to it. So if anything came up, I would just use my savings. It wasn't until 2 years after that I saw the brilliance in my mother's words and decided to set one up. I could of saved so much money over that time period.. but hey such is life.

Getting a Credit Card(CC), and not being my usual responsible self

I learnt quite early that CC debt is killer, mostly from horror stories heard from family and friends. So I vowed to never get one. 10 years back when I started my Video Game importing business; I was made a supplement holder on my mother's credit card. I only could spend what I deposited to the account. Not knowing about actual CC limits, I remember thinking how do people get into trouble with CC's.

Late 2012 when I heading to Orlando for my first half marathon with Citi Runners, I was amassing my vacation funds. I received some advice that I should take out a CC to help cover the vacation.. Wrong move.

I decided to do this..I won't go into details, but I've now learnt the ideal way to handle a CC is to pretty much treat it like a Debit Card. Only spend what you have and can pay back at the end of the month.

I came across a statement recently, it goes something like this

"If you need a Credit Card to buy a PS4; you can't afford one. Don't buy it"

Other regrets come to mind; some work related, programming related, school related. However that's life and we all live and we learn.

N.B. - My two regrets are finance related. I'm big on personal finance right now. If you are - I recommend subscribing to the /personalfinance subreddit on Reddit. It is exceptional