Jason Yingling will be presenting on How to Battle Google Page Speed Insights and Win. Jason is from St. Louis, Missouri.

Here is Jason’s interview:

NILE FLORES: What was it about WordPress that got you to start using it?

JASON YINGLING: I first started playing with WordPress out of a desire to share content I wanted to create, and figuring it out myself seemed like the cheapest way for how broke I was. Developing custom themes for work really took off once I implemented Advanced Custom Fields into my workflow. It allowed a noob like me to easily create WordPress sites that were more than a simple blog, but that was easy to maintain for the client as well.

NILE FLORES: What motivates you to give back to WordPress and its community?

JASON YINGLING: Since my first WordCamp I’ve been impressed with how supportive the community is of newcomers. I’ve even been allowed to speak at a few WordCamp’s myself which still amazes me. It’s that willingness of the rest of the community to share that makes me feel like my chipping in is wanted and helpful.

NILE FLORES: How many WordCamps have you been to, and what was your best 1 or 2 experiences that you had when attending WordCamp?

JASON YINGLING: This will be WordCamp number 7. I didn’t know what to expect from my first WordCamp, but after attending I was convinced I could contribute as well. This will mark my 5th WordCamp as a presenter. Each WordCamp I’ve attended I’ve come away with several different things that I could immediately implement into my own work. It’s great for finding new tools and ideas.

NILE FLORES: What is your number 1 tip for WordPress users?

JASON YINGLING: Just start playing with it. You’ll discover new things as you figure out new ways to build out projects. There isn’t one right way to do something in WordPress. If it works for you, it’s right. (And read the coding standards.)

NILE FLORES: What is your favorite feature in WordPress?

JASON YINGLING: Its flexibility. You can build anything with WordPress.

NILE FLORES: What are your 3 most favorite WordPress plugins?

JASON YINGLING: 

1. Advanced Custom Fields – For developing custom websites.
2. Easy Footnotes – Because it’s the first “good” plugin I released.
3. Autoptimize – You’ll have to see my presentation for the why. 🙂

NILE FLORES: What is your favorite WordPress theme?

JASON YINGLING: Underscores. It’s a barebones starting point for developing custom themes quickly and the “WordPress way”.

If you’d like to meet Jason and sit in on his talk, then you’ll need to buy a ticket. Hope to see you at WordCamp St. Louis, on March 18th!