The Faces of Miva Merchant

Over the years I have had the opportunity, the honor and the privilege to meet a number of people from within the Miva Merchant community. I took a picture of someone at the Miva Merchant Conference Mixer that made me realize there are a number of people over the years that have influenced and helped me down the path I call Miva Merchant.

I would like to share some of those faces with you now.

Pamela Hazelton – my earliest memories of Pamela were when the Miva Merchant users group was still a listserv and someone had called her “Spamela”. I for one have never considered any of Pamela’s comments spam, she knows what she is talking about, but you’d better pay attention the first time. I have three on Pamela’s books in my reference library, included her latest release Miva Merchant 5.5 – The Official Guide
Bill Weiland – his early modules taught me how to dig into the code (mivascript) and make little hacks of my own while installing his uncomplied modules. Bill has been patient with every question I have ever asked. Many times his replies make me dig a little deeper on my own. One of my favorite modules that Bill has written is ToolKit v5
David Hubbard – I have know David since before he started his very successful hosting company Hostasaurus. He has put up with every stupid hosting related question I have ever asked and many that were not hosting type questions.
Luray Williams – The Miva Merchant Community lost not only a developer but a wonderful person with the passing of Luray back in January 2007. I finally had the privilege of meeting Luray in person back in 2004, when I was able to attend my first Miva Merchant Conference. Pamela shared the news with Miva Merchant family, her words spoke how we all felt about him In Memory of Luray Williams
James Harrell – I have know James since around 2004 when I started beta testing his Celestia Comprehensive Content Management System. It was the first mivascript based content management system that I had used and I think the only of it’s kind. I also joined the Copernicus Designers Club Program. I had already been recommending and installing Copernicus Search Engine Optimization Suite. Around November 2007 James approached me about coming to work with him at his new venture – eMediaSales. James knew it had always been my goal (dream) of mine to be able to be able to do Miva Merchant development on a full time basis. In January 2008, he helped make that dream become a reality. .
Pete & Susan Petracco – Susan & Pete make a great tag team of developers. Susan is not only a developer, but is a store owner too. I have enjoyed watching WonderBrains continually evolve over the years. Just before the official beginning of the 2009 Miva Merchant Conference, they launched the new look & feel for NetBlazon. Pete and Susan have both provided me with a wealth of knowledge over the years. I’m also reminded what a small world the e-commerce world can be in general, when we talked about one of the first web development companies I worked for based in Morristown, TN. .
Bill Gilligan – Bill is another one of those developers that has been around for a while now too. He has let me beta test a few of his modules, offered me help and brought me a bit of work every now and then.
Bruce Golub – When most people think of Bruce, they think of StoreMan, my personal favorite desktop application to manage store products and categories. Bruce has also been another Miva Merchant mentor for me. I’ve had loads of fun beta testing stuff for him.
Jeffrey R. Collins – AKA Nerd Boy Jeffrey has been a great sounding board for me over the years. I may not have always followed his advice, but I will be forever grateful that he has always been then to listen.
Chuck Lasker – I forgot to ask Chuck how long he has been part of the Miva Merchant community, but it seems like he’s been around as long as I have been (or maybe longer). My favorite contribution that Chuck has made to the community has been his online video tutorials – MerchantTutorials.com. Not only is the content easy to follow and understand, he has a voice that makes watching them so easy. Chuck has also been a great counter balance to over optimistic political views.
Rick Fisher – For being a friend to both me and my husband. And yes, for help with the occasional techie type question.

I know there have been a number of other Miva Merchant developers, hosts, and even users that have offered me a hand throughout the years – all of which I owe big thanks to also. Also a shout out to Rick Wilson, Russ Carroll, David Roquemore and the gang at Miva Merchant for giving me the opportunity of a life time. And to Penni Walraven, thank you, you will alway hold a special place in our hearts.