Overview:
Jet Powered, Monkey Navigated Productions or JPMN for short is a relatively new website design company with a small staff, but big dreams. "Our goal has yet to be established, because we're just not ready for that kind of commitment".
How did you come up with this booming business?
"JPMN is just an idea that Jeriatrick and I had. We never expected it to be a boom or anything, it just happened. We both have been building websites for a couple years, and I proposed the idea of going into a more business based attitude, as compared to the more recent free friends' pages. So one night, we were chatting online, I told him that I had got a new client, and it was corporate. I asked him if he would like to get in on it. He said yes. Now the only part was to come up with a name. He figured that one out, rather quickly too."
So who's who?
"Well, I'd have to say that Jeriatrick is the Jet Power part of it, and I'm the Monkey Navigator. He has his Microsoft Certification, and I like monkies."
Is it all jokes and fooling around?
"Whatchoo talkin bout foo?... <laugh> No, its not... or wait... No... No, its not."
Can you elaborate on that?
"I could, but would I want to?"... <pause> "Ok... well, we try to have fun while we're doing it (website design), but like anyone, it does get stressful, and tensions will build. We try to keep it low-key and not stress over the small stuff."
Does that usually work?
"No."
Who is Jeriatrick?
"I have two possible answers for that... <pause> One is that he's a figment of my imagination (or I am of his), and second is that he doesn't know I am doing this interview, so its best not to go mentioning names over the net. Also, I wouldn't want any of our competition to steal him."
Is there anywhere that people could find an example of your combined efforts?
"Of course. We cant, however say anything until the sites and their owners give us permission."
Why do you always use Bizland.com for your sites?
"Bizland is a good hosting site. They only put a small banner on the top of the pages, and we only need the sites temporarily for a test. Basically, the bizland address is set up so that we can make the websites, and show them off to all those who are interested. We don't stick with them unless the client decides to."
What about legal issues? Are you protected?
"As far as legal issues go, you'd have to give me an example. But for protection, we'd have to be, to be in business, now wouldn't we?"
What about costs? Are there times when expenses come from your pockets?
"But of course. In every business at some point you have expenses coming from your own pocket. We generally try to keep the expenses low (partially because we cant spare a lot right now), and also, its a lot easier to explain to a client that you had to spend $30, rather than $100. They generally don't want to pay back that much. But we do state that we must be reimbursed for our costs."
Have there ever been problems with that?
"Well, there was one company... I cant name it. They refused to pay back a $20 cab ride to their office. That was pretty rude."
And what steps did you take at that point?
"I just keep emailing them, and requesting the money. Its not that big of a deal, and we are not about to go bankrupt because of it."
Do you have any plans for expansion?
"If you mean hiring on more staff, <pause> I don't think so. Currently, with our prices so low, its just easier to leave it as me and Jeriatrick".
I have to ask, why the name?
"What? You mean Jeriatrick? Thats the nickname he's used for a couple of years now.. and it just seems suiting to use it here, because the people who know him (or me) will know who is being talked about."
And who are you?
"I am the all flying, all dancing, *stuff* of the earth. Also known as Brian Massey."
Ok, that should be all. Do you have anything to add?
"No, I think I pretty much said all that was needed."
Do you have an email that you can be reached at?
"Yes. Jeriatrick and I can be reached at [email protected]"
What about costs? Could you give me an example?
"No. Id need to go over an extensive interview with you, outlining the costs. If you needed costs, you could email me, and set up a meeting."
Thank you for your time.
"Thank you."