Ian Misner on Family Movie Nights, Raising 7 Kids, and Building WooCommerce Extensions

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with someone who is WordPress's best kept secret. Ian Meisner shares his family activity of watching a curated list of top movies, as he chats with the host of Seriously Bud. He started the list with the IMDb Top 100 but customized it to include child-friendly films, leading to weekly family movie nights. His children have a particular affection for movies like 'Moana' and Marvel's 'Endgame.' Ian also touches on the challenges and joys of raising seven children aged 14 and under, all with his wife Joey, whom he met at work. They often get remarks and curious glances from people when they venture out as a big family.The conversation shifts to Ian's professional life, where he discusses his journey from working at SkyVerge to GoDaddy and now leading Kestrel, a company specializing in WooCommerce extensions. He emphasizes the importance of good customer support and staying competitive in a crowded market. Ian's approach to business involves providing solutions and support that go beyond just selling plugins.Ian reveals that his bond with WooCommerce began at SkyVerge, which GoDaddy later acquired. He now focuses on improving WooCommerce's functionalities, helping online stores convert and retain more customers. His company offers a range of extensions, including Checkout WC, aimed at enhancing the overall user experience.The discussion also covers some of Ian’s personal interests, including his preference for nonfiction books and his dedication to maintaining a balanced work-life environment. He holds family traditions, such as movie nights, in high regard and tries to be as available as possible for his children's activities despite a busy schedule.Finally, Ian shares some anecdotes from his past, including his first impressions of his wife and the dynamics of their early relationship. He closes the interview by recommending future guests for the show, including Nick McLaughlin and Rodolfo Melogli, hinting at an exciting upcoming WooCommerce conference in Palermo, Italy.