Rory Walker

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…

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.

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

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