Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Amos Vryhof: My position at Holstein World is an assistant web developer. I started working Part time in the fourth quarter of 2005, and continued on until being hired on Full time in February 2006. My primary responsibilities include, the All Breed Access website, Online Holstein World, Western DairyBusiness, and Midwest DairyBusiness magazines, website updates, Internal technical support for our employees, and filling in for Eric when he is not in the office.

Some of my favorite tasks are developing new technologies for use on our websites, and customer websites, as well as creating new websites for customers. It is rewarding to create a good looking website, and a happy customer. It can be a little frustrating at times because I”m more of a computer person than a dairy person, but in the end, it”s always a good feeling to make the best website I can build.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Amos Vryhof: Prior to starting at Holstein World, I attended Clarkson University for Management Information Systems for a few years, and since then have worked in various industries, including Electroplating, Retail, Computer Technical Support, Trucking, and Contract work installing Point of Sale Systems, and various low-voltage electrical work. Currently, I live with my brother and his family in Nedrow, NY. I have two Nieces, a Nephew, and another on the way. My Hobbies are pretty much all DIY type of things; Home Brewing, Carpentry, some Auto repair, and Computers. I also have a small coin collection, including the complete collection of Mercury Dimes.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Amos Vryhof: Working here has been a pretty good collection of memories. I would have to say it is a very fun place to work, and very rewarding most of the time. I would have to say the Christmas party at Turning Stone was a great memory, and winning my way up to $130 from the $10 I took was fun… even though I lost it all about 10 minutes later. I think the most exciting accomplishment has been working on the team that has taken our Internet services department from a few breeder sites, holsteinworld.com and dairybusiness.com to about 250 customer websites, with sites for a blog, All Breed Access, and two of our most popular DairyBusiness publications…. as well as a few big projects in the works that I think will make this year very exciting.

Holstein World: Is there any further information you”d like to share?

Amos Vryhof: I think 2007 will turn out to be our best year yet. With new team members coming on board to help keep up with the workload, and the new projects we have in store, I think we can safely say our customers will get more than ever out of our Internet Services Department to help integrate their print and electronic advertising packages. All of the major advertising players in just about every industry are using the combination of new media (Websites, Online Sales, Online Catalogs, etc) and old media (Print, radio) to hit on target with the whole customer base.

Holstein World: This week we will be visiting with the people who make Holstein World and AllBreed Access tick – the print & internet teams! Each day, two or three of us will be sharing information about our jobs and interests. First up is our Internet Services Manager, Eric Miller.

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Eric Miller: I am the Internet Services Manager at Holstein World & DairyBusiness and have been in this position since August of 2000. My primary responsibility is to oversee and manage all aspects of the Internet Services department, including sales and production. My responsibilities also include website design and maintenance, customer service, sales and computer technical support for the entire company…..and much more. One of my favorite tasks is actually creating new websites. I really enjoy the artistic creativity involved in designing new and unique sites, trying to develop new looks and integrate new ideas and technologies. It gives me a strong feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day knowing I have worked hard to create a website, banner or advertisement that hopefully our customers will love.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Eric Miller: I am very happily married, we have 2 kids aged 17 & 18. My wife, Cathi, is an Office Manager/ Graphic Designer for Bon Appetite Management Co. Our oldest child, Lauren is a Senior in high school and planning to attend an Art School. The youngest, Eric, is a Junior in high school and is very intrigued with the Armed Forces after he graduates. We also have two 65 lb. lap dogs, a cat and two leopard geckos for pets.

I have college degrees in Liberal Arts and in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science. Most of my practical computer training and knowledge came in the form of “Do it and learn” along with many seminars and educational programs. Before I began working for DairyBusiness, I worked for a local Internet Service Provider in a technical/customer support role. My responsibilities included computer setup for customers and web page design instruction. Prior to that I was Senior Production Manager for a computerized screen print and embroidery company.

I don’t have a lot of free time for many hobbies, except for one. I really enjoy the art and craft of brewing my own beer. It’s lots of fun to reap the benefits when it’s ready to drink, but the most rewarding aspect for me is actually brewing the beer and trying to make it better each time. There are so many variables and so many different styles and techniques…it’s a constant learning process.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Eric Miller: I don’t have any specific favorite memories, but the part of my job that I love the most is meeting and talking to so many wonderful people. Not only from across the country, but from Canada and across the world as well. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with many, many fine individuals and families. And assisting our customers and clients in marketing their cattle or genetics with a website, banner or online advertisement makes my job a very rewarding experience.

The most exciting accomplishment for me is more of a “team” effort that not only I, but our team members at Holstein World and our customers and friends have played a role in. HolsteinWorld.com has become more and more popular for Holstein news, breeder news and resources as each year passes. The foundation was already set when I began in 2000, and with the help of the Holstein World team, our great customers as well as many friends and supporters, we have continued to build and develop the website into what it is today. HolsteinWorld.com currently receives over 5,000 visitors per day and that number continues to grow as each year passes. Thank you’s are due to our visitors, supporters and everyone who contributes to the website. It wouldn’t be what it is today without each of you.