Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Allen.
Steve, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began building websites in 1994, when the web itself was just getting started. What began as a hobby soon turned into a side job for companies in Atlanta. I had moved to Atlanta (in DeKalb!) in 1977 after graduating from the University of Georgia with a Journalism degree, and from 1979 through 1999 I served as Public Relations Officer for the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. While there, I created the first website for any Japanese consulate or embassy in the world, working with a local startup called MindSpring.
One of my hobbies at the time was MIDI music, which, due the slow internet speeds of the era, was the only practical way to share music online. In 1996 I started the MIDI Composers’ Exchange and collected original music from around the globe. It was meant as just a hobby, but a New York startup called The Mining Company soon reached out and asked me to become their MIDI Guide. That company later became About.com, where I served as the MIDI and MP3 Guide until 2004, by which time About.com was part of The New York Times.
In 2001 my family and I moved back to my hometown of Macon, where I launched egg media, a web design and hosting company that today serves around 150 clients.
Oh, and in between all that, in 1980 I was co-owner of the 40 Watt Club in Athens, where many Athens bands such as REM and Pylon got their start.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing in life is smooth! However, I’ve managed to grow and change with the times and technology. I’m now what you could call an elder!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Frankly, I never had much talent for visual arts (though most of my friends in college were artists). I know a good design when I see it, but struggle a bit to create one. I do have a good handle on the nuts and bolts of websites and can do something in straight HTML when required. I love incorporating video and interactive elements in websites.
What matters most to you?
People matter. I’m a one-person shop, which is the smallest business there is, and I couldn’t survive without being able to understand my clients and what they need. Technology changes, political winds blow in all directions, but human nature is pretty constant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eggmedia.com
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/eggmusic-2
