Interview with Todd Weider
Today I’m interviewing Todd Weider, an owner and creator of SplashVision.com that helps folks to keep up with friends, associates and professionals surrounding water related lifestyles. SplashVision gives an opportunity to share videos, photos, ideas and services.
1. Can you tell me a little about your personal background?
My entire life I live in a place surrounded by water. Dating back to the time when I was 13 I lived together with other people in small yachts. At the age of 19 I became a professional mariner by obtaining my first merchant mariners license, accomplishing what only a few could do at such an early age. I began working on many yachts around the globe and obtained deep knowledge about various cultures. At the age of 24 I took command as Captain of the 150′ yacht with 12 crew and 12 guests aboard. The starting point of this voyage was Perth (Australia), and the final terminal - the East Coast of the United States. During this voyage I crossed the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and both the Red and Mediterranean Seas. In 1999 I helped to spearhead a project to developing and providing the technology for TCPIP traffic data to be sent via satellite communication devices. After 2001 I had an opportunity to help assemble a team to design, build and specify another large vessel. This one was going to be the 185′ Oceangoing Mega-Yacht. I was heavily involved in writing of specifications for the vessel, the design of the vessel and design of all onboard communications, navigation systems and AV systems. The project spanned over 3 years. Shortly after that I departed the yachting business and returned to Florida to focus on my real-estate holdings. Early in 2007 I wrote the specification and plan for the PHI lifestyle business and hired a web development team to develop a working model of the only social site of its kind, SplashVision.com.
2. What do you do for a living? What do you do full time?
Besides SplashVision, I tend to manage some of my real estate. However I spend plenty of time building and improving the business of PHI which operates SplashVision. SplashVision is a very young startup and requires constant attention in order to reach its full potential. It’s just a small part of PHI.
3. What’s your university-level education? Degree maybe?
I probably have the best non formal or shall I say an un-structured education available in this world. I learned everything I know from the wealthiest and most educated individuals on the globe, - the guests and owners of 100,000 million dollar Yachts! In many cases I worked directly for them or they were guests. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by listening to them. What’s more incredible is that they share experience, skills and knowledge with me just because they want to talk to someone else…and the travel which took me to all corners of the globe. The marketplace is really huge. I have to say I won’t have trade my education for anything. Oh, and I got paid for it! 
4. Why did you choose online video industry to be the major topic of your site?
If you had to make a choice between the internet and the internet on steroids what would you choose? In my eyes it is by far the most powerful medium known. It is also perfect for my audience. Thatэs what they want.
5. Why did you name the service SplashVision?
You’ll get it if you visit SplashVision. “Splash” is water and it is a social media utility, so “Vision” goes very naturally with it.
6. What is your inspiration to work? Or it’s your hobby?
I love the results or shall I say the potential results. It’s incredible to see that you reap the fruits of your labor. It is also a great chance to show your worth as a chief because of your leadership skills and desire to contribute. It’s an awesome high!
7. How much time do you put into this service on a daily basis?
I never stop thinking about it. I am paranoid to fail. But all in all I spend workdays or about to feel completely satisfied if I do something useful. I spend most of my time doing research and understanding the trends. Until recently we were able just to develop this site, but now we can do a fun part. Enjoy our users’ videos.
8. What is your long term vision with SplashVision?
The goal is to create a community that addresses and facilitates the needs of people who live and work in water surroundings. SplashVision realizes this goal. PHI is the core of our long term plan. Exciting times are just around the corner! It will be interesting to see who else wants to join and play with us.
9. Do you have any parting words?
The internet is a crowded space with incredible opportunities. I learned many things and had a good time doing it. IMHO, don’t be afraid of difficulties and never fail. I think a positive attitude is a must. I also believe in great people around you. My teams are always of high-class. When I started this project I did not know anything about it, I am a self-educated person. I think we have done a pretty good job with SplashVision.com and the real excitement is PHI, I think our customers will really like what we are providing.
P.S. I thank Todd for the provided answers!
Technorati Tags: splashvision, interview, videos, photos, web tv, television, tcp ip, web sites, digital media, media
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