Monthly Archives: April 2013

10 things you didn’t know about Doug Pitchers, owner of DP Web Development

Posted on by
  1. I won the school maths cup when I was eight years old. Two years later I came bottom of the class. Venn diagrams still scare me.
  2. I have travelled to every continent on earth. Except Antarctica. Every single country I have ever been to has something amazing to see. If you struggle to decide where to go stick a random pin in a world map and go where it lands. There will be something amazing to see there. I guarantee it.
  3. I have modeled for FHM magazine. I was posing as a junkie.  Sadly the expected inundation of modelling assignments did not materialise.
  4. I like to watch snooker on TV. It can be exciting. I also find it relaxing.
  5. I have never had a nose bleed. Or a broken limb. Or a black eye. I did cut my head open on a boat in the middle of the ocean which became an emergency as it was very deep.
  6. I once slept for 24 hours straight. For no apparent reason. I went to bed at the normal time and didn’t wake up (at all) until 10 30 the next night. It is a surreal experience to slowly realise it’s not 10:30 in the morning but you have missed an entire day.
  7. I starred on a Japanese TV show.  I was staying in a youth hostel when the manager approached me and asked if I would be willing to answer a few questions for a TV show. I said ok. It was not a formal interview but was one of those famous wacky Japanese show. You know extreme close up, lots of shouting and bad jokes. It was great. I even got paid. About two weeks later while in Thailand about 40 Japanese schoolgirls wanted to have their photo taken with me.
  8. I am good at magic. I know some very good magic tricks (mostly with cards) that will amaze you. Probably. Unless you don’t like magic.
  9. I was a door to door salesperson. I was selling aerial photographs of people’s houses. It is the most soul destroying job I have ever done. So next time someone knocks on your door to sell you something. Be polite. Don’t just slam the door shut. It has probably happened to them about 50 times before already.
  10. I am an excellent table tennis player and represented my home town. I can also play a pretty mean game of pool too. I can also play chess to a good standard. Not too good at volleyball though.

Oh I’m also an ace at creating, developing and maintaining websites so if you are looking for a great website or want me to look after and update you existing one please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Or just call for a chat I don’t mind at all.

You’ll be glad you did. I guarantee it!

Let me know some interesting facts about you.

DP Web Development is no longer bound to Sevenoaks in Kent

Posted on by

“Hola”. I’m in Ecuador. I am still at work but DP Web Development has become location independent. That means I can work from anywhere on this planet. I can still deliver the same great service and results but I have a nicer view. For example from my current “office” I have a magnificent view of thee mountains and volcanoes that surround Quito the capital of Ecuador.

Indeed working from places other than your office opens up exciting new opportunities. For example I have been in this country for about 72 hours now and I have a new contract to build a small website for a local! We got chatting when he saw me on my computer, he needed a website and I said I could help him and we went from there.

This may not be an isolated incident.  Most of the businesses in Ecuador are SME’s (mostly very small) and this is the area I specialize in when it comes to building or maintaining websites. I’m also willing to bet a lot of theses businesses have yet to tap into the benefits of having a website even though most of the younger generations are online.

The other advantage of working for me is that I work when I want…I set my own hours. I tend to work very early or very late (often both) meaning I have the middle of the day to go exploring. Tomorrow I’m off to see the equator. Apparently there are two lines. One was marked a few hundred years ago and was wrong. The “real” one is about 200 metres further down the road. This is not a commonly known fact and I’m sure hundreds, probably thousands of tourists have walked the wrong line!

Next week I will be travelling to the countries second town, Guayaquil. It is about 35C at the moment.  Near the city is a fantastic beach (I have been told) so DP Web Development will be working from a beach for the first time. Mind the sand!  

Before going to Guayaquil and relaxing on the beach I will be attempting to walk up the volcano Iliniza, which is a challenge to say the least. I have a local guide who assures me it is not too bad and is very beautiful at the top. I have climbed (well walked up) mountains in my past but only in Europe. This will be the highest I have ever been.

My life as a location independent business is now busier than I have ever been. Running a business is not easy and NOT less work. But I have more energy than I ever had because every day is a new adventure and it is all down to my own efforts. I love what I do and the freedom I have is addictive.

I urge you to try it now. Why not?  You will never go back to paid employment again.

As always, thoughts appreciated.