Name: Gary Dufner
Program: Web Design
Graduation Date: Summer 2003
Current Employer and Job Title: Owner, Webskinz.com; Teacher, IADT

Following 9/11, Gary found himself without a job. He discovered he could go to school with a scholarship from the government, and saw a handout at the employment office for Winter Park Tech. Interested in Web Design, Gary made an appointment to meet with the teacher. "I was happy to see the relaxed atmosphere of the classroom and the computers that I would be learning on. Winter Park Tech is very laid back and easy to work with. No hard pressure to get through the course; you learn at your own pace."

Once enrolled, Gary found himself pressed for time. "Since I just lost my job and needed work to support my own family I took learning into my own hands. I had a computer at home with all the programs I needed to complete the course. I sat at the computer probably 12 straight hours a day (and still do) in order to finish the class. I think I finished the class within 6 months (the class is a year program). I was in a hurry."

Gary finished the program in record time, and then got to work starting his own business. "About 6 months after I had graduated from the course I was working as a Photoshop guy at a local web design company and was also ready to charge for my services in my own business. I did a LOT of FREE work to get my business name out there—word of mouth is the best advertisement! I had a lot to learn about the business side and things about web development. Starting a business is not hard, but it’s not easy, either." Gary found that while he was trying to get his own business started, he still needed additional income. "If you want to have your own business you may have to have alternate income while you’re trying to get your business off the ground. I’m still teaching at IADT which is still a great source of income, and I love teaching. I’m also very thankful that my wife was willing to help our family out while I was going to school while also being my business partner."

Winter Park Tech offered Gary more than he anticipated. "I learned how to interact with others in a working environment. When we were done with some of our assignments we would have to get up in front of the class to describe and show what we had done. This was a great start for me, because it showed me how to interact in front of a large room of people, and now I teach students at IADT so that was a great experience for me." Gary also comes back to Winter Park Tech to do lectures for the students and serve on the Advisory Board for the Web Design program.

Gary's experiences, both at Winter Park Tech and after graduation, have taught him some valuable lessons. "Web Design is not all about design; you have to deal with the server side of the business and also deal with clients every day. It’s very challenging if you’re not a people person or not willing to learn new things everyday in order to further your business. If you really want something you have to work for it. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it, or it’s too hard. If you want it bad enough anything can be done. Living for your dreams takes work and commitment."