Vassallo Interviews: Stephen Benn Solves Problems with Technology

My path accidentally crossed Stephen Benn’s a few months ago, and I’m so thankful it did. This young man is headed to greatness. It’s written all over him. Whatever field he ultimately enters will be a win-win for all involved.
HottyToddy.com: Stephen, tell us a little about who you are.
Stephen Benn: Well, I’m a 21 year old computer enthusiast from Moss Point. I have always loved solving problems which is what the Information Technology field is all about, so it’s no surprise that I fell in love with computers and electronics when I got my first computer in the late 90s.
HottyToddy.com: You have an excellent reputation for building websites. What do you try and accomplish with new clients?
Stephen Benn: When I start working with a new client, my main goal is to figure out what their objective is as a whole. This extends beyond just building a website to include bringing their brand online and creating an appealing online presence which accurately represents who they are as a business, organization, or individual.
HottyToddy.com: What is a typical timeline to develop a website with cost variances?
Stephen Benn: There are many different types of websites and the type chosen does have an effect on the time and cost to create it. I have done websites that range from $300 to upwards of $1400. Some of these have taken as little as 2 weeks, while others have taken around two months. The time strongly depends on how much content and functionality the client requires.
HottyToddy.com: With technology changing so rapidly, how does anyone keep current?
Stephen Benn: To stay current in the IT field, you really need to have a genuine interest in it. I learn most of what I know from working on personal projects which I do for fun. Because IT is always changing, there is always something new to learn and as a result, I always have a new project to take on. When working on projects for my clients, I enjoy it, which is why I will learn something new to satisfy their objectives if I need to.
HottyToddy.com: After graduating from Ole Miss, what is your immediate goal?
Stephen Benn: I am blessed to have the opportunity to work for the university as a Computer Hardware Specialist so I can gain real world experience as I complete my degree in Management Information Systems. After I graduate, I plan to stay around to continue to learn and grow as an IT professional before deciding the next step in my life.
HottyToddy.com: Fast forward five years. Would you like to be directing your own business? If so, where would you like to be located?
Stephen Benn: Directing my own business sounds fun, but I don’t think it’s for me because it would take me out of the field. I really enjoy being hands on with different types of new technology and I have found that the best place to do that is working out in the field.
HottyToddy.com: Students today appear to be “online” constantly. How many hours do you average daily on the “net”?
Stephen Benn: I spend a lot of time on the internet at work to carry out my daily duties, so when I get home, I prefer to go off line. I’d say I spend about an hour a day online for things outside of work.
HottyToddy.com: How would you describe Oxford from the perspective of being computer “savvy”?
Stephen Benn: I would describe Oxford as a great place to live as a computer savvy person. The university and its students all have the latest and greatest technology so I often find myself feeling like a kid in a candy store.
HottyToddy.com: Is there an answer to any subject or problem that cannot be found via the internet?
Stephen Benn: Yes. The internet has tons of information, but it contains what we put on it. There are still many subjects that we find ourselves as humans pondering like politics, religion, and whether or not aliens exist. Those answers aren’t on the internet, but it’s a good place to find information to form our own thoughts.
HottyToddy.com: Regarding future/potential clients for you, who best fits the mold?
Stephen Benn: I can’t say that there is a mold. I’m very flexible and can bridge the gap to serve almost any type of client. I’d say anyone who thinks they can benefit from online exposure and is willing to work with me to accomplish that goal would be great.
HottyToddy.com: Corporate America has drastically changed over the past 20-25 years. Is working with a Fortune 500 company today appealing to the “creative class” of students.
Stephen Benn: Ten years ago I would have said no, but I think corporate America is slowly becoming more appealing to the creative class of students. Companies are realizing that fostering a creative environment allows employees to be more creative and innovative.
HottyToddy.com: We really haven’t discussed your interests outside of IT and business. What motivates you beyond these areas?
Stephen Benn: I run on the Whirlpool trails quite a bit and I also go out on the bike trails when the weather’s nice because I love being active. I like pushing myself to my physical limits because it motivates me to push myself in other areas of my life. I also love cars, so I spend a significant amount of time on my car whether I’m doing maintenance or working on a new modification.
HottyToddy.com: How challenging has Ole Miss been to a student with your abilities?
Stephen Benn: Ole Miss has been very challenging which is why I feel I have grown so much since I’ve been here. Everywhere I look I see students who are just as talented as, and even more talented, than I am. I guess you could consider this to be the main reason I work so hard to better myself academically and professionally.
HottyToddy.com: Define success.
Stephen Benn: Some would define success as having a great job, or living out your dreams, but I mainly define it as being happy. Happiness is what I live each day chasing and as I get older, I find that the same things that bring me happiness are the things that also bring me closer to the other definitions of success I mentioned.
Stephen exemplifies what a model student and career-focused individual is all about. To reach him, you can email him at mail@stephenmbenn.com or call his cell at (228) 623-5507. You will not be disappointed in the product he delivers!

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford.You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.