Some History... and Definitely Some Characters
A Name:
The site name is a simple formula....a combination of my name and the jersey number I wore during college hockey -- hence BOB44.com.
Some Integral Helpers
The idea for the website had been in the works for awhile. A couple of brilliant guys who've played key roles in the site's inception and development are software developer Adam Karrera of Tempe, Ariz., and Reservations training/communications developer Mardi Coleman of Dallas, Texas. Adam patiently taught me the fundamentals of web design and administration, while Mardi has always there for content evaluation plus nuts-n-bolts suggestions (including hand-scripted code!) for changes, improvements and enhancements. I'm eternally grateful to both gentlemen for their guidance. And because of web developer Dhana Shunmugasundram, Bob44.com has taken another leap -- with improved appearance and functionality. Sincere thanks go out to all three.
Why Do It?
The initial purpose revolved around a very large event; competing in the 2002 Musclemania World Championships. The goal was to offer an efficient, centralized way to share contest information and updates with a large group of people. Even with considerable growing pains that accompanyed first-time Web site development, Bob44.com was an easier and higher quality solution -- aleviating a need for paper mailouts and repetitious event explanations. It was also a forum to fortify prospect bodybuilding fans (or the curious) with information and truths about a sport that's often riddled with lies, misconceptions, and pseudoscience.
A Welcome Addition
In late 2004, boxing analyst Bart Barry joined "The 44". During his 18 month tenure, Bart's professional caliber insights and interviews, combined with programming talent and public relations rapport, propelled a once-humble URL into a boxing community elite. Mr. Barry now stars on Mondays for the *premiere* online boxing source 15ROUNDS.com and frequently appears on nationally acclaimed CBS SPORTSLINE.com.
Onward
With the days of competitive bodybuilding behind me, a variety of other life components exist. Bob44.com has morphed itself into a vehicle for sharing them with a diverse group ranging from personal friends and family to prospective business acquaintances.
Want to get involved? Your thoughts, feedback, and contributions are encouraged.