About Cory

The Entrepreneurial Journey

In 2008, I took a leap of faith and started iThemes from my home office. At the time, WordPress was still in its early days, and I saw an opportunity to empower web professionals with cutting-edge tools and training. What started as a one-person venture quickly grew into a multi-million-dollar company, thanks to the incredible team we built along the way. Together, we served tens of thousands of customers around the globe, proving that a vision coupled with hard work can create something truly transformative.

By 2018, iThemes was acquired by Liquid Web, a premier web hosting company. This milestone was the culmination of a decade of growth, innovation, and resilience. Reflecting on this chapter of my life, I’m reminded that the journey is rarely linear—it’s a mix of highs and lows, lessons learned, and the joy of building something meaningful with people who share your vision.

Building Communities and Supporting Others

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses; it’s about building communities and teams. That’s why, in addition to iThemes, I co-founded The Div, Inc., a nonprofit aimed at inspiring the next generation of developers through its kid-focused program, Div Jr. Supporting the growth and education of others has always been central to my work, and I’m proud of the impact we’ve had in sparking curiosity and innovation in young minds.

In 2020, I took over leadership of PostStatus.com, a vibrant community of WordPress professionals, agencies, and software companies. It’s a place where web professionals connect, share insights, and grow together. I also dedicate time to mental health advocacy and served as a trustee for Big Orange Heart, a nonprofit providing mental health support in the WordPress community.

After Post Status was acquired, in March 2024, I joined hosting.com as Chief Evangelist (formerly A2 Hosting) and serve as the voice, heart, and connector for our brand — both inside our organization and across the communities we serve. My work centers on building trust, amplifying our vision and values, and cultivating a culture of connection and shared success. I create content that brings clarity, build relationships that expand opportunity, and help align internal teams around our mission. I am the bridge for leadership to team, brand to customer, and product to purpose — always with people at the center.

My role is about inspiring alignment, driving clarity, and building community from the inside out.

Here are some of the key responsibilities I have in this community role:

• Champion our brand and mission by serving as the public face of Hosting.com through video, events, and authentic storytelling.
• Bridge leadership, teams, and customers as a trusted advisor, collaborator and connector across departments.
• Lead community growth through our Agency Success program, building trust and value for our core customer base.
• Create thought leadership content that inspires, educates, and connects — from YouTube to keynotes to blogs.
• Shape internal culture and external messaging to align our voice, values, and vision — from the inside out.

Work Happiness and Purpose

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that work should be more than just a paycheck. It should be a source of fulfillment, a place where your strengths, talents, and ambitions align. I’m passionate about helping others discover this balance—whether it’s through coaching, speaking, or simply sharing my story. Work happiness isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey, one that challenges you to grow, adapt, and do great things with your life.

This blog is an extension of that mission. Here, I’ll share my insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and personal growth. I’ll also reflect on the lessons I’m learning every day as a husband, father, and community builder.

Family and Life Beyond Work

Of course, life isn’t all about work. My greatest joy comes from my family—my wife, Lindsey, and our two wonderful kids, Caloway and Lillian. Lindsey, an entrepreneur herself, runs My Marketing Assistant. Together, we navigate the challenges and joys of balancing family life with our shared passion for building and creating.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is a blend of stories, practical advice, and reflections on the entrepreneurial journey. Here’s what you can expect:

• Entrepreneurship Insights: Lessons from building iThemes and leading other ventures like PostStatus.com.
• Leadership & Team Building: Strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and innovation.
• Mental Health Advocacy: Personal stories and actionable tips for maintaining balance and well-being in work and life.
• Marketing & Communication: Ideas for connecting with your audience authentically and effectively.
• Personal Reflections: Candid thoughts on life, family, and the roller coaster of being an entrepreneur.

Join the Conversation

Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. I hope this blog becomes a space where we can connect, share ideas, and inspire each other to push boundaries and pursue our dreams. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking to find purpose in your work, I’m glad you’re here.

Feel free to explore, leave comments, and reach out with your thoughts or questions. After all, the best journeys are the ones we take together.

Here’s to going far—together.

My Current Projects

Here are my current professional projects: