Recent Blog Posts on Rob Bertholf

Back to Hawaii

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:03:44 PST

I am excited to share that after 18 months of working with our regional sales managers building new distribution channels for Empowered and our flagship ZeppOS Total Site Management software that I am officially back in Hawaii!

In addition to running The Zeppo Network, I will be taking lead on the Sales and Marketing side of Empowered. I will also be working with the SCORE Chapter of Hawaii as an advisor and on the side I will be playing with my new Activities company which I will announce shortly.

With Aloha, Rob

I NEED YOUR HELP!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:21:02 PST

Aloha Friends,
I NEED YOUR HELP! As many of you know, I have been "on the lam" setting up new distribution channels on the mainland for the last 18 months. I am due to arrive back in Hawaii in one week and have already been "arrested"!

I am going behind bars for "GOOD".

PLEASE HELP BAIL ME OUT!
Your donation is my key to freedom!
https://www.joinmda.org/2008hawaiitelu/rob

Seriously though, the MDA is a worthy cause and we can all be proud of the fact that together we are providing help and hope to kids and adults served by MDA in Hawaii.

Mahalo for making a difference!

Hawaii Search Engine Optimization Expert

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:52:42 PST

After only 30 days of optimization efforts I have successfully positioned my domain in #2 position (as #1 position is owned by my company Empowered Internet Solutions) for the keyword "Hawaii Search Engine Optimization". This same feat was achieved only last month for the term "Oregon Search Engine Optimization" achieving 1st position in Google. For the state of California I have achieved as high as 7th position (just 4 spots behind BruceClay.com) in Google, and will set my sights to #1 position in the fall.

#1st and #2nd position achieved for the term Search Engine Optimization. This is the second successful test in 2 months.

Hawaii High Tech Social Networking

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:50:50 PST

I am quite impressed with a new Hawaii Social Networking site geared towards a High Tech crowd.

TechHui was setup on NING by Daniel Leuck and is positioned to unite various professionals in the technology industry.

Join today!

The Power of PageRank

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:11:51 PST

Recently while visiting with my friend, talented Hawaiian Musician and face of "ZeppOS" about Search Engine Optimization, I told Kristian how powerful a solid PageRank could be. To demonstrate the point, I posted a link from the homepage of my PR6 website (EmpoweredInternet.com) to her website.

In one day her PR increased from a 0 to a 4 and she now appears #1 position for keyphrase "Hawaii Broadway Vocalist" which was the hyperlinked text on our homepage.

Amazing the power of PageRank!!!

Oregon Search Engine Optimization Expert

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:32:13 PST

Google has declared me the top SEO guru for the state of Oregon (how i see it anyways).

Speaking on Web Marketing in Hawaii

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:13:12 PST

I am currently in Hawaii and will be the guest speaker at two events next week:

LEARN KEY SECRETS OF WEB MARKETING

Wednesday, May 7th or Thursday, May 8th from 3:30 pm 5:00 pm on the island of Oahu at the Plaza Club, Pioneer Plaza 20th Fl, Honolulu. Learn how your Website can dominate the search engines, bringing customers and profit.

BUSINESS EXPO THIS SATURDAY

Saturday, May 3 from 9 am 5:30 pm on the Big Island of Hawaii at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Convention Center. Presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, I will be speaking at this all-day event designed to bring together Chamber businesses that offer products and services for the West Hawaii community.

Hope to see you there!

GradualReport.com Launches - over 1700 Visitors first day!

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:40:51 PST

The new project I am working on for a new Internet Comedian and friend Danny Grozdich of the Gradual Report was launched yesterday.

In the first 24 hours it recieved over 1700 "absolute unique visitors" with 10,000 page views. We will be starting on the SEO efforts targeting "YouTube Comedian" and more.

Updated Google PageRank 5!

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:48:55 PST

Maybe it is my competitive nature as a human or my need to quantify as a male but it sure is a thrill having been awarded a Google PageRank of 5!

Typing Test

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:01:48 PST

108 words

Speed test

I have many memories of typing tests taken at various points in my life. The first I can recall was with Mavis Beacon in the 7th grade, that year my school started teaching us typing and I was quite fast although I looked at my fingers to find the keys. My teacher, Mr. Anderson made a cover for my keyboard (a cardboard box with holes for my hands) which I felt he created just to pick on me. I was so embarrased by the box and that no other students had to have one and disapointed as my typing speed dropped significantly while I re-learned how to type not looking at my fingers.

Several years later during my initial evaluations with the Air Force they conducted a typing test and I scored top in the class with 125 words per minute.

Today, I type 108 WPM sitting on my couch in my living room. Take the speed test and tell me how you do!

Mike Polk at it again...

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:01:02 PST

Another satire from the mind of Mike Polk. This one is a dim view on the need for progression in a relationship.

View the clip on the Runaway box YouTube channel:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mTkp9UqVVHs

Guest Speaker at Micro-enterprise Inventors Program of Oregon

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:47:35 PST

I have been asked to be a guest speaker at an Inventors seminar organized by the Micro-enterprise Inventors Program (MIPO) of Oregon. It will be held at 6:30 at the Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon visit the MIPO website for more information.

Striped Shirt vs. My New Haircut

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:06:18 PST

So I have been following the Runaway Box guys on YouTube for several months now, one of the YouTubers, Mike Polk wrote a book called Look at my Striped Shirt! Watch the YouTube Video:**Caution: Language**

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7-KND3w3R2w

The following really isnt classified as "Best of the Web" but it is interesting how Mike Polk's video inspired the creation of a video "My New Haircut" which went viral and spawned 11million views:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4JMOh-cul6M

Since the creation of it there have been a mess of parodies.

Jewish Edition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W4DVubs9Z0

Asian Edition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNfyBqrAaPk

Black Edition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_s3NAQEnsg

Senior Citizen Edition:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y5JtdsWVjhs

Ron Paul Edition: (this one is for you Patrick!)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xp98QGzmJcM&feature=bz301

Nerd Edition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKlg5PiEwMI

Baby Edition:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oKMirPW825M

Web Image Consultant

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:47:09 PST

I have recently taken on a new project with a rising Web Celebrity and Comedian. The subject of a previous blog the Gradual Report brings fresh content to a slowly fading YouTube. Danny Grozdich, the star of the show, is a wildly talented personality with a creative mind and a rapidly growing fan base.

We will be adding a new media management component to ZeppOS and integrating a member management tool to Empower the Gradual Report to manage their site without the assistance of a webmaster.

Learn more about the Gradual Report here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OdMsKBSwxfY

Breakfast in Eugene

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:14:35 PST

In my last post I asked for suggestions on where to eat for breakfast in Eugene; thank you all for your suggestions! I have been in Los Angeles all last week as we just opened a new office in Pasadena but I have been able to visit most of the places suggested.

Weekday Breakfast Picks
Naturally, during the weekdays it is much harder to find a good breakfast spot than on the weekends. My top two weekday picks are Lucky Noodle and Rennies Landing. Lucky Noodle at 207 E 5th Ave opens at 8:00 and has a great breakfast menu to choose from in an elegant surrounding. Rennies Landing at 1214 Kincaid St opens at 7:30 for breakfast and has an inexpensive breakfast menu, recommend trying their breakfast burrito! Other weekday breakfast suggestions I have not had a chance to try out yet were Caf Sienna and Studio One Caf both near UO campus.

Weekend Breakfast Picks
My weekend picks for breakfast include The Broadway, Steelhead Brewery, 6th Street Grill and Lucky Noodle. The Broadway is a favorite due to its great hours, friendly staff and convenient location; recommend the Eugenia omelet with Cream Cheese! Steelhead Brewery doesnt open until 11:30 but is worth the wait if you are a fan of peppered bacon and perfectly prepared eggs. The 6th Street Grill and Lucky Noodle are my other favorite picks for the weekend.

New Request-
Anyone have suggestions on the best place to buy Local gifts? With Valentines coming up I am hoping to find a unique gift to go along with the other presents I already purchased.

Response to Empowered Competition

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:10:17 PST

I have written an "Un-Official" response to the question how Empowered compares to the competition. Bit of a tangent... have a look for yourself:

http://bertholf.com/_cmx/cmx_faq/faqView.asp?FaqID=23

Hickam AFB 15th Services Interview

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:54:37 PST

I was recently interviewed by Hickam Air Force Base regarding the 2nd Annual Zeppo Awards as the 15th Services Squadron took home honors for the "Most Visited Site".

See the full article in the Base Newspaper.

Million Dollar Attitude

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:35:31 PST

I am honored to have been quoted in Joni Reddick-Yundt's new book, Million Dollar Attitude! A true inspiration, her book is now available on Amazon.com.

Eugene Parks

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:58:36 PST

Over the holidays I have been enjoying the delicatessen of warmer climates which (coupled with our most recent software launch) accounts for the gross neglect of my Eugene blog.

Now, having my fill of Plantation Tea's and enjoying mounds of Ahi Poke, I am back in Eugene and ready to enjoy its offerings.

One of my first days back I enjoyed an incredible Winery Dinner at the Broadway. They flew in a German Winemaker from the Mosel and their skilled staff prepared a wonderful 4 course meal in an intimate setting. I highly recommend you visit next month's dinner.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the warm reception given me through my contact form, I love to hear your suggestions of what to explore. Yesterday a visitor to my Blog sent me a link to a new site he is creating on Eugene Oregon Parks. Thanks Brian, great information!

Now off to find breakfast, any suggestions on a good breakfast spot for a weekday?

The Tsumo Brothers

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Paul from Unlimited Idea's releases the Tsumo Brothers on CafePress. I just ordered the Hokusai Sumo Surfer
where the classic Hokusai wave meets SUMO SURFER. If you are looking for some cool wear check this store out!

2nd Annual Zeppo Award Recipients Announced

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:52:26 PST

The winners of the 2nd Annual Zeppo Awards have been released! The Zeppo Awards were created to honor the designers, users, and distributors of the ZeppOS Total Site Management application, these pioneers have been crucial to the adoption of a standardized web platform.

The event will take place in Honolulu, Hawaii on Tuesday, January 8th at 7 pm. See you there!

Learn more on the website: http://ZeppoAwards.com

Gradual Report on YouTube

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:45:21 PST

Although I have only recently started blogging about YouTube personalities, I have been a patron for the last year. It is exciting to find an act early on with the knowledge that it will continue to grow in popularity.

Danny from the Gradual Report is one such personality. If you randomly catch one of his videos his over the top antics may mask the deeper subjects discussed.

Highly recommend you check out his channel:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OdMsKBSwxfY&feature=related

Ronald Jenkees lays it down!

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:55:59 PST

If you havent heard of the "Great" Ronald Jenkees, you missing out on some of the the funkiest beats ever!

I just purchased his CD from his website: http://ronaldjenkees.com and have been programming to it all morning. Remix to a Remix is my favorite, love this video by Man in the Box Show:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=udwUnwHJYck

View his YouTube profile: http://youtube.com/profile?user=ronaldjenkees and go buy his CD!!

Empowered secures 500 Clients!

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:16:01 PST

Empowered Internet Solutions LLC is one of the fastest growing web solutions provider in the United States, securing 500 clients in less than two and a half years of business. Clients, including: Budweiser, Clear Channel Hawaii, Dominos Pizza, Jamba Juice Hawaii, Oceanic Time Warner Cable along with various Chamber of Commerce, Educational, Military and Government agencies trust Empowered Internet Solutions easy to use tools, out-of-the box designs, reliable web hosting, and dedicated support.

Read Full Press Release

Favorite Commedians

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:32:02 PST

Favorite "Internet" Comedians.

Liam Sullivan: http://liamshow.com/

Favorite: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1tcR19y7GPM

Leslie Hall: http://www.lesliehall.com/

Favorite: http://youtube.com/watch?v=i8WoyPEVRFo

Max Silvestri: http://maxsilvestri.com/

Favorite: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PPsUmhqncAg

Sushi!

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:27:26 PST

Sushi Station (http://eugenesushi.com) has incredible sushi! Recommend ordering the house sushi! Great Teriyaki Chicken and Miso soup too!

Me and Him are Killing English!

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:13:52 PST

Its no secret that my grammar is less than par. This seems to be the case with my entire generation but it is not unrepairable.

My friend Doug Carlson has published his new book just in time for Christmas! Me and Him Are Killing English! will no doubt be stuffed into many a Christmas stocking this year by grammatically proper parents.

The soft-cover book is stocking-stuffer priced at $7. I purchased the book from http://KillingEnglish.blogspot.com and recommend you take a look for yourself!

Eugene Oregon SEO Dominance

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:02:28 PST

A few weeks ago I started a random Blog for Eugene Oregon which has turned into local food reviews (What can i say.. I love to eat!) just a month later and after a little SEO magic it is dominating the rankings:

Keyword:	Google	Yahoo!	MSN	AltaVista
Eugene Oregon Blog	4th	1st	1st	1st
Eugene Blog	4th	25th	7th	25th
Eugene Oregon (!?!)	47th	--	--	--
Eugene Oregon Entrepreneur	4th	1st	1st	1st
Additional Bertholf.com Keywords:
Web Entrepreneur	19th	20th	--	21st
Air Force Veteran	39th	13th	4th	13th
Bertholf	9th	1st	1st	1st
EmpoweredInternet.com Keywords:
Eugene Oregon Web Design	7th	5th	9th	6th
Eugene Web Design	13th	12th	--	11th

Oregon Web Design	20th	12th	3rd	12th
Hawaii Web Design	6th	1st	4th	1st
California Web Design	27th	8th	3rd	8th
Florida Web Design	28th	13th	5th	13th
United States Web Design	1st	1st	1st	1st

If 12 years ago when I was just learning how to use the internet if someone would have told me that I would own one of the nations largest web design companies I would have never believed it.

Holding steady with top 10 search placement for Hawaii, California, Florida and Oregon Empowered is quickly closing in on 500 clients including national brands such as Jamba Juice, Dominos, Budweiser, ClearChannel, etc. also including Military Bases, Universities, Government Agencies, and several Chamber of Commerce's.

Weekend Breakfast at The Broadway

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:28:52 PST

The downtown district of large cities has always disappointed me on the weekend because of the lack of open businesses. I have lived downtown in many large cities and on the weekend had to travel to the outskirts to find places to eat for breakfast and even lunch.

Living at Broadway Place in downtown has offered a great selection of locally owned businesses to pick from. My current weekend favorite for breakfast is The Broadway which opens early and has a full breakfast selection.

Their omelets and french toast are my picks along with their fresh squeezed orange juice. Although I have been stumbling downstairs in my PJ's to grab breakfast I would recommend giving them a try even if it means a short drive.

Mexican Food in Eugene

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

I love most all types of cuisine but next to Italian, Mexican food is a regular item on the menu. After discovering fantastic Teri-Chicken two weeks ago, it did not surprise me to find great Mexican food as well.

Over the last month I have sampled at least 4 Mexican Restaurants but none were worth mentioning until I drove through the Muchos Gracias on 450 Willamette St. Convenience in/out access aside, their rice and beans are fantastic. I wont divulge how many times I ordered the #3 Chicken Enchiladas this week alone...

ZeppOS v1.0 First Version Released!

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:59:48 PST

The long anticipated release of the "Professional" grade ZeppOS Total Website Management application or "ZeppOS Pro" v1.0 is now out!

The software has come a long way since its conception in early 2003, this first version clearly defines itself in its own class of functionality. With specific efforts on WAI Compliance and Search Engine Optimization efforts ZeppOS is emerging as a solution for a standard web platform.

First Friday and the Oak Street Speakeasy

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST

My girlfriend and I checked out the First Friday exhibits on W. Broadway and then stopped into the Oak Street Speakeasy for a bite to eat. In previous visits the service has been tremendous this time around there was a bit of a wait before took our drink order.

I ordered the "Worlds Best Lasagna" but was not convinced (I still have a strong conviction that I make the Worlds Best Lasagna). Apart from the lasagna, the live music and atmosphere were enjoyable.

No website listed... what is it with this town? ;)

Empowered preps for 2008 marketing campaign!

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:26:52 PST

Hats off to my Empowered guys for their hard work on our new Empowered marketing campaign.

Here is a sneak peek at the 2008 Empowered Sales video now being produced: View the Empowered Sales page for more!

We are very excited to be working with Kristian Lei as the face of our campaign. View Kristian's website at: http://kristianlei.com/

Halloween Drinks at The Moxie

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST

Although I had no desire to dress up for Halloween, costume watching was a must. After checking out a few locations my girlfriend and I settled at The Moxie on W. Broadway. A hair salon and cocktail bar, the amount of effort in which went into preparing for Halloween was obvious!

They had a fantastic drink menu which included various clever concoctions and my favorite, pumpkin beer out of a frozen pumpkin. My girlfriend tried several martinis served up by "River" our hospitable bartender and mental ward Zombie.

They just enhanced what is slowly becoming a website: http://themoxie.net/ definitely recommend dropping in for a drink and haircut :)

Great Chinese at Ocean Sky

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:56:52 PST

Discovered Ocean Sky Chinese food, located on Chambers street. Very inexpensive prices and massive proportions. I ordered 2 appetizers and 3 entrees, it was enough to feed a large family. Definitely recommend the "Eggplant in garlic sauce", I am not a huge fan of lots of garlic so I was pleasantly surprised when the sauce it was in turned out to have a teriyaki flavor. The staff was extra friendly I just wished my waitress could have carried me to my jeep in a dolly or wheelbarrow or something.

(On a side note, I do realize that this is my third post with the keyword teriyaki... coincidence or obsession?)

Horribly slow service but great Wings!

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:38:29 PST

Met my personal trainer for drinks this evening at Turtles on Willamette St in Eugene. It came highly recommended and the food was great (especially the Teriyaki Wings) but I can see why they call it Turtles, it was as slow as can be! We were seated for about 15 minutes (no joke) before the waitress even took our drink order then it was at least 5 minutes before she returned. I wouldn't have even thought twice if it was a Friday night and if it was packed, but neither was the case. Maybe being slow is part of their culture.

Would post a link to their site but couldn't find one. Starting to think I should open a branch office here!

German Wine and great atmosphere!

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:12:02 PST

The last few weeks I have been going to The Broadway and enjoying their fantastic selection of fine wines and gourmet meals. It has become a Friday night ritual. Their welcoming atmosphere is part in thanks to the friendliness of Chris and Anna. With their resident wine expert, Angus, and a fabulous chef it really is a favorite!

Check them out on the web: http://oregonwineandmore.com/

Great Ramen!

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 07:44:43 PST

I caught a bug on the plane back from my trip to Honolulu last weekend and was craving a good bowl of ramen. I was pleasantly surprised to find Toshi's Ramen on Pearl St here in Eugene. The proportions are huge but what I was most excited about was they serve Teriyaki Chicken and I was able to get a small cup of Miso broth... that is the meal!

They don't appear to have a website other than their myspace page (which cool for viral marketing, but really sad otherwise):

http://www.myspace.com/toshisramen

Relax on a cold day at Onsen Spa's

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 17:00:40 PST

I never realized how much I took my Jacuzzi for granted at my last apartment. Maybe the fact that Hawaii rarely dropped below 70 degrees or because I didn't take time to visit it as I was much more of a work-a-holic prior to moving here to Eugene, but this morning I had a strong urge to soak in warm water.

The hot springs were calling, but I didn't want to spend 2 hours in the car so I was very happy to find a local spot called Onsen where my girlfriend and I soaked for an hour for just $16. http://www.onsenspas.com

Surprise Hawaii Visit

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:22:03 PST

Last minute trip to Hawaii turns into surprise for Empowered's team: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb1zglvabE4

Check out Empowered's new YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/EmpoweredInternet

Traveler

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 07:42:35 PST

Updated my traveler page with a cool new gadget by TripAdvisor using Google Maps API and AJAX. I found it through Facebook...

Also on that page is my new YouTube video's of random travels to include CCR tribute to Kuwait.

Herb Montgomery provides an incredible Message

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:14:16 PST

I recently returned from a retreat featuring Herb Montgomery of Renewed Heart Ministries. Herb brought a powerful message which provides new insight on God's love. I highly recommend you take a look at Herb's website to learn about Renewed Heart Ministries and to download free presentations.

Empowered Clients

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 01:03:32 PST

Our division providing Florida Web Design has just added Domino's Pizza to Empowered's ever growing list of major accounts. Other current accounts with our Hawaii Web Design division include Jamba Juice, Budweiser, Clear Channel, Time Warner Cable, American Lung Association, Hickam Air Force Base, Kidney Foundation, Paul Brown, University of Hawaii and 6 Chamber of Commerce's to include the main Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.

Search Placement

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:30:18 PST

With the help of my SEO Guru we have taken 3rd Page placement for the term "Web Entrepreneur" in Google. Bertholf.com is also ranked first for the term "Rob Bertholf" and 5th for "Bertholf".

ZeppOS v3.0.99 Released

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:11:45 PST

Hard to summarize this upgrade as it entails a wide range of new enhancements from Member Management, to Admin usability, to Search Engine optimization revisions.

View the official ZeppOS website to learn more: http://ZeppOS.ws

Golf Ball Retrieval Invention gets picked up by GolfSmith

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 06:44:22 PST

Kudos to Mike's negotiation and hard work landing us a deal with PRO ACTIVE SPORTS! The Buddy4Balls may now be purchased online at GolfSmith's website. Go get one!!! http://www.golfsmith.com/products/292057

2nd Annual Zeppo Awards - Cast your Vote

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 19:52:04 PST

Cast your vote online for the 2nd Annual Zeppo Awards! Various nomination categories include ZeppOS Designer of the Year, Most Unique Website and the coveted Zeppo Lifetime Achievement Recipient. Visit http://ZeppoAwards.com to cast your vote and learn more!

YoureMyPet.com Launched

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 00:35:37 PST

YoureMyPet.com an online Pet Lovers website was launched today. Took just under 25 hours of design and coding on the ZeppOS platform.

Bertholf.com Re-Launched

Mon, 28 May 2007 20:22:47 PST

The online presence of Rob Bertholf has been re-launched featuring ZeppOS and Empowered related resources.

ZeppOS V3.0.98 Released

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 PST

New ZeppOS core build launched. This build contains many enhancements ranging from the interactions of Components to adding a new Administrator type. The most significant enhancement includes the integration of ZeppOS stock templates.

View the official ZeppOS website to learn more: http://ZeppOS.ws