User:Thewanjala
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John Majani Wanjala Jr. (born February 17, 1982 in Portland, Oregon) is the founder of Wanjala Farming, LLC. and also maintains a career as a Performance Analyst for a private Financial Firm based in Southern Oregon.
[edit] Early Years
At the age of 9 John began making money mowing lawns for neighbors at $5.00 per yard.
Soon after building a substantial amount in his bank account, John began offering short term loans to family members at short term interest rates. He would later see this as a fairly luqerative venture, especially before debit cards were becoming popular to keep money on hand to loan.
When Wanjala turned 14, he began helping a fellow friend and neighbor start up Bridgetown Exterminators, a bug extermination company. His carrier there lasted for two years before being hired on as a Lot Attendant at Landmark Ford & Daihatsu.
His carrier at Ford would last two years where he would see his capital savings grow to all time highs through a thrifty lifestyle and many hours of overtime. However after only two years at Ford his time would soon come to an end as John sought to find his course.
After living with diabetes for most of his life, and being on dialysis for more than two years Wanjala’s grandfather, whom his middle name comes from, passed away in December 1999. This event would weigh heavily on his mind in the months to follow, wondering if he could have done anything to save his grandfather’s life.
Over the next six months John would complete his studies in high school before paying his way to travel to Kenya in June 2000. The trip would enable John to find more than peace for his grandfather, the late Ezekiel Majani Lugalia now at rest. His parents knew this was a time of growth for him and gave him the assignment of building a new gate entrance to their family farm. This would comprise of two weeks of his time, however when the project was finished Wanjala felt as if his trip back to his homeland had meaning and purpose.
[edit] Education
Wanjala attended Jesuit High School, a private college preparatory school in Portland Oregon. After graduating from Jesuit, John enrolled at Portland State University, where he would later leave after only one semester in December 2000. He later stated that his reason for leaving PSU was a desire for change and greater independence.
While continuing his education at Southern Oregon University John would meet future friend and colleague Amy Jones while applying for a study abroad program at Hochschule Harz University in Wernigerode, Germany. In July 2001, both John and Amy would be among five students selected to participate in the three week exchange program consisting of intense German Language, business and economics studies.
Upon his return for his sophomore year at SOU, John would meet college dorm mate Carl Barcoft and would together make a failed run at Student Body President later in the year. His last minute run at President however would bring on strong scrutiny from political opponents who accused the running mates of unfair campaigning practices, however his accusers would later dismiss these accusations having said they were unfounded. Two years later however in the spring of 2003, John would make a successful bid as School of Business Senator where he would play an active role-implementing student initiated activities, projects, and political action on campus and within the community.
The following year, John would leave Southern Oregon University after completing his studies in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and minor in Human Communications.
[edit] Interests
Aside from his passion for personal finance, which include stocks, bonds and real estate, John also takes an interest in farming and raising livestock. Having founding his own firm in 2006, Wanjala Farming LLC, John began buying livestock for both personal and retail sale.
Other passions included his love for speed and motorcycles. John would however end up hanging up his helmet in the summer of 2006 after several close friends and family voiced concern for his safety with several recent accidents including that of Pittsburgh Stealers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
After putting his motorcycle up for sale, his interests would later move back to the air with his passion for flight.