Volvo Web Site Manager Enforces Etiquette

Jarrod Stenberg recently found out that a 1985 Chevy Citation blower motor is compatible with Volvo 740s. Though Jarrod is the founder, author and proprietor of Brickboard.com and is considered a Volvo expert, he continues his Swedish automobile education with tips and information from visitors and regulars on his Web site forums.

The blower motor tip saved Jarrod about $75, but he believes that his 12,500 registered members and 7,500 daily visitors not only save money through his site, but use it as a valuable resource for news and information and as a guide to others who share a common interest — Volvos. “These people relate to each other,” Jarrod explained. “Once you drive a Volvo, you don’t want to drive anything else. Therefore, it’s important to connect with people who feel the same way.”

Jarrod drove his first Volvo in 1992 when his uncle bought a 1968 140 and allowed him to borrow it for a trip to New Orleans. “I loved the feel of it,” Jarrod remembered. “I couldn’t believe a car that old could be so comfortable and solid.” A short time later, Jarrod purchased his own ’68 Volvo and installed a ’71 engine. Ever since, Volvos have dominated his driveway ... and much of his life.

A self-proclaimed Volvo fanatic, Jarrod has owned several 200 series wagons and sedans. Currently his main car is a 740, which he says is great even though it doesn’t have the look he prefers. With 200,000 odometer miles, Jarrod claims his 740 runs the same as the day he bought it new. “That’s the beauty of Volvos. They go forever.”

Impressed with Volvos but disappointed by the lack of easy access to other Volvo enthusiasts and information, Jarrod designed, developed and launched Brickboard.com in 1997. Today, the site is an expansive knowledge base with nearly 600 classified ads, Volvo-related event information, FAQs, 265 links and Volvo shops, along with 800-plus photos in the site Gallery, including stats and short stories or descriptions.

Brickboard. Com features intricate search capabilities and three main forums, including, All Wheel Drive/Front Wheel, Rear Wheel Drive, V8 Conversions and Aftermarket. These forums are broken down by model and offer Volvo owners a common area to interact and connect with questions, tips and advice. A fifth Opinion forum is where Jarrod said “Battles go on about movies, politics and other unrelated subjects.”

One section of Jarrod’s site he is most proud of is the Archives, which includes the best of the best information and advice from forums starting in 1997. “I consider it a legacy,” Jarrod said. “These archives are valuable and what was missing from other Volvo Web sites.”

As the proprietor, Jarrod manages the forums and ensures proper etiquette is enforced. For example, all caps are not kosher and person-to-person messages are very unwelcome. Most importantly, everyone must follow the golden rule: Be thorough and complete.

While Brickboard.com keeps Jarrod busy, he is a Web applications developer by trade. As such, he designs, builds and supports Web-based projects for a variety of clients. “Brickboard shows off what I do,” Jarrod explained. “I work on projects that involve large amounts of data. My scope of work is from designing data models to presentation to users and administration of the data. Working with Web applications can be a challenge because the present limitations of the technology can get in the way of user expectations.”

Ongoing projects include managing and updating a Web site for an extended hours program of the St. Paul public school district and assisting a dot com travel site with introducing and managing their Internet presence, data interfaces and user functions. Recently, Jarrod completed a complex, long-term project that involved a commissions program for a large financial institution.

Jarrod earned a CLA Degree in Film from the University of Minnesota. He was raised in International Falls, Minnesota, and now lives and operates Brickboard.com in St. Paul. Jarrod is a newlywed who enjoys traveling and cross-country skiing with his wife. “I live where it’s cold and it snows, so why not make the best of it?”

To interact and connect with Volvo enthusiasts around the world, visit www.brickboard.com.