Meet Alexander Tola | Website Store | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Tola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What really pushed me was asking, why is this so broken?

In the early internet, there were very few safeguards. Intellectual property was constantly violated. Payment systems were unreliable. Platforms collapsed. Creators were told everything should be free. At the same time, some early web pioneers were charging enormous amounts of money for work that, technically, did not justify it. That disconnect never made sense to me.

I realized early on that if I wanted to build anything lasting, I could not just participate in the system. I had to understand it deeply. So instead of chasing shortcuts, I decided to arm myself with knowledge. Infrastructure. Technology. Systems. How everything actually works together.

That decision shaped everything that came next. I focused on learning the mechanics behind the internet, not just surface-level tools, so I could build businesses that were sustainable, fair, and adaptable as technology changed. That mindset is what allowed me to keep building through every wave, collapse, and reinvention since.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business grew out of necessity, not a master plan. Early on, I kept seeing smart people struggle, not because they lacked talent or effort, but because the systems underneath their work were fragile, fragmented, or poorly understood. I had lived through multiple shifts in technology and watched platforms, payment systems, and business models rise and collapse. That experience taught me that surface level solutions rarely last.

What sets my work apart is a focus on fundamentals. I spend time understanding how things actually work before building on top of them. Infrastructure, ownership, protection of intellectual property, and long term adaptability matter more than trends or shortcuts. That approach has allowed me to build businesses that survive change instead of being disrupted by it.

Getting to this point was not easy. There were constant challenges, from learning hard technical skills on the fly to navigating industries that often rewarded speed over substance. The way I overcame those challenges was by staying curious, being willing to rebuild when something broke, and taking responsibility for understanding the full system rather than blaming external factors.

One of the things I am most proud of is that this journey was not solitary. My son Julian was there with me early on, working side by side, learning through real problems and real responsibility. Those experiences reinforced my belief that the best education comes from doing, questioning, and building together.

The biggest lesson I have learned is simple but not easy. Sustainable success comes from clarity, patience, and respect for the underlying mechanics of whatever you are building. What I want the world to know about my work is that it is not about hype or scale for its own sake. It is about building things that work, protect the people who use them, and continue to make sense even as technology and markets evolve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Arizona and I wanted to show them the best version of it, I would focus on experiences that balance beauty, calm, and quality.

I would start with a full reset at the Terra Luna Spa at the Arizona Biltmore. It is the perfect introduction to Scottsdale because it captures luxury without feeling overdone. It sets the tone for slowing down and actually enjoying the environment.

For dining, I would plan evenings at both The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain and Mountain Shadows. The Sanctuary offers an incredible setting with views that remind you why the desert is special, while Mountain Shadows feels refined, relaxed, and consistently excellent. Between the two, you get a great mix of atmosphere, food, and conversation without feeling rushed.

During the week, I would keep the pace intentional. Morning walks with mountain views, time by the pool, and quiet afternoons exploring Old Town Scottsdale or simply enjoying the architecture and landscape. Arizona does not need to be packed with activities to be memorable. The space, light, and stillness are part of the experience.

The goal would be to leave feeling restored, inspired, and grounded. Arizona does that better than almost anywhere when you let it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to give a shoutout to my son Julian. He was there side by side with me when we were getting into all of this, learning in real time, building, fixing, and figuring things out together. A lot of what I do today was shaped by those early experiences of working through problems together and learning by doing, not by following a script.

I also want to shout out the people and environments that taught me how things really work. The builders, engineers, and problem solvers who cared more about getting it right than getting credit. And the moments when things failed or broke, because those experiences taught me accountability, patience, and long term thinking.

Finally, my family deserves credit for giving me the space to question systems, take responsibility, and keep going when there was no clear path. That foundation mattered more than any shortcut or trend.

Website: https://websitestore.nyc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/website_store_nyc/

Twitter: https://x.com/WebsiteStoreNYC

Soundcloud: https://www.websitestorenyc.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEalic7qNeQ&list=PLm_MRbkTOZYGYHdNuRWogaKIYr83FsDGn

Other: For collaborations, speaking, or business inquiries:
https://websitestore.nyc/appointment/