Historical Work Brief: I built forts and tree-houses in the Missouri woods as a boy in the late 60's. I've been a designer and draftsperson since my teens; a veritable DaVinci in Shop. I designed and built a simple log cabin in the Ozarks for a hunting lodge! I've been a professional Carpenter since 76, first as a residential framing and trim Carpenter, then later a commercial Union Carpenter attaining Journey status in 1981, doing Retail Tenant Improvement (mall stores) and some stage work in Hellywood while living in the O.C.! In late 85 I returned to the Midwest (cause I married a girl from KC Metro) and became a General Contractor (framed & trimmed both track & custom homes), then I started designing & building them myself for resale (builder homes). Then, following a stressful divorce, I liquidated and moved to Hawaii (90-96); after a year as a beach-bum, I started doing commercial work (high-rise hotel renovations and military base upgrades) via the Carpenters Union, or in non-Union supervisory roles, then did residential renovations (hi-end kitchens & bath's, custom solid surface, Euro Cabinetry) as well as many fill-in jobs that were termite damage repairs to post-n-beam (plantation-style) homes, and where I began home inspections! I also worked part-time evenings/weekends DJ'n at a radio station (95.5fm, kaim, then owned by the BGEA)! Returning mainland, I (Union) installed Labratories (w/ ISEC) at University's, and high-end finish work at 5* hotels. I later partnered and built AGI Contractors, but left it to my step-bro Steve so I could escape LA (again), and live out my life here in Metro Denver. Though nationally & globally well-traveled, few places are as inspiring, esp. for a Writer; plus Denver is where family is (what's left of mine is here/near/dear)!
Personal Section: (Skip it unless your really bored!) As I stated, I'm a Master Carpenter by trade & (former) General Contractor. Aside from the trades (the hands-on work), my other roles included: Lead Carpenter, Superintendent/Foreman, Estimator and Consultant. In other trades, I have extensive knowledge & and hand-on experience in (residential) plumbing, electrical and some HVAC. I�m now a part-time Author/writer, first published in 2003 (and longing to be a full-time Author, in time). I'm studying the International Building Codes and will be testing for the first set of ICC Certifications in 2007!
I do not associate people with their professions; for example, my construction background is only a fraction of who I am; what I know! Sure, it has shaped me and directed my cognition as well as my cause, but inwardly, I am a Writer; an Author, and observer of life. Being an Author is like being an Actor; precious few actually make enough monies doing it alone. And I like the creative process of design/build; always have. Building an entire home and then standing back to admire that effort is gratifying! The same is true with anything built; to have a vision in your minds that's 3 dimensional, then drawing it in 2 dimensions, and then building it back in 3 dimensions corporeally, and finally walk thru it (or on it, around or over it)!
Personality/Interests: I'm an Existentialist, Published Author, Egalitarian, Craftsman, Communitarian, Naturalist, Social Ecologist, Artisan, Green Builder, Lefty Virgo, Cyclist, Musician (drums) and perpetual Autodidact! Currently writing a book on residential renovations (and a possible cable show to follow would be cool!), and studying alternative energy & solar energy systems to expand into that arena. Other study topics of interest are: Physics, Philosophy (what I'm published in), Multiple Intelligence/s, Psychology, Sociology, and Earth & Space Sciences.
I'm barely a social drinker (beer/wine) and I take no chemical drugs except Starbucks daily, and a weekly aspirin. "In all things, moderation"; that's the motto I try to follow. Currently an omnivore but willing to be converted by a palate-teasing vegan chef. I eat reasonably well and hike and bike some, so I'm physically as well as emotionally fit! Balance, or centeredness, is avoiding the extremes; the "Pendulum at Peace" as I call it!
I like Smooth Jazz, New Age, Classic Rock, CCM, some International and Classical music. Media: I watch the National Geographic, Science, Discovery, Travel and History channels, SciFi, PBS, hgtv, and certain mlb & nfl games, k-love, npr & csn (radio), but I avoid the rest: I consume mostly non-fiction. I have no pets as of yet, but I love dogs; used to breed cocker spaniels. I'm legally married (05/05/00) but she abandoned me in late 05 for a millionaire. I'm well-traveled; in addition to covering most of N. America, I've traveled the Holy Land, Egypt & SE Asia!
I like building websites (like this one and others), I read and write much online too. I sleep 9 hours per rotation; My IQ is 151 (TA3). I like hiking and primitive camping in State/National Parks, and have many miles logged on Amtrak! I mostly use public transport or ride my bike or walk, until I can purchase an eco-friendly van. I only fly in emergencies or to cross oceans. I'm a member of the
Union of Concerned Scientists.
I'm Independent; freelance, servicing home owners, property managers, business-owners or Real Estate Professionals, per inspection, by the hour or the assignment, for cash or trade or barter, as a:
A: Home Inspector (Includes comprehensive report w/photos)!
B: Public Speaker / Educator for building and the environment!
C: Managerial: Owner / Builder Consultant & Adviser!
D: Designer/draftsman for room additions and renovations!
E: Installation Specialist of anything sold by any lumber or hardware supplier and any related work involved in that installation.
I'm into Loft (conversions), historic homes (restorations) and designing contemporaries! I also like Log homes and designing eco-buildings! Open to other possibilities as well, outside of construction. We should do what we love, but we are not our careers; we are far more, if we volition: To love life is to consume it, not to be consumed by it!