A Lifelong Quest for Understanding and Building.
Imagine me, a wide-eyed kid witnessing the internet's awkward teenage phase – dial-up screeches, pixelated graphics, and websites you practically needed a telescope to navigate. Yet, amidst the chaos, I saw magic: machines, once mere tools, were connecting, creating, and doing things only dreamt of by corporate giants. This prompted a typical question I always ask myself: how does this crazy stuff work?
This insatiable curiosity, fueled by equal parts caffeine and dismantling old gadgets, led me on a journey that could only be described as "unexpectedly awesome." For over 20 years, I thrived to become a Chief Information Security Officer in the digital jungle of IT. Think data fortresses, network spaghetti, and keeping the whole infrastructure from turning into a digital disaster. It was a world of logic, code, and puzzles that kept my brain swirling like confetti in a tornado.
But parallel to this digital world, another passion emerged – the tangible world of machines and systems. I dove headfirst into the delicate dance of engines and gears, mastering the intricacies of automotive mechanics. Homes were next, revealing the fascinating hidden networks of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Each new skill was a thread woven into the tapestry of my knowledge, fueling my passion to understand the "how" and "why" behind everything.
But my diverse skillset craved a bigger stage. Enter the dynamic world of commercial maintenance. Here, the lines between digital and physical blurred like a well choreographed dance that I stumbled my way through. My IT skills came in handy managing building automation systems, while my understanding of mechanics and residential systems proved invaluable in keeping critical infrastructures running smoothly. Imagine me, the IT wiz who could also fix a leaky faucet and diagnose a faulty heating & cooling system.
This journey wasn't a solo adventure, though. My family, friends, and even random acquaintances surprised me with their unwavering support, urging me to chase this unconventional path. Their belief in my passion became the unforgettable tune of Bette Midler’s wind beneath my wings, propelling me down the winding road of understanding and building, wherever it might lead.
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of curiosity, a dash of humor, and the unwavering belief in following your passion, no matter how unconventional. My unique blend of digital and physical expertise allows me to see challenges with a holistic lens, appreciating how interconnected systems impact the bigger picture. This is just the beginning – a new chapter in my quest to tinker, understand, and contribute to the world around me, hopefully with a few more laughs and a lot more smiles.