Power Kite Forum - What do you do...?

What do you do...?

cheezycheese - 22-9-2009 at 05:10 PM

i am all about networking and lo and behold what do we have here but a network of a few hundred cool kats, soooo.... just curious what you guys do for a living ?
it's good to know, because you never know when you might need the advice of say.... a Marine Biologist for instance. :smilegrin:

Big Earl - 22-9-2009 at 05:11 PM

I own a restaurant (burger joint)

bacon cheese.jpg - 44kB

cheezycheese - 22-9-2009 at 05:13 PM

i will start, i work in Broadcasting. Currently as a Technical Director, but i have also edited (when things were still on videotape) and i can shoot camera. I freelance in NYC at NBC, ABC, PBS...etc

bigben91682 - 22-9-2009 at 05:14 PM

Good idea for a thread!

I'm a civil engineer, I design roads and bridges for New York state highway system.

geokite - 22-9-2009 at 05:23 PM

Teach high school science, all core subjects, usually 9th grade.

WadoGal - 22-9-2009 at 05:39 PM

I'm a formulation chemist. So I formulate cleaning products from car washes to shampoos. If it cleans something, I can probably make it. I prefer to formulate with 'green' chemistry in mind too - everyone seems to be jumping on the green bandwagon these days. I also write and design the marketing literature. Art AND science all at once :wee:

BigMikesKites - 22-9-2009 at 05:46 PM

I'm a network administrator....and I sell kites on the side.

domdino - 22-9-2009 at 06:04 PM

I do motion graphics / print / website stuff for music/tv/film out in LA at the moment

Kamikuza - 22-9-2009 at 06:09 PM

Elementary school teacher :D

Todd - 22-9-2009 at 06:13 PM

Environmental Safety and health with a side dish of HazMat here...;-)

mgatc - 22-9-2009 at 06:14 PM

Air Traffic Control Supervisor/27 years - wife's money. Part time landscaper/5 years - kite money!:D :smilegrin:

kitejumper - 22-9-2009 at 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cheezycheese
i will start, i work in Broadcasting. Currently as a Technical Director, but i have also edited (when things were still on videotape) and i can shoot camera. I freelance in NYC at NBC, ABC, PBS...etc

i used to work master control at a tv station--a great job if you dont mind doing 38 different things at once under severe time pressure......now i operate a railroad bridge and take care of scheduling contractors,vessel traffic,etc........its a homeland security site, so i work with the uscg and homeland security alot.......i had to sign a document when i started that says i cannot discuss details of my job for 10 years after i leave........

dgkid78 - 22-9-2009 at 06:22 PM

Quality Assurance Seafood Inspector . Oh yes nothing like eating King Crab, fish, scallops etc at 5:30am. Just makes the coffee taste so much better lol

And at I hang out with my mentally handicap cousin and get paid for it. 25hrs a week

Sandman - 22-9-2009 at 06:27 PM

Started out as a Textile Computer Monitoring System Installer, then went to Mason Tender, then to Fire Fighter, then to Heat Treating car parts, then to Security Officer, then started up a transportation company, then to Correctional Officer.

And now I am back to the transportation company. :D

My life in two sentences. :wee:

lad - 22-9-2009 at 06:33 PM

Unemployed Graphic Designer, w/sidebar of Community Relations & Risk Communications work - all mostly for the Military Environmental Complex.

cheezycheese - 22-9-2009 at 06:35 PM

this is great... no marine biologists though :lol:

:bigok:

DG, my wife works with the mentally handicapped for an organization called A.R.C. What station were you at Kitejumper, i also do mastercontrol. it always felt like one big nintendo to me, just dont get the"game over"...

self hi-jack- Kamikuza i looove that new avatar lmao.... hooj ballz

kitejumper - 22-9-2009 at 07:06 PM

cheez i was in wisconsin a small station--#@%$#! broke down all the time--had to be a regular houdini to keep stuff on the air

bigkid - 22-9-2009 at 07:17 PM

Great question, it's nice to see who gets into kites..
I am a General Contractor (mostly repair), and I am part owner of an environmentally green car wash system for car dealerships, and I sell kites.

ripsessionkites - 22-9-2009 at 07:30 PM

Food Catering Supervisor for International Flights (CLS Catering). I get to yell at people all day and sit on my a$$.

apart from that Full Time sponsored kitebuggier and kiteshop / distribution co-owner.

BeamerBob - 22-9-2009 at 07:35 PM

I do Computer Aided Design and drafting. CAD. For the last 5 years I've worked for a land developer as a Civil Designer and design their subdivisions. I also aid in property evaluations to help decide whether property would be profitable or not. Worst side is getting plans approved by municipalities, just boring bureaucratic stuff. My passion is with 3d modeling though. Just no work in that here. I was a college instructor in the same field before we moved here for my wife's job. That was fun with great hours and summers off.

Jolt - 22-9-2009 at 07:42 PM

I'm still a student in college hoping to get into electrical engineering; and i work part time at a Menards (for those of you who don't know what that is, its like a Lowes or Home Depot, but centered in the MidWest...)

f0rgiv3n - 22-9-2009 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Akulakat
I'm a network administrator....and I sell kites on the side.

Dude!! MIke, I too am a network admin. haha, kinda cool to see a fellow nerd kite flyer on here :P . now... I just need to sell kites on the side... :D.

tdmc96 - 22-9-2009 at 07:57 PM

I am the shipping Coordinator at a large Harley-Davidson dealership.
The only drawback is, its kinda hard to strap a buggy (and all your gear) to your back and ride a Harley at the same time.

Ken

indigo_wolf - 22-9-2009 at 08:02 PM

Geek for pay.

ATB,
Sam

WIllardTheGrey - 22-9-2009 at 08:17 PM

40hr/wk customer service backup relief assistant manger
8hr/wk backup pharmacy clerk
1-4hr/wk that guy who you know will show up if you ask for help moving the couch up three levels.

BigMikesKites - 22-9-2009 at 08:42 PM

Quote:

I am the shipping Coordinator at a large Harley-Davidson dealership.

Sidecar = Kite Buggy :wee:

dylanj423 - 22-9-2009 at 09:01 PM

i wait tables and just started going to college... need more $ for my kite retirement plans

heliboy50 - 22-9-2009 at 09:46 PM

I am a production worker at a roofing mill. Whatever color your roof is- that's my doing. Machine is 60 feet long and 5 stories tall. Working on starting my own business- vinyl graphics. Also, investing heavily in lottery futures :smilegrin:

flyboy15 - 22-9-2009 at 10:27 PM

Flight Student at the University of North Dakota, will be instrument commercial and multi certified by christmas. 260 hours or so

If any of you boys and girls need a pilot haha, sign me up! (gotta find a plane for me to fly though lol)

redtailin - 22-9-2009 at 10:38 PM

wow, flyboy beat me to it. pretty much exact same as him.

mgatc, what facility are you in?

archkiter - 22-9-2009 at 11:26 PM

Architect with a focus in sustainable/ green design. I work on both commercial and residential projects.

bigkid - 23-9-2009 at 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tdmc96
I am the shipping Coordinator at a large Harley-Davidson dealership.
The only drawback is, its kinda hard to strap a buggy (and all your gear) to your back and ride a Harley at the same time.

Ken

I have a trailer I tow behind my 1800 Goldwing. Took 5 kites and my buggy to Reno last summer, with my wife also.

ragden - 23-9-2009 at 05:55 AM

Network Engineering/Administration. Work for Lockheed Martin supporting the Department of Homeland Security. Spend most of my day staring at switches, routers, and pix configurations... mostly cleaning up mistakes other people made on the network...

acampbell - 23-9-2009 at 06:03 AM

Former owner/ manager of inbound call center serving health care, now independent consultant to the industry. anything from HR to telecomm.

Quoted from somewhere...
"The best way to make a small fortune in the kite business is to start with a large one."

Maven454 - 23-9-2009 at 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kamikuza
Elementary school teacher :D

And that's truly the sad when paired with his current avatar (hooj ballz)...

Bladerunner - 23-9-2009 at 06:40 AM

GEE, I thought you were all international pro power kiters and we just never met 'cause I ride blades :smug:

Electrician / Power Engineer.

I spent 17 years taking care of the Power Companies head office but we just lost that contract. I'm now taking care of strictly lighting in a set of towers and shopping mall close to home. Very low stress, union wages. I like being able to bike / blade to work + having time to fly in the afternoon so it fits but I still miss the last contract.

Maven454 - 23-9-2009 at 06:41 AM

I'm a Computer Systems Integration Engineer. But honestly, I have no idea what that means :smilegrin:

PHREERIDER - 23-9-2009 at 07:29 AM

currently, i do human pretty well,

they're gonna come get me, those bastard

but it's much better than last time ,, back in Rome 400 AD as a "P.E instructor" for the weekend entertainment group. you have no idea how hard it is to teach someone how to remove the head of an opponent while on horse back. i must say air conditioning certainly improves things as well.

f0rgiv3n - 23-9-2009 at 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ragden
Network Engineering/Administration. Work for Lockheed Martin supporting the Department of Homeland Security. Spend most of my day staring at switches, routers, and pix configurations... mostly cleaning up mistakes other people made on the network...

Cheers

. Same here :P except their my mistakes I'm cleaning up :puzzled: :wee: . lol jk

ragden - 23-9-2009 at 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by f0rgiv3n

Quote:

Cheers

. Same here :P except their my mistakes I'm cleaning up :puzzled: :wee: . lol jk

LoL. At least you know what yer looking for, right?
I also spend a lot of time correcting settings within IE. Gotta love proxy servers... :no:

kiteloopkid - 23-9-2009 at 10:12 AM

at school still! :bouncy:

Drewculous - 23-9-2009 at 12:09 PM

Warehouse Manager at a construction supply business... Inventory, sales, small tool repair, you name it i do it all around here...

Its such a small gig, and so much is demanded of us, we only run four employees, but do the same business as some of our other stores that employ 30+ people... its a good job, even if it does get a little crazy from time to time..

Kind of a huge array of fields represented here...

Beamerbob... if your passion is in 3d modeling... which i can relate... I got really into CAD, and eventually the 3d stuff, look into video game designs... if you are slick with a few different programs, you could make a killing in a few of those areas... Just a thought, but i agree, once you break away from the CAD programs, some of that 3d design is such a blast!

ripsessionkites - 23-9-2009 at 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by heliboy50
I am a production worker at a roofing mill. Whatever color your roof is- that's my doing. Machine is 60 feet long and 5 stories tall. Working on starting my own business- vinyl graphics. Also, investing heavily in lottery futures :smilegrin:

what company - IKO?

AD72 - 23-9-2009 at 02:02 PM

Program Manager for underwater engineering company mainly for oil and gas industry.
Former industrial designer - CAD monkey - CGI artist.

trancein1 - 23-9-2009 at 04:16 PM

Myself am working at US Cellulars Network Operations Center, support all Cisco Routers and Cell Towers

Owner of Fumare Hookah Lounge in Schaumburg, IL.

Do you HOOKAH ?:frog

Bladerunner - 23-9-2009 at 04:21 PM

So far not one person who is actually putting the food on the table dealing in kites only. Maybe Eli but he eats Pie!:P

Keep your day jobs :evil:

FloRider - 23-9-2009 at 04:30 PM

I am an Ex-Helicopter Pilot who now works as a School Counselor.

flyboy15 and redtailin,
What do you guys fly? I knew you two and most of the UND crew were into aviation with the comments you guys post. Good luck on finishing your licenses!

f0rgiv3n - 23-9-2009 at 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by trancein1
Myself am working at US Cellulars Network Operations Center, support all Cisco Routers and Cell Towers

Owner of Fumare Hookah Lounge in Schaumburg, IL.

Do you HOOKAH ?:frog

Wow, that's cool man. Cisco routers+cell towers never put those together in my head. I wonder what u get when you combine cisco and hookah? :puzzled:

redtailin - 23-9-2009 at 07:52 PM

live2hover: Flyboy and I are both in Piper Seminoles right now, but have flown Piper Warriors, Arrows and Cessna 172's. Flyboy has a lot of time in the 150 models as well.

The other 2 officers of the UND Club are Heli pilots, working on ratings through Army ROTC. They ride Schweizer 300's and a Jet Ranger now and then....they might chime in here and fill you in

kitemaker4 - 23-9-2009 at 08:05 PM

I make kites.

Susan (npw goddess)

SlasherQuan - 23-9-2009 at 08:09 PM

I'am a Lead Airframe & powerplant mechanic for U.S. Airways. Pilots break em I fix em, America West rules, Easties Drool:singing:

flexiblade - 23-9-2009 at 08:20 PM

Up until 3 months ago I worked at a foundry making molds, retouching waxes and pouring bronze. Now I collect a check from the state every 2 weeks and hope that things start to improve. I also have a teaching credential for High School art (sculpture), but High School art jobs in the state of California are a bit rare. Eventually I will be a teacher when I grow up.

william_rx7 - 23-9-2009 at 08:30 PM

Rodeo clown. OK, not really, but I've always wanted to say that.

I'm an IT consultant / application developer. Some of you know my site, http://www.localkitespots.com

LocalKiteSpots.com illustrates what I do for many of my customers, integrating diverse technologies (weather data sources, Twitter, YouTube, Google Maps, Charting, AdSense, Friend Connect) and data from many partners and users into powerful, innovative applications.

tobytobsen - 24-9-2009 at 12:57 AM

JavaEE Developer at an Insurance company, doing mostly Front-End with JSF(for the new stuff) or Struts(the 'ol crap), and implement some at the backend, too. Work mostly on our internal claims (web-)software.

csa_deadon - 24-9-2009 at 01:59 AM

Marine Biologist.

Kidding.................ICU RN

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner
So far not one person who is actually putting the food on the table dealing in kites only. Maybe Eli but he eats Pie!:P

Don't get Eli started on Apple Pie!! Last time he thought it was second hand pie!!! lol

heliboy50 - 24-9-2009 at 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ripsessionkites

Quote:

what company - IKO?

Certainteed. Lotta' guys there came from the OC plant a couple of miles away, too.

heliboy50 - 24-9-2009 at 02:55 AM

Quote:

Love to - learned in KSA at Ras Tanurah

gurnard - 24-9-2009 at 04:27 AM

Java programmer. Currently working in security for banks, authentication systems to online banking and the such.

Rodders - 24-9-2009 at 04:49 AM

General affairs manager (read general dogs body) for a major Global shipping line

rudeboysaude - 24-9-2009 at 04:57 AM

I'm a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at a rural hospital laboratory. My wife and I also run an embroidery/sign business out of our home in our "free time".

mgatc - 24-9-2009 at 05:17 AM

Quote:

mgatc, what facility are you in?

FLO for the past 17 years. TPA, 6 years prior to that preceeded by 4 years in COS where I started. COS is still my favorite!

Drewculous - 24-9-2009 at 08:29 AM

hookah bar owner? Nice!

B-Roc - 24-9-2009 at 09:48 AM

Professional assassin.

ragden - 24-9-2009 at 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by B-Roc
Professional assassin.

Do you get dental coverage with that?

kitejumper - 24-9-2009 at 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by B-Roc
Professional assassin.

id like to have a chat w you bout my ex........JK

Maven454 - 24-9-2009 at 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ragden

Quote:

Originally posted by B-Roc
Professional assassin.

Do you get dental coverage with that?

Only if you steal the target's ID card while you're at it. :wee:

B-Roc - 24-9-2009 at 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by B-Roc
Professional assassin.

:shocked2:
Now that you're looking, I actually manage an inside sales team for a company that produces instrumentation for the medical and biotech markets.

Anyone here a member of Linked In? I am and if you want to extend this beyond a kiting forum that's a good place to start.

Here's mine: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-o-connor/0/a18/957

f0rgiv3n - 24-9-2009 at 10:10 AM

http://www.linkedin.com/in/f0rgiv3n there's mine.

Krohn1999 - 24-9-2009 at 10:21 AM

I'm a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LBA/EASA) and an A&P (FAA).
I develop Repair workscopes for Turbine engines and Certify them for "Return to service" after Major repair or Overhaul.
and I have a kite shop/ Buggy school
I also have several properties that I rent so I get to play Landlord (Great way to relieve stress)
and My wife has a Private English School

stetson05 - 24-9-2009 at 11:18 AM

Emergency Dept. RN

Used to be a Cavalry Scout thus the user name/call sign

Public service announcement:
The CDC says, if you think you have swine flu, you probably do, and we probably wont test you. You should stay home unless you have life threatening symptoms. Avoid spreading it.

Jolt - 24-9-2009 at 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by f0rgiv3n

Quote:

Wow, that's cool man. Cisco routers+cell towers never put those together in my head. I wonder what u get when you combine cisco and hookah? :puzzled:

hmmm... wireless hookah smoking....

If any of you guys are down by chicago stop by here sometime, im sure trancein1 wouldn't mind having ppl there...

Drewculous - 24-9-2009 at 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by stetson05
You should stay home unless you have life threatening symptoms. Avoid spreading it.

I totally misread that the first time... i read it as
"stay home... even if you have life threatening symptoms... avoid spreading it..."
:lol:

sorry for the hijack... i just got a good laugh out of that

cheezycheese - 24-9-2009 at 11:37 AM

i kinda read it that way too...

gilligan - 24-9-2009 at 12:28 PM

25 years of air traffic control. But not much longer!!

sp4cem0nkey - 24-9-2009 at 12:47 PM

I'm a programmer currently working on a family-friendly online MMO game.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/gem-kosan/1/663/584

WELDNGOD - 24-9-2009 at 01:57 PM

weldngod ,of course. I work for engineering co. that does protos and design for the Navy. I get to weld all kind of weird stuff. :ninja:

kitejumper - 24-9-2009 at 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gilligan
25 years of air traffic control. But not much longer!!

weren't you on survivor once??

mgatc - 24-9-2009 at 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gilligan
25 years of air traffic control. But not much longer!!

27 years here Gilligan, I feel your pain. TRACON or CENTER?

stetson05 - 24-9-2009 at 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Drewculous

Quote:

Originally posted by stetson05
You should stay home unless you have life threatening symptoms. Avoid spreading it.

I totally misread that the first time... i read it as
"stay home... even if you have life threatening symptoms... avoid spreading it..."
:lol:

sorry for the hijack... i just got a good laugh out of that

I am glad I wrote it right. We have to be really careful with that stuff.

redtailin - 24-9-2009 at 09:00 PM

wowza, lots of aviation guys. no idea there were so many controllers. and mgatc, COS is the best. I lived there for 4 years prior to moving to No Dak for school. Ive lived all over the US and Europe, and nothing has topped it yet.

bobalooie57 - 25-9-2009 at 08:35 AM

Though formally trained in forestry after 10 yrs. in the USAF as a wideband radio tech. I am now slave to a robot in the world's largest cream cheese factory. Funny how changing economies will affect ones life. I now spend my 8 hr. shift feeding cups and lids in to a robot that in turn feeds a high speed fill machine, so we all can have a shmeer on our bagel. I had no idea that so many people ate our product, but if you watched this operation for 10 min. or so you would think that everyone must be eating it every day! Food industry jobs rock! People will always need to eat!(but not necessarily cream cheese) Best part is this job puts me within 15 miles of the Tug Hill, noted for snow and wind in the winter, becoming the premier snowkiting area in the NorthEast!

snobdr - 25-9-2009 at 08:41 AM

Mmmmmmmmmmm tug hill.....

coreykite - 25-9-2009 at 11:33 AM

Hey Sailors,
Alright, I'll break the ice.
I've been a power kiter for about 33 years now.
Surprisingly, I've made my living in kites since then too.
Started building and selling kites in Denver in 1977.
Wholesale, kite-making, importer, distributor, publisher, retailer.
I currently have an on-line kite business that supports my retail kite store.
My kite addictions include fighters, lifters, stunters, tumblers, power kites, show kites, art kites, historical kites and miniatures... indoors and out.

I'm just doing this until I grow up and decide what I want to do with my life.

Safen Up! Buggy On!

"Often wrong... Never in doubt"

the coreylama

f0rgiv3n - 25-9-2009 at 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mgatc

Quote:

Originally posted by gilligan
25 years of air traffic control. But not much longer!!

27 years here Gilligan, I feel your pain. TRACON or CENTER?

How's your hearing after that long?!

Bucky - 25-9-2009 at 12:29 PM

Currently working as a professional musician (hence, the photo)

Also working at wildlife rehabilitation center.

Bucky - 25-9-2009 at 12:56 PM

Oh, and I forgot, I'm the father of 2 daughters, the oldest of which is going off to college to be a.........MARINE BIOLOGIST!!!!! No, I'm not kidding! So any serious "marine biology" questions,I'm sure I can forward to her.

Any problems with learning Eddie Van Halen's eruption solo....I'm your man!

cheezycheese - 14-12-2009 at 11:36 AM

just read all the way through this... great stuff!! any new entries, there are a lot more of us who haven't posted.... :thumbup:

acampbell - 14-12-2009 at 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redtailin
wowza, lots of aviation guys. no idea there were so many controllers. and mgatc, COS is the best. I lived there for 4 years prior to moving to No Dak for school. Ive lived all over the US and Europe, and nothing has topped it yet.

I was an A&P (aircraft mechanic) in a previous life. Cessna dealership/ FBO in Danbury, CT

Then back to school to study Soviet / Russian History

Jaymz - 14-12-2009 at 08:52 PM

Tile and Stone contractor for the past 25 years.

www.MonmouthMarbleInc.com

bigben91682 kiting in Albany, NY?

ride_wv - 16-12-2009 at 08:08 AM

I work as an ad exec. for an marketing/pr/advertising agency. Fun thread, I'm impressed that there are so many pkf members with engineering, aviation, medical and computer backgrounds. That explains why this forum is the source for such helpful information.

bigben91682 - I'm headed to Ballston Lake, NY (20 minutes from Albany, NY) for the holidays, can you recommend a good place to fly? emt: ride_wv@yahoo.com.

geokite - 16-12-2009 at 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bucky
Oh, and I forgot, I'm the father of 2 daughters, the oldest of which is going off to college to be a.........MARINE BIOLOGIST!!!!! No, I'm not kidding! So any serious "marine biology" questions,I'm sure I can forward to her.

Is it possible for a portly middle aged man to remove a golf ball from a whales' blow hole? jk

metsag - 16-12-2009 at 11:52 AM

I'm an Electrician at a petrochem firm ( so no "going green" for me )

shehatesmyhobbies - 16-12-2009 at 01:08 PM

I have been employed by an industrial chrome plating facility for 15yrs come March. We chrome plate work rolls for several steel mills in our area. I have worked all aspects inside of the building and now have been delivering the work rolls mostly to Baltimore and Philadelphia for the last 10 yrs. I am a flatbed truck driver. The money is double from inside and I work from 3am till 12pm. Lots of overtime and get to see my kids most of the day in the summer time. Works out great. I also partnered with another guy to sell kites on the side.( still under construction)