Tell us about yourselves
 

In an effort to help more of us to get to know more about one another let’s share some background info. I always liked reading what others had in their public profiles if they went to the trouble of writing about themselves.

I will start.
Born in Galena Illinois as small picturesque town in the NW corner of the state. Moved to Savanna, Illinois and after graduating HS began selling new and used cars for a Dodge/AMC dealership from 1968-1974. Bought my first Corvette in 1969. A basket case that I brought back to life. Then had an automotive repair shop/ body shop as well as a bar. Moved to the Phoenix merto area in 1981 and sold real estate for a couple of years. Then managed a specialty vehicle and equipment company that built/sold things like mobile command units, mobile radio and tv units, prisoner transports, handicapped transportation vehicles etc. Then went back into the car business as the director of fleet sales for one of the worlds largest Nissan dealers. Then moved to Sedona, AZ. In 1998 and owned a motor scooter rental business as well as a couple of vacation cottages. Owned a carpet and tile cleaning business, sold some time share for a while before retiring in 2015. All during my time from graduating HS I always bought and sold muscle, sports, antique and special interest cars on the side. I have owned approximately 150 of these type cars including 21 different Corvettes from 1954-1986.
As you can see my life has revolve around cars. I have restored several but no longer work on them myself and now just enjoy them.

SO, LETS HERE YOUR STORY. It will give us insight as to how you got here today.

Later I will start a thread about how you came to own your current car(s) and have you post some pictures of your pride and joy. We have done this before on the Corvette forum but let’s do it here so we can better recognize the specific members here and you cars. :cert:

PS
I always try to include my signature to give you an idea of my loves. :)

In this day and age, I've become quite wary of posting much personal info in public places. Now, over a good meal and/or a coupla cold beers, I'd be happy to share freely. Kinda sad, and perhaps a bit paranoid, but that's where I am these days. I honestly wish I felt it was safe.

Live well,

SJW

Well I have nothing to hide and don’t believe anything I have posted would be of any value to anyone.

Be careful. A lot of bank-level security uses questions/ answers as innocuous as 'did you own such-and-such type car'. I haven't seen anything related to work history though.

My first "job" was working with my grandfather doing DIY projects, including leveling houses, plumbing, roofing, and general carpentry.

I learned electrical and basic automotive from my Dad. I have always maintained and fixed my own cars.

As soon as I got my driver's license a friend's mom set us up with gig moving furniture from apartments in and around Boston. Good money back in the day, nearly three times minimum wage.

The summer after HS I worked in a hospital kitchen. I learned how to clean everything.

After a year at a small college I entered a co-op gig, working for engineering firms alternated semesters. Been doing design work ever since.

Transferred to UMass Amherst, drove a bus 15 hours/ week for three years until I graduated. Worked every "vacation" at my old engineering firm.

Worked for ConnDOT for one year. I learned how inefficient and soul-destroying government can be.

Followed my wife to Syracuse NY. Applied for jobs at three firms and got three offers. The best was a 110+ firm in Cazenovia, a gorgeous little town filled with great folks. I was with them for six years before a contractor-client made me an offer that I could not refuse.

For that job I built what was then the largest sewage sludge recycling program in NY State, using the N-Viro Process. Headed up dozens of "Town Hall" speaking engagements to educate the public about our product. Sold product to hundreds of farms throughout the region. I hired a friend of mine from my old firm, and he's still working there. I quit after three. The project ran for 25 years until local politics shut it down.

Started my own little design firm after that gig and been at it for 30 years.

I'm a Virgo and enjoy campfires, long walks on the beach and love dogs. :lol:

In other words, you are gaye.

:Jeff '79:

Are you hitting on me?

Ony a gaye would think that. :D

Only a gaye would take my post seriously. :yesnod:

:o

OK you clowns, tell us at what point in your personal development you became interested in and/or you bought your first Corvette and if anything in your background lead you to that?

My job puts me in a lot of residential buildings, and occasionally I come up upon an unwanted vehicle. If it piqued my interest I might ask if its for sale. Such was the case with the '82 Vette that I bought, had for three years while I fixed and detailed everything. Same with my '74 Fiat 124 Spider that I still own.

Independent Over the Road Trucker retired
Professional Painter (Art)
Degreed Kindergarden,Grade School,High School ,College,University
NCCC Southeast Mens Division Autocross Class Champion 2016
NCCC Southeast Mens Division Autocross Class Champion 2015
NCCC Southeast Region Concourse Series Class Winner 2015
NCCC Florida Region Mens Champion 12 th Place 2015
Florida resident 25 years
2000 Corvette, 1966 Corvette
Graduate of the School of Hard Knocks