About Me
A story of hands-on expertise, teaching, and pursuing new passions.
Meet Jim
Hello, my name is Jim. I'm a native of the Midwest, an adopted son of the South, and California is now my home. I graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in political science after several years of working in a variety of fields, including the construction business, offshore petroleum, agriculture, and real estate.
Welding Above Water, Leading Below
I started out as a construction pipe welder, and after a few years found that I enjoyed teaching this skill to others. After a few years as a welding professor, I turned my deep interests in the welding arts into a career in underwater welding. I worked on the research and development of underwater welding processes and procedures, and I trained deep-sea divers in the art of electric arc welding underwater. After the research, the training, and the testing, I would then become a team leader on the various deep-sea welding projects worldwide.
Trading Waves for Plows: Life on Land and Sea
The bottom of the ocean is a fascinating place, but the job is best left to younger sailors, and so, during the off-seasons, I began several small offshore construction-based companies that prospered and failed as the petroleum markets changed. These economic changes afforded me the opportunity to switch gears and become involved in what I call survival farming. That's right: corn, soybeans, hay, cows, chickens, goats, and an extremely large garden all serviced by diesel tractors, hybrid seed, oil-based chemicals, electric fences, blood, sweat, and swearing.
Navigating Life Through Technology
Yielding once again to macroeconomic changes, i.e., falling prices of my farm products, I entered academia in search of a recession-proof job. That is when I became addicted to the Internet and technology, and for the next several years, I immersed myself in the finer details of computer information networks. However, once again, the winds of global economics shifted.
Changing the World, One Byte at a Time
As I sought a meaningful career, yet one where I didn't have to change the world all at once. No, I learned long ago that I could not change the world each morning as I walked out the door; rather, I learned that it is much more realistic to try improving it one small byte at a time.
Building Homes, Building Knowledge: Entering Real Estate
So, as I venture along with this little blog, please allow me this opportunity to update you concerning another direction that I have chosen. Many of you may already know that I recently formalized my interests in real estate by taking the classes and exams and applying for a real estate license. All this training, combined with 10 years of experience in rental property management, fortifies my belief that I am now better able to help folks with their real estate needs in a more meaningful and substantive way. I've recently obtained a CCRM (California Certified Residential Manager) certificate, and I plan on taking more classes relating to this field.
Serving the Community Through Savvy Properties
I have associated myself with Savvy Properties of Berkeley, California. You can go to Savvy Properties to find out more about my company. What I like about this position is that each day brings new and unique challenges that really mean something to the folks I work with. Quite frankly, I find this rewarding.
A New Chapter in China
Since I've recently visited China (again), I will probably be adding another page to this website dedicated to my China excursions. I think you'll enjoy it. Check back in a few weeks to see some pictures of my trip to China.
With deepest regards,
Jim