What do you do or have done for a living
 

I thought with all the world wide membership on this forum it would be interesting to learn what some of us did (many members retired) or presently do for a living. Also what kind of experience and education in the chosen field of study or career choice? I would say post anything you feel like from a paper boy, professional couch potato to a CEO in Facebook or Rocket Scientist.

Lets have some fun with this and see what we have here for members and what we all do or did? ::D


Here is my history:
I do ask because of specific guidelines on this forum about vendors and other regulation in that topic area not to ask about anything you personally know about my product lines of Performance Parts that I Engineer and Develop that may be distributed by known sponsors on some forums. I am only a member on this forum and nothing more. Just 'havin fun with my Mazda3.


Starting from 1974 these were most of the mention-able work experiences and specialized training/education.


Owned operated:

Ultra Light Aircraft sales service and flight training.
General Auto parts store
Performance Auto Parts Center
Cobra Kit Car , parts , accessories and custom builds shop
Dojo Self Defense and specialized Martial Arts studio
Auto sound system shop
Defensive Driving School
Performance Engine machine shop
Engine and Chassis Dyno Services/EFI/ECU Performance Calibrations
MINI Cooper specialty service and Parts center
Landscaping Co.




Managed the following:

A & R Auto Tech
Kregan Auto Parts
Grand Auto
Chief Auto Parts
Super Shops Automotive Performance Center
Von Hausen Auto parts
Harley Davidson of Sacramento Parts dept.
RV's of Merritt Parts Dept.
McDonalds
Currently last 7 years Service manager for a local automotive service shop

Worked as "grunt" employee for:


S & S Powder Coating
CVS Dyno Tuning (Chassis Dyno Technician)
United Specialty Wholesale (wholesale performance parts distributor)
Dynel Marketing
Lockheed (Avionic Technician)
Holley Performance Products
Davis Security (Polygraph Technician Operator )
Cessna (General maintenance and Avionics)
Fairfield Honda (Motorcycle mechanic)
R&R Signs (Clear Bra & Vinyl graphic installer)
Winchester Auto Parts (Asst manager)
New Vehicle Auto Sales ( Cadillac ,Oldsmobile,GMC MAZDA,Nissan)


Certifications:


ASE Master Diagnostic Technician L1 & L2 (current 1991-2025)
Automotive Machinist certification
Aviation Maintenance Technician certification
Avionics & Electrical Systems certification
Aircraft Structural Analysis and Modification Certification
X3 Motorcycle Mechanic Certification
*** Sub certifications:
….Engine Machining Specialist
....EFI/ECU Performance Calibrator Certification
....Suspension & Alignment certification
....Cylinder Performance Head Porting Theory and Design certification


Numerous other Automotive related single program certifications to name a couple , Auto Parts certification, tire and wheel sales certification etc. Most were to give confidence to the consumer regarding qualifications in a specific retail or related service shop.


A couple others just to toss into the mix
NHRA Super Gas License since 1980
AMA Member 39years
ASEL Aircraft single engine land/ Instrument Rated ASEL
PADI Nitrox Certified
EMT certified


Memberships Automotive related

NHRA
SCCA
SEMA

I have several years college in, Mechanical engineering, Biology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Theology, they are not really relevant to me anymore because I did not pursue the career to become a Paleontologist.

Disclaimer: For privacy reason I have left out ALL names of Trade School and Colleges and Universities etc., I attended.

Update as of today 11/03/25

Wow! I kinda expected at least a couple responses from other members by now? :confused: Currently 13,903 views and 42 responses as of November 3 2025 and counting. :cool:


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.maz...41a56043c1.jpg

With that list, you scared us all away in shame. :eek:

Gozo...
Really? :( That was not my intentions. I started working when I was still in High School waaaaaay back in 1974. :o I placed the year to show almost a life work in the Automotive industry?
I am genuinely interested knowing what you all do! :D

I'm a grease monkey.

Maybe a little more then just that...?? ;)

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.maz...d00c72ae61.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.maz...bf2f9210a5.png

I'm a teacher!

Paramedic, 20+ years.

I am an auto mechanic it’s the best job in the world I love it I go to work fix cars all day come home grab a Mtn Dew and go straight to the garage and get wrenching again on one of my many project cars or abandoned cars just hanging out in my field or garage and invite some friends over and have a good time lol