My first real job was with my dad, who owns Deason Roofing & Sheet Metal in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He started the business himself in February, 1976, and his apt leadership skills have turned into an excellent means of income for him and my mom.
I went to college at the University of Alabama, where I somehow got it in my head I would enjoy Chemical Engineering. After four weeks of wandering the halls feeling rather confused, I decided to change majors. About a year later (hey, I was pacing myself), I settled on the College of Communication, specifically Telecommunication and Film. I also spent a year each in the University Wind Ensemble as well in the nationally renowned Million Dollar Band as a percussionist.
Now if you're wondering what all this has to do with computers, I'm scratching my head too.
I graduated in December, 1992, the year the Crimson Tide won the national championship in the Sugar Bowl against Miami. I never got my "big break" in the broadcast arena, so I dug roots at my dad's office and was even a VP for nearly two years. Meanwhile, for several months I worked on a volunteer basis for db Technology providing help to clients via phone, e-mail, and on-site assistance.
Then a job opening at RFMS, Inc. became available in the field of hardware technical support. I jumped at the opportunity and spent 2.5 years there. That was December 95; my thanks to Steve (the guy who tipped me off to the job).
After a brief stint as Business Manager of db Technology, I launched my own computer consulting business. It was called ITR Consulting. I figured if these machines are going to continue giving me gray hair, I might as well get rich off of them.
I left there in 1998. Since then, I've just been getting along with various interests. Things like working with computers, trying to find new things to learn, staying happy. The weird thing is, my wife thinks I'm some sort of handyman and has all these projects lined up for the next 50 years; in other words, free time is gone! My father-in-law says I should have read the fine print or something. <shrug>
The day after Thankgiving, 2003, we moved into our new home in Vestavia Hills (suburb of Birmingham). It's a somewhat bigger house than before, but even better is the fact that it cuts our commute time in half -- or better! Less gasoline, less time in traffic, all that good stuff.
As life continues to bring me good fortune (and I hope I don't jinx myself), I'd like to proudly announce the latest additions to our family. Emily Grace was born on June 5th, 2002, and our second daughter, Katherine Elizabeth, was born on August 18th, 2005. Help! I'm surrounded!!!