I am 57, and fell in love with music when I was about 11 years old. I remember the old tube radio we had, and the challenge of trying to tune it for best sound (guess I was a tweak then too). My degree is in fine art, I worked for a number of years after college graduation for LTV Aerospace, illustrating the fuel systems of fighter planes. This was as close to a career in art as I could find at the time. Then, in 1965, to be near music, my other passion, I took a position as salesman for a high end audio store in the Dallas, Ft. Worth area. At least this way I could enjoy music even if it meant being poor. I learned more than I thought possible from an old recording engineer who worked beside me each day. And remarkably, my enthusiasm made me the best salesman the store had ever had. This store and the three that followed, exposed me to almost every brand name audio product ever discussed at this site. And finally, to expand beyond retail audio sales, I accepted an offer to be the factory representative and tech support person for a number of high end audio manufacturers. They included Infinity, Sennheiser, MB of Germany, Ampex, JBL, Crown and Yamaha. My experience grew again, but I tired of the constant road trips to the five states that I covered. During this time I always took my camera, as it had always been another (art) passion. Constantly taking pictures of equipment, people and the scenic views out of my car window, during the long road trips. Then one day, during a sales calls to one of my customers (an audio store in Dallas in 1972), I recognized a fellow graduate from my college. He had stayed with his art career, and was the creative director for a Dallas advertising agency. After reviewing my photography efforts, surprisingly, he hired me on the spot. I worked at his agency until I was stolen away to do photography for Neiman Marcus, and later I earned a photography retainer with Southland Corp. that provided a consistent monthly income with only the requirement to "be available." This allowed me to evolve into a self employed, freelance photographer. I have been self supportive in photography for 26 years and currently do advertising photography for a number of companies, including Interstate Battery (race cars, and product), Exxon/Mobil, Quest Medical, Bank of America, Redman Industries, Southwest Airlines, and others. Did I manage to make photography fit with my passion for audio? Yes, I currently do, or have done the advertising photography for Atmasphere, Audioquest, Purist Audio, PSE, Counterpoint, Soundlab, Essence, Musical Fidelity, Aesthetix, Benz, Basis, Graham, Sound Anchor, McCormack, and others. I have several pages with my images in almost every issue of Absolute Sound and Ultimate Audio each month. I often see equipment (and HEAR it) before the public knows it is becoming available. Add to this, I have somehow managed to keep the same beautiful female married to me since 1972, this, in spite of my absolute passion for this hobby. We have a wonderful son, who is now 14 years old, and musically at least, is following in my footsteps. I also host a group of audiophile friends here in Dallas that meet at my home every Tuesday night for music. This has been every Tuesday, almost without fail, for 23 years! I have learned almost as much from the visitors I share listening with, as I did in the audio "business." These friends include audiophiles who are as varied in their experiences and tastes, as the postings here at Audiogon represent. Our testing and exchanging equipment, sharing software and open comments has allowed me to stay in touch with my hobby in an active way, rather than isolating myself with only my one point of reference. It sometimes helps me in posting my comments, as I see many sides of the issues that come to light here. Best to you all!
