Biography
Napa Valley College
Growing up in the Napa Valley was great but did not automatically direct me to a career in viticulture, wine making or gourmet cooking. After graduating from Justin Siena High School in 1996, I attended Sacramento State University but returned to Napa Valley Community College after one year. It took me quite awhile to find a niche for which I felt passion. I tried many different majors: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, back to Computer Science, Business, and then Engineering. While taking a required course for the Engineering Program, I took a class in the Digital Design Graphics Technology Department (DDGT). It was here that I found my calling and fortunate too because I was about to leave college for lack of interest.
Excelling in the DDGT program was easy and, therefore, it became more of a “game” than any actual work for me. Having been in school for quite some time, I graduated from Napa Valley College with a three lower division degrees:
1. General Education
2. Drafting - General
3. Drafting - Architectural
Work Experience While in school, I worked at Safeway full-time and several other jobs including Teacher's Assistant, Note Taker for Handicapped Students, and as a Computer Consultant designing/drafting Mini-Bikes.
Since I spent six and a half years at Safeway, it deserves its own paragraph! Starting as a courtesy clerk (bagger), I was promoted to General Merchandising Clerk (GMC) within 10 months. Although this position allows a person to work in the Bakery, Deli, Floral, and Booth/ Customer Service Departments, I worked only in the “Booth” Department which handled all the cash registers finances on a daily basis. I enjoyed this position and excelled there as well. I enjoyed the independence of this position and often finished the duties quickly and would go help other people in the store with other duties. As a result, I was promoted to Food Clerk (checker). This was the second promotion in less than a year. As Food Clerk, I worked in the check stands, Produce Department (a position I grew to love) and I also did other duties affiliated with that position including stocking the soda aisle and ordering, filling the dairy department, and on occasion, I was night supervisor. During this time, I was one of the fastest checkers in the store - if not the fastest. My career with Safeway ended when I relocated to Sunnyvale to attend Cogswell Polytechnical College (CPC).
Earning my bachelor’s degree was important, so I continued at CPC to further my artistic abilities in the digital design industry. I graduated from Cogswell with a degree in 3D Modeling in December of 2005. While attending CPC, I lived in Sunnyvale during the week and in Napa most weekends so I could continue working as a digital designer in the Napa Valley. Hard work to attain my goals came by making sacrifices which makes it all the more rewarding now that I have finally graduated.
Since graduation, I came back to the Napa Valley and I have contracted through VirtuaLabs working for the following companies: AAA, Adams Electric, Amcor Flexibles American Canyon, Beverage Supply Group, Chaudhary Associates, Chajo, Failla Winery, Glen Ragsdale Underground Associates, Helwig Vineyards, MCA Architects, Napa County Historical Society, Napa County Landmarks, All Trench Protection, Palmaz Vineyards, Polaris Wines, R.E.B. Engineering, Renwood Winery, SonographyCME, and more.
While working in the local industry, I also began working back at the Napa Valley College in the Digital Design Graphics Technology (DDGT) Department where it all began for me. I began working part time as an instructional assistant mid 2007. Eventaully I also began teaching courses in Autodesk specific software progams like AutoCAD and Inventor Professional. When the DDGT Program Coordinator resigned, I stepped in and took his place. I never thought I would end up an instructor and it continually surprises me how much I enjoy it; I understand now why it is so rewarding.
Personal and Hobbies
My hobbies cover a wide range of interests. I really enjoy reading. The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice are my all-time favorites. I do try to mix the classics with new fiction and also non-fiction books. Lately I have become somewhat of a history buff reading books on the Egyptians, World War II, and the history of Secret Societies.
Weight lifting was my favorite sport for quite awhile when I was younger. I eventually became involved in power-lifting and even competed professionally. Although I was weight-lifting long before, I started power-lifting in May 2000. I have been in two competitions and even placed a state record in the World Association of Bench and Dead-Lifters (WABDL) but that record has since been broken. I weighed 198 pounds at the time and successfully lifted 280 pounds on the bench and 440 pounds on the dead lift for a grand total of 720 pounds! I would still be competing today if I had not hurt myself while training. I miss it very much.
I have been an aquarist for most of my life. I have had freshwater tanks from 20 gallons all the way up to 300 gallons. After a hard day at work, I rather enjoy drinking a glass of wine while talking with my family over the days events in front of a fish tank. It is a nice way to finish the day in a relaxing state of mind.
Entertaining and having friends over is another hobby. I love to laugh and make others laugh and consider myself to be a respectful, easy-going guy.
