Destined by Mom to be "My son, the lawyer," but I rebelled. Did some time in writing and advertising, and went back to school. Wanted to teach, but learned the truth. Fred Lewis Pattee said, "A University is a collection of books." So, Penn State named the main library after him. I learned that, actually, a university is a collection of mutually repellent personalities held together by a common interest in parking!

Took a break from grad school, and started a motorcycle dealership. Llearned the mysteries of Spanish engineering (OSSA) and the superiority of Swedish manufacturing (Husqvarna). Mostly, I learned that the real world was more satisfying than academia!

So, I left the Phd program, took my MA in Political Science, and went to work for the State Legislatures in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York. I was one of only a handful of boomers who actually USED that Poli Sci degree! I worked for State Governments for almost 20 years. And, they didn't like it-- I mean, the fact that I was working. It made many of them look bad.

In the '80's, I worked for lobbying groups, and eventually, my wife and I started an association management firm in Albany, NY. With the cash, I learned the fun of racing a SAAB 96 around the frozen lakes of the Adirondacks, and hare scrambling a Husqvarna thru the woods-- if, and when they thawed!

We computerized many of our clients, and, eventually, we were more in the computer business than the management business. We moved back home to Johnstown, PA, and founded American Precision Technology. APT was going to be a "mini-DELL," exporting high American content PC's to other parts of the country. APT never made it that far. China surprised us with their progress, and profit margins evaporated.

APT did give me the opportunity to be a NASCAR pioneer! With two other self-taught "engineers," at a shop we call "Enduro Garage," we dominated the first NASCAR sanctioned front-wheel-drive class at Jennerstown Speedway. We took the championship in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and, at age 57, I was Rookie of the Year in 2004.

I built a new reputation as the most "anal" fabrication man in the pits. In 2005, I also built the perfect FWD circle track car! In it's first trial, we beat everbody by half a track! Unfortunately, the next week, I had a heart attack at the track. i can still drive-- but I can't tolerate the fire suit!

Wound down the business to include the "cream" of my loyal customers, got rid of all employees, and work only by appointment. Amazing-- I'm making more money, with less stress, and I've got time for everything! So-- more backyard engineering and "anal" fabrication!