I have been interested in ham radio since high school. At that time I only managed to scrounge enough equipment for a CB station to get on the air. The cost of ham gear and the code requirement kept me away for amateur radio.

After college, I moved back down to Seattle to get a job and took a position at ABC Communications. I worked there for about 9 months before starting at Microsoft. At that point I could suddenly afford some basic equipment but still had to contend with that code. I looked at it a few time briefly with some nagging from Art N7CC (calling me names). As soon as the no-code license appeared, I was on it.

I got my no-code Tech ticket and did some horse trading for a 2m handheld. It didn't take long before I wanted more and passed my 5wpm code.

Several years later Rodger KK7LK goaded me into getting my General. Studying for the 13wpm was one of the worst things I ever had to do. I passed the test the first time and decided I'd go for Advanced (no additional code test). The following week I was Advanced (beating Rodger). He upgraded the next month. My gift to myself for the Advanced ticket was a brand new Icom IC-756 (just couldn't justify that IC-781).

I left Microsoft January 2000 when I decided the whole world was still here. I had started a boat company, Mirage Boats, which I have since sold. I also worked part time at Radio Depot in Seattle to be near all the toys. Now I'm doing some computer consulting.

I finally upgraded to Extra to become a W5YI contact VE and offer new ham training through Microhams (the Microsoft Amateur Radio Club). More recently I have been working witha group in Oregon to develop a comprehensive emergency communications training and certification program called ACES.

In 2005 I started officially working with Snohomish County RACES (now Snohomish ACS) and am the current Radio Officer and working with the Department of Emergency Management as Communications Coordinator dealing with communications and IT issues. I have been working with the Western Washington Amateur Relay Association (WWARA) on repeater coordination and spectrum issues and am the current vice-chair.

I am a founding member of Microhams and the Pacific Northwest VHF Society.

Join me in supporting Daniel Stevens, KL7WM in his bid for ARRL Western Washington Section Manager. He has the drive and focus to grow and support all aspects of the hobby.  Ballots are due no later than August 19, 2011.