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Current position: Photographer whose work is featured by brands such as Nike, REI, Apple Computer, Red Bull, Nikon and Subaru. He splits his time between Seattle and Paris.
First job: At 12 years old I sold found golf balls and ice-cold lemonade to golfers playing Wayne Public Golf Course in Bothell. I spent summer afternoons diving in the Sammamish River to collect golfers' lost balls they had hit into the water. I then cleaned and sold the balls for 50 cents each to golfers as they passed from the front nine to the back. I used to nail 'em for an extra 25 cents for the lemonade on an up-sell after the golfers had purchased a few balls. Eventually, this entrepreneurial weekend routine earned me a legitimate position as the 1st Tee Starter at the golf course when I turned 16.
How I got the job: I watched so many golfers shank their shots and hit new balls into the water. Since I couldn't afford new golf balls, I decided to dive after those I'd seen being wasted. The first time I dove in I was shocked to find many more balls than I could possibly use, so I kept some for myself and sold the others. The lemonade up-sell was second nature – just sitting there in the hot summer sun, I had an "Aha!" moment. It was a natural segue to add refreshments to my already-popular golf ball stand, and I even went so far as to ask my parents if I could sell an assortment of things – like a little roadside store. My parents suggested I keep my merchandise to cheap golf balls and lemonade out of respect for the golf course's business.
What I learned: Life is about choices, and that – no matter the obstacle – whether you think you can do something or you can't, you're right. This lesson helped me understand at an early age that I eventually wanted to work for myself in a way that incorporated innovation, people, recreation and most importantly, creativity. Thinking outside the box and following my passion has created a wonderful lifestyle for me. It feels like my work is what I'd be doing in my free time anyway.
