Work Experience

Channel Islands

Surfboard Sander (Part-time)

Mencel Surfboards

Surfboard Sander, Laminator, Airbrush Artist, etc. (Full-time)

August 2021 - August 2024

I began my journey in surfboard craftsmanship by running a ding repair business out of my garage during my freshman year of high school. As my passion for surfboards grew, I sought out opportunities in a professional factory setting, eventually securing a position at Mencel Surfboards. Starting from the ground up, I took on tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and constructing shelves and hanging spaces throughout the shop. Over time, I integrated my ding repair business into the workspace and expanded my skills, progressing from installing leash plugs to working on fin boxes, airbrushing, hot coating, glossing, pre-sanding, finish sanding, and even laminating. The boards that I worked on ranged from stock for your everyday person to artisan boards for artists such as Dave Grohl and Billie Joe Armstrong.

Beyond my daily tasks, I collaborated on various independent and team-based projects, reinforcing my ability to think critically and work efficiently in a hands-on manufacturing environment. The team-oriented culture at Mencel Surfboards has been instrumental in shaping my problem-solving skills and adaptability. I continue to work here whenever I am home from college, further honing my craftsmanship and technical expertise. To the left are some pictures that I collected over the years working at Mencel Surfboards of work that I have done and collaborated on.

Hager-Richter Geophysics

Summer Intern (Part-time)

July 2024

I worked as an ocean lifeguard the summer before college and during my freshman year summer, dedicating five days a week from 9 AM to 6 PM to ensuring beach safety. Assigned to a specific stretch of beach with my crew, I conducted daily rescue drills and completed weekly first-aid training to maintain peak readiness. Over the course of my tenure, I participated in and assisted with over 40 serious open-water rescues and first-aid injury calls. Through this experience, I developed expertise in administering emergency first aid, executing Code X (submerged victim) responses, and maintaining professional communication—critical skills for ensuring safety and efficiency in a high-risk environment. To the left is a picture of me with my South End crew, and if you click on the picture of the boat there is a video of me and a colleague rowing during our rescue training.

Spring Lake Ocean Rescue

Lifeguard (Full-time)

May 2023 - August 2024

February 2024 - November 2024

I continued my career in the surfboard manufacturing industry at Channel Islands Surfboards in Carpinteria, one of the world’s largest and most influential surfboard manufacturers in both popularity and volume. During my time there, my primary responsibilities included finish sanding stock, custom, and professional surfboards, ensuring each board met the highest quality standards before reaching customers and athletes. I eventually left this position as my academic commitments became increasingly demanding, and I prioritize my education during the school year. To the right are some pictures from my time at C.I. the first one is mine and the other two are boards that I sanded on the C.I. Instagram.

Hager-Richter Geophysics is a geophysical surveying company specializing in underground testing for building and development purposes. During my time there, I assisted with ground-penetrating radar and soil resistivity analysis on two separate projects in New York City. My role involved both fieldwork and data analysis, contributing to reports used by Civil and Environmental Engineers to inform construction and development decisions.

Other Work Experiences

Festival Carpentry Contractor, Sales Associate, Mason's Apprentice, & Landscape/Hardscape Yard Assistant (All Part-time)

May 2019 - September 2023

I have been working for a long time for being only twenty years old, so here are some roles that I have held in the past that deserve to be mentioned, but I do not believe deserve their own sections.

From August 2023 until I left for college my first year, I worked at Sea Hear Now Music Festival as a Carpentry Contractor. Through this role, I honed my craftsmanship and creativity while setting up art installations for the festival. This experience also allowed me to meet and collaborate with many talented artists and musicians.

From May 2021 to July 2022, I worked as a Sales Associate at Beach House Surf Shop, where I continued to nurture my love for surfing by helping customers find the right surfboards. This job strengthened my communication and sales skills, allowing me to engage with a diverse customer base.

From March 2021 to September 2021, I worked as a Mason's Apprentice for Neil Lelievre Masonry. My daily tasks included mixing Portland cement, chalking walls, and laying bricks, primarily for housing foundations and occasionally for driveways. This job helped me develop strong hands-on skills and adaptability in a fast-paced labor environment.

From June 2019 to September 2020, I worked at Rt. 34 Landscape Yard and Rt. 9 Hardscape Yard. My main responsibilities included yard upkeep, pallet stacking, and assisting customers with their landscaping and paver needs. It was here that I also learned how to operate a forklift, further expanding my technical skill set.