What's Your Day Job?

[Carl Mercurio]

This post isn't so much about magic as it is about the community of magicians.

I've received a lot of help over the years in my day job from people simply because we're both magicians. To the extent I can throw business to members of the magic community by supporting their day job I'd like to do the same. So what's your day job?

I'm president of Corporate Research Group Inc. (New Rochelle, NY). 914-235-6000 www.corporateresearchgroup.com. We do newsletters and conferences on healthcare.

[sleightly]

I'm a performer who specializes in corporate and resort work.

My side gig (besides being a stay-at-home dad who mountain climbs with his four-year-old daughter) is designing and composing the occasional magic book and supplying the con aficionado with La Maggiore shells for the three shell game.

My day job is following (and sharing) my bliss.

ajp

[Jeffrey Cowan]

I'm a lawyer in Los Angeles.

My primary specialty is business litigation and employment matters, and I've handled disputes ranging from multi-million dollar business disputes involving Fortune 500 companies to smaller matters for local companies.

My clients include many magicians. Matters that I've handled for them include the following:

litigating lawsuits;

resolving disputes short of going to court (For example, I once negotiated a substantial refund from a dating service that used fraudulent promises to sign up members);

drafting/reviewing contracts regarding shows;

creating releases for execution by spectators appearing in magic videos;

creating confidentiality agreements for use in business negotiations;

and

creating license agreements as a way for magic creators to control the distribution of secrets to better ensure that (1) they are not ripped off, and (2) such information is not exposed on television.

[Guest]

My day job is varied. I work as a mentalist / psychic entertainer working in the Corporate arena, fairs, malls as well as private performances. I also work as a psychic reader. I lecture to magicians as well as operate AB Stagecraft which supplies magicians and mentalists around the world.

PSIncerely Yours,
Paul Alberstat
AB Stagecrafct
http://www.mindguy.com/store

[Guest]

I'm a logistician with an expertise in export compliance and customs.
Steve V

[Jim Maloney_dup1]

I'm a computer programmer.

In addition to my 9-5 job, I've done some web programming/design work on the side for folks like Simon Lovell and Michael Canick.

-Jim

[Terry]

I am a Systems Analyst for the KY Higher Education Asst. Authority (KHEAA) which guarantees student loans.

I perform systems testing on enhancements to existing software and any new development. We are currently transferring all of our existing AS400 green screen applications to the web.

[BlueEyed Videot]

I'm a Software Quality Assurance Engineer. In other words, I break computer programs for a living...

In my spare time, I write and record music in my home recording studio for my magic shows.

[Pete Biro]

Right now it is inventing and producing magic props and instruction sheets.

Spent most of my life on the road with a camera shooting ad pix for Fortune 500 companies, like Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Goodyear, Sports Illustrated and all the car magazines.

And as Jay Marshall would say, "But all that money's been spent or given to Ex-Wife."

Last 10 years worked as a computer graphic designer doing brochures, ads, catalogs, but left that job and semi retired.

However, now busier than ever.

[Dustin Stinett]

Im a category Development Manager, which means I use inaccurate syndicated POS (point of sale) data to create charts and graphs for people who dont use them.

Oh, and I'm a freelance writer as well!

Back to work now
Dustin

[Jerry Harrell]

Television horror movie host for the past 28 years. Before that a television children's show host.

[Ray Banks]

OK, I'm an engineer for the Space Shuttle Program. Although my BS is in electrical engineering, my emphasis is television.

I serve as the technical consultant to the Space Shuttle Program Office for television, chair the Shuttle Television Working Group and serve as Executive Producer for "NASA Select", the live TV coverage of shuttle missions.

[Guest]

50/50 Unix Systems administrator / Magician although Bsc in Engineering.

Have been Gas Engineer and Weapons systems engineer.


Paula

[Bob Farmer]

I'm Matt Field's parole officer.

Given the number of computer professionals involved here, perhaps someone could tell me if "UNIX" is a bad pun on "EUNUCHS."

[Guest]

Working as full partner on every aspect of construction of small resort/hotel, and a real estate develepment to go with it.

One of these days I'll get around to finishing up high-school, and enter university...my day job will revert to student.

[brownbeauty]

Owner of a Los Angeles based textile mill specializing in the Hotel industry. Hello "Mithrandir" let's talk!

[Randy]

Commercial insurance producer specializing in workers comp and product liability.

[Chris Gillett]

Trial lawyer in Texas specializing in insurance defense. Hello Randy, let's talk!

[Pete Biro]

Doesn't anyone here just sell McDonald's Hamburgers?

[Guest]

Ah, Pete, I think that would be David Blaine.


Just a joke, folks! --Asrah

[Wolfgang]

Custom fabrication in plexiglas and other plastics, mainly casino supplies, pop (point of sale) displays and collectors display cases.
On the side I try to market some inventions that I have bought from different inventors (a field you really do not want to get into as just the cost for patents are killing a small project).
Used to be full time magic dealer (the magic hands, germany) and still do some side work for the trade.

[Stefan Fisher]

I'm an actor working for a theatre company that primarily performs for children.

[Guest]

Sales Manager for B&S Aircraft Accessories providing starter generators, landing gear motors ect. for Bombardier (Lear Jet) Raytheon Corp.(Beechcraft) and Cessna Aircraft Corp. here in Wichita along with FBO's all across the world. If you are into airplanes, then Wichita is the place to live.

[Guest]

I am a former college music professor and current high school band director. I have 29 years in music teaching from Kindergarten through University. I am also a composer and custom music arranger, and my first composition for symphony orchestra has been performed by professional orchestras in Tennessee and Florida.

[John Pezzullo]

I'm an assistant instructor at the Racherbaumer Academy of Vocabulary Development.

[magicam]

Former "big firm" real estate attorney, now having wised up, am off the hampster wheel and on my own. Carl M., you may recognize one of my old clients, Health Care Property Investors, Inc.

[Bill Mullins]

Electrical Engineer for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

We give the troops the tools to break things and hurt people (hopefully, just bad people).

Better living through high explosives and directed energy.

[Terry]

Television horror movie host for the past 28 years.

Jerry, you weren't the 'Groovy Ghoulie' character out of Cincinnnati years ago were you?

He used to host all of the old B&W (that's black & white for you younger folks) and 60's color horror movies.

[Jerry Harrell]

Sorry Terry, no. Since 1975 I have portrayed Doctor Madblood, primarily in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach market. We were syndicated into New England for awhile in the eighties, but never Ohio. You might try a google search or hit a few of the horror host sites to find your fellow. Good luck.

[Erik Hemming]

Buyer/Manager for a large independent bookstore.

I get to read, buy and talk to other people about books for a living....

[Tabman]

Jerry Harrell drawls:
Since 1975 I have portrayed Doctor Madblood, primarily in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach market.

we just added whrv-fm in norfolk to the stations running the public radio program, nashville folk festival on the air that i produce here at my studio in lebanon, tn. actually ive never had a "job" other than the ones ive created for myself. and since i consider myself basically unemployable its fortunate i had the good fortune to have been born both rich and handsome!!! :D
-=tabman

[Adam Brooks]

Day... job?

Full-time musician, composing and playing mostly for theater companies.

[Charles Spector]

Stand In / Background Actor (movie extra) for the past 9 years. People often ask me if I can make a living at it. I reply "It depends on what your expectations are of living."

Charles Spector

[Guest]

Lol, Brown Beauty the humidity is a bit harsh on textiles down here, but I will need something to throw over the antique Spanish pavers, so, who knows?!

To the fellows that mentioned working with POS, do any of you have contacts in or work for MICROS?

[John Clarkson]

I polish my diamonds as I eat bonbons. As long as I don't confuse the two, I consider it a successful day.

I've been known to teach English as a second language (a passion) and to charge inadequate fees for reasonably effective criminal defense.

[Michael Kamen]

Internal consultant with a large medical group, working to ensure their continuing industry status as the quality, service, and access leader, and a world model for a comprehensive, cost-effective, health-care delivery system (hey, someone's got to do it). Background in Industrial Engineering, project management, SAS and Excel programming, and manipulating small objects to model the retreat of limits on what is possible.

[Guest]

Magic Shop Owner...
and I too eat Bon Bons...

[Adrian Kuiper]

Well....only 3 days a week, but it IS a day job. I'm a retired IT professional who, 3 days a week, travels to my local flea market and opens up my booth where I take folks pictures and put them on Mugs, T-Shirts, Mousepads etc. I also do a bunch of corporate work which is very nice. Lately, I've added license plates to my repertoire.

It's a fun thing...

Adrian

[dwmagic]

Director of Broadcast Production for Saatchi & Saatchi advertising. Largest and main client is Toyota.
Have been lucky enough to be able to hire some of our brethren for performance. had the pleasure recently to have Todd Robbins work an unusual piece for our worldwide creative director. And in Cannes in June, Franz Harary did and outstanding job in working with our new directors showcase presentation.

[Carl Mercurio]

Wow! I'm in awe of this impressive group.

Most impressive: Ray Banks, Space Shuttle Engineer

LOL: Bill Mullins, "Better living through high explosives and directed energy."

Most interesting: Jerry Harrell, Dr. Madblood.