On the Job
February 18, 2010
On the Job: Driving Instructor
The first time behind the steering wheel can be a zany experience for a driver. Is the brake on the right or the left? What’s the trick to parallel parking? Paul Abney, who runs Columbia’s A+ Driving School, guides green steerers.
February 11, 2010
On the Job: Master Jeweler
Kanye West says “Diamonds are forever / Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe.” Jim Pringle is responsible for many of the diamonds in the sky in Columbia. He’s been crafting jewelry for 25 years and won the De Beers Design Award in 1993, which propelled him to shine on the international jewelry stage. Pringle’s clients rave that he’s made some of the best jewelry of all time.
February 04, 2010
On The Job: Cleaner
Mark Anderson’s trademark blue dustpan and broom rest idly outside the door of Tiger Barber Shop while he catches up on the latest drama and jokes with downtown shop owners. After chatting, the Special Business District street sweeper continues on his task of cleaning sidewalks and removing graffiti from 60 downtown blocks. After four hours, The District is clean again.
January 28, 2010
On the Job: Plastics Recycler
Rummaging through your plastics can be a drag. But Gary Ryan, owner of Ryan Enterprises, recycles nearly every type of plastic. This renegade recycler transforms shrink-wrap and empty butter containers into a variety of useful products. He makes Missouri greener one milk jug at a time.
January 21, 2010
On the Job: Tai chi instructor
The yin yangs in Mary Cruise’s tai chi studio aren’t a ’90s hangover. They reflect her personal search for yin and yang, the balance principles that drive this Chinese martial art. The search led Cruise (front right) to teach tai chi in Columbia. She now shares her passion 20 times a week with students age 6 to 96.
January 14, 2010
On the Job: Medical simulation actor
(Web Exclusive) Peter Beiger has been through all kinds of illnesses. No, he’s not a man with an unfortunately weak immune system; he’s a medical school simulation actor who gets paid to act out illnesses so medical students can practice diagnosing.
December 16, 2009
On the Job: Santa
’Twas two weeks before Christmas when all through Bass Pro, employee elves were dodging ATVs and fake snow. Amidst taxidermy reindeer and children with crossbows, sits Reggie Bennett, or Santa as he’s known.
December 03, 2009
On The Job: Chiropractic Physician (Acupuncturist)
Thin needles are inserted into a patient’s hands. She doesn’t even flinch. Seem counterintuitive? Thomas Curnutte, a chiropractic physician, assures that the procedure doesn’t hurt at all. Curnutte practices acupuncture, an ancient Chinese form of therapy that fixes the Chi, the force of energy that controls harmony in the body.
November 26, 2009
On the Job: Construction Instructor
Anthony Stanton is skilled in constructing roads, pouring concrete and fixing bridges, but his special talent lies in building character in others. As an instructor for Columbia Builds Youth, a program that teaches youths construction skills while helping them get a GED, Stanton works to improve the lives of Columbia’s next generation. Through construction, he teaches strong work ethic, life lessons and useful skills to young men and women looking for greater opportunities in life.
November 19, 2009
On The Job: Energy Auditor
Old Man Winter might’ve been hesitant to round the corner this year, but now he’s here to stay. And you might think expensive energy bills are too, but not if Erik Ensley has anything to do with them. Ensley, an energy auditor for Nemow Insulation Co., will show you how to cut your home or business energy bill without blow-drying your windows.
November 12, 2009
On the Job: Veteran case manager
Julie Heese might not be on the front lines, but to many local service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, she’s a hero. As a case manager for the Columbia Department of Veteran Affairs, Heese helps veterans of OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) and OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) adapt to civilian life, claim financial benefits and access services for physical and mental health.
Vox Asks Veterans
November 05, 2009
On the Job: Helicopter Pilot
Kyle Rehagen is a pilot for Staff for Life, the helicopter service owned and operated by Air Methods Corporation, which works in partnership with University Hospital. Rehagen is responsible for flying nurses and paramedics to the scenes of severe injuries. He tried other occupations, but the pilot’s seat kept calling him back. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” he says.
October 29, 2009
On The Job: House Haunter
You are walking down a dark hallway. Chills run down your spine. Then, a man with a butcher knife jumps out from around the corner, and you let out a piercing scream. Now imagine you are the one responsible for terrifying those bold enough to enter Necropolis. Haunted house actor Aaron May delights in triggering peoples’ fright.
Slideshow: On the Job with an Evil Butcher
(Web Exclusive) Watch actor Aaron May at work as an evil butcher at Necropolis haunted house.
October 15, 2009
On The Job: Volkswagen Mechanic
Walter Shoupe has been peering under hoods for more than 30 years. Although he doesn’t get down and dirty as often nowadays, he still brushes up on current technology and schools his four mechanics when an older, more familiar set of wheels rolls in. Walt’s Service Inc., a specialty shop for Volkswagen parts and service owned by Shoupe, is coming up on its 29-year anniversary in November.
October 08, 2009
On The Job: Custom Tailor
With fall fashion hitting racks all over Columbia, people sometimes struggle to find outfits that fit just right. Pant legs always seem to be too short or too long, and jacket sleeves can swallow hands or leave wrists cold. Next time you’re in a fashion fix, pay a visit to Jeff Thompson. He’ll pin, zip, sew and steam you to perfection.
October 01, 2009
On The Job: Gymnastics Coach
Wendy Savley is the one yelling encouraging words from the sideline as her students fall to the floor. A gymnast turned gymnastics coach, she currently works with competitive teams at Show-Me Gymnastics and leads a morning preschool playgroup. Savley spends 40 hours per week encouraging athletes, leading team drills and spotting wayward tumblers.
September 24, 2009
On the Job: High School Custodians
Thanks to Bill Cosby, we all know that kids say the darndest things. The surprises don’t stop when adolescence hits: Teens simply learn to keep comments below the radar. Their gossip, though, often doesn’t go unheard. Although they keep to themselves and remain relatively unnoticed, school custodians see and hear it all. Anthony Fitzgerald, custodial supervisor at Hickman High School, and Arnold Cromwell, custodial supervisor at Rock Bridge, have stepped away from maintaining the school to enlighten us on what life is like behind the scenes.
September 17, 2009
On the Job: Lobbyist
Whether she’s running around the capitol convincing legislators to consider Planned Parenthood’s side on bills or running around schools trying to educate students and faculty on the importance of women’s health, lobbyist Michelle Trupiano is always on the move. In a rare moment of downtime, Trupiano takes a moment to tell Vox about her job and dispel some common misconceptions.
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