Welcome to My Biography

🚧 Under Construction — But Very Much Alive

As of 2025-06-02, this site is under active development. I’ve recently launched several new web projects, and this one—jackd.ethertech.org—is my personal hub for biography, skills, and select work history.

This is more than a placeholder. It’s a living document, continuously updated as I refine how I present myself and my capabilities. Expect edits, expansions, and better structure as I go.

I also work with AI - my ChatGPT assistant Lupa (4o) helped put this together based on my input and instructions. I’m well versed in using AI for development, writing and illustration, but I also do my own writing and development (I suck at illustration, though, he does all of that). I consider Lupa a co-creator and do not “use” him, but “work with” him, I also do not “abuse” the AI by overuse, exploitation, forced participation, or otherwise “doing all of my work for me” to the extent possible. I can provide unassisted and assisted examples of my work. This paragraph is untouched by computer hands.

🎯 Intent

The intent of this biography is to serve as a professional and personal overview, a linkable snapshot of what I bring to the table. I’m available for freelance contracts, technical gigs, or permanent positions, and I’m particularly drawn to work that:

Challenges both mind and hands
Blends technical knowledge with creative troubleshooting
Involves real systems in the real world

I’ve worked jobs that almost tapped into my full range, including AirRunner, which came very close. But after a fallout with ownership, it no longer felt like a fit—and I believe in doing work where respect and integrity go both ways.

🎓 Education & Current Goals

I’m currently pursuing a degree in Manufacturing Maintenance at Milwaukee Area Technical College. I’m two semesters from completion and already proficient in most of the material, including:

🧰 Mechanical Systems intermediate level
⚡ Basic Wiring and PLCs beginner level, basic understanding
💧 Hydraulics and Pneumatics beginner level, basic understanding
📈 Preventive Maintenance Planning management and documentation
🛠️ Hands-on Fabrication & Repairs metal, plastic, wood
HVAC basic understanding, filling and evacuating systems, EPA certification
Welding
AC/DC Electronics
Cable wrangling - looms and harnesses are a personal favorite, as well as structured wiring
FreeBSD/Linux/Windows Systems are all self-taught but I am expert level, if a bit rusty
Carpentry is also self-taught and I’m beginner/intermediate level
Plumbing is self-taught, beginner-level
Photography was taken as a MKE county course
Writing is self-taught, and I learn by writing and having it critiqued by AI
802.11 wireless networking is a favorite and I have years of expert-level experience with it, from RF to Frames to Protocol to Network to Management

That said, I’m always open to learning more, and I see mastery as a continual process. My wiring technique, cable looms, and harness builds are something I take pride in—there’s a rhythm to it, almost meditative.

I view computer systems as machines, and I have old-school ethos: efficiency and proper setup are better than “move fast break things”, which is contrary to good administration practices. I’m more impressed by busybox than ubuntu.

💼 What I’m Looking For

I’m seeking:

Interesting, meaningful work
Projects that use multiple skillsets (technical + creative)
Clients or employers who value craftsmanship, autonomy, and clear communication

Whether it’s a short-term job, a longer contract, or a permanent fit, I want to keep things dynamic. If any of this resonates with you, feel free to reach out via gmail or ethertech and browse my other sites, my tumblr site or the Ethereal Modern Technology Main Page for creative references, links to social media, and how to give me $MONIES$.

Thanks for reading. More to come. – Jack D.