I graduated from Long Beach State University with a BFA in Drawing and Painting. I initially produced a variety of projects expressing my first love, fine arts, ranging from public and private murals painted around the Los Angeles area, to technical effects and shadow puppet designs for Francis Ford Coppola's feature film "Bram Stoker's Dracula."
I then transitioned into digital design as a production artist at Spin Cycle Entertainment where I worked on projects such as Universal Studios CityWalk, Jurassic Park: The Ride and WaterWorld: The Adventure. After I was promoted to Art Director I worked with New Regency Films and all of their associated movie properties, Kawasaki, Disney and the Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park.
In November of 1999 I decided to launch my own company, MonkeyBoy Interactive, offering a range of creative services including digital presentations, web site conceptualization, digital production and information design. I’ve subsequently worked with many companies in the interactive community and have designed websites for some of Hollywood’s most notable talent including Alyssa Milano, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Judith Light.
In 2002 as the Internet bubble burst, I recognized the necessity of diversifying my income streams as I continued to pursue my art career. I came across an opportunity to buy an established but poorly operated water filtration cooler rental business in 2003, which I subsequently transformed and re-branded into mr. H2O, LLC. In addition to owning and operating mr. H2O for the last eight years, in early 2009 I incorporated a Handyman Service into mr. H2O. Recognizing the need for affordable yet high quality home repair services, I decided to leverage my experience of managing a 10-unit residential apartment building in Santa Monica, California where I have performed plumbing, basic electrical, painting, carpentry and other general “handyman” work for over two decades. While there are certainly other competent handyman services around, I recognized a market opportunity for someone that could bring a high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility to the table, along with the ability to competently operate hand and power tools, which would transcend the “piece work” approach of many competitors and yet be more affordable than high-end general contractors.
While operating three businesses can be a challenge at times, I thrive on the diversity and knowledge that no two days are ever alike. Not to mention the freedom I have to schedule my own life and to take part in the lives of my wife and 3 young children.
To the casual viewer, it might appear that I’ve pursued a fairly eclectic career, although this is ultimately not the full story. Instead, I like to point out that a common creative threads runs throughout the various jobs that I’ve held, and at the core, all of my work is focused on deconstruction, construction and reconstruction. My approach to my handyman business is no different, and motivated by my curiosity and ability to work with my hands, I tackle both small and large projects with enthusiasm and care.