There’s a strong possibility you’ve already met Nick at one of the Tool Library’s Dare to Repair events, but we wanted to take a moment this month to introduce him as our newest hire, an In-Shop Repair Tech! What is a Repair Tech, you ask? Well, in Nick’s words, he’s a fixer – someone who’ll help keep the Tool Library running smoothly in both the long and short term. Hooray sustainability!
How and when did you first get involved with the Tool Library? What led you to become one of our Dare to Repair volunteers?
About 2 years ago I had the sense that I wanted to find a way to give back and connect to my community more. I had the thought that I could give even more if I was able to lend my skills as well as my time. When I found the Dare to Repair cafés it was the perfect fit!
How has volunteering impacted your life and your sense of community?
Volunteering has given me more connection to my community, humanity, and always fills me with optimistic energy. In an evolving more and more isolated society, reaching out and getting involved with the humans around you becomes ever more important.
In your own words, what exactly is a repair tech, and how do you see your new position?
I have held many titles in my career (mechanic, technician, service engineer) but at the end of the day we are fixers. Someone who is curious, observant and willing to learn. As the repair tech for the Tool Library I see my role as someone to keep the tools in the library in rotation. But additionally, to build systems to make the tool library even more sustainable! I will be working with Maddie and Darren to combine my experience of maintaining healthcare technology into a healthy self-sustaining tool repair program.
Can you think of anything you’ve helped fix in the past that has been particularly challenging? How about something interesting or fun?
There was the time I had to run around a hospital and bleed excess oxygen out of the medical air supply! But really, I have my dream day job fixing very complex medical imaging systems. Tons of complexity, giving the opportunity to think creatively and critically. Some of the most fun is more simple though, like rebuilding the carburetor on my 1979 Honda Express moped. Learning the theory of 2 stroke engines and thinking about the engineers in 70s Japan trying to design something cheap, efficient and lasting to move people to work and life.
What keeps you busy when you’re not working in the shop or at Dare to Repair?
Skateboarding and photography are the spice of my life! At 33 I now have 21 years on the board and it keeps me young and happy. Traveling and taking film photos to frame the world and make memories. Spending as much time as I possibly can with my wonderful partner Emily and our FOUR cats is my whole life in a nutshell and one I’m very happy with.
Do you have a favorite tool (or category of tool) to work with?
My right hand is a DMM (Digital MultiMeter). It is the first tool of quantifying what the heck is going on electrically with something and is fundamental to electrical fixers. But let’s be real, the most FUN tools are the ones that can do some damage, haha.