Joe Kaski

Experience

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  The Grand Prairie Daily News

  Jan 1982 - Oct 1982

  Police, Fire & Hospital Beat reporter

  My foray into newspaper journalism was exciting but brief. I proved to myself that I could succeed in the profession, but ultimately decided I didn't love the work enough to put in so many long hours for such low pay. [Ironically, my father told me not to go into teaching, because of its low pay. I followed his instructions and found a profession that paid even less than teaching!] When I left the paper, I got a job waiting tables and made MORE money. I also took a Public Relations course at the University of Texas in Arlington, hoping to make a jump from newspaper work into public relations. My UTA professor recommended me for a job at AAFES (The Exchange). Show less

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  The Exchange

  Aug 1984 - Jan 1985

  Intern Writer

  Served as a writer/photographer for the Public Affairs Dept. of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AEFES), a non-military branch of the DOD which operates post and base exchanges (stores) on U.S. military installations around the world. When I worked for AEFES, it employed more than 700,000 persons worldwide. In essence, I wrote and photographed for a newspaper with a monthly circulation of 700,000.

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  Electronic Data Systems

  Jan 1985 - Jan 1986

  Publications Writer

  Worked on a variety of internal publications and newsletters, quarterly and annual reports as a member of the company's public affairs staff. Hired away by former boss in 1986.

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  North Lake College

  Jan 1985 - Jan 1987

  Photography Instructor

  I taught courses in basic photography and in advanced black and white photography in the continuing education department.

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  Hogan Systems

  Jan 1986 - Jan 1988

  Internal Communications Coordinator

  Although primarily responsible for editing and assembling the company's monthly internal newsletter, I also assisted with quarterly and annual reports and other special publications as both a writer and photographer. Hogan was a "big box" banking software maker whose product line whose marketing rights were purchased by IBM while I was working there. The company went out of business several years after I left.

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  NationsBank

  Jan 1988 - Jan 1996

  Public Relations Coordinator

  I arrived in the Public Affairs Dept. at First RepublicBank a month before it became what was then the nation's largest FDIC-insured bank to fail (with $32.5 Billion in assets). I worked in the bank's Public Affairs division through three name changes - First Republic Bank, NCNB Texas, then NationsBank (in 1991). I was laid off in a final round "downsizing" moves in 1988. When I began working at the bank, our department had almost 20 people. When I left, it was down to 5.

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  J. Rick Kaski Photography

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1999

  Proprietor

  Did a variety of freelance photo and design work for local and national newspapers and magazines, including the Dallas Observer, Fort Worth Star Telegram and Sports Illustrated.

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  University of Wisconsin Union

  Jan 1997 - Jan 1999

  Photo instructor/Woodworking Instructor

  I taught basic and advanced woodworking to members of the Wisconsin Union (UW-Madison students and alumni) in a short-course evening format. Eventually, I also taught basic photography as well as black-and-white darkroom course.

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  PKI Ltd.

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2003

  Cabinetmaker, Office Manager

  After having fun teaching woodworking in Madison, I decided to find work in the woodworking industry. Phil Koch, the owner of Heartwood Architecture, was kind enough (or crazy enough) to offer me a job. I did a little bit of everything in his high-end commercial cabinetry shop. I worked as an apprentice cabinetmaker, helped in the finishing area and with installations of custom office cabinets, reception tables, executive desks and bookcases, board room tables and more. I also used my used my PR, design and photography experience to help manage company his company's name change and to help him launch a website to showcase his the fine work of his craftsman. I eventually became an office manager of sorts, handling much of the bookkeeping and day-to-day office chores. Show less

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  Trinity Basin Preparatory

  Aug 2004 - Jun 2006

  6-8th grade Science Teacher

  I taught general science to 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

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  Irving ISD

  Aug 2006 - Jul 2013

  GT Biology & MS Science teacher

  I taught high school Biology to Gifted and Talented 8th grade students. I also taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade GT, Pre-AP and General science students during my time at Crockett MS.

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  UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

  Jun 2010 - Jul 2010

  STARS Summer Research Program Intern

  I assisted Dr. Li in his research into nerve regeneration as part of the UT Southwester STARS Summer Research Program for teachers and HS students. It was a fantastic experience woking alongside Dr. Li and his staff, Danny, Max and Bin as well as Drs. Goodmann and Ravnik in the STARS department. I highly recommend this paid summer internship to all HS science teachers!

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  Modern Cabinetry

  Sept 2016 - Nov 2023

  Master Cabinet Maker

  I build and install frameless European-style premium for Modern Cabinetry, a small boutique custom cabinetry shop in San Antonio. We primarily do high-end residential work and occasional commercial work. You'll find our cabinets in the finest homes and restaurants around San Antonio.

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  Modern Cabinetry

  Oct 2017 - Nov 2023

  Shop Foreman
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  Christensen Woodworks

  Oct 2023 - Feb 2024

  Master Cabinet Maker
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  Campbell Millworks

  Feb 2024 - now

  Master Cabinet Maker