Meet Ronnie! Ronnie is always working on a new project for the labs!
What is your role at TXRX?
I'm on the board as Secretary, I help coordinate volunteers, and I am a shop manager. I work on various things, like build out of the lab itself, layout of facilities, equipment repairs, going out and getting equipment and supplies, teaching classes, resolving and mediating conflicts, assisting members and students with projects and advice, and whatever else pops up.
What’s your typical day like at TXRX?
Doing the things mentioned above, like building out the lab, repairing and installing new equipment, and helping staff and members with projects and issues.
How long have you been part of the TXRX team?
4 years.
What do you enjoy most about working at TXRX?
The great people I get to work with every day, the fact that we have a mission that we are working towards, and the chance to teach and learn new things constantly. There's an endless amount of problems I can help solve, and I get a real kick out of coming up with unnecessarily clever solutions to tricky problems and helping other people think through their projects systematically.
How did you find TXRX?
I knew about hackerspaces and coworking spaces, and I was looking for a way to get access to more tools and space quickly, so a quick Google search for "Houston hackerspace" lead me here.
Do you make things?
I've always customized cars, starting with old VW's and moving into motorcycles and other vehicles. I usually work on designing and building spaces. I've renovated houses and rv's, built workshops, and I've fully customized my tiny 500 sq ft apartment.
How long have you lived in Houston?
I've lived in the greater Houston area my whole life, and I moved to Houston about 15 years ago. I prefer to be in a busy city, or way out in nature with no one around. I got out of the suburbs as soon as I could.
Where is your favorite place in Houston?
Other than my apartment, it would have to be TXRX. I'm here almost every day.
What do you do you when you’re not working?
Sleeping mostly. Playing video games, traveling when I can, and usually working on a project with friends and family.
What you have learned since you started working at TXRX?
I've gotten more familiar with things like electrical and HVAC work, learned about CNC and other types of rapid fabrication, and I've learned a lot about collaborating with all different types of people and skill sets.
What has been your favorite project at TXRX?
We spent a few months building out the 12,000 square foot annex (the artist studios, rental space and ceramics / jewelry / photos studios) and I learned a lot and I'm proud of the results.
What motivates you?
I've been doing this stuff my whole life, it's just in my nature to design and build and fix stuff, I just love and nerd out on infrastructure.
What’s your favorite book?
I just finished "The Inevitable" by Kevin Kelly, it's about trends in technology that appear to be inevitable going forward. I also have to credit Tim Ferriss' "The 4 Hour Workweek" with inspiring me to quit my corporate job and just get started doing things that are fun, which lead into my freelance career today. I also really loved "Vagabonding" by Rolf Potts, that showed me that you really don't need money to travel, you just need time and ingenuity.
Anything else you’d like to add that I didn’t ask?
The best part about this place isn't the tools, it's the community of people who like to get things done and have the attitude to always try new things and learn. I am inspired by the people here every day.
