We've all worked like, 900 jobs over the course of a lifetime, Mon. Here's a rundown of my work history, from the glamorous to "not so much." I've probably skipped a few here and there, but I don't think you'll miss them...if you even read this.
| 1 |
1989-1992 |
Chic-Fil-A |
My first job in High School. A great place to work, a great boss to work for (Sam Ramsey) and many great memories and connections. |
| 2 |
1991-1993 |
YMCA |
Yup, I pulled a stint as a lifeguard for the local YMCA, which also pulled double duty in the summers at the Laurelwood Pool and Racquet Club (now Daves Mtn. Club). This was a fun job, albeit a bit boring. I'm never one to sit for long periods of time and don't really have the skin to get lobstered on a regular basis. |
| 3 |
1993-1995 |
Randolph Community College |
While I was in class at Randolph Community College, I worked in the Media Services department checking out equipment, running the satellite feed for the local cable show, and padding, cutting and assembling printed materials. |
| 4 |
1994 |
Thomas Tire |
My only exposure into what it might be like working as a mechanic (although that's not what I did). Mainly changed and rotated tires, repaired flats and basic maintenance. It was good hard work. |
| 5 |
1995 |
Ampersand Graphics |
At Appalachian State University, I had the opportunity to do a little freelancing for a local graphic design company...not much as I had a pretty full load, but it was still experience I could pack into my current day website. |
| 6 |
1996 - 1997 |
Wear-Abouts |
During a hiatus from ASU, I ventured into my first small business venture, my friend Chris Thomas and I developed a T-Shirt company as a side job in Cary, North Carolina, that did marginally well. A death in the family brought me back to Asheboro and then back on to finish up my 4 year degree |
| 7 |
1996 - 1997 |
Frame Warehouse |
I had to have a full time job to pay bills in Cary, so I worked at Frame Warehouse during the day honing my frame building, matte cutting and overall presentation skills. I bounced between store locations in Cary, North Raleigh and Durham. |
| 8 |
1997 |
Signs and Designs |
Back home in Asheboro, I had the opportunity to work in a local sign business, learning the ropes of vinyl vehicle graphics and screen printing. |
| 9 |
1997 |
Piedmont Printing |
Let's just say I bounced around to a lot of jobs while I was between college years. I worked in pre-press production and bindery at Piedmont Printing. Another notch in my belt. |
| 10 |
1997 |
Construction |
Suffice it to say that 1997 was a busy year for lil' Kris. I helped start construction on the LDDK pottery store in Seagrove, NC with Jim Saunders and Billy Williams. Good sweaty summer work. |
| 11 |
1997 - 1999 |
The Best Cellar Restaurant |
Back at ASU, I realized I should probably get a job to keep me out of (too much) trouble. I started bussing tables at a fine dining restaurant located in a log cabin in Blowing Rock, NC. My first night on the job I spilled a tray of water pitchers on a lady patron...I think she got a free meal that evening. I moved on up to waiting tables, bar tending and valet parking. I was also given to opportunity to paint a mural on their bar wall. The original location burned down a few years ago, but they saved the mural form the bar and transported it to their new location. Overall, this was one of my favorite jobs throughout my history. |
| 12 |
1999-2000 |
The North Carolina Zoological Park |
After graduation from ASU, I was told of a job opportunity by a professor in none other than my hometown of Asheboro at the NC Zoo (which is good because that's where I was going anyway). I worked for several months, utilizing the skills I learned at ASU in welding and sculpture, in the Exhibit Design department. The main project I worked on was the renovation of the chimpanzee exhibit, specifically helping create the rock armatures that is a key design element throughout the NC Zoo. Alas, it was a limited state job and time ran out and new opportunities arose, so I continued on to my journey. |
| 13 |
2000-2002 |
Two Oaks Studio |
I had an easy transition from a state job into the public sector using the same skill set that I was initially developing. Two Oaks Studios built rocks and other natural elements for high end homes in Greensboro, Salisbury, Raleigh, Wake Forest and Durham. I really got to stretch my creative muscles on this job as many of the solutions we came up with had to be unique and well crafted to suit the most exquisite tastes. Also created my first website for the studio during this time. |
| 14 |
2002-2003 |
First National Bank and Trust
|
When I began MainSales with Scott Smith, we had to work jobs in order to get the business off the ground. I worked days at First National Bank (now Community One) in the marketing department with Cooper Thornton. A great job and a great company...I had the opportunity to dust off my graphic design skills after years of limited use. |
| 15 |
2002-2008 |
MainSales Design |
My previous graphic design, print and sign company, MainSales grew from a one room space in a garage to a full fledged output shop that specialized in several different areas of marketing and brand development. As the Creative Director, I oversaw and had my hand in most of the marketing campaigns. A good experience that gave me many life lessons. |
| 16 |
2008-present |
the Kris Julian studio |
Here you are! |
