So I have been asked to reveal my true myself. The one with the bad jokes, the one who keeps getting in trouble in Europe, and the one who works for peanuts-wait, don't let my bosses hear that one.
So Mr Huff, when were you born, where did you grow up, what do you like to drink, who is your favorite singer? Do you really want to know all that stuff? Too bad, though David Bowie wins hands down.
Who Are You?
I think a great way to get to know a bit about me is to understand why I work for Paradocx.
Quite a few years back I had an office desk job working at a claims processing facility, auditing claims. Snoresville. I was restless, bored, and unchallenged. Trust me. it had it's perks, but I just had a really hard time staying motivated. "Patrick, Wake up!"
At the time, I started a beer blog and it was getting pretty serious. One night, at one of our infamous Christmas parties, I asked the group how many of them loved their jobs. Only one raised their hand, isn't that sad.
Work. Work. Work.
I later found out that only about 13% of Americans enjoy their careers. Well that wouldn't be so bad if we didn't spend such a large part of our life working.
I think about my wife who gets up at 7 am. Get's to work by 9 am. leaves work at 5:00 pm, and gets home at 5:30 pm. That's 10.5 hours a day set aside for her career. That's 52.5 hours per week. Most of us, including me, for quite some time, hate their jobs.
The reasons are varied, but for me, I just wanted my career to line up with my passions and bubbly personality. First, I am quite the social butterfly; I like people. Second, I love food and drink. Last but not least, third, I have an over-following river of creativity.
Will You Take Me In?
Luckily, I am able to channel all of those characteristics at Paradocx. Was I originally looking for Paradocx? Well sort of. I was building a relationship with Hard Cider. I found a cidery/winery in MD. I worked there for a short time but the commute was two hours one way. The interest remained and I found myself later looking in the same industry - Wine, Beer, or Cider.
In the meantime, I completed my Cicerone training (Sommelier for Beer), taking an endless amount of social media and online marketing courses. I have more certificates than I could possibly need.
I sent my resume to some local wineries in the Brandywine Valley. It's all about timing you know. This was August of 2014. I stopped into The Market at Liberty Place and dropped off my resume. Luckily, they called soon after and the rest is history.
Well not quite. I worked mainly in the tasting room in Landenberg, at the winery. I loved it. The staff, the overlords, the customers, but of course I wanted new challenges, and eventually they learned about my blog and newsletter talents. I jumped right in and found my true element.
I was soon offered a role developing social media graphics and banners. This was pretty new for me but I stepped up, put my big boy pants on and rose to the challenge. I have quite a bit to keep me busy and absolutely love it. They allow me to put my personality into it and to wear shorts.
The winery is growing and I plan to grow along with it. Though I think I really stopped growing at 15. Nevertheless, I enjoy it here and can't wait to see what's next.
One Final Thought
Ok. I promised not to bore you with nonsense trivial matter, but that's too bad. Here are a couple useless facts about me.
Favorite PDX wine? Yield
What food are you into now? Poke. It's like sushi in a bowl.
How tall are you? Depends who I am standing next to.
What is your favorite TV show? It involves a blue police box and a doctor.
How old are you? None of your business, but there was no internet or video games at the time. Well does Pong count?
What car do you drive? A big wheel. Try fitting a keg of beer on that, but where there is a will, there's a way!
Boxers or briefs? Depends who I am standing next to.
What's you favorite gadget? Echo Dot. Alexa, How many people read my blog?
Cheers. Find me at the winery some time. Ask for Sir Patrick. That's my official title.
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