“What would you do if you could do anything?” It’s the question your friends ask
when you meet up for Happy Hour, always after a grueling week at work.
“What is YOUR dream job?”*
To inspire you, here are 25 OC residents who are happily working in theirs.
*The results of our July reader poll indicate more than half of OC METRO readers are not working at their dream jobs.
By Ashley Eliot, Maggie Beidelman and Susan Belknapp
BREWMASTER
TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Brea
Name: Victor Novak
City of residence: La Habra
How long in his dream job: 12 years
Victor Novak considers himself a “beer chef.” He creates some 35 classic styles of ales and lagers, taking the product from grain to glass. He gets inspiration and insight by traveling throughout and researching the great brewers of Europe. Once he has studied the various beer “styles,” he creates recipes for TAPS Fish House & Brewery with his own unique flair. Currently, he brews approximately 1,700 kegs or 26,000 gallons of beer a year for TAPS. His favorite beer is German Hefeweizen.
Why do you love about your job?
“Creative control…they let me do whatever I want in brewing, creating new styles such as Belgium, Scottish and German styles.”
NOVELIST
Author, Random House
Name: Robyn Schneider
City of residence: Splits time between Irvine and New York
How long in her dream job: Eight years working as a teen-lit author, three years as a professional novelist
Robyn Schneider’s life today is most certainly “Better Than Yesterday,” (the title of her acclaimed novel). Her work involves studying trends in teen culture and teen literature, traveling to promote her books, updating her blog and website, attending events such as conferences, school and library visits, and, of course, writing.
“The best part of my job is getting paid to do something I’ve been doing for fun since I was a kid: making up stories. Whenever I walk into a bookstore and see my books on shelves, I still can’t believe it.”
Schneider’s next novel is due out in a year.
LEAR JET PILOT
West Coast Charters
Name: Charlie Roselli
City: Laguna Beach
How long in his dream job? 15 years
As a charter pilot, Roselli spends his workday hours jetting from the Caribbean, France, Italy, Cabo San Lucas and Napa Valley while transporting real estate moguls, corporate executives and celebrities such as Dana Carvey and David Spade. With the open sky above him and the Earth below, no high-rise office in the world could rival his ever-changing view.
“I love flying airplanes and traveling to different places; seeing the world; meeting some amazing people – the movers and shakers of the United States.”
MASTER SOMMELIER
Vice president, corporate training and wine education, The Henry Wine Group
Name: Peter Neptune
City of residence: Irvine
How long in his dream job: 25 years
Life is a Cabernet for Peter Neptune. He has the privilege of reveling in his passion and making a living at it. His work involves researching and writing about wine, tasting, and traveling to the wine-rich areas of the world. He gives seminars on wine tasting and the wine regions throughout the country. No two weeks are ever the same and as Neptune says, “There is always something new to experience.
“I am lucky to get paid for my passion and my hobby. I am able to continually learn about a fascinating subject, and I also love the travel.”
TRAVEL WRITER
OC Register
Name: Gary Warner
City of Residence: Orange
How long in his dream job: 13 years
Gary Warner produces the OC Register’s Sunday travel section. He not only gets to plan his dream trips to exotic, eclectic and historic locations, he gets paid to write about them too! In addition, he heads the publication end by planning, along with travel and copy editors, designers and photographers, the entire travel section. He is also in charge of selecting wire service and freelance articles in addition to writing his blog, “Travels with Gary,” for the Register’s website.
What does he love most about the job?
“It gives me a chance to do two of the things I love the most, to write and to travel the world. I get to meet a lot of people and ask nosy questions simply because I have a notebook in my hand. The Register has been great, they let me pick my destinations and they pay for everything (unlike some other publications). We take no freebies and I travel anonymously.”
STAND-UP COMEDIAN
Performs with the Laff Pack
Name: Julie Kidd
City of residence: Yorba Linda
How long in her dream job: 16 years
Kidd writes all her own material and performs several times a week to test her material, which focuses on being a single mom. She has been with Laff Pack for three years and performs twice a week. The former executive assistant found office work “boring.”
What does she love most about her job?
“Making people laugh… My life is such a struggle – I laugh all the time. Being able to laugh at my struggles and making other people laugh – there’s nothing better than that.”
LIFEGUARD
Laguna Beach Marine Safety Officer
Name: Kai Bond
City of Residence: Aliso Viejo (grew up in Laguna Beach)
How long in his dream job: 12 years
It may not be quite like working in a continuous loop of “Baywatch” reruns, but Kai Bond is living his dream. He knew he wanted to be a lifeguard after he saved a child from the rip current at Victoria Beach when he was just 16. Today, his first priority is keeping swimmers, surfers and body-boarders safe, rescuing anyone in need, ensuring the safety of all other beachgoers and helping maintaining the beauty and integrity of our coast by keeping a vigilant eye on all elements affecting the beachfront.
Bond says there’s nothing more rewarding than saving people. His first rescue was a moving event. “That was my defining point that made me want to be a lifeguard and make a difference.”
YACHT CAPTAIN
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Name: Shawn Ware
City of residence: Newport Beach
How long in his dream job: 12 years
Shawn Ware is both port captain and associate director of marine operations for Hornblower, which hosts corporate and private functions, weddings, birthday parties and celebrations for celebrities, film shoots (such as “Along Came Polly”), and private renters. Shawn runs the onboard crew to make sure everything is in order during the events. Most interesting event held on board: Barry White’s funeral, with Michael Jackson attending. Other functions hosted: John Wayne’s recent 100th anniversary – his entire family on the Wild Goose yacht; trips to Catalina (sometimes 3-4 days long) and harbor cruises. “It’s up to the client’s imagination” as far as where they want to go and what they want to do.
“I worked my way up from deck crew onboard private yachts and ended up on the commercial private side. There’s a great view from the office, I deal with a lot of real neat people, and no two days are alike.” Also, “We really get to see these people (celebrities) on a personal level when they rent the yacht for an event.”
GROUNDS KEEPER
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Name: Barney Lopas
City: Anaheim
How many years at his dream job: 22 years; 11 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
There’s a unique thrill of going to a professional sporting event and catching a glimpse of the field for the first time. It’s green, pristine…perfection. Barney Lopas has dedicated his life’s work to giving fans and players that thrill at every game. He is responsible for everything from mowing to painting lines, fertilizing, resodding and maintaining the turf. His greatest challenge, however, is grooming the infield dirt and most importantly, the pitcher’s mound. He learned his craft in the minor leagues and later worked for the Houston Astros, the Minnesota Twins and the Florida Marlins, creating spring training complexes for each.
What is his favorite part of the job?
“Playoffs are everybody’s favorite time. I enjoy the teams when they’re here and when they’re away. The excitement of coming to the ballpark for the game and taking care of my turf – I love both aspects.”
VIDEOGAME DEVELOPER
Papaya Studios
Name: Lin Shen
City: Irvine
Dream job: Developing video games for Papaya Studios
How long at his dream job? 16 years
As creative director and creator of Papaya Studios, Lin Shen’s dream job is not necessarily all fun and games. Creating video games is a tough, sophisticated prospect in which Lin oversees the development, engineering and complete creation of each game, which can take 12-18 months to produce. During “crunch time,” the period of finalizing and perfecting right before release, Lin may work until 2 or 3 a.m., then take an hour nap and start working again. “You definitely have to have a passion for it. It’s the passion that drives you through crunch time.”
What she loves most: “Definitely the creative side – to come up with an idea and actually see it displayed on the TV. Working through and seeing the idea come to life and seeing the people reviewing the game and having fun with it – the whole process – there’s nothing can beat that. We truly believe in family-oriented games. It’s our goal to try to change the view of the video game industry as far as violence, etc. We put out healthier material.”
FASHION DESIGNERS
Quiksilver America, Radio Fiji, Roxy Girl and Teenie Wahine
Name: Steve Fontes, design director, Quiksilver America; Tristy Fontes, swimwear designer for Radio Fiji, Roxy Girl and Teenie Wahine
City of residence: Huntington Beach
How long in their dream jobs: Steve, 9 years; Tristy, 10 years
Sharing a passion and working with your spouse? Doing product research while surfing? Expressing your creativity with new design concepts every year? Or seeing hundreds of beachgoers wearing your designs every day? What could be better? Steve and Tristy Fontes live these experiences daily as designers for Quiksilver and Roxy. Steve oversees the designs for Quiksilver’s board shorts, bottoms and jackets; it’s in his job description to surf in them to test the fabrication and garment construction. Tristy is responsible for all swimwear designs for Radio Fiji and Roxy.
What do you love most about your jobs?
“I love that we can do whatever we want to do as long as we stay true to the roots of Quiksilver,” says Steve.
Tristy says, “Creativity. I’m able to explore. I love color and the elements of design.”
GENERAL MANAGER
Montage Resort and Spa, Laguna Beach
Name: James Bermingham
City of residence: Laguna Niguel
How long in his dream job: 20 years
Bermingham welcomes guests to one of OC’s most beautiful and luxurious beach resorts, the Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach. Catering to the affluent traveler, he oversees the management of the 250-room Craftsman style beachfront property that pays homage to the rich history of Laguna Beach in its design. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all public areas of the hotel frame the sparkling Pacific, and a walk from one side of the property to the other takes Bermingham through artfully created plein air landscapes.
“What I enjoy most about my job is building relationships. Getting to know our guests, their families and passions and finding how we can exceed their expectations is always a pleasure. Every time they visit I want to take their experience to another level.”
ON-AIR NEWS REPORTER
CBS 2 / KCAL 9, Orange County
Name: Michele Gile
City of residence: Corona del Mar
How long in her dream job: 22 years
From San Clemente to Yorba Linda; from Buena Park to Dana Point, Michele Gile has got OC covered. Her beat is anywhere in the county news is happening and she is often the first on the scene. From sensational crime to light human interest, she reports on the air about anything and everything newsworthy in OC.
What do you love most about your job?
“One minute it’s slow; the next, crazy. Busy is good.”
RESTAURANT CELEB
Co-founder and co-owner Wahoo’s Fish Tacos
Name: Wing Lam
City of residence: Sunset Beach
How long in his dream job: 19 years
Wing Lam long ago recognized the style, taste and atmosphere potential of Baja beachstand-fresh tacos. He brought that concept to California back when East Coasters were still saying, “Fish tacos! What?” The chain has become a SoCal institution. Wing remains a hands-on restaurateur who is involved in all facets of marketing the restaurant, while cultivating an atmosphere of fun. He’s able to mix business with pleasure before and after work, through charity events, golf meetings, surfing, etc.
What do you love most about your job?
“It’s a lifestyle/work, always fun and multi-dimensional, where everyone hangs out with everyone.”
EXECUTIVE CHEF
The Island Hotel Newport Beach
Name: Bill Bracken
City of residence: Fountain Valley
How long in his dream job: 31 years, the last two at the Island Hotel
Bill Bracken oversees all of the culinary operations of The Island Hotel Newport Beach, which pledges to “proudly serve discerning guests with exceptional service and impeccable attention to detail.”
Bracken’s duties include supervising a staff of 48 cooks and sous-chefs and a stewarding department of approximately 18 people who serve the Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge, Room Service, Banquets, Pool Side Food Service and Outside Catering.
As a key member of the AAA Diamond team of hospitality professionals, Bracken ensures guest expectations are exceeded during their stay at The Island Hotel.
What do you love most about your job?
“Wow, this is a tough one. There are so many wonderful things about working here at the Island Hotel. Working in an environment that is so positive and professional is a great and welcome change for me.”
FASHION STYLIST
Keillor Collection
Name: Deborah Keillor
City: Newport Beach
How long at her dream job? 19 years
Deborah Keillor has drawn upon her passion for fashion and her experience as a fashion editor to establish herself in a niche that grows larger every year. She is hired to create a look and style for individual clients including Heather Locklear and Julia Roberts. Usually it’s for a special event, but it can be any time they want to look great. She works with various designers and pulls merchandise for fittings.
“I love making people feel good about themselves and confident.”
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Orange County Symphony Orchestra
Name: Carl St. Clair
City of Residence: Laguna Beach
How long in his dream job: 18 seasons
On a scale of one to 10, Carl St. Clair’s occupation as music conductor has seemingly endless measures. Though the audience only sees him for a few hours during his lively evening performances, his career has been anything but staccato, as he intently studies music in intervals from about 4 a.m. to midnight. “Ninety percent of my time is spent studying and learning the music, one measure, one note, one page at a time.” And time is not short, as St. Clair spends up to an hour and a half learning a single minute of music.
St. Clair feels honored to serve the community, improving its cultural awareness. “You’re feeding yourself the beauty and the structure and the way the piece is put together,” St. Clair said of studying and listening to the music. “It feeds your spirit and your soul in a very positive way.”
What he loves most about his job: “Spending endless hours with the geniuses of Mozart or Beethoven or Wagner. When I’m studying their music, in a way I’m developing a relationship with them.”
PET SITTER
Fetch! Pet Care
Name: Sergio and Elizabeth Romero
City of Residence: La Habra
How long in their dream job? 5 years
Sergio, a former mechanic, and Elizabeth, who used to be a customer service rep, decided to chuck their traditional jobs and do what they really wanted to do: spend more time with pets. Three months ago they opened Fetch!, a La Habra-based pet sitting service. Today, their workday involves walking dogs and feeding animals while pet owners are at work or away on vacation.
The couple work in the field during the morning and spend afternoons doing paperwork and promoting their business.
What do you love most about your job?
“The best part is that you get to be outdoors and take care of animals. You’re always going to have fun with animals.”
INN KEEPER
Ruta’s Old Town Inn, Orange
Name: Liz Talone
City of residence: Old Town Orange
How long in her dream job: 3 years
When Liz Talone goes to work every day, she really comes home, to a nearly 100-year-old Craftsman home that is now Ruta’s Old Town Inn, a bed and breakfast near Chapman University in Old Town Orange. Talone admits to pretending that the three-room inn is her own home, and that’s how she tries to make guests feel during their stay. Mystery novelists to honeymooners to university visitors all come and go on any given day, according to the 42-year-old innkeeper.
“Old Town Orange is really ‘Pleasantville,’” she says. “I love to see people’s faces when they walk through that door. I get to meet brilliant professors…and the neatest people.”
OWNER
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Name: Arte Moreno
City of residence: Tucson
How long in his dream job: 4 years as owner of the Angels. Moreno was a co-owner of a minor league ballclub as well as the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Arte Moreno runs the business of the Anaheim Angels; what he calls “outside the white lines.” From negotiating network deals to meeting with fans, Moreno told OC METRO Magazine earlier this year, “It’s all about the fan experience…
“We look at everything from the time you hit the parking lot; what it smells like, to what it feels like…”
Our enjoyment is his success.
SURF BOARD SHAPER
Hobie Surfboards
Name: Terry Martin
City: Capistrano Beach
How long in his dream job: 44 years
This former construction and shipyard worker always wanted to make surfboards, but in the late 1950s, early 1960s, there was no money in it. He officially went into business at Hobie Surfboards in 1963 and has been working at his passion ever since. Martin starts with a foam blank of the oversized surfboard mold and shapes and smooths it in accordance to the customer’s specifications. He has the privilege of making his own hours, essentially working “whenever I want,” and when the surf comes up, he goes
surfing.
What do you love most about your dream job?
“I have as much fun now as I did when I started. Within an hour, I can see the results. The result is what motivates me personally. When I can go in and actually make something and see it, I never get tired of that.”
BALLOON PILOT
The Great Park Balloon
Name: Gary Stevens
City: Irvine
How long in his dream job? 7 years as
a balloon pilot; just started at The Great Park
The sky’s the limit for the chief operator of the “Big Orange” balloon, now offering passenger rides over Irvine’s evolving Great Park. Gary Stevens is very serious about the responsibilities of this unique job. He is in charge of training other pilots, taking care of the passengers and making sure everyone is safe. His 10 years in the British Air Force prepared him for the varying conditions he might encounter on any given day.
What he loves most: “Meeting people. All the people are very happy. It’s a nice environment to be around.”
WEDDING PLANNER
Cheers To You Events
Name: Marla Lackey
City of residence: Laguna Niguel
How long in dream job: 10 years
As a wedding planner, Marla Lackey is a modern-day fairy godmother who helps couples plan the biggest day of their lives. Her skills, contacts, and eye for beauty and style allow Marla to create dream ceremonies and receptions that reflect every couple’s unique style.
“It is an honor to be an integral part of the most important day in two people’s lives. I work with wonderful couples and incredible vendors, and together we create celebrations that bring together families and friends. It is a joy to share in the beginning of each couple’s new chapter.”
ZAMBONI DRIVERS
Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks
Name: Joel Francisco
City of Residence: Anaheim
How long in his dream job: 6 years
What other stadium or field technicians are cheered by fans while doing regular maintenance? Joel Francisco knows that in hockey culture, the Zamboni driver is as much a part of the fun and excitement of a live game as the mascots are in other sports. Kicking up a spray of ice while he runs the enormous machine, Francisco keeps the rink in optimum condition while thrilling the Honda Center fans.
“I love being able to take care of the ice for these guys and to just be a part of the whole NHL experience. My most memorable experience would definitely be drinking out of the Stanley Cup in the dressing room after the Game 5 win.”
VOLLEYBALL PLAYER
Name: Karch Kiraly
City of residence: San Clemente
How long in his dream job: Since age 6
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Karch Kiraly isn’t only living his dream job – he practically invented it! As one of the first players to bring beach volleyball into the realm of professional, competitive sports, Kiraly may be considered “The Godfather” of pro beach volleyball.
You’ll find him practicing on the sand Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, lifting weights on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and competing in weekend tournaments.
“My office is at some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including several right here in Southern California,” he says.
Kiraly is wrapping up his final season on the American Volleyball Professional tour , but will continue in the sport with his own academy and the debut of U.S. Open Beach Volleyball next month.
