Jimmy Brown (Leavenworth, Wash.)
During Desert Storm, I joined the Marine Corps as an Infantryman at the age of 17. After the Marine Corps, I went to work for the phone company in the construction field. Opportunities presented themselves, and over a period of time I advanced to Telecommunications Network Design Engineer. I worked in that field for 13 years.
In 2006, I joined the Army National Guard while still working full-time as a Network Engineer. I initially worked Communications (SIG) for the Army, but accepted a promotion to Sergeant with the Infantry. I deployed to Iraq and served there as Lead Security/Gun Truck Commander, Communications Specialist, and Electronic Warfare Officer from 2009-2010. We took a few hits while there. While still serving in the combat zone of Iraq, I looked online for Telecommunications work. The market appeared to have completely dried up. Wall Street investors no longer appeared to have an economic interest in expanding fiber optic network systems.
After I returned from Iraq in 2010, I applied for every job I could think of where my qualifications and work experience would apply, both full-time and part-time. I spent countless hours custom tailoring resumes to email to prospective employers, days online filling out job applications through corporate websites, and weeks making phone calls, sending faxes, and scheduling for interviews. In a 1 1/2 year's time after my return from Iraq, I was never hired — anywhere! While I can't be certain, I believe it is safe to assume that I was dismissed as a potential candidate for at least a few of the positions that I applied for as being a recently returned "combat vet," and Infantry nonetheless. Although it was never said, the demeanor, comments and behavior of interviewing personnel would imply "too risky."
In the winter of 2011, I moved from Oregon to North/Central Washington, primarily due to financial reasons. I eventually found work in Armed Security, but hated it. I tested (both written and physical) and completed hiring boards for law enforcement positions in 2012 and ranked #1 on the hiring list for both Chelan County Sheriff's Office and Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. But, I was never hired.
In 2013 (after moving to North/Central Washington) I finally landed a job in Armed Security as a BPO (Bank Protection Officer). I can sincerely say that the job was one of the most boring and mundane duties that I have ever performed. I stood outside the bank with a firearm and vest, at parade rest, in black fatigues, with a cracker jack badge, waiting for someone to rob the place. 15 degrees during the winter and 107 degrees during the summer, and I did this for 10 hours a day from Monday through Friday and 4 hours on Saturday. After 6 months, I accepted another Armed Security position working mobile patrol. Although I was receiving different assignments (mobile patrol, bank deposits, body guard), I found myself frustrated with the constantly changing shifts and low pay. Most of all, I was bored and wanted a real challenge.
It was the summer of 2013 when I received letters from both Kittitas County Sheriff's Office and Chelan County Sheriff's Office. The letters both stated "you were not selected for hire at this time. Please try again." I thought about it for a bit, and understood. I was 37 years old at the time when I applied for entry-level deputy positions, and 38 years old when I was removed for eligibility from the hiring lists. I get it.
In the summer of 2013, I saw some lariats for sale on Craigslist. I met the folks, bought the items and purchased a horseshoe-shaped tool. It was a hoof gauge. Being a curious individual, I had to look up my new purchase to identify what it was (the hoof gauge), and that prompted my interest for a potential career in the farrier industry. Soon afterward, I began to research online for horseshoeing schools.
I called up a well-seasoned and experienced farrier local to this valley, Jim Novak. I asked if I could meet him on some jobs, observe and ask questions. He was willing and I was eager to learn. After researching a number of horseshoeing schools online, I knew that Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School was the best option for me. Aside from joining the Marine Corps and later the Army National Guard, my decision to attend PCHS was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!
Bob Smith (Owner/Lead Instructor) of PCHS presented just the challenge that I was lookin' for and needed at the time. I needed a sense of purpose and a real-life driven goal that was obtainable and that I could potentially provide a service that bettered our community, helped out neighbor folks, introduced a bit of risk (something I am accustomed too), allowed me to work outdoors, smell the scent of horses, work in both a very scientific and artistic way, and pound away on hot steel! What a wonderful combination!
Bob and the other instructors at the school challenged me, provided valid teachings on shoeing principles, and guided students through their field work. Forge work was my favorite, and I worked late into the night.
Today, in my third year of service as a certified farrier, my smallest clients are mini donkeys with itty-bitty hooves. My largest clients are Belgian and Clydesdale with size 8 shoes and borium application.
Last season, I took on a number of ropers and pleasure riding owners as clients. This season, I've serviced drill team riders, reigners, dancing horses, and my repeat of 98% of customers from the previous year. I trim, I half shoe, I full shoe. They all needed something different.
I enjoy the aspect of talking with clients about conformation, balance, riding disciplines, lameness issues and therapeutic treatment.
— Jimmy Brown
