Bartending: Memoirs of an Apple Genius Read online

  I left Apple in late 2008, taking a job at an independent Apple-Authorized Service Provider that concentrated on supporting educational institutions running Macs.

  In addition to repairing hardware and supporting software, I got to see the Mac out in the real world, away from the white-and-metal bubble of the Apple Store. I dealt with Windows PC’s and servers, printers, networking and more. For the first time, I learned about OS X Server, which the Genius Bar wouldn’t touch. I helped build images, deploying thousands of computers for school systems across the Southeastern United States.

  In doing so, I got to learn about all sorts of applications and tools that I had never heard of when behind the Genius Bar. I’ve never learned so much so quickly.

  Sadly, our AASP didn’t survive the economic downturn. I now have another job I love, running the IT and Multimedia department for a large faith-based non-profit. These days, I work with a wider range of technologies than just Apple’s. I get to work with AV equipment, design all sorts of things and I’m learning about VOIP and more.

  The Macintosh will always have a special place in my heart, just as it does Apple’s. But just like the company, I guess I’ve moved on a bit.

  Thanks to my time behind the Genius Bar, I’m good at multi-tasking. Dealing with multiple customers all with different problems made me think better on my feet. That’s a skill that still serves me today.

  It wasn’t an easy lesson, though. Most days, I was cranked on cigarettes and Red Bull. I skipped breaks all the time (much to the chagrin of my management) and I usually slept in my car during lunch.

  Swearing and smoking and computer repair don’t go well together. It wasn’t good for my blood pressure, either.

  I yelled at fellow employees, and they yelled at me. I went toe-to-toe with management and customers alike. I screwed up interactions all the time, but I also learned how to listen to people, and how to ask good questions to clarify things. When time is limited, communication becomes very important.

  Ultimately, I learned how to work on a team at the Apple store. Before my time there, I worked on a newspaper staff, but by myself, doing layout at night. I had to work with an editor and copyeditor, but we didn’t work in close tandem the way Geniuses have to. In that environment, good notes, clear communication and a sense of responsibility are all vital.

  Just like in the real world.

  Acknowledgements

  First of all, I need to extend a huge thank you to my wife, who had to pick up a ton of slack around the house while I worked on this project at night and on the weekends. Thank you for your patience and support, Merri.

  This book would not be possible without the hard work and long hours of Kevin Lipe, my friend and co-worker who edited it. His English degree and my journalism background disagree about things like the Oxford comma, but I trust his judgement when it comes to the English language.

  Brett Kelly, Myke Hurley, and Matthew Hedgepeth also deserve a shout-out for being a great sounding board for my ideas. They are trusted advisors of mine, and they have never steered me wrong on any project, whether personal or professional. Their support in this process cannot be exaggerated.

  Lastly, I’d like to thank Aaron Mahnke, who did the cover artwork and page layout for the book. Aaron’s a gifted artist who earns his living doing freelance. Go hire him.

  Copyright

  Bartending: Memoirs of an Apple Genius

  Copyright © 2012 Hackett Technical Media, LLC

  All rights reserved. No part of this book

  may be reproduced in any form or by any

  electronic or mechanical means including

  information storage and retrieval systems,

  without permission in writing from the author.

  The only exception is by a reviewer, who may

  quote short excerpts in a review.

  Cover design by Wet Frog Studios.