Rich Pauza from NW Chicago

[Rich Pauza]

Hey everyone...!

Looking forward to the MB discussions here.

I have been a Tool Maker - Machine Builder - Hot Rod & Race Car - Fast Bike & Air Craft Guy since I could hold a torch - well, actually before that - lol

I am a Self thought Metal Shaper & major fan of this art.

I ran a shop / studio in Gilberts Ill for 20 some years - Started self employment with a small shop in Elk Grove Ill & before that, My Mom & Dads One car garage in Desplaines Ill.

I closed the shop in Gilberts in August of 2009 due to ever increasing shop over head and the depression of ( 2008 ).

I currently do small jobs in my home basement ( skunk works ) and work as a SW Designer / Engineer 40 or so hours a week. - I hope to re open the shop in a yet to be decided location - more than likely it will be re born as a ( pole barn be-hind the house ) in the future.

After I closed the shop in Gilberts I lived in Naples Fla for a bit - taking care of my Pop who had some major surgery - Came back to Chicago & had to have 2 stints installed - That didn’t work & late last summer I had to have a emergency quad-by pass........at 46. ( There is a story in there about the stress & strain of self-employment some were ).

It’s been a wild couple of years.

Thanks for the heads up Kerry.


Rich Pauza

[Dale in aus]

G'day Rich,
Welcome to the site. Hopefully all your health issues are behind you. I cant wait to see some of your work.

Cheers Dale

[Mopar Merchant]

Welcome Rich, you will be a great addition to this group. I have always been impressed by your creativity and outstanding fabrication skills. I've learned alot from the knowledge you have shared on other forums. Don't be afraid to start an album here on some of the cool stuff you've built over the years!

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Welcome Rich. Glad to have you here. Post some photos...we really like photos!

[jhnarial]

Good morning HOTTRODZZ


Really nice to have you on board. I have looked over your pictures a 1000 times. I have always planed on copying your hevel but just have not got around to doing it.

[HEATNBEAT]

Welcome to Allmetalshaping Rich!

[Bob]

Welcome Rich,

I always loved your albums and project updates on Metalshapers. You have built some cool stuff and I look forward to seeing you're future projects. I was aware you had closed your shop too. That had to suck. Also sorry to hear of the medical stuff you've been through. Man, 46 is young for all that.

[Jim Stabe]

Rich

I'm a fan from Metal Shapers. What tools did you keep from your shop? You must have had to shed some of them unless you have a REALLY BIG basement.

[David Gardiner]

Originally Posted by Rich Pauza

Hey everyone...!

... Came back to Chicago & had to have 2 stints installed - That didn’t work & late last summer I had to have a emergency quad-by pass........at 46. ( There is a story in there about the stress & strain of self-employment some were ).

It’s been a wild couple of years.

Thanks for the heads up Kerry.


Rich Pauza

Welcome to the site Rich,

I hear similar stories over here in the UK all the time, the guy in the workshop next door to mine had to give up working for himself after heart trouble and he said that all the guys in the hospital with him at the time were self employed! does not look good for me!. But I must admit I try not to stress too much. (Keep it small for easier control)

David

[Rich Pauza]

Thanks Guys- It's nice to be remembered..!

I will work up some pics for a album & post up in the next month.

Jim - the answer to your question is ( all of them ) lol.

The projects in the basement are all being worked with the most basic stuff.