Bill Gilbert

I started working at iFixit in June of 2022 as a Troubleshooting Researcher/Editor. I write wiki pages that help people to figure out what's wrong with their stuff (troubleshooting). It is perhaps the most enjoyable job I have had for a number of reasons:

• iFixit is a great place to work. You get to meet, and work with, some extremely capable, multi-talented people of all sorts. The amazing part is that they all seem to share a characteristic of kindness.
• I have the chance to use an eclectic employment and life background to contribute to something that is actually about other people and helping them in their lives.
• I am able to use my writing skills for something other than emails! I also have the opportunity to do research and provide information to help people troubleshoot their devices when they don't work right.
• Almost anything that people build can be made to be repairable instead of disposable. I enjoy making it easier for people to keep using their things, rather than disposing of them. I want them to be willing to try fixing their stuff.

I have done a number of things, several of which could be considered career paths (4+years). I lose the path a lot!

• I have worked as an engineering technician/cad draftsman for a civil engineer.
• I have worked as a fire protection designer, mainly with fire sprinkler systems.
• I have worked as an alarm technician dealing with both burglar and fire alarms.
• I have built classical guitars for a living, selling custom instruments to concert guitarists.
• I have repaired a very long list of things, from Automobiles to Washing machines, (Sorry Y) and Zippers!
• I have done a fair amount of electrical work, wiring both of my guitar workshops, and helping others who needed assistance with electrical wiring. I have done numerous home repairs and modifications.

I have a BA in History from U.C. Berkeley (Cal). As you can readily see, this degree was an essential part of my preparation to build classical guitars. ;-) It also paved the way to becoming a fire protection designer and alarm technician as well. (Perhaps it is more the 2 1/2 years at Cal that I spent as a Chemistry major, before switching to History, that paved the way....or not.) Cal was really about learning how to learn and growing up.

I am married to my dear wife, who I am sure has absolutely no problem remaining anonymous. We have an undisclosed number of children, who I am sure want to remain anonymous, as well.

From my experience and education, you can probably guess that I am above the legal drinking age in California. At least one of my cars could accompany me for libations, it being of legal drinking age as well.

I enjoy reading, building things, driving and repairing stuff. I enjoy repairing when it goes well, that is. If not I blame it on the bad design!

I am a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Marina, CA.