Michael

United States
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Profile information

Travel information

I am currently

Travelling

My next destination:
New Zealand - from Jun 2020
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Description

I'm a 43 year old male. I have two daughters (Chloe and Rowyn). In America I worked for 10 years as a general contractor, and have spent the past 6 years teaching english in China. I like meeting new people, and enjoy reading, most all sports and games (competetive and noncompetetive)
Interests

Writing

Water sports

Team sports

Technology

Sustainability

Sailing / Boating

Pets

Outdoor activities

Nature

Movies & TV

Music

Mountain

History

Hiking

Events & social

DIY & crafts

Culture

Camping

Beach

Carpentry

Books

Astronomy

Art & design

Architecture

Animals

Adventure sports
Languages spoken

English: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:

Hospitality/Tourism

Able to teach about:

Creative DIY projects

Light maintenance

Languages

Teaching
More details about your skills

*Please note* for projects that make use of one or more of my more rare/ valuable skill sets, I do charge a fee in addition to the standard work away agreement. Pricing is always project dependent. Prices will always be agreed on before I travel. Prices are always a fraction of what I would charge regularly.
In short, design and execution. I became a general contractor after working for each individual building trade (specialized trade). So in addition to having the knowledge of how to design/ build a house/lead others to build the house, I can physically frame a house, roof it (asphalt, rubber, slate), install doors and windows, side it (vinyl, cedar/pine clapboards etc.), build any deck or patio, install flooring (hardwood, tile, etc.) install kitchen and bathrooms (cabinets, trim work etc.) build stairs/trim them, finish/trim work of all kinds (from basics-detailed multi-pieced mouldings) custom built-in cabinetry (tables, bookcases etc.) Have knowledge about (but less experience in practice with) the mechanical trades (electrical, heating, plumbing). As well as other skills, the most applicable being a love to learn new skills. The projects pictured in my profile are ones that I have designed and built during my time on work away (with the exception of the flooring inlay which is not my design, but is a good example of more intricate work ability).
Age

47
What else ...

I’m currently trying to bring a patented invention to the market, so whatever I can offer in exchange for help in progress in that direction will be most mutually beneficial. A good friend will be most useful.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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11 Aug 2023

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Michael is an amazingly talented and crafted inventor and contractor. He designed and built a gorgeous hybrid wooden platform/ tree house/ playground in our gardens. The result is simply stunning and will provide a lifetime of happiness and fun. Moreover, Michael was a pleasure having here with us, he is particularly ingenious, a very dedicated … read more

(Excellent )

18 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Enjoy your own cottage ...)

Solid family! It’s rare to see two people as intelligent and creative as Will and Annie work so well as a team. They are gracious hosts, they truly enjoy meeting and getting to know the people that pass through, and because of the colorful life they’ve lived and their great sense of humor, it’s a fun process. Seems everywhere I go, there is some … read more

(Excellent )

17 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Michael is an experienced and skilled builder and carpenter. He created a dual-purpose cabinet/door for our shower room which conceals our boiler and gives access to it when we need it. He is efficient and thrives when left alone to innovate. He works very fast and with good humour. After a change of plans involving other workawayers, Michael … read more

(Excellent )

7 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Looking for a native English ...)

Spendings the holidays with these three generations of Venetian ladies was a pleasure. I’m lucky to have been Guisy’s first guest (before she figures out how much she has to offer as a work away host, lol) To name a few, the accommodation was comfortable, spacious, and private, the house is perfectly located in the middle of all the most important … read more

(Excellent )

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These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Communication:
(5.0)

Skills:
(5.0)

Observed house rules:
(5.0)

11 Aug 2023

Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

18 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer for host (Enjoy your own cottage ...)

(Excellent)

17 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

7 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer for host (Looking for a native English ...)

(Excellent)

29 Mar 2022

Left by Workawayer for host (Outdoors, self-sufficiency, ...)

Nik and Donna were a perfect introduction to the work away platform. This feedback is coming about 4 years after my stay with them, but the fact that the experience is still fresh in my mind is testament to the quality of my stay. I still remember the warm hospitality of Donna, the friendly and hard working nature of Nik, and the barbecue on the … read more

(Excellent)

10 Aug 2016

Left by host (Outdoors, self-sufficiency, ...) for Workawayer

Michael is a qualified builder which is a rarity on Workaway. He stayed with us for 10 days and did some great work; he is confident, very experienced and able to work on his own but makes a great team member also. Outside of work he is sociable and good company. He is seeking to build a life and business in France and is using workaway as a … read more

(Excellent)

29 Mar 2022

Left by Workawayer for host (Learn new skills and discover ...)

Bård (pronounced bored) is anything but, he and his wife Tiffany were a pleasure to stay with. My trip to Norway was made very pleasant, comfortable, and informative of Norwegian culture and history. The pair of them are very intelligent, down to earth, and well informed, which made for excellent conversation. The project that we tackled (which … read more

(Excellent)

7 Mar 2022

Left by host (Learn new skills and discover ...) for Workawayer

It was great to meet Micheal! Aside from being a skilled builder with high working capacity, he is also a person with many interesting thoughts and ideas. We ended up doing a bit more basic work than expected; redoing and reinforcing a 140-year old floor and beams - but it was very good to finally get it done, and it was done well.

Will miss our … read more

(Excellent)

28 Mar 2022

Left by host (Help around a musician's ...) for Workawayer

I can only say nice things about Michael. It is very precise when working on construction at any stage of work. Neat and very communicative. We also had a few get-togethers with my friends at home and in the restaurant. All my friends loved him. Unfortunately, we had to stop our socializing because my obligations arose because of which I had to … read more

(Excellent)

6 Nov 2016

Left by host for Workawayer

Thank you Michael, for all your help. What a major project... raising our "drooping" staircase. Your expertise shown through! You would be a valuable asset to anyone looking for serious building expertise. We hope to keep in touch with you and we wish you and your girls the best of luck! See you out in the world!!!

(Excellent)

30 Oct 2016

Left by Workawayer for host (Help prepare for a music ...)

I had a great time staying with Vinx and Jennifer, they were extremely easy to get along with, fun, and considerate. They are among the most unselfish people i have ever met, happy to openly share their lives, as well as their friends. Through them/in addition to them, i was able to meet several other people (in their small town) that i am happy … read more

(Excellent)