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 one point, several of my cars could have accompanied me for libations, they being of legal drinking age as well. They have moved on.

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.