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Dave Klamet

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Location: Lawrence
Hometown: Lawrence
Occupation: Computer Nerd

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Biography

I've lived in or near Lawrence for most of my life. My earliest memories are of my family's small farm, raising cattle, going to auctions like those at the old Lawrence sale barn. The high school I attended had only 100 students and I graduated in a class of 18. At the time I didn't appreciate how lucky I was to live in a rural area and experience all that I did. I was an average athlete, but attending a small school allowed me to participate in three varsity sports. That is something that few from larger schools get to experience.

My real interest was in science, books, and eventually technology. I joined the Air Force where I learned electronics and found I had an interest and aptitude in that field. After leaving the service I worked and went to school, finally graduating when I was 34 with a degree in Computer Science from KU. Working with computers has suited me well, not just because of my interest in technology, but, because they're now used in almost every field.

I've since worked for a number of companies. One was an internet startup aiming to make the internet easier for senior citizens; the other was a high-rolling telecommunications company with catered lunches and a personal trainer. I was there on the day each closed its doors.

The two years I spent working on the Space Shuttle program brought back an awe I hadn't experienced since childhood. I also had an interview with the two founders of Garmin and went to work for their company, leaving after less than a year. They're now both billionaires. Perhaps I should have stayed.

I've spent a few years living in other areas of the country, but I keep returning to Lawrence. I have 3 boys, the youngest will graduate from high school next May.

Currently, I work as a software engineer at a local company where we design communications equipment used by fire, police, and other public safety organizations. I'm lucky to enjoy what I do, but in my job I am very focused on purely technical goals and I'm eager to see if I can do something else of value to our community.