“We work together every day, but I really don’t know that much about these guys’ personal lives,” said HofArc President Matthew Hofmann. “So, it’s fun to learn about our employees through these Team Profiles.”
Peter Jesser — one of our custom carpentry team — frames walls, builds countertops, cabinets, and lays flooring. As with all our crew he does so much more than cutting and fastening wood. Peter’s a multi-faceted craftsman with a rich history of skills and personal experiences. When asked for this interview, “Who’s Peter?” his response was immediate: “Peter’s awesome!” he said with a big smile. Which is ironic because he’s one of the quietest, most humble people you’ll ever meet. But when there’s a need for local volunteering, his hand is one of the first to go up. (Check out “Light Up the Night”)
Peter’s work is about transforming Airstreams and rebuilding lives from the discarded dregs. “Since 2008, my life has been a series of miracle after miracle,” he freely admits. “I was down in the dumps, but I’ve been given a second chance… actually three or four! So now, I just want to give back.”
Welcome to the HofArc Team, Peter. All of us, and the entire community of Santa Barbara, are blessed and better off with you around.
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HofArc: Can you tell us a little about Peter?
Peter: I was born and raised in Alaska, outside of Anchorage, in a small town of about 2,000 people. It was the most awesome childhood. No fences. No curfews. No police, and fireworks were legal! I rode mini bikes in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. I hitchhiked everywhere, even to elementary school. Our home was in the forest – so everything was very rural. I was just a normal kid who had three big dogs, and we all roamed the area playing in nature. The only dangerous animals were the moose, but they’d leave you alone if you stayed out of their way.
My 7-years-older older sister was my second Mom. My Father was a helicopter mechanic so like a military family we traveled around a lot. When it was time for me to go into high school we moved to Orcutt, CA. That was a HUGE culture shock! I graduated from Righetti High School, where I was into welding shop, and the Future Farmers of America. I had rabbits, rats, snakes, turtles, and whatever I could keep in a jar.
HofArc: How long have you been doing carpentry?
Peter: I started carpentry when I was 21 – rough framing in Reno, NV. It was awesome. I thought it was bad-ass carrying armfuls of 2x4s up ladders and across scaffolding. We framed a house a week. The economy was booming. Everything was cash and go.
After framing for a year, I moved to Truckee and did finish work. It was so cool. The lumber got bigger and the houses got fancier… a lot more custom. I stayed in that job for five years before I moved to California. I settled in Paso Robles and did cabinetry. Our crew traveled all over the Central Coast installing custom cabinets. Then the economy crashed in 2008 and my life got stupid. Just to survive I did foreclosure clean outs. Now there’s one dirty job for sure, but it was a way to make a living. I did build some cool decks for some great customers who are still my friends today.
There was nothing better than going into a client’s home when the job was complete and seeing their happy faces. I get a lot of pride with my work – it’s gratifying.
HofArc: Did you ever think you’d be doing carpentry in house that moves?
Peter: No way.
HofArc: What’s it like working with Airstreams?
Peter: I like the challenge. The days go by quickly. It’s really added another level to my carpentry skills. My diversity has ramped up dramatically here. Nothing’s plumb, square or straight. You have to build something even and aligned from thin air. It really puts my artistic skills to the test.
HofArc: What do you do for fun on your days off?
Peter: I like beach combing. I also do a lot of volunteer work at the New Covenant Church here in Santa Barbara. I volunteer at the Rescue Mission and Pacific Pride Foundation to help set up for the AIDS Walk and other events. To be honest, most days off I just hangout and sleep. I’m pretty tired from working at HofArc and volunteering so I rest a lot! I do enjoy my iPhone and computers.
HofArc: What do you like best about living in Santa Barbara?
Peter: The weather is perfect, the beaches are amazing, and the people are very friendly. I see myself staying here a while.
