Name: Ethan Kirk (AKA: Beef)
Title: Lead Carpenter, Co-Ower
Job(s): Building Things, Making Downstream Great
Bio: Twenty something years ago yours truly came into this world kicking and screaming, clearly trying to make a statement of both energy and lung capacity. Those closest to me might say that not much has changed in the ensuing years. Trying to harness that energy has become something of a pastime; it has lead me from trying just about every sport one can imagine including (but certainly not limited to) soccer, wrestling, skiing, running, and rock/ice climbing, to compiling a small library of books that I try to pore over with any free time, to adventures spanning several hemispheres. Born and raised in Boonville, this country boy spread his wings after high school to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while working full time at the ice hockey rink on campus (the Houston Field House) driving Zamboni.
Once graduation was in the rear-view mirror, I had what could be described in a hyperbolic manner as an existential crisis. It was at this point that I decided to get back to my roots and move back to Boonville to work construction with my father, uncle and the fine fellas at Downstream! These days I try my damndest to emulate a sponge and absorb everything that comes my way via the knowledgeable people I work with, whether that be traditional construction, timber framing, finish carpentry, solar installation, etc. These days I still run and rock climb, but add to that spending time with my WONDERFUL girlfriend, Becca, and my totally adorable dog, Gimli.
- What’s your favorite hobby?
If I had to pick one, I’d choose Brew-climb-read-laughing. - What has inspired you to do what you do for work?
That aforementioned energy seemed to preclude me from taking a desk job. That, and it’s a wonderful feeling being able to move your body WHILE learning many things every day! - Share your favorite quote and what it means to you.
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” E.B. White. I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. - Best advice you could give someone who is looking to do what you do?
To borrow a term from chemistry: Activation energy. The hardest part of anything is getting started, but once you do, just enjoy the ride and try not to get bucked off in the process! - If you could be a superhero who would you pick?
Batman. He takes his greatest weakness and makes it his greatest strength. That, and he get’s to play around in awesome proprietary military technology.