Paul Jackman

Which ISOtunes model is your current favorite & why?

FREE AWARE, no wires, all day battery life, and I can easily store it in my pocket without it catching any weird, old, unidentifiable pieces of fuzz.

What do you typically listen to on your ISOtunes?

Usually podcasts, sometimes music, occasionally the 10hr YouTube loop of the Gandalf sax guy.

Why are you an ISOtunes' brand ambassador?

Because all the competition is hot garbage! (ISOtunes pays me to say that) It really comes down to something simple, all of the ISOtunes products make me WANT to use my hearing protection. I want the only PPE in my shop to be something I actually want to use, because otherwise it's just taking up space and also not actually keeping me safe, because if it's not nice to use, I just won't use it.

What inspired you to get into your chosen industry?

Throughout my childhood I developed an irrational hatred towards trees, which extends to my life today where I send chunks of trees through sharp blades in every way I can possibly find.

What is the most challenging part of your line of work?

Time. Just finding enough time to do all the things I want to do. Creativity is a curse sometimes because you come up with more ideas than you have time to complete. Often I'll take on projects I shouldn't, or I'll add unnecessary things onto projects (whether it be something physical, or some piece of digital content) and I need to keep reminding myself that I also have to run a business. Just ask ISOtunes, they're all too aware... ISOtunes AWARE! Boom, product integration, I'm earning my paycheck.

How did you become a content creator?

It happened in a way that the best things happen, by accident. I've been woodworking in different forms since I was a teenager, went to a vocational high school where I studied carpentry, got an engineering degree, and after college I was able to set up my first small woodshop where I started making YouTube videos just to learn a new art form (video production / photography). A few years later, my wife joined the military and because of that I had to quit my job because we were relocated. At that point, my content was starting to show a promising amount of engagement, so I took it full time and I've been doing it ever since.

How do you stay motivated in times of chaos & stress?

Shut down my brain until it's over and the stress has passed. Also, I might need a therapist.

What is something you are most proud of?

I made a post on Reddit that eventually led to a Netflix show that I got to make along with some of my best maker friends, so that's pretty cool I guess. Also, I may be biased, but "Making Fun" (always be plugging) is the best reality/build type TV show that has ever been made. It's a reality show that is fresh and doesn't include any of the tired tropes of reality shows (it actually makes fun of a lot of them) and was a real risk in its uniqueness and I'll always be proud of that fact even if it's one and done.

Words to live by?

"Make Less, Better." and also "Things work out best for the people who make the best out of the way things work out"

Fun fact about you.

I had an internship in Dubai during college. Also, my best work is done antejentacular.

Which project has been the most challenging for you?

I thought I was done answering questions, you tricked me! The wavy vase, a almost 3' tall vase that took me somewhere between 2 and 3 months to complete (I'm not entirely sure because I blacked out somewhere around 45% completion).

What are future goals as your career grows?

Continuing to find a way to grow my business without getting any bigger... it's equally as hard as it sounds.

How would you describe your perfect day?

Wake up, ignore all of my emails, go film and work in the shop, forget about breakfast until 1PM, make breakfast and go back out to the shop. I'd venture a guess that this is most days for me.

When do you feel most at home?

When I'm sitting in my house. Who comes up with these questions?

Favorite part of your daily routine.

Not answering my emails.

Three words that describe you.

Jentacular, Contumacious