We recently had the chance to connect with carl jablonski and have shared our conversation below.
carl, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Since retirement in 2014 I have been busy creating books that I never had time to write. My first one is called The Cost of a Kingdom and was written about my work for Imagineering as a show cost estimator. I had the privilege of creating budgets for EPCOT and Disneyland, France.
Following this, I have created a series I call The Adventures of Chloe. The first story, Chloe with the Crooked Ears, came from my German Shepherd Rescue who in fact had crooked ears. The second, A Name Unto Myself, told the story of Chloe and her experiences with Life in France. This one came from our living in Paris for two years.
My current book, K9r Chloe, SurfCity USA™ came about through my volunteering at the Huntington Beach Police Department where I am on the board for Neighborhood Watch and cruise the city every week taking down illegal signage doing vacation house checks. The latter taking the work off of HBPD patrol units.
All of this, has brought much pleasure and joy in this stage of my life.
Finally, Coming soon to the world of academia, I have a textbook coming out that teaches show and ride conceptual estimating. This book has been on my mind for decades!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I began my post high school life as a surfer and settled into a job at Chevron gas stations. Most won’t remember our cute little hats and bow ties. Still not motivated for any higher education, I “hung out” at Cal Poly, Pomona Drama Department, where my best friend Steve was a student. Mostly to meet girls!
It was in the drama department I met my spouse Alison. And here it is 55 years later.
This began my love for technical theatre arts. From my BA at poly to my MA at Cal State, Fullerton, I learned my craft. During this time I worked as a model maker for Clokey Productions. Perhaps you’ve heard of Gumby and David and Goliath? My first stage job was with Mark Wilson the Magician as a stage manager, followed by technical manager for his road shows.
The next 35 years I found me actually using my degree skills at Imagineering, NBC Studios, Burbank and Industrial Light and Magic.
I’ve been to most countries and have met many friends and colleagues. Showbiz is quite a small world and it seems I run into someone I know every week.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My wife Alison of course. We celebrate our 55th anniversary this year and she is the motivation behind anything I have accomplished!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Sure, I’ve spent 45 years in the business of show. It’s a 24/7 and often stressful job. The deadlines don’t change, the work never seems to be done, but it has been a rewarding career.
The story of the elephant caretaker seems appropriate here.
At the circus, a guest decides to tak a strool outside of the tent to see how everything works. He comes upon a an elephant and its caretaker.
He stops to observe and is shocked to see that the caretaker spends most of his time picking up elephant dung and placing it in a wheelbarrow.
He can’t stop himself and asks the caretaker, “Why on earth would you continue this job picking up elephant dung?
The caretaker pauses, thinks about it and replies, What? And give up showbusiness?
Seems about right to me.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That celebrities can speak to the public off script!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Out of all my show biz experiences, I miss standing on stage during the Tonight Show tapings at NBC and watching Mr.Carson’s opening routine!
Image Credits
K9r Chloe, SurfCty USA promo announcement by Carl Jablonski.
