STATISTICS:
Born March 1950 in Clinton, MO
Residence is Helena Montana where my family moved while I was an infant.
EDUCATION:
Carroll College, graduate B.A. Economics 1973
Completed formal Post-graduate studies in Accounting, Labor Relations, and Marketing
MILITARY:
1970 - 1974 Air National Guard
1975 - 1980 Army National Guard
1981 - 1991 U.S. Army Reserve
POSITIONS HELD: Medical Services Specialist, Armor Cavalry Platoon Leader, Media Relations Officer, Training Officer, Personnel Officer
UNITS: 120th USAF Dispensary, 103d Public Affairs Detachment, 163d Armored Cavalry Regiment Trp F(-), 159th Spt Gp,
6228th USAR School, USA CIDC Sixth Region HQ
CAREER and EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
COLLEGE YEARS;
College jobs: car wash manager, college publications
photographer, free lance commercial photography and news reporting, airport flight
service attendant, bar tender, private security guard, played trumpet in the
Muncipal Band and Orchestra, folk singer, summer tour guide/bus driver, and rental property maintenance.
College Activities: painting, skiing, competitive swimming,
college pep band, flying, ICSCC Autocross, and intermural soccer.
During my senior year I produced a one-man art exhibit of original paintings
and photographs. During my college years I obtained a private pilot license,
rebuilt a 1963 Corvette, competed in Sports Car Clubs of America speed events,
and traveled across North America as a crew member with an International Formula Car
Racing Team.
PROFESSIONAL YEARS;
2003 - THE SLEEPY SENATOR, CLARKSON RENTALS, AND TEACHING;
1973 purchased Eighth Avenue Grocery Building, remodeled the residence and store room and opened Clarkson Studio Photography.
During this time, I continued to assist family with their real estate rentals,
and earned extra income by renting the house adjacent to the studio.
Limited my business involvement from 1991 to 1995 to help assist my dad care for my mother when she became terminal. Then in 2001
my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I again limited business activities to help
provide in-home care for him until he died in the fall of 2002. During this time, I completely remodeled and furnished
my townhouse rental unit into a luxury overnight tourist lodging facility with advice and assistance provided by
my best friend Cyra Cain, a neighbor who stood by me during this time.
In July 2003 The Sleepy Senator Tourist House hosted the first guests and in 2004 was declared the "Number One place to stay in Helena" by TravelSmart Publication.
After my father died I acquired the the family residential rental properties
and became CEO of Clarkson Property Management.
2002 I started substitute teaching for the local school system for extra income while
re-establishing my businesses activities.
1987 - CLARKSON & CO MAGIC AND ILLUSION PERFORMING;
I started
performing Magic and Illusion Shows professionally at the encouragement of
many professional mentors and friends when I was 37 years old after a lifetime of study
and collecting magic props. I swiftly rose to International Status and reputation as a
club room performer and emcee.
I have held International elected office and appointments in the Society of American
Magicians, an international amateur magic association. I have appeared at many
international magic conventions stage shows and even toured as a featured artist in a
tent circus in addition to a busy schedule producing and appearing in illusion shows
for schools, conventions, dinner meetings, charity events, county fairs and festivals.
I have been a magic and special effects consultant to local ballet and theater companies.
I have been featured in regional television news interviews, and radio talk shows.
I also had a brief acting career, performing lead roles in summer stock and community
theater productions and appearing in state tourism promotional films and commercials.
1973 - CLARKSON STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY;
The summer I graduated from college, I opened
Clarkson Studio in an old neighborhood grocery store building that I purchased and
remodeled. I have an extensive portfolio of published product advertising and editorial
assignment images. I have also exhibited artistic photographs in galleries and at Pacific Northwest
Photo Expos.
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS;
My biography has been published in Marquis Who's Who in America,
Who's Who Among Emerging Business Leaders,
and Who's Who in the World. My Bed and Breakfast was named "The #1 Most Interesting Place to
Stay in Helena" by TravelSmart Magazine. I have received achievement awards and the
Life Membership Award from the Society of American Magicians. I served many years on
the Society's International Board of Directors in both elected and appointed positions.
I am a member in the prestigious Hollywood Magic Castle Academy of Magical Arts,
The Society of American Magicians, The International Brotherhood of Magicians,
the Invisible Lodge, and the NY Edison Hotel
Magic Table.
My photographs have been published worldwide, including many magazine covers and
display advertisements, and I received an Award of Merit from the Professional Photographers
of America.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS;
I have been a member of the First Christian Church of Helena and elected
congregation moderator. For several years I worked part-time with a local ambulance service
and was an active Ski Patrolman on MT Belmont. I am a certified open water scuba diver.
I spent several summers as a projectionist at the local Drive-In Movie Theater and was
active in the Helena Exchange Club for nearly a decade, was elected to both the
local club and district club offices, and received many awards for participation in the
service club. I am a Past Commander of the Reserve Officers Montana Department and Helena
Chapter, and I am a Past Master in a Helena Masonic Lodge. I have served 3 consecutive
elected terms on the CIty of Helena Citizen's Council.
MY LIFESTYLE;
I curently am living in this scenic Montana community with my standard poodle
in my parent's former house, a 5 bedroom 2.5 bath Victorian, that was designed and
constructed by the famous 19th Century Architect, George Appleton of NYC, in 1887 for an
English Lord near the Montana State Captol Building.
My constant companions for over 12 years,
Heather (Berry's Coppertop) and Shaka (an Artic Lobo wolf) who both died during the
winter of 2006. The poodles had their own
webpage
OTHER INTERESTS:
Studying about religion, bowling, reading, snow skiing, auto sports,
concerts, playing the guitar, swimming, hiking, and I am a classical movie and jazz
enthusiast.