Dustin Firebaugh has worked a variety of jobs from pizza delivery to security guard while in search of a forever career path.
Joining Hack.RVA in 2012 gave him clarity on which direction to take.
“Now I have a pretty sweet gig as a software engineer,” Firebaugh said.
Firebaugh is the newest Hack.RVA president and has led the organization since the beginning of this year.
Located in Scott’s Addition, Hack.RVA is a non-profit hackerspace filled with computers, electronics, lasers, robots and more, where members engage in technical-creative projects like virtual reality, 3D printing and computer programming.
That environment sparked Firebaugh’s interest to pursue a job in tech.
“It’s like a playground for the mind,” he said. “Innovation is part of the culture.”
The Hack.RVA space offers a variety of makerspace tools for metal, wood and textile projects. Recently, members asked to expand innovation in the woodworking space.
Firebaugh said Hack.RVA recently purchased a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine as a result. It’s the group’s largest tool purchase to date and was paid for through monthly membership dues.
In a CNC, desired cuts are programmed into the software which instructs the tools and machinery to carry out the specified tasks.
So far, members have created everything from elaborately designed wooden furniture to remote control vehicles to giant spirographs.
Hack.RVA also has a smaller X-carve that is easier to work with, especially for beginners. Members are trained on how to operate all the equipment safely before they’re allowed to use it.
Firebaugh said there are about 130 active current members. Hack.RVA offers regular open houses where the public can explore the creative space. New tools like the CNC machine often attract new members, he said.
“Join for the tools; stay for the people,” Firebaugh said. “The value is really in the community. Skill sharing is a big thing.”
Bill Lemmond, who enjoys cartooning, is a longtime member and drops in to work on software where he and others can create and run websites for comic strips. Lemmond says Hack.RVA is a resource that provides space and tools that are otherwise cost prohibitive for just one person.
“Hack RVA lowers the cost of innovation, with monthly membership,” he said. “This buys 24/7 access to tools beyond the space and funds that any of us as individuals could access.”
Most people who come here are amazed such a place exists, Firebaugh said.
“A lot of us, as kids, would take apart a VCR to see what is inside. You go into Hack.RVA and come out with something you had no idea you would be working on,” he said. “Our purpose is to provide an accessible community that enables people to gain skills and knowledge.”