Santa Barbara Independent just published an article about, "interesting jobs and the people who do them" in Santa Barbara County. With unemployment rates declining and minimum wage increasing, jobs are on the forefront of everyone's minds. In this article, they profiled community members with unique jobs. The interview finale was none other than SB Bowl's own, Tucker Papac. Thanks Tucker for your tireless effort and dedication!

Venue Operations Manager // Santa Barbara Bowl // 12 Years

by Richie DeMaria

What was the scariest thing about your job when you first started? The scariest part at that time was when we — my wife, Erica, and I — found out we were being considered for this position on the same day we found out we were expecting a child. We knew our life was gonna change right then. Also, I was sort of a little bit nervous with my inexperience of the position at the time. I probably wouldn’t have been considered for any other place except here, because I was so familiar with its logistics.

What did you like best when you began? What do you like best now? It’s an honor to hold this position. Just being offered this was the best feeling ever. Only one person has this position in all of S.B., and the S.B. Bowl is a pretty neat place. … You just take a lot of pride in it when you have a good team around you, and the place — it feels like it’s better than it’s ever been. It makes you proud to be such a key role in that.

What personality type best thrives in this position? Well, you have to be flexible. Every show day is different. There’s no recipe to making everything work. You have to be friendly and open and be very approachable because you’re working the tour with very professional people you’ve never met before.

What would others find surprising about your job? It’s more involved than people think it is. A show day starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 2 a.m. and goes through different roles all day long. You start the morning off with trucks and buses, and then different departments all start to roll in throughout the day. The promoters crew, the security ushers — they all kind of come to you with everything that they need done or answered. You don’t really get a whole lot of time to enjoy the shows.

What are the formal education or background experiences required for your job? Mine was all learned hands-on on this property. Like I say, I probably would never have been considered for this position anywhere else than right here, and I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else than right here, too.

See what other amazing people have cool jobs in Santa Barbara County by reading the full Independent article.