Our first subject (victim) for interview Under The Spotlight, is our good friend and all round nice guy Dave Shenkman aka (Magnum) proprietor of The Kite Connection Hungtington Beach California USA. We would like to thank Dave for taking the time out to do this interview.

We've known Dave for a number of years now and he's become our favourite kite pusher. A veteran of the kite community, Dave has built a reputation for being one of the best kite pushers and fliers in the USA.

It is not just all about the $bill, Dave runs many sporting activities within his' community and is a passionate sportsman and mentor to both the young and young at heart. Running a schools programme within his' own community, along witha big interest in little league Softball.

I Rang Dave, at an arranged time, of 7pm GMT. Dave promptly answered and told me to ring back, that I was late by three minutes. I rang back as arranged and a nervous Dave Shenkman answered the long distance telephone call.

Dave answers. Hello,

Hi Dave how are you mate?

Good, How are you?

Kewl, I'm good too.

OK Dave. Thanks for agreeing to do this interview & taking time out. Are you sitting comfortably and ready to start?

I'm good

(I have found that Dave is a man who doesn't waste words, so this could be a little difficult)

Ok Dave, my first question for you is : Can I borrow $20?

Laughing, Dave replies YES.

So I can count on ya can I?

Yes your good, you're an honest Englishman

(after a brief bout of laughter) I asked Dave the next question :

Dave. How did you get into kites; tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey

When I was about 15 years old, a friend of mine, who I played Little League with, moved into our street. He had an older brother of about 22/23 who was into kites. He knew a lady who could supply "Hawian Team Kites" They were the only thing out then at the time. My friends brother invited me along one day, to fly and I was hooked. I started selling them, a month later. Supplied by the lady who renaged on our deal that we had, so I went direct to the manufacturer by the time I was 16.

Have you always sold them from Hungtington Beach Pier Dave?

No, I started at my parents house. Then about 20 years ago now, moved into selling them from a shop at the side of the pier, around 1991.

Do you have any current projects and plans?

Yes. I'm having a new store on the pier, which will extend and increase services and facilities that I am able to offer, to groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts, kite parties for kids and more schools programs too

So, where do you estimate, or think you will be in 10years?

Yes, I'm nagotiating for the next 10 years of my lease, so hopefully I will be in the exact position as I am now with a fresh new lease and spend the rest of my life out on the Hungtington Beach Pier

Kewl Dave, So tell us a little bit about your family members, that are close to you, or perhaps involved with the business or not involved.

Obviously my wife and two kids who live with me and my parents live half a mile away and my brother lives one mile away and he has a wife and two kids. So ehh, I have immediate family all living within a mile of my house.

So, what does Dave Shenkman do to relax?

Fly fishing is my relaxing passion, followed closely by horse back riding and playing baseball.

So what really fuels you, what drives you?

...............Click HERE for the naughty bits