My Work Bio

Patrick McManus: The Man of Many Hats

I am called “The Man of Many Hats” because of my eclectic background in communications and my collection of over 30 hats. I began as a Journalist for the San Diego Independent, in the 1960’s. Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Viet Nam War, I became a Medic and Psychiatric Technician. Trained as Gestalt Therapist, I worked as a volunteer at the Berkeley Free Clinic.

I then attended California State University, Sacramento and received my Bachelors degree in Psychology. I then worked in counseling and therapeutic settings with a variety of clientele from teens in crisis to the homeless on the streets of Oakland. Through all of his counseling and clinical experiences, I have always seen myself as teaching life skills and strategies.

In 1985 I began reaching out to help a new group of clients, becoming a consultant to small business owners on communications and organizational issues.I became the manager of the Entrepreneur Center (a business resource center) in Oakland and led Brainstorming sessions for the Community Entrepreneur's Organization.

Always seeking to expand my communications skills, I became interested in filmmaking and video production, earning a Video Production Certificate from Laney College, then produced, wrote and directed "The Hidden Violence; Spouse Abuse" a domestic violence training videotape for West Oakland Mental Health Center, and won a Community Service Award from the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce for the short film "The World from A Wheelchair." I also produced and hosted the Fantastic Worlds Show for Peralta TV.

I became involved with Experience Unlimited, where I helped design, and teach job search workshops. I then developed, marketed and presented the Career Skills Marketing Workshop and the Liberate Your Own Success Workshop as well as being a career counselor

As a writer, I have produced a variety of marketing, training and public relations material. including developing the content, navigation and the “look and feel” of the Sarberscamera.com web site.

As a Public Speaker, I have made presentations on marketing, communications and personal growth subjects to many community and Toastmasters events