Howdy,

My name's Mike Bishop. I'm a part time rodeo cowboy in West Melbourne, Florida. I compete mainly in pumkin' roller bull riding events in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

I've been instructed by Lyle Sankey, one of only four cowboys to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in bare back, saddle bronc and bull riding. Mr. Sankey has twice won the bull riding average at the NFR. I recommend Mr. Sankey's school if you are serious about improving your bull riding, or if you just want to try it once.

I was raised in the  Phoenix, Arizona area, and graduated from Paradise Valley High School. I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

I spent four years active duty with the US Air Force as an Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems technician. I was also an Aerial Gunner aboard HH-60 "Pavehawk" helicopters for Combat Search and Rescue operations.

 I have a degree in Electronic Systems Technology from the Air Force's Air University  at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. I am a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). I hold an FCC Commercial Operator License for maintenance of aeronautical and maritime radio and radar equipment. I also hold an EPA CFC/HCFC Universal Service Technician license for maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

I work full time in system engineering for GE Energy, developing  supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems used by utility companies worldwide to manage their power grids.

Although my current primary occupation is in the "tech" sector, my primary interest lies in agriculture and animal husbandry. I'm a member of the Florida Farm Bureau, and enjoy days spent pullin' fence wire and sortin' cows more than sittin' in the office. But it pays the bills <grin>.