This periodic series of three images and responses to questions tells the stories of people of The Valley who love what they do. As Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” This article features Troy Kingsbury, Waitsfield, a metal artificer.
How long have you lived in Vermont and where did you grow up?
I was born in Berlin, Vermont, and I have lived here 55 ½ years.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Originally, a police officer but after college, a teacher.
What was your first job and how did you get it?
I pumped gas at my grandfather’s and father’s gas station, and I didn’t have a choice as I was 8 years old. At 14, however, I became a hydro-ceramic engineer at the Powder Hound which is now Deco!
Who was the biggest influence in your decision to choose the work you now do?
My wife, Cheryl. She has always pushed me to be the best version of myself.
What steps did you take to get where you are today/what sacrifices have you made to get to this point in the work you do?
In life, you have to do what you need to do, to be able to do what you want to do. I missed a lot of my children’s events and other events to take care of my business. I am hoping those early sacrifices lead to a fruitful future.
What is the best job advice that you’ve ever received?
My father told me that you basically have between the ages of 25-50 to ‘make it’ in life. You have to take chances in life and not be afraid to work and hopefully, it all works out. If it does, you should have some time later to play.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
My mom, Vicky. She has always been there for me and my family, and you can never tell her how much you appreciate her enough.
How do you give back?
I try to pay it forward every day with simple acts of kindness and appreciation of others. Growing up in Vermont – especially here in the Mad River Valley – most locals have always found ways to support their community. From serving on the select board to coaching Little League, there have always been countless opportunities to give back. For me, I’ve held various roles over the years. My wife and I have led a Cub Scout pack and coached Little League. I’ve served on the Waitsfield School Board as well as the Cemetery Commission.
One of the most enjoyable ventures I’ve been part of was creating a reading program with the help of the late Ken Squire, called “Race to Read.” I would travel to schools to talk with children about the importance of reading, and those visits created so many smiles. We were lucky to have an incredible group of people who supported the effort. I’m proud that the program continues today in Barre at the “Nation’s Site of Excitement,” Thunder Road.
For the last 13 years I’ve been involved with trying to grow the opportunity for folks to play Sled Hockey here in Central Vermont. We are a part of an extended family called the Central Vermont Pioneers. As a friend who lost his leg has said, “to the untrained eye, we are inspirational!”
What do you do in your free time?
Free time? What is that?
Do you have a favorite quote that you live by?
“Find a busy man and he will find the time!” Jerry Maynard.
To suggest someone who “Loves What They Do…,” email
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