INTRO: Yes… You can too.

HVAC. Growing up I was told by my peers and teachers the things I cannot do and the reasons why. You shouldn’t be a florist or work at a tea shop because you won’t make enough money to survive on. Go to college. You shouldn’t go into psychiatry because there are too many people in the field and you won’t get a job. Settle. I started going to community college for nursing even though I had no interest in needles and wasn’t excited about anything I was learning in school. Through trying to figure out who I am and what career I would like to pursue; my parents and my coworkers at work were always there to support me and be my cheerleaders.

When I was 14 my parents decided that they were going to take a chance and start their own business. My father has been in HVAC field for over 30 years and my mother was working for a upholstery business as the accounts payable and receivable. As they were both working at their regular jobs, at night they studied and prepared for months. Passing all his tests and earning different licenses, my father then sold his Harley and bought his first company truck. He started to work full time for his own business and started to build up a customer base while my mother still worked during the day and then on her business at night. I would help with office assignments after high school and before I went to swim team.

As I grew up so did their company. I got married out of high school, moved around, had my daughter, and through all my life changes I still had a wonderful challenging job as an administrative assistant at my parents HVAC Company. I loved learning and continuing to learn the ever-changing processes that come along with this type of business. I felt that not only was I helping my parents in their dream, I was helping the community around me feel happy and comfortable with all their HVAC needs.

I am incredibly grateful to be able to learn and know how a HVAC company manages. From accounts payable/ receivable, payroll, setting procedures, stocking parts, programs, networking, warranties/claims, meetings, etc. All of this has made me a more confident and productive person. Though I always wondered what it was like doing things on the other side of the business: HVAC! I know its hard work… dirty, sweaty, long hours, and sometimes the customers aren’t the nicest. I have wanted to pursue school for this trade for a few years but most colleges were not able to go around work and my daughters’ daycare times.

Recently I was doing research and found a career school about 45 minutes away from where I live. Half of the schooling is online and the rest is in person for hands on work 3 days a week for 4 hours. I started this blog to share my journey through school and document everything I learn. This will help me study and understand what I am learning for my benefit and hopefully encourage others to get into the trades also! I hope to make an easier simplified version of the material I learn in school and be encouragement to anyone who is nervous about making the jump into an HVACR career.