Started in the HVAC/R field after leaving a manufacturing facility due to unsafe working conditions. It started as just a temporary job until I could find another plant job. I fell in love with the trade and have never looked back. A company took a chance on me even though I had no formal training and I quickly rose through the ranks of the company moving into the position as the lead tech. The housing market collapse forced the company to close and I took a job with a large commercial/industrial HVAC/R company as a start-up technician. Every day I would get off of work and study. I was in over my head at first moving from a small residential HVAC company to large commercial. With hard work and determination I pushed through, and gained more knowledge on my own due to motivation and striving to not be mediocre. I left that company to join the outfit I am with now due to a excellent opportunity presented. The company which does large commercial/industrial HVAC, Refrigeration, and controls/automation has been a great company to work for. Through my 8 years I have moved up the ranks and now am a lead technician, start-up, and controls tech after a lot of hard work and fully investing myself into my future in my trade. I am also responsible for all VRF/V commissioning and service. I assist other technicians with issues that may arise on projects and educate them on proper troubleshooting and repair procedures. One of my biggest joys is watching a young tech straight out of trade school becoming a competent commercial/industrial service technician, and knowing that I helped them get to that point through mentorship and assistance with their professional growth.I look forward to growing in my career field by attending as many continuing educational opportunities that present themselves.