Thanks for your time, Loren; what did you do before coming to RSI in the Fall of 2024?

Growing up, my family was a combination of holding onto our traditional values and culture, while still moving forward with the modern world. When I was in high school, I worked at a ranch during summers and weekends whenever I had time. That was really the first time I started thinking seriously about my future. Before that, I was just living day by day. 

After high school, I went to trade school for welding toward the end of 2019, but then the pandemic hit in 2020 and the welding school closed. After that, I worked security on the reservation during the pandemic, and later I got hired as security at our hospital. 

So, you left your security job to come to HVAC school in Phoenix?

No, before coming to RSI, I took about a year off to help my family take care of my baby brother, who was born in 2023. I stayed home, spent time with family, took part in ceremonies, and really thought about what I wanted to do next during that time.

Did you consider going back to welding? RSI has a welding program.

I did consider going into welding again, but since I already had some welding experience from my previous trade school, I figured I already knew the basics. 

Where did the idea of going to RSI or HVAC school come from? 

Honestly, I heard about RSI from some relatives who went to the school before me. At the time, I didn’t really ask a lot of questions about the school or look too deeply into it. I wanted to step into HVAC because it was something new. I also thought about taking the Electrical program, but I didn’t realize at first that the EMT program taught the basics of electrical as well. In the end, it worked out because I was able to gain some electrical knowledge along with HVAC.

Did you go into HVAC thinking of it as a possible career, or just as a useful skill you could take home?

Honestly, it was both. Where I grew up, there aren’t many job opportunities or variety. When I learned more about RSI, I saw it as a chance to leave home, come out here to Phoenix, and learn something new. I also thought about the future and realized that HVAC is a solid career, especially in a hot climate like Arizona, where air conditioning is always going to be in demand. My goal was to learn as much as I could out here and eventually, in several years’ time, take that knowledge back home.

When you started the program, did you have any HVAC or electrical experience at all?

No, I was completely green.

How did you find the program? Was it difficult at first?

The beginning was definitely difficult, which is expected when you’re learning something new. But it got easier as time went on, especially once I started asking questions and getting hands-on experience. Memorizing everything was probably the biggest challenge, but as long as you put in the work, paid attention, and studied, it really wasn’t too bad. I never thought about quitting, I grew into it.

Some people are nervous about asking questions. Were you like that?

No, I’ve always been confident about asking questions. Even if it sounded like something simple, I didn’t mind. I noticed a lot of people were afraid to speak up, so I kind of became the spokesperson for the group.

What did you enjoy most about the program overall?

I really loved how hands-on the EMT program was. It felt like the perfect balance between classroom learning and hands-on work. Being able to physically work with the components helped everything in the books make sense – where things go, why they’re there, and how they work together. I also really enjoyed meeting new people – classmates, instructors – and building connections along the way. Since I moved here alone, staying with the same class for nine months made a big difference. It felt like I built a new family there.

Have you stayed in touch with people since graduating?

Yeah. I actually started working at the same company as four other guys I graduated with. There are others from my class I still check in with now and then, just to see how they’re doing.

Keeping that network can be huge in this industry. So where are you working now?

I’m employed with Parker & Sons. I started in July, a couple of weeks after graduating.

Congratulations! How did that job come about?

I spent about two weeks looking at different HVAC companies, mostly considering distance from where I lived. Then Frankie from RSI Career Services contacted me and said Parker & Sons was looking for recent graduates. I decided to take the chance, interviewed, and got hired pretty much on the spot at the end of June as an installer apprentice. I’m hoping to move into a lead role in the next couple of months.

Have you had any exposure to service work yet?

Yeah. I spent about five months on installs, but I also got to work on the service side for about a month. That helped a lot because it connected everything back to what we learned in class. 

Starting in July, you jumped right into peak A/C season. How did you feel about your first paycheck?

I was definitely happy, especially with the overtime during peak season. It made it all worth it.

What’s your long-term career plan?

My goal is to eventually start my own HVAC company back home on the reservation. For now, Parker & Sons has my loyalty. I want to keep learning – master installs and then get more experience on the service side.

What do you enjoy most about this trade?

Helping people, especially during the summer in Arizona when A/C is essential. It feels good knowing the work we do improves people’s lives. I also enjoy installs – getting hands-on, solving problems, and learning something new every day. No two days are the same. Every job, every house, is configured differently.

You mentioned loyalty earlier. Is that important to you?

Yes. Parker & Sons gave me my first real opportunity in HVAC, just like Raising Cane’s did; they hired me when I moved down here. I worked there while I went to school. I believe in staying loyal to the people who give you a chance. I plan to stay with Parkers for at least four years and learn as much as I can, and I still work at Raising Cane’s now. In fact, when I interviewed with Parkers, I told them that Raising Cane’s was the first place that hired me and that I’d like to stay with them for as long as possible, if I could still make it work. I also told them that’s the same loyalty I would give to Parkers if they were to hire me.

That’s admirable in this day and age. So, you still work two jobs?

Yeah, I still work at Raising Cane’s on the weekends – about 15 to 20 hours. It’s extra pocket money; I make much more an hour at Parker & Sons.

Last question. What advice would you give to new students starting at RSI?

Fully commit from day one. Show up every day, take attendance seriously, and treat it like the career it’s preparing you for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – no one expects you to know everything. Help others, because when you help them, you’re also reinforcing what you know. Stay ahead of the work when you can. The more effort you put in early, the less stress you’ll have later. I came to RSI on my own with nothing but a goal and a willingness to work, and I graduated with perfect attendance, a 4.0 GPA, served as a student ambassador, and received a Presidential Honors Award. My journey showed me that when you fully commit, you can change the direction of your life. I’m thinking about the future now, being financially stable, supporting myself, and taking care of my family. I’m pushing toward those goals every day.

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Loren Lomayaktewa III appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Julian; so, you finished RSI just before COVID closed everything down? 

I graduated at the end of February 2020, right before COVID was in full swing. A month later classmates in the phases behind me were doing everything online. I was lucky.

Good timing. Tell us what you did before coming to RSI six years ago.

I grew up on the Navajo reservation. I’ve lived in New Mexico, California, and from 2016 to 2019, I was in North Dakota working random jobs – mostly retail. I managed grocery stores there, including a brand-new one in a tiny town of about 2,000 people with just two stoplights.

How did you end up in North Dakota?
I was in California from 2013 to 2016, struggling to get by. Everything was expensive, and the pay wasn’t great. I was a machine operator at a company that made plastic molds for electrical connectors. A friend from the reservation got a job with Indian Health Services in North Dakota and told me they were paying premium wages because nobody wanted to work up there. Even Walmart was paying $28/hour in the bigger towns, so, I went with her. I ended up on the Fort Berthold reservation. My friend helped me get settled, I got a job as a closing night manager at a grocery store and stayed for three years. 

What brought you back to Arizona?

In 2019 I decided to move back home. I talked with my family and told them I wanted to get help with my substance abuse and drinking. I moved to Phoenix with just a couple of bags and entered a recovery group home. I lived there from April 2019 to May 2020; I lived there while I went to RSI actually.

How did you find yourself at RSI?

The recovery group home director, Tina, told me, “If you stay sober, work, and go to school, I’ll help you.” She really took care of me. I initially did a three-month program at the house, that turned into six months, and she said if I worked and went to school, I could stay as long as I needed. So, I did both. I’ve been sober now for over five years.

Congratulations on your sobriety. Where did the idea for HVAC school come from?

I figured, living in Arizona, that air conditioning has to be a big industry. I didn’t want to do welding or automotive, so I started looking at HVAC trade schools. My house director gave me a few days to think about it. On Monday, I told her I wanted to check out RSI. She took me down there for a tour. The staff were really welcoming. I told them about my situation, and they helped me apply for Native American education loans. The Phoenix Indian Center also helped with tuition. So, I started school in May 2019. I took morning classes from 7am to 2pm and worked evenings. Eventually, I even worked for the recovery home – driving clients to meetings and encouraging them to go to school. I’m still in touch with Tina from the group home; I still help her out sometimes…I did some work for her a few months ago.

That’s great. So how was the EMT program itself?

It was really fun but definitely challenging. I took the bus an hour and a half each way, every day, but I barely missed a class. It was hard at first, especially learning to diagnose bad components – capacitors, relays, using volt meters. Some phases really pushed me. I had a little experience with hand tools from working on my car, but just basic stuff. I didn’t know much at all about electrical or HVAC before I started.

What kept you going when it got hard?

Honestly, my classmates. I made a lot of friends at RSI. When I got stuck, they’d walk me through the steps instead of just giving me the answers. The instructors were great too – supportive and willing to let me sit in extra sessions to practice. If I didn’t have to work, I would sometimes stay for the entire afternoon class.

What was your favorite part of the RSI experience?

Learning the fundamentals – the theory behind air conditioning. We did all the math manually: calculating pressures, subcooling, superheat. Now the digital gauges do it for you, but learning by hand really stuck with me, and it’s good to know how to do it manually in case the technology fails.

So, you graduated in February 2020 – what came next?

I was working at Arby’s while in school, and my manager there actually helped me get my first HVAC job. His friend was a supervisor at a company called Apes Air and Plumbing in Peoria. I got hired there as an installer helper, doing ductwork and installs. It was fun, but they only paid $14 an hour, which I couldn’t live on. 

How long did you stay there?

Just a couple of months. Then Camden – where I work now – had a job fair at RSI. They manage apartment complexes all over the country. A friend from school, Tracy Jo, got hired there and told me about their apprenticeship program – at the time it was $19 an hour plus an apartment discount. I applied, got the job, and moved out of the group home in May 2020.

That’s a big dollar jump. Congratulations. What role did you get at Camden at first?

I started as a Maintenance Technician Apprentice, then moved up to Maintenance Tech at Camden Foothills in Scottsdale. It’s a high-end property – lots of pressure, especially during the record-hot summer of 2020 when everyone’s A/C worked overtime! After two years as a tech, I became Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, then got promoted again this past July to Multi-Site Maintenance Supervisor. Now I oversee two communities – over 700 apartments.

Impressive. Do you manage a team?

Yes. I’ve got a great crew. I also still live at one of the Camden properties I work at. I told myself I didn’t want a long commute, and I’ve stuck with that! 

Nice setup. I assume each promotion came with a raise.

Yeah, I’m making over $40 an hour now, which is amazing. I’m paid hourly, with plenty of overtime available. I stay late when I can. Overtime pays about $60 an hour. RSI really helped me get my foot in the door.

I’m tempted to come work for you! What’s next for your career?

I’m happy with Camden. I might explore the local electricians’ union at some point, but right now, I’m learning a ton and love the team and the support I have here.

Sounds like you’re doing more than just HVAC these days.

Definitely. We handle electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and even pool systems. Camden pays for our CPO certification, so we’re Certified Pool Operators too. It’s great variety; there’s always something new to learn.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

That variety I just mentioned – no two days are the same. I enjoy meeting vendors and residents, learning from everyone, and constantly picking up new skills. There’s always something different to do, or something new to learn.

You mentioned that your RSI classmates helped you a lot. Do you still keep in touch?

Yes, I made good friends at RSI. A couple of them even got married after meeting at school. About five of us still share photos and help each other to troubleshoot issues at work. It’s cool to still have that network almost six years later.

That’s awesome. Last question: What advice would you give to new RSI students?

Show up, learn all you can, and don’t give up. Keep pushing yourself to improve a little every day – if you do all that, opportunities will come.

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Julian Lasiloo appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Irakunda; did you go straight into RSI after high school?

Yes. After graduating high school in May 2024, I knew I needed to work with my hands. I didn’t want to be like a lot of other 19-year-olds and work a minimum-wage job forever. So, I started researching trade schools and colleges nearby, and that’s when I found RSI. I scheduled a tour, went in, and honestly, on that tour I already knew I wanted to go there. I just wanted to get started, and I did in June 2024.

That’s awesome – what made you decide that so quickly?

They showed me what we’d be learning, what they’d provide, and told me I’d be able to wire a house by myself or with a team after graduating. That really motivated me.

Did you already know you wanted to do electrical training, or were you open to any trade?

I used to spend my free time taking random things apart, putting them back together, just to see how they worked. I always had that mindset. I didn’t have direct electrical experience, but I was drawn to how electricity works. At first, I thought RSI was only refrigeration because of the name – The Refrigeration School – but when they showed me the electrical program, that’s when I thought, “This is what I want to do.”

Did you have any electrical experience before school?
No real electrical experience – just taking apart things like cell phones and computers. I messed with wiring doing that a little, but never actual electricity.

How was the adjustment from going to high school to trade school for you?

That was difficult. In high school you’re basically just there because you’re told to be. In trade school, you have paid money to be there, so you have to take it seriously. You need a different mindset. Trade school trains you to pay attention, and what you put into trade school is exactly what you’ll get out of it. RSI gives you the knowledge and the tools to succeed, but you have to stay consistent and dedicate yourself to it.

How did you find the program itself? Did electrical work come easy or was it frustrating at first?

At first it wasn’t easy. There were times I was confused, and other times things clicked. Asking questions helped a lot; I asked my instructors and classmates, some of whom had field experience. They really supported me. The first phases were tough, but around the middle of the program is when it all started to make sense for me.

A lot of people might have quit. What kept you motivated?

I saw the potential of it as a career. I could see the different doors that being an electrician could open -working for a small company like I am now, or a bigger company, or eventually starting my own business. The future opportunities kept me going.

Good for you. What did you enjoy most about the program?

The instructors. Every day they were there to motivate us, help us, and give us the knowledge and tools we needed to be successful. I had four or five different instructors throughout the phases of the program.

Who are you working for now?

I work for Mohrmann Electric, a small company in Mesa. We work around the valley on commercial and industrial properties, whether that’s maintaining them or if they’re brand new, we wire them up.

How long have you been there?

About a month. After graduating, I knew I had zero work experience – electrical or otherwise. So, I got a retail job at Walmart as a stocking associate; I needed to get used to being in the workforce. While working there, I applied to electrical jobs every day through websites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, just to see if someone might say yes and give me an opportunity to prove myself. Then a couple months ago, Mohrmann Electric came to RSI looking for apprentices. Ms. Jade in Career Services gave them my résumé and they called me. 

Did you get an interview?

They brought me in, but it wasn’t a traditional interview. They told me to get my tools and put me straight onto a job site to see what I knew, hands-on. No sitting and talking – just working, seeing what knowledge I had and what I could do.

Congratulations! Obviously, it went well!

Yeah, it went well. I’m still with them, learning something new every day. It’s a small company. The owner started it about two years ago and I’m the only employee. I like it. He’s friendly, teaches me new things every day. I love the company.

Financially, are you happy with where you started?

It’s a good starting point. I know it’ll get higher every year as my skills and experience improve. and I’ll get paid my worth. At Walmart I started at minimum wage, around $15, and after two months I became employee of the month and got promoted, so my pay there went up but it’s still a little less than what I’m making now. The difference is now I’m getting paid to learn a career – not to stock shelves. I’m still learning and I know I’ve got a long way to go, but I can see myself improving every single day.

The knowledge you’re gaining is worth a lot. So, what’s your career plan from here?

My plan is to stay with Mohrmann Electric and learn as much as I can from him. He has a lot of experience and shares his own tips and techniques. Later, I’ll decide whether to stay or move on and become a contractor myself. Getting my own contractor’s license is my ultimate goal.

What do you enjoy most about the trade so far?

Finishing a job and seeing the results – like wiring a light, giving it power, and watching it work. It motivates me to come back the next day.

Thinking back to RSI, did you make some friends or connections?

Honestly, I was more of a loner. There were opportunities to make connections, but I didn’t really take them.

What advice do you have for new students coming into RSI?

Stay consistent with the program. What you put in is what you’ll get out. Show up every day, do your best, and you’ll see improvement and the results. If you don’t understand something, ask questions – the instructors are there to help you.

Were you always comfortable asking questions?

Not at first. I didn’t like putting my hand up. I usually waited until the teacher was done talking. I had to grow into having the confidence to ask questions openly.

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Irakunda Isaya appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Alfonso; did you go straight into the RSI welding program after high school?

I didn’t graduate high school. I dropped out during my junior year. I was supposed to graduate in 2023, but I left in 2022. I got my GED instead because I wanted to go to a trade school, and you need a GED for that.

So before getting your GED and starting trade school, what were you doing?

I was working. I was just trying to find any job I could. At first it was hard getting hired. My first job, while I was still in high school, was at a bakery earning $12.50. After I dropped out, I worked at Fry’s Food Stores – I just did jobs to get a paycheck. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. 

When did you decide you wanted to go to trade school, and specifically welding?

I never really thought about welding before. I just felt like I wasn’t meant for college or sitting in a classroom. I started seeing welding videos and schools in other states on social media – it looked really cool, the idea of joining two pieces of metal together. My dad works in HVAC, so I considered that for a minute, but welding just felt right. My parents wanted me to go to school and make something of myself. They didn’t really care if it was a university or trade school – they were just happy I was going somewhere.

How did you end up choosing RSI?

Actually, one of my friends enrolled at RSI for Electrical. They asked him if he knew anyone else who might be interested, and he gave them my number. That’s how I got connected. I had looked up other trade schools too, but RSI felt right when I checked it out on social media and took the tour.

When you toured the RSI campus, were you already set on welding?

My mind was leaning toward welding, but I kept my options open – maybe Electrical or HVAC. In the end, welding just felt like the right fit. It’s hard to explain – it just clicked for me.

What did you enjoy most about the Welding program?

Definitely the instructors. They were really helpful, always taking time to explain things in different ways until you understood. They cared about everyone’s progress. They showed us that there’s not just one “right way” to weld – you can find your own technique that works for you.

Did welding come naturally to you?

Not at first. In the beginning, I got frustrated and doubted myself, wondering if I’d chosen the right trade.

What kept you going during those days? 

My family, for sure. My girlfriend Evelyn and I have a three-year-old daughter, and she really motivated me to stick with it. I saw classmates quit over time, but I kept going for my daughter and my family.

Wow, you started a family young!

Yeah, I made mistakes earlier in my life, but she’s not one of them.

So, it sounds like welding gave you a direction – a way to build a better life.

Exactly. I’d bounced between low-paying jobs, and I just wanted to make something of myself, to feel important and to set an example for my daughter.

That’s awesome. So, where are you working?  

I’ve been working for GTI Fabrication for a couple of months now, it’s a fabrication warehouse. Our modular containerized structures are customized to each client’s specifications. At the moment we’re building large containers and shelving systems for big industrial batteries. The batteries get installed onto the shelves in after we build the whole container. 

Did the RSI Career Services team help you get that job?

Yeah, Jade Rodriguez helped me find it. I’m really grateful for that. I don’t think I could’ve done it without her and without the help of the school. I’m thankful to have been able to attend RSI. I think Jade was actually more excited than me when I got the job!  

Between finishing school in March and starting in August, did you have other welding jobs?

No, I was doing general construction while looking for welding jobs. I had a couple interviews where I did weld tests, but they never called me back. I followed up, waited a couple weeks, and just moved on.

That’s frustrating. So, how about that first paycheck at GTI – were you happy with it?

Definitely. Way better than before. They started me above what entry-level welders can usually expect, and there’s room for raises. After three months I can retake the weld test that got me the job, and if I pass, I could move up levels and get a raise.

That’s great. Are you enjoying the job?

Yeah, I like it. Everyone’s really cool – managers, coworkers. They’re big on safety and very supportive.

What’s next for you? Do you have specific goals or just taking it one step at a time?

I plan to keep learning, gaining more experience, and progressing my skills.  Eventually I want to do structural welding, but I’m taking it slow, one step at a time, looking to just improve my skills and move up when I can.

What do you enjoy most about welding?

Honestly, when I put my hood down – the sparks, the smell- I just love it. There’s something about it that makes me feel good. It’s really cool but hard to explain. Once the hood’s down, everything else fades away.

Did you make friends, some connections, at school that you’ve stayed in touch with?

Yeah, I have a group chat with my old classmates. We all have jobs now, but we still check in, share job leads, and help each other out when we can.

Keep that network. You never know when someone might have a lead on a great job somewhere.

Yeah, I believe that. It’s true – sometimes it is not what you know, but who you know.

What advice would you give new students starting at RSI?

I’d tell them not to give up. It gets better. If you put in the work, you will get better. When I started, I’d never even held a welding rod, so I had plenty of frustrating days where I had to walk outside, take a breath, and reset – but I kept going. I was doing construction during the day, hitting the gym, then going to school at night. It was exhausting, but I made it through. It wasn’t easy, but nothing worth it ever is.

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Alfonso Cedillo appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time Dionisio; you came to RSI in your early fifties, what did you do before enrolling?

Honestly, I was kind of a screw-up. I struggled with drinking and drugs. I got clean in 2008 and started taking any job I could get. Eventually, I knew I had to do something more with my life, I was getting older. My wife’s family lives here in Phoenix, and her brother encouraged us to move closer as their mother was getting older. So, we decided to move here. I’d been working with the same company in Vegas and transferred with them to Arizona. I enrolled at RSI a few months after we moved here.

What kind of company is it?

It’s a timeshare property management company – Wyndham Destinations. I started working in the common area at the property in Vegas – just doing basic outdoor work, cleaning, general upkeep. When I came here, I started in maintenance. I stepped into a Tech role and realized I needed to move forward in life. I wanted to grow mentally and physically, and that’s when I decided to go back to school for HVAC to get some hands-on experience in the trade. I chose RSI because it seemed like a good fit, and it was close by.

Thinking back, what was your favorite part of your time at RSI?

The support. The instructors were always available. If I needed help with homework, they gave us their phone numbers, answered our questions, and walked us through things. They all had great attitudes throughout every phase. When I didn’t understand something, they were very clear about explaining the answer, they talked to me in a layman’s way that I could understand.

When you started school, did you have any HVAC experience?

None. I didn’t have a clue walking in. 

How did you find the program? Did it come easy to you?

No, I had tough times. It was intimidating at first. I was working full time and going to school at night. That was the toughest part for me being older – juggling work, school, and home life. But the instructors made it easier. They explained things clearly and in a way I could understand.

You stayed with Wyndham after graduating from RSI. How did going to HVAC school impact your career?
It helped a lot. I was considering leaving for more HVAC-focused work, but the company promoted me and gave me a raise. Now I run my own maintenance department and have a team under me.

Do you still get to work hands-on, or is it mostly management now?

I make time to get out there. I still train and help the guys. I try to spend at least part of each day on-site, even with office duties piling up. As I say to my guys when I train them, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

Did you get a raise once you graduated from RSI?

I actually got a raise and a promotion when I told them I was going to school. I think they wanted to keep me. I’ve still had to prove myself and work hard, but it helped.

You mentioned being at several properties. How long have you been at this current one?

Five years here. Before that, I spent eight years at one property and four at another.

So, at 64, what’s next? Are you planning to retire soon?

I’m not done yet. I want to keep working and learning, depending on how my back holds up. I have back issues and bad knees, and I might have to have back surgery in a couple of months. After that I’ll decide what’s next. I might stay with the company a while longer – maybe past 67 when I’ll get my social security. We’ll see what happens.

What keeps you going even with the physical challenges of a bad back and bad knees?

I still have a job to do. Pain or not, you show up and help your team, I have an open-door policy. That’s just the way it is.

What do you enjoy most about your trade?

The personal growth. You keep learning every day. Going to RSI was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me the foundation to be able to grow in this business and go on to meet some great people. Every day is still a learning opportunity.

A lot of experienced tradespeople say, “if you think you know everything, it’s time to quit.”
Exactly. I’ve seen guys who think they’re the best, but they’re not. There’s always someone better, there’s always more to learn.

Did you make friends or connections at school? Did you stay in touch with anyone?

I made a few connections but didn’t really keep in touch. At 53, I was the “grandpa” of the class.

How did the younger students treat you?

They treated me fine. Some assumed I knew what I was doing, but I told them, “I don’t know anything either – I’m learning just like you!”

What advice would you give to new RSI students for them to be successful?

Show up. You can’t learn if you’re not there. Treat school like it’s work. Go every day, and when it gets hard, push through it, and finish. RSI helped me grow so much; looking back 11 years later, it was one of the best things I’ve done in my life. Going to RSI was a great decision.

So much so that I understand your son is now attending RSI. Is he following in your footsteps?

Yes, but he’s doing the Welding Specialist program not HVAC. He graduates in December, I think. He says it’s hot, but he’s enjoying it!

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Dionisio Vasquez appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Tyreke; did you go straight into the RSI welding program after high school?

I graduated high school in 2023, but my family was struggling, so I took a year off to support my grandparents, who raised me since I was a boy. I lived with them and helped as much as I could. The year after that, I decided to take welding seriously, so I enrolled myself in welding school, got everything ready, and when the day came, I was ready to go. That was September 2024.

How are your grandparents doing now?

They’re doing good. I check in every chance I get and spend time with them whenever I can. I’m heading up there to see them after work tomorrow for the Labor Day weekend.

You said your decision to pursue welding came after talking with your grandfather. Tell me about that.

Yeah, my grandpa was an old blue-collar man. We talked about a lot of different trades, but welding was the one that stuck with me. He had done some welding here and there, not as a trade, just bits of work, and he encouraged me. I didn’t have welding classes in high school, so I was completely green going in.

What was it that appealed to you? The money, the creativity, the chance to build something?

At first it was the money, the earning potential. But once I got into it at school, once I started welding, I developed a passion for it. The money and the career potential became a bonus because I loved doing it.

If you’re good at something you love, the money will come! What did you enjoy most about at RSI?

The hands-on time. I loved that we spent most of the time in the shop welding, not just sitting in a classroom. About 80/20 — one day in class learning the basics, then straight into the booth to practice. I got to weld for hours every day, and that’s how I learned best. Get as much as from the instructors as you can. They’re all great guys. They’ve been out there in the field for years, they know what they’re doing, but just be ready to take their constructive criticism. That’s how it is in the real world, and that’s how welding works. 

Since you were new to it, how did you find the program? Frustrating? Did you ever feel like quitting?

Not really. The welding itself came pretty easily to me, honestly. I mean it was hard, but I found if I stayed consistent, it would come to me. The hard part was actually balancing school with work. I worked nights at Wingstop to pay the bills, usually getting only 4–5 hours of sleep, then up for school in the morning; my class started at 7am.

You’d weld all morning, rest, then work Wingstop at night; that’s a grind. Did you get free wings at least?

Yeah, that was the upside!

So, who are you working for now?

I’m working for Triple B Garage Doors and Gates in Mesa. It’s a small family-owned company that fabricates and installs gates and fences. I started last week. There are four welders here; I found out last week that we are all graduates of RSI at different times.

That says something about how the company values RSI graduates. What do you do there?

I weld and fabricate gates and fences – we get them how the client wants them, weld them up, then we send them for powder coating before installation. I focus on the welding side. 

What’s your schedule?

My schedule is 5am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday; we get weekends off which is nice. We start early because of the heat. Maybe in the winter, we’ll start later, and I’ll get an extra hour or two in bed…! But I like the schedule, it gives me the afternoons off.

Congratulations on landing the job. Did RSI Career Services help you find the job?

Yeah, Jade in Career Services helped me a lot. She gave me tips, updates, kept me aware of career fairs, and pointed out opportunities. It took several months to get this role. It’s competitive out there. Million-dollar companies prefer people with several years’ experience, so it’s hard for a kid just out of school. That was the toughest part. But I kept a healthy mindset and stayed consistent. It was a Benjamin Franklin quote that made me change my mindset; “Earlier to bed, earlier to rise makes a man young, wealthy, and wise.”

Ben Franklin said a lot of smart things! What made you want to take this opportunity?

Honestly, I just wanted to get some experience. I didn’t know much about the company at first, but I knew I needed to start somewhere. My mindset is to build up experience so when bigger opportunities come, I’ll be ready. I’ve only been there a week or so, but the guys there are helpful. They show me how to measure, cut, and weld better. I appreciate that. I’m learning there.

Now, I’m guessing you’re not making top money yet, but are you satisfied with your paycheck?

Yes, I’m happy with it. I’m making way more than I did at Wingstop. For me, experience is more important than money right now. Most of what I earn goes to my grandparents anyway. I live simply, so I’m okay. And I 

Good for you. What’s your long-term career goal?

I want to get into pipeline welding. My goal is to travel and be on the road full time, doing pipeline work.

How long do you think before you’re ready?

Maybe two to three years. It depends how hard I chase it. If an opportunity comes earlier, I’ll jump at it, but I want to be prepared.

There’s also value in loyalty — sticking with an employer who took a chance on you for a while.

I agree. They asked me about loyalty in the interview, and I was honest. I got my first job when I was 15, and I stayed for four years. I understand the importance of sticking around.

What do you enjoy most about welding as a trade?

Dropping the hood and just being in that zone. It blocks everything else out. Then seeing your finished welds, and then the finished product – something beautiful you built – that’s the best feeling. Plus, knowing you get paid for it is a bonus!

Did you make some friends/connections at RSI?

Yes. My class was small, only about 12 at first, then down to eight or nine. We got close, and we still share opportunities and advice. They found work before I did, and they helped me out too passing information along, telling me about who’s hiring, and what to expect from a weld test and all that. 

That’s great. What advice would you give to new students starting at RSI?

Consistency. Consistency. Consistency. That’s the name of the game; you‘ve got to stay consistent and you’ve got to want to do it. The money’s great in welding, the money’s there, but you must have a mindset of wanting to do it for the welding, not just for the money. So, stay consistent, ask questions and learn everything you can from the instructors. 

Final question, are your grandparents proud of you? 

Yeah, they’re definitely proud of me. I love their reaction when I talk about passing this test, or when I tell them I got this job, or when I tell them what I’m doing. Honestly, it’s been worth it just to see their reaction!

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Tyreke Cook appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Manny; what did you do in the years after high school before coming to RSI?

After high school, I dabbled in community college. I was curious to see what I was into. I wanted to go for law enforcement, but I didn’t do very well; I just didn’t like the setting. After that I bounced around from being a manager in a fast-food place to working warehouse jobs. That’s pretty much what I did until I decided to go to RSI in 2019. 

So, where did the idea of HVAC or going to RSI come from?

My uncle. He went to RSI a couple of years before me. He pushed education and how important it was for me to do better in my life. I saw how well he was doing; he’s got his own business and is having a blast. I decided to go and talk to RSI and give it a try. It sounded like a good career path to follow, and I wouldn’t be broke!

Did you have any HVAC or electrical experience at all?

None, I was 100% green. I actually didn’t like hard labor or anything like that. I’d rather be in the AC all day!  

In the AC all day, how’s that working out for you! What did you enjoy most about your time at RSI?

I would say the people I met, because I’m still really close to a lot of them today. Also, the teachers because everybody at that school cares about your success. I never once felt like anybody was like, “ah, you’re fine!” Everybody at RSI made it their mission to make sure you had success.

Being new to this field, did you have difficulties or frustrations on the program? 

I had to really work for it. It was hard for me; I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I’m someone who has to touch something to learn it. I needed to see the actual equipment to get it. So, It was hard for me. I know it was probably easy for a lot of guys, but for me, I struggled a lot. But I put in the work to get where I’m at now.

Did you ever consider quitting, or is that not in your nature? 

I did, actually, twice. The first time was in phase one; I didn’t think I was going to be able to understand any of this. My uncle was the one who told me I had to keep going and it would start to make sense. The second time was phase five, furnaces. My wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, told me, “Sure it’s hard, but it’s going to pay off, you’ve got to stick with it.” Ironically, as much as I didn’t like that class, I’m really good at furnaces now! So, honestly, yeah…I thought about quitting twice. After that I was l locked in. I had everyone at school and at home rooting for me, so I had a support system to keep me going, which was important.

Did you work while at school?

Yes, I did warehouse work. I worked three 12s on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I went to RSI in the evenings. In those days, night classes were Monday through Thursday and the program took about nine months at night.

You graduated in October 2019. Tell us about your career since. How did you get started? 

I got hired right away. We were two or three weeks into my last phase when one guy got hired at Chas Roberts. He told everybody about Chas, so everybody who was still looking went to Chas Roberts. I went into the Warranty Service Department, and I stayed there for about a year before I shipped over to Parker & Sons for another year. My goal was to do two years working residential, no matter what. After that I jumped into low temp work for a short while, maybe six or seven months.

Can you explain what “low temp” is?

It’s basically servicing and repairing equipment. I worked on ice machines, walk-in coolers, reach-in coolers, basically refrigerators and freezers. I enjoyed it, actually I loved it, but what they don’t tell you about low temp is that it’s very demanding, especially if you’re married and have kids – and at that point I was married, and we’d had our first kid. I thought, “I love this, but I would rather be home for my family.”

Why is it so demanding?

There’s a lot of on-call work, but there’s also quite a bit of pressure. When a freezer goes down, there’s probably like $20k of product in there. You have to fix it or that product is wasted. You can’t say it’s late, I’ll be back tomorrow! You have to stay and get it done.

I see how that makes sense. What did you do from there? 

I actually worked at Spectrum Mechanical with people I went to RSI with. I was doing HVAC work on new commercial construction sites. A guy I went to RSI with was the manager of the department I worked in, and one of my other classmates was my lead tech. I was there for about a year but decided that the construction side was not for me. I don’t want to say it was boring, but there was a lot of, “Oh, it’s the electrician’s fault” or “Oh, your eight hours are up, we’ve got to go because of budget.” That wasn’t for me. It was really fun to work with those guys again because I hadn’t seen them since school, but it wasn’t for me. 

So, that’s brings us to where you are now… 

For the past year or so I’ve been working for Lennox National Account Services, I’m the lead tech here now; they promoted me about six months after I got here. Lennox is a manufacturer, and NAS is the HVAC service division for multi-location commercial businesses. I do maintenance like changing filters, turn it on/off, making sure everything’s working. We have service calls when units don’t work. That’s all the basic stuff. Then we have EMS, BMS, or Novar systems, which are building automation systems. Everything is tied into this big old system that can see every unit, every sensor, in the building. I do pretty much everything here.

When you started in the field fresh out of school, were you happy with the money you made?

So funnily enough, and I’ll say now that Chas Roberts pays way better now than it did when I started, I was actually making the same hourly that I did at the warehouse, so it was not a step up. But I did get a hefty raise after a while because I showed them that I knew what I was doing. But I did double my salary because I went from $20k to $40k, so that was a big step up because there was plenty of work and plenty of hours.

Five years into your career, I’m sure you’re reaping the financial rewards now.

Yeah, I’m absolutely reaping the rewards. I’ve got a house, my family’s taken care of. I think it’s important that RSI students realize that when they come into the field, it takes a few years to get to this level. It’s different for everyone though. If you go straight into refrigeration or even low temp, you’re going to make big bucks sooner, especially if you don’t have a family to get home to. But for us HVAC guys, it can take a little while; you’ve got to learn your way into it because it’s all different and you’ve got to prove your worth.

Congratulations! What’s the plan from here then, Manny?

I love Lennox. It checks all the boxes for me right now. I can see my future here. I actually went back to RSI last week to see how we could go about hiring some RSI graduates. It was a real nostalgia trip! Long term, I’d love to make it into management here one day. I’ve had discussions that whenever a position comes available, or if I can learn something new, I’d like to take that opportunity, but I know it probably won’t be for another ten years or so, when I’m like, “Oh, my back hurts!”

What do you enjoy most about this trade? 

The ability to solve problems and that we get to be outside and not at a desk. I get to go places and figure out why things aren’t working. It’s a good feeling when you figure something out.

What advice do you have for new students to be successful at RSI? 

My advice would be to dig in and keep any negativity away from you. Don’t listen to what people are saying. You’re going to hear peers say, “Oh, it’s too hard, I should quit.” It’s going to come from somebody negative in the class. It’s not a bad thing, we’ve all been there, but if you put your time in, if you study and work with your teachers, you’ll succeed. A lot of teachers would stay late to help me or my fellow classmates. Hard study and your teachers are going to be your best friends. But that is what you need to succeed at RSI.

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Manuel (Manny) Rubio appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Sal; what did you do before coming to RSI almost 10 years ago?

My father was always a mechanically inclined person; he was a diesel mechanic, so I did that with him growing up. After high school, I went into the United States Marine Corps and served for five years. I followed my father’s profession and worked as a diesel mechanic in the military. I only got to do that for maybe a year after my year of training before they moved me up into a supervisory position. I looked over the equipment I used to work on. I did that for the remainder of my enlistment in South Carolina. 

Thank you for your service. What did you do after you left the military?

When I got out, I moved to Arizona and went to UTI in Avondale to do an Automotive Diesel and Industrial program. I was there for three years and completed it, but everything was changing so fast that by the time I was done, I needed to learn more. School just got so expensive; I was looking at over six figures just to keep up with the trade. I was working at an oil lube shop, like a Jiffy Lube kind of place while I went to school. 

Wow! That’s a lot to keep up with the skills. So where did the idea of RSI come from?

I started the freight line classes, but I ended up stopping. There was a big gap, so that’s what stopped me from following the profession into the 18-wheeler side of it. I got discouraged; I wanted something different and honestly, I’d got bored of that stuff. I decided to change trades and transitioned to RSI.  

Why did you choose the EMT program at RSI? 

The way I stumbled into RSI and HVAC was through one of my good friends, Jay. We got talking about solar and up-and-coming technology, and wouldn’t it be great to get into solar as we’re in Arizona. So, after a good few months of talking about it, we saw there was an Open House at RSI. Jay asked me, “Do you want to go, get some free food, and see what happens?” I thought, “Sure, why not?” We ate some hot dogs and spoke to everybody. I had a great time talking to the instructors; they were very personable, it just felt like I was talking to a friend in class, so I asked, “Hey, what are the options for veterans?” From there we looked into the GI Bill, and I literally signed up the same day. As a veteran, it was easy, simple.

Did your buddy Jay sign up too?

He did, but he isn’t a veteran, so it wasn’t as easy. He had to figure out financing, but the school helped him with all that. He started when the next class came up; I want to say Jay was about a month behind me.

What did you enjoy most about your time at RSI?

There was a lot of hands-on time. Even on day one, they let you walk around all the classrooms so you have free range and can look at everything, which I liked. You got a tour of the whole place. In the first phase, they had a wall that showed all the devices we were going to learn about; you have no idea what they are. Then you go through the classes and start learning, and you connect the dots. The instructors seemed very passionate about what they do; they were very eager to help and nurture the next generation of techs. Some of the instructors even give us their numbers in case we have questions in the future. It was a great way of saying, “Hey, you’re not alone, and even when we send you out there, you’re still not alone.”

Did you have any prior experience in electrical or HVAC work? 

I dabbled in electrical with my father and in the military. He had to be a basic electrician as far as automotive goes, and then all the cars had air conditioning. So, I knew the principles of how it all works, and it seemed to be very similar, just on a different scale. One thing that stood out both in my military training and at UTI was that I excelled in HVAC. The biggest difference between automotive and residential electrical is that the colors are different. The terminology is also different, but it uses the same principles. So, my biggest struggle was staying away from my old verbiage. Everything for me was about understanding more. I knew I could make things work, but I didn’t know why. RSI gave me more of that deeper knowledge about the ‘why’.

You graduated in January 2016. Tell us about your career since. How did you get started? 

A week before graduation, they had a job fair at the school. Like most students, I struggled financially but I had $20, and I wanted to make it count. So I went to a Goodwill, got a nice button up shirt and a pair of dress pants and a belt. I put that all together and showed up at the job fair with my résumé in hand that the RSI Career Services team had helped me build. They looked over my automotive résumé, updated it and made it look a lot nicer for the field I was applying for. They made it look really good, honestly.

The résumé and clothes were a good idea. First impressions count. Was the job fair busy?

They had people upstairs and downstairs, everyone was everywhere. I walked through the whole place, said hello to everyone, shook everyone’s hand. I applied to the places that I liked. It was a completely different world from before. I was in the spotlight, I was wanted. People saw that I was a veteran, that I had good grades, and I was on top of it at school. People told me that I was number one on their list. It was definitely a 180 change from what I’d been experiencing since I got out of military, which was rejection. 

So, who did you end up choosing?

I went with Parker & Sons. I had three companies after me. I think it was George Brazil, Parker & Sons…I can’t remember the last one. The day of our graduation, I was already in an attic working. I didn’t waste any time. I needed to get on my feet as soon as possible. As much as I loved my classmates, I needed to get to it.

Briefly, what did you do from there? 

I stayed with Parker & Sons for about two/three years, they have great training, and then I moved to Lake Havasu to work for a mom-and-pop shop with five employees. That was a different world from the sales focus of Parkers. In Havasu, they wanted a technician, not a salesman, and that suited me more. In the military, you’re not trained to sell, you’re trained to get the job done. In Havasu, it was a lot of home warranty work, which is quick work, just fix it and get out. With a small company, you also become a jack-of-all-trades; you don’t have an install or a maintenance team, you just do it all. I learned a lot out there in two or three years. 

Let’s skip forward to today. 

My partner and I – the friend I went to school with – have our own company called Cool N Arizona. We’ve been in business for three years. In January we’re adding plumbing, we’ve taken on a new business partner who has expertise in the plumbing field, and we’re changing the name to HQ Plumbing and Air.

Congratulations! What’s the plan from here then Sal?

Obviously, the end goal is what keeps me going, which is retirement. We’re trying to build something amazing so we can sell it one day and retire and enjoy time with family. I’d like to do that while I can still move around! Our goal is to get a crew of five on the plumbing side and five on the HVAC side. That would get us to the numbers that we want to see in the next three to five years. That would allow us, as owners, to put down the tools and work on the business, rather than in the business.

Sounds like choosing RSI was the right decision for you ten years ago?

Yes, RSI was definitely the right decision for me. I have always been a tinkerer; I like to take things apart and put them together again, make things work. So, for me, it was definitely worth the investment as far as the time I put in. Had I paid for it myself, I would have certainly paid even more attention than I did!

What do you enjoy most about this trade? 

I live in Arizona where A/C is a necessity, not a luxury. Going into peoples’ homes makes me feel like I have a purpose, I’m helping people. When I got out of the Marine Corps, I felt like I’d lost my purpose, but now I have it back. The sense of accomplishment of helping people out, especially when it involves kids, the elderly, or those with health issues who can’t leave their homes. That’s a big thing for me. I get the most joy out of helping them and being able to say, “I did something good”. There’s been a few times where I’ve come across situations where I put money to the side. “I’m not here to make money today. I’m just going to help you.”

What advice do you have for new students to be successful at RSI? 

The first day of school, or at least within the first week, introduce yourself to your class. Get that out of the way, that way there are no strangers. You’re all classmates and it’s going to feel that way. On day one in the classroom, I sat in front of the whole class and introduced myself, “Hey, my name’s Sal, I’m a veteran. I did five years in the Marine Corps as a diesel mechanic, and so on and so forth…” You are going to be there day in and day out for nine months, so there’s no point being shy around each other. Get comfortable. I even  created an RSI Study Group page on Facebook as a resource to help everyone out. It made us more connected.

The other thing is don’t be afraid to ask questions; the only dumb question is a question not asked. Many times, I’d ask questions for someone who was scared to ask and it’s okay. Make sure you raise your hand, ask the question, and slow the instructor down. They are there to help you, teach you, not to belittle you. 

And then of course, if you’re paying for it, pay attention!

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Sal Aviles Jr. appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Roger; what did you do before coming to RSI?

I worked for the Cardinals Stadium as a security guard straight out of high school. Then I went to the United States Marine Corps. I did my four years, and after I got out, I worked at Best Buy and went to college. But college really wasn’t for me. So, I went to work for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. I was a Detention Officer for about five or six years before I quit because I didn’t feel I was helping any more.

Where did the idea of going into the HVAC field come from?

For years, my wife told me I should go into HVAC, and I was like, “You know what, it’s about time.” In the Marine Corps, my job was an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Crewman, so I used to work on mechanical issues with the vehicle. I decided to go back to my mechanical roots, and HVAC was the perfect way in.

Did you know about RSI having lived in Phoenix?

I didn’t, no. I researched HVAC schools in Phoenix, and of course, RSI came up. 

Why did you choose the EMT program, rather than the shorter Refrigeration Technologies program? 

Well, Arizona is known for just being hot, so everyone’s going to be hiring HVAC technicians all the time. I decided that if I added some knowledge of the electrical trade from the EMT program on top of the HVAC knowledge, I’d always have a job. Also, having served in the Marines, the GI Bill paid for a lot of it. Doing the longer program didn’t matter to me; it’s only a couple of months extra to get that level of electrical knowledge. I quite work before I started, and just focused on the program.

What did you enjoy most about your time at RSI?

Honestly, the level of expertise that most of the instructors have. They were willing to give us their personal insights and experiences dealing with specific problems that we could see in the field; the more unlikely sorts of things that we may not encounter often. Hints and tips that went beyond the school curriculum. 

Did the mechanical experience you had in the Corps help?

Yeah, it helped a lot, but I didn’t feel like it was necessary to have that experience. Everything was pretty basic, you just had to find different ways to solve issues. The students who usually had trouble were those who were straight out of high school; they haven’t had the life experiences where they’ve had to figure out different ways to resolve complex things. I guess thinking outside of the box.

So, it sounds like the program came easy to you?

Yeah, it wasn’t hard at all. I got the Top Tech award. I finished every little piece of work. If you want to learn this subject, and you give the program the attention it needs, then you shouldn’t find it hard. But if you don’t want to learn the material, perhaps you’re just here going through the motions because your parents told you to do this course, then you might struggle a little. If you read the materials and give the program your focus, then you’ll be set. If you choose not to really do anything, then you’re going to need a lot of help.

Did you enjoy the hands-on work on the program?

I think the hands-on work is what really helps you later on in the field. You get to know the exact way things are wired, what it should look like, and how electrical connections are made. Most of the students I met came to this program because they don’t like bookwork. They’re more hands-on learners, and that’s what they want to do. So, when you’re able to teach them hands-on, they’ll more likely understand it. But if you sit there and beat them over the head with PowerPoint, they’re not going to really understand!

What’s the balance between hands-on and classroom instruction on the EMT program?

It’s about 50/50. Reading the materials is helpful, and that’s okay for the people who are able to understand it. There are different types of learners and luckily, I’m one of those who are able to learn from both bookwork and hands-on. I feel like my class in particular needed the hands-on experience more. I helped out quite a bit, teaching my fellow students a few things when the teachers weren’t available.

Did you enjoy the teaching part – is that something you’d like to do in the future?

I really want to go back to it. I’ve done it before. I was a combat marksman coach in the Marine Corps. I’ve trained other officers, and I was good at it, and now I’m training other engineers at the Four Seasons to do their job as well. One of the RSI instructors wanted me to apply for an open position in Phase Nine, but I don’t yet have the necessary experience in the field.

You mentioned the Four Seasons, is that where you’re working? 

Yes, the Four Seasons resort in Scottsdale. My job title is an Engineer C. I actually went to a job fair at RSI, and I applied the moment I got home. I got hired about a week or two after graduating in June 2023. It’s a pretty good time there, I enjoy it. Every day is a little bit different.

Congratulations! Is that a pure HVAC or a general Facilities Maintenance role?

Yeah, it’s everything in the book. It is HVAC, carpentry, guest room calls, plumbing, kitchen equipment. If there’s a need for anyone to literally fix something, I’m the first one there to try and fix it.

Are you happy with the money you’re on?

The money’s not too bad. Every year they do about a 3% increase, so I got there right before an increase, so that was cool!

What’s your career plan from here? 

Hopefully, I can stay at The Four Seasons and grow. They have Engineer C, B, and A levels, and then you go to a specialty. Over time I could make really good money, and on top of that they offer good healthcare. It’s a good stable job; I don’t have to worry about losing my job during the winter as some installers might. That’s important to me as the man of the family, and the sole income earner. The stability is very appealing, and it’s very much needed. We have two kids, the youngest is just five months old. I also have a fairly stable schedule – 7am to 3.30pm – so unless we have a catastrophic issue to deal with, I’m able to be home by 4.30pm and go to games, hang out, and have a family life. I do work the weekends, so my “weekend” is Tuesday and Wednesday, but I never had weekends off anyway in all my prior jobs, so it doesn’t really matter.

What do you enjoy most about this trade – you mentioned every day is different? 

I do like the variety and the fact that no issue is the same. I have gotten faster and I’m able to figure out the answer quicker, but usually not all answers are the same. I also like that I get to help people, and they’re typically happy about it!

What advice do you have for new students to be successful at RSI? 

You just need to want it. As long as you’re there and you want to learn, you’ll be set. Do as much as you can, focus on the manual work, and ask questions. Asking questions is a huge thing. Even if it sounds like a dumb question, there’s no such thing as a dumb question. You’re new to the program and you don’t know this stuff.

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Roger Bragg appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).

Thanks for your time, Enrique; what did you do before coming to RSI? 

I was in community college on a kind of educational journey. Education is something I didn’t really appreciate until late in high school; I was never the type to really study or read. At the last second, I thought I should go to college. I liked college a lot, I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. The want for knowledge was there, and I was working towards something, but I didn’t know what exactly. I was trying to get an Associate Degree in Applied Science time because it’s pretty broad, I could do a lot of things with it. 

Did you finish college? 

No, I was playing the slow game; I did school part-time, worked part-time, then COVID happened. I was fed up but needed to work. I got a job at a car dealership as a lot attendant. I talked to people, set up appointments. I did that for six months and through hard work and just showing up on time, they moved me to detailer. They taught me about detailing, waxing vehicles and whatnot. It was fun, but I knew I wanted to do other things. Next, I got a job with CarMax as a vehicle condition inspector. It was an increase in pay, and close to my house. They taught me a lot and I thought, “Maybe I want to work in cars?” I worked in the auction department; I familiarized myself with vehicles and the business and started my own side business buying cars at auction and selling them on the side, which was mostly profitable. I spent two years at CarMax.

Where did the idea of going to RSI come from?

I’d always looked up to people with skills. I used to work with my stepfather, and he does carpentry. I always wanted to be a person with a lot of skills. In the back of my head, I’d thought about electricians’ school, or another trade, maybe welding – that sounded cool too, but I was always too scared to pull the trigger. I knew I wanted the education. I liked hard work, and I put in hard work at CarMax, but I knew there was going to come to a point where that next position didn’t come. I was capped as to how far I could go. It’s a corporate company, so growth is difficult if you don’t have a degree or a real skill.

So, you took the plunge to go to RSI?

I knew I had to take matters into my own hands and go back to school. I’d been out of school for about three years at that point. I did a lot of research and went to RSI for a tour; from the second I pulled into the parking lot, I saw people welding, working on projects, and although it’s pretty serious, it looked like they were having fun. People were laughing, there was a sense of community you find there. I took a tour of the campus and we first talked about the Electrical Applications (EA) program. It’s a seven-month program, and that’s three months shorter than another school I was considering. We talked about the six-month HVAC program (Refrigeration Technologies) and I thought that makes sense, it’s really hot out here! I thought that could be good too, maybe I could do both. Then we talked about the nine-month EMT program, which combines electrical and HVAC courses. I enrolled and quit my job. I had a lot of savings from my little car sales business.

Were you excited to start? 

I’ll be honest with you; I was so scared. it’s not easy to go back to school when you’re 25, and to do it full time. I tend to overthink things and on my first day of school I was in a classroom packed with people. I mean, it felt cool to be there, and I was like, “Damn, I’m really starting this. I’m really starting my life right now. I need to stick to this, take myself super seriously, and hold myself accountable.” Then two weeks in, I still had that scared feeling and I had to ask myself, “What is going on?” I’d been out of school for such a long time; I wasn’t used to taking tests, doing assignments, and all these new words. But I saw the results, and I was like, “Damn, these teachers are good. What they’re teaching me means something.” Whenever they assigned work, I knew I had to do it. Everything they told me to do just clicked. I’m going to give them credit; their teaching is really good, and it stuck, whatever they did.

What did you enjoy most about your time at RSI?

Specifically, the hands-on time. When I started familiarizing myself with the tools they provided, and then when I knew how to use them after a couple of weeks, that felt really amazing. It felt really empowering. Specifically in Phase two, when you’re wiring a house, wow, it’s such a good feeling to just turn on the lights and see a light bulb go off. You’re like, wow, I did that! There is quite a lot of bookwork, and you have to read and do the assignments, but then when you get to work on the boards or on the units, or you do some troubleshooting, having that balance of bookwork and hands-on time helps you get to know why you’re doing something, rather than just knowing how to do it. I like knowing why I’m doing something. 

Did you have any experience at all with HVAC or electrical before you went to RSI?

I was green, but the desire to learn a trade happened because of my stepdad. I saw how hard he worked, and I thought I can work hard, but there’s more diagnosing in HVAC or electrical, you use a lot of brain power, and sometimes less muscle. I thought more of a balance between mental and physical would be great for me. It would give me some longevity. My friend, Reyes, is a welder/electrician, and he’d have side jobs. I’d go with him, hangout, and he’d show me how to use a tool or whatnot. So, I have to give him credit for giving me that insight, especially on the electrical side. That time with him really ignited the spark in me.

How was the program? Was it hard, or did the program come easy to you?

I’ll be honest, it didn’t come easy for me 

How did you handle the difficult days?

What motivated me to continue was how I felt at CarMax with no path for growth. When I thought about that, I was like, let me study a little harder, let me ask my teacher questions, ask my classmates, ask my peers, let me reread this section I didn’t understand. Let me look at a YouTube video. It was not easy for me, but I didn’t want to be back at CarMax. That was all the motivation I needed. Just to think back and be like, “Hey, I can’t be at square one again. This is the new standard for me, and I can do this.” 

You graduated just three weeks ago. Who are you working with?

I’m working with DMS Facilities, a facility service provider. They sign my paycheck, but I’m contracted to Valley Metro; they work the light rail all over the valley. My position is Maintenance Engineer. 

Congratulations! How did you get the job?

Cooper in Career Services at RSI lined it up. I’d never heard of DMS, but the opportunity sounded really cool. Cooper sent me a text, “Hey, this is DMS; this is what they’re about, and I can send your information over.” I said, yes, and it all just fell into place. It was so fast. My first day was a week after I finished school.

What do you do as a maintenance engineer?

Maintenance of the stations, air conditioning and other things. It’s a lot of hands-on work. I fix doorknobs, the other day I replaced a faucet, that was really fun. I’m learning new things and it’s a little of everything, which is exciting. I like to do something different every day, so it’s exciting to not know what I’m going to learn today. What am I going to do tomorrow? The other day I was on top of a building wearing a harness. A lot of our work is inspection. They’ll send us out and we will document what an AC unit needs. That creates a work order, which we then hop on and start working.

Are you happy with the money you have started on?

At CarMax, I topped out at $21/hour. I went to school for nine months and they hired me on at $26/hour, no questions asked. When you’re green like I am, I consider that $5 jump amazing. It means something. It means they respect that I went to school and I’m going to use my certificate and what I learned for their benefit.

What’s your career plan from here? 

It’s pretty broad, but I do have ideas. I’d like to master one specific thing, whether it’s HVAC or electrical. I see myself doing that in a union. I have a lot of respect for union work, and it’s kind of a dream for me to be in a union and learn their way. I want to be a lifelong student, and maybe an apprenticeship would be ideal for me. Becoming a journeyman of some sort is a goal, but I’d want to be a student and then maybe even a teacher teaching these sorts of things and working on all sorts of projects. 

What do you enjoy most about this trade? 

You know what, I’ve always liked riddles and puzzles, so it has to be troubleshooting. It has to be the sense of accomplishment. The research behind it, reading the signs, “I’m not sure what this is. Let me check this, let me check that. Could it be this? Could it be that?” Then the “Eureka” moment at the end when I’ve figured it out. Then continuing and having a learning experience from that. So, definitely troubleshooting.

Did you make some friends, connections, people you will stay in touch with at RSI?

Definitely. There are peoples’ names I’ll never forget and peoples’ numbers I have kept. I still text them, ask them where they’re working and stuff. We also have a group chat. We’re constantly checking up on each other, sending each other photos of the stuff we’re doing. It’s pretty exciting to keep up with each other. I generally care for these guys, and I am happy that they’re doing what they love. I’m not going to forget these guys and I’m going to know them for a while. 

What advice do you have for new students to be successful at RSI? 

Get really involved. Get involved with your peers, your network, your teachers. Ask questions. Definitely get out of your comfort zone. Doing that can turn into future opportunities once you graduate. Get involved with your school. I got into the Ambassador program because I was helped with tutoring by those in the Ambassador program before me. Know what’s going on at the school, talk to the people in Student Services, talk to Career Services. If you need help, ask for help.

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email Social@StrataTech.com to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program. 

The post Graduate Connections – Meet Enrique Stiward appeared first on Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).