You Must Remember: The late Steve Jobs, Co-Founder of Apple, said, “Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Chris, a 20 year HVACR instructor at North Idaho College, saw a unique opportunity in online education (high quality education anywhere and anytime via the Internet) to help new students and anyone already working in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and or Building Performance industry to:
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From that idea, HVACRedu.net grew.
Chris has become the specialist in online curriculum development for the trades, the psychology behind online learning, creating web pages, use of video and simulation instruction, and learning through the web. Chris is the CEO, Project Director, and Content Development Manager (as well as chief cook and bottle washer) of HVACRedu.net.
Chris brings 32 years of experience in the HVACR field as a student, technician, contractor, and instructor. He has been certified at the Installation and Service level in five of the NATE certifications. In 1998 he was selected as one of the top 10 outstanding Trades and Industry Educators in the U.S. by ACTE (Association of Career and Technical Education). He received the Imperial Award from RSES for Commercial Refrigeration in 1997, and is a CMS member of RSES. Chris serves as an educational consultant and advisor to HVACR and Building Performance online learning efforts around the Globe.
Chris loves the outdoors – especially when he’s fly fishing, driving his “brand new” 1948 Stinson 108-3, playing horseshoes, working the Blue C Ranch, singing bluegrass or trolling for silvers in the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Chris can be reached at ccompton@hvacredu.net or look for him at an HVACR or online learning conference anywhere.MEET OUR CREW IN ALPHABETIC ORDER:
I specialize in Flash Actionscript for online and desktop applications. Prior to joining the HVACRedu.net crew I was working in the entertainment industry creating websites, DVD-ROM games, online games, voting polls, apps, widgets, screensavers, presentations, and various other forms of media for most of the major studios in Hollywood. I have been working with Flash and related multimedia for over ten years. I focus on making things work right and look great, so my mindset is always split between logic and creativity. I think this leads to producing the best possible applications.
I studied Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts at UC San Diego which encompassed digital art, programming, and audio processing. It gave me a very solid foundation in multimedia in general. I'm excited to be part of this team and look forward to building many online applications that help make the learning process not only easier, but also more fun!
I can be reached at jbenoit@hvacredu.net.
Fritz has been working with HVACRedu.net, developing and promoting partnerships and services for online HVACR education and training to meet the needs of organizations throughout the U.S., Canada, and the world. Fritz was born in the Caribbean and has a fondness for that region. He understands the special challenges and obstacles to career education in the Caribbean.
Mr. Bootle grew up in his father’s HVAC service business. With 23 years of work experience owning and operating his own HVAC company, and holding NATE Technician Certifications, he is a true asset to the organization.
Fritz is passionate about HVACR Education, “I want to help produce HVACR technicians who will show the skill and professionalism that will bring greater respect and higher regard to our industry.” If your company or organization is interested in providing online training to HVACR Technicians, contact Fritz. You’ll enjoy his hard-working, calm, professional style. Fritz can be reached by email at: fritz@hvacredu.net or by phone at 888-655-4822 x1113.
It is very exciting to be part of the online education with Hvacredu.net. My accounting background starts 30 years ago when I worked in the cash office for a major retailer (when it was done on paper). From there my husband (Chris) started an HVACR contracting business and I took on the responsibilities of accounting and office manager for the next 9 years which included accounts receivable, accounts payable, reporting, payroll, and taxes. I have had the excellent fortune of working alongside a first class accounting firm. For the past 12 years I have been the Accounting and Bookstore Manager for HVACRedu.net with all the accounting responsibilities (mentioned before) and all the textbook orders. I have attended many workshops regarding payroll, taxes, and more; and I have successfully completed the Mastering QuickBooks seminar. I am also very involved in my community with positions on our Noxon, Heron, and Plains Hospital District as secretary, Heron UMC Secretary, and Heron Players Kitchen Supervisor. I believe it is very important to be involved with the community you live in
In my spare time I enjoy gardening, fishing, hunting, and just being outdoors.
bookstore@hvacredu.net
I am the Corporate Services Director at HVACRedu.net and have been with the company since December 2004. I graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Systems. Luckily I have had the opportunity to grow with the company and learn the needs of our students and clients. We work through the technical details of a multitude of course delivery models to meet our clients’ educational needs and I am constantly amazed at the ability of our team to tackle any training obstacle and come up with an excellent solution.
In my free time I enjoy adventure racing, traveling, mountain biking and trail running with my dog Jax. I can be reached at emily@hvacredu.net.
I am privileged to be part of HVACRedu.net, where my job description should be “human multi-purpose tool”. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT, and a Master of Arts in Spanish Translation from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA. I studied in Spain and in Chile. I went on to accumulate a wide variety of translation work experience as a freelance translator/interpreter, as well as a bilingual legal assistant, a bilingual medical historian, and an in-house translator for a major newspaper in northern Mexico. I also worked as a bookkeeper for a small California publishing company and as a licensed sales assistant for investment firms in Chicago, IL.
As a native Montanan who left to seek my fortune elsewhere, only to return to the family farm to raise my kids, I appreciate the power of the internet and online education which allow you to study and work from anywhere you have an internet connection. I enjoy applying my language skills to our effort to promote the education of a portion of the population that might otherwise languish unnoticed. It’s good to be part of a company that sees a need and finds a way to satisfy it. In my spare time (what’s that?) I enjoy spending time with my two kids, reading, gardening, cooking, and tramping around the farmstead. You can reach me at phoebe@hvacredu.net
Let me introduce myself. My name is Geri Lee and I am very excited to be involved in a company that is a leader for Online Education in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry. I have more than 30 years in accounts receivable and accounts payable. I have been “self-employed” for the past 15 years billing for rural ambulance companies.
I am very involved with my community. I sit on our Museum Board, Park District Board, TV Board, Fire District Auxiliary Board and our Community Players Board. I love acting. I have been involved with our Heron Players Drama Club for 16 years. We write, direct, and produce all our own plays; and we perform 2 dinner theater shows a year. I am a huge game player and love road trips, hunting with my husband and hanging out with friends.
I can be reached at gerilee@hvacredu.net
Like many of you, I have a passion for education and lifelong learning. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education/Business from the University of Idaho where I transferred after two years at Gonzaga University. Many of my college courses were via distance education. I also studied with North Idaho College, Berean Bible College, and Riverside Community College. I bring to you over 35 years of work experience in business and education. I also volunteer my time and skills to church, community, school, veterans, alzheimers and cancer research, and Habitat for Humanity organizations. I believe the future of education is online, and employment opportunities are in the trades. I am honored to work with HVACRedu.net and dedicate myself to providing excellent service to our students, clients, faculty, and crew.
On a personal note, I have a nice little office with a view of the forest from our cabin in the woods. I love the northwest because I can go right outside and enjoy hiking, cross country skiing, biking, canoeing, and camping—my favorite activities. In the summer I grow a garden and pick wild huckleberries. I look forward to working with each of you to help you reach your career goals.
I can be reached at patricia@hvacredu.net
Hello, my name is Dan Linthicum. I'm very excited to see your interest in online education and specifically HVACRedu.net! I have a diverse background working as an Equipment Operator in a steam power plant, Retail Operations Supervisor and Human Resources Trainer for an oil company, Owner of several small businesses dealing with computer systems, training materials, books and gifts, consulting, and I’ve worked in construction, remodeling, and property project management. Then, just to round out my skill set, I am a musician and sound and recording technician. In my close to 37 years involved in business operations, management and employee selection and training, what has always impressed me is the importance of keeping ourselves open to new opportunities for expansion and growth, personally and in our career goals and relationships. Education is the key to that growth and online education is the cutting edge, 21st century method to achieve and realize those expectations. I'm looking forward to the many new horizons and potential for learning here at HVACRedu.net.
danl@hvacredu.net
Hello there! I started out with HVACRedu.net as a simple editor of course content. Since then, I have also been a student developing many computer skills such as HTML, Adobe Photoshop, Flash, server integration and much more from Kaplan University and the University of Idaho to broaden my talents and to better serve our online students. As the Technology Director, I'm responsible for an ever-growing number of websites and Ecommerce stores and almost everything related to technology. I’m loving what I do and am very optimistic for our future.
I received much encouragement from friends, family, and co-workers. My experience in the industry began in 1992 after several HVAC technicians encouraged me to join the local union HVAC apprenticeship program. Although I never joined the Union, it planted a seed. In 1998, I took my wife's advice and returned to school enrolling in the HVACR program at North Idaho College where Chris Compton (The founder of HVACRedu.net) was my instructor.
I've been fortunate to learn from the brightest in the HVACR industry and the WWW (World Wide Web). I continue to study all matters related to technology look forward to a career of learning and delivering the best in technology services to our students and clients at HVACRedu.net. I can be reached at jlloyd@hvacredu.net
Hello, my name is Natasha Wagner; I’m the Registrar and Student Services Assistant here at HVACRedu.net. I received my Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Idaho with endorsements in Social Studies and Natural Science. In addition, I received the Technical Competency Certificate from the Idaho State Board of Education. I have five years of teaching experience in North Idaho schools before joining the crew at HVACRedu.net. My dedication for learning and student success drives my commitment to helping students navigate through their educational pursuits.
In my spare time, I enjoy mountain bike riding, hiking, gardening, cooking and most of all spending time with my family. I am excited to be a part of your online learning experience. If I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at natasha@hvcacredu.net.
