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.”
Jack Bartell is Director of Service & Training for Virginia Air, one of the largest distributors of York products in the country. He’s been in the HVAC industry for over 35 years, working in service, sales, and training. He was employed by York International for 15 years in the service and training group, departing as Manager of Training to join Virginia Air. In those roles he conducted HVAC industry related training seminars all over the world. He’s an active member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, where he’s been a frequent speaker and contributor to the RSES journal. He is an active contributor to the Air Conditioning Contractors of American, sitting on committees to help write residential and commercial load calculation procedures used by the HVAC industry. Jack is certified in five NATE specialties and sits on the Technical Review Committee.
In brief, Jack’s education and experience are:
Certificate in Air Conditioning and Heating, with additional coursework in Computer Programming, and Sales, NATE & RSES Certified Trainer
38 years work experience as HVAC Installer and Service Apprentice, Service Technician, Service Manager, Project Coordinator, Service Manager and Trainer, Field Service Supervisor and Trainer, Senior Training Specialist, Senior Building Science Specialist, Manager and Technical Trainer, Director or Service and Training, Speaker at regional and international RSES conventions, Consultant, and global trainer.
I have been in the HVAC/R industry since 1967, learning the trade from my father, servicing and installing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. In 1978 I moved to the wholesale side of the industry as a counterman for Insco Distributing, at the McAllen, Texas branch location. Seven years later I was transferred to Austin, Texas to manage a branch location. Eleven years later I was transferred to open a new branch location in Georgetown, Texas.
I have been very fortunate to be employed by a company that believes in the education of it's employees. While at Insco I have attended many technical seminars on many fields of this great industry. I have designed refrigeration systems for large warehouses as well as for small walk-ins used at hunting leases.
In 2003 I helped charter the San Gabriel Chapter of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society ( RSES ), in Georgetown, Texas . In 2005 I was the recipient of the International RSES " Rising Star Award ", and then in 2006 I was the recipient of the International RSES " V.V. Soloman Award " educator of the year for small chapter. Within RSES I have served at many levels, Chapter President, Chapter Educational Director, Deputy Director for Region 10, President of the Southwestern Regional Association. I have worked with two other members of RSES for the past four years to develop, and present continuing education programs for the Texas Licensed HVAC/R Contractor.
As an operator of a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Sheet Metal business, one of the greatest problems Mark Clemons encountered was finding good workers, especially good technicians. Just finding someone who could read a tape measure was difficult. So after some difficulties, even going broke in business once, Mark decided that he should become part of the solution. He had become an excellent HVACR Technician so he went to work for someone else. Mark had been involved in the HVACR business almost all of his life. His father bought his own business in 1956 and Mark, at age 12 began working with him.
As Mark developed as a technician, he was training people in his own and other companies and eventually got involved with setting up a new Heating and Air Conditioning program at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma. First he served on the Advisory Committee and then he began teaching a couple of nights a week. When a teacher died in 1984, the daytime Director coaxed him into the instructor position. He has been happily teaching ever since.
As a teacher, Mark has sought every opportunity to improve. He got a B.S. in Trade and Industrial Education and went on to get a Masters in Teaching, Learning and Leadership with an emphasis in Occupational Education. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and was honored as the national Outstanding Career Tech Teacher of the Year by the Association of Career and Technical Education. He took training in using technology to teach and distance learning to become a Lead Technology Teacher. He has taught via interactive broadcast, online assisted classes and developed personalized education curriculum. Mark has authored three HVACR textbooks which are used nationwide.
Mark is a licensed HVACR contractor and is NATE certified in all five areas. He attends HVACR workshops and seminars regularly. He has been involved recently in teaching industry classes for maintenance technicians, preparing apprentices to take the Oklahoma Journeyman test, preparing technicians to take the EPA tests and teaching CEU classes for licensed contractors and technicians.
Mark continues to have the same passion for preparing individuals for careers in the HVACR industry that he started with over so many years ago. His former students are now working in and running HVACR companies all across the United States. He is excited to be part of the HVACReducation.net effort to bring HVACR education to individuals all across the world via the Internet.
Seventeen years ago Shaan Colyer entered the HVACR world after completing a 1-year certificate at Mott Community College in Flint, MI. He discovered a realm of unlimited opportunities. Shaan began his experience working as an installer for a large commercial contractor, and then eventually crossed over into the service side. His duties involved working with large tonnage HVAC systems and industrial refrigeration. After many years, he learned installation and service working for a small residential contractor. Here his responsibilities were no limited as he acquired skills in sales and design. Shaan obtained a position as a Senior HVAC Technician at Kettering University in Flint. During his stay at this five building campus, he was educated on the intricacies of high-pressure boilers, absorption chillers, pneumatic and DDC control systems, and energy management. Shaan then took all the HVACR knowledge he gained and obtained his Michigan Mechanical Contractors license. He ventured out on his own, operated and maintained a successful residential/ light commercial HVACR company for five years.
He earned his Associates Degree in ACHR Technology in 2001 from Mott. Presently Shaan is completing a Bachelors Degree in HVACR Engineering Technology from Ferris State University. On a smaller scale, he has the 608 EPA refrigerant certification, the 609 EOA refrigerant certification for motor vehicles, R-410A certification, third class and fourth class stationary engineers licenses, and has completed countless seminars for certification from Copeland compressors, to Ward flex corrugated stainless steel gas pipe. Shaan is a member of ASHRAE and RSES.
Shaan continues as an adjunct HVACR instructor at Mott Community College and Baker College teaching sheet metal, hydronics, HVAC installation, maintenance and repair, Michigan mechanical codes, residential design, teaching specialized training in refrigeration to GM employees, and he has developed curriculum. Mott utilized Shaan’s talents by having him help design and implement an intensified certificate HVACR program at their M-Tec facility in Howell, MI. Here Shaan taught two complete programs using NCCER curriculum.
Shaan is currently teaching full time at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH. Having experienced the student aspect of online classes himself, he can attest to the time and dedication required to be successful. Not only with Shaan teach you a thing or two about HVACR, but he also demonstrates the possibilities that can be achieved. His philosophy is one of perseverance and commitment, and that obstacles are only a means of one to find another path to their goals. There is something for everyone in the exciting world of HVACR, and Shaan is dedicated to helping you find what that something is for you.
Fourteen years ago Chris who was a HVACR instructor at North Idaho College, was looking for a way to implement HVACR curriculum on the Internet. He saw a unique opportunity to help traditional students as well as non-degree seeking students, contractors, and the industry in general, all those searching for a way to educate their workers to be successful in the ICE and NATE exams or those needing re-training programs for individuals looking for a career change.
During this time Chris has taken many tele-learning courses on how to set up online curriculum and the psychology behind online learning, how to create web pages, video instruction and design courses for the web, and more. Currently, Chris is the lead faculty, project director, and content development manager (as well as chief cook and bottle washer) of the online effort called HVACRedu.net. Chris provides customized training and consulting services to our many clients and partners.
Chris brings with him a total of 34 years experience in the HVACR field. He is certified at the Installation and Service level in all 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 (the Association of Career and Technical Education) formally AVA (the American Vocational Association). He received the Imperial award from RSES for his CMS (Commercial Refrigeration) in 1997 and is a CMS member of RSES. Chris holds the HVAC Excellence Certified Subject Matter Educator Certifications in Commercial Refrigeration Heat Pumps.
Keith brings over 30 years of experience in the construction and installation of HVACR systems in a variety of settings to the HVACRedu.net faculty.
Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Calgary for two years, studying Mechanical Engineering, and later transferring to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology where he received certification in plumbing and first class gas fitting. Keith has also received certification in cross connection control and backflow prevention, mechanical estimating, and hydronic heating design from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He is a member of the AWWA, WCWWA, and Local 170 of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.
After becoming a certified journeyman, Keith installed the plumbing, heating, medical gas, and HVACR systems in such buildings as hospitals, schools, high-rise offices, and apartments, food production facilities, sewage treatment plants, and many homes. He has a broad range of acquired knowledge and experience in the light industrial, commercial, and housing disciplines. Presently employed as a Site Superintendent / Project Manager for a major mechanical contractor in Vancouver BC, Canada, he oversees the onsite design and installation of all mechanical systems as well as providing a jobsite link to the engineers and architects. He is also responsible for training apprentices and giving guidance and direction to the certified tradesmen in his charge.
Keith is well versed in all aspects of the HVACR industry and provides us with a valuable link as well as hands on insight to the HVACR practices and procedures in the field.
In brief, Keith’s education and experience is:
Certificates in Cross Connection Control, Backflow Prevention, Mechanical Estimating, Hydronic Heating Design, Plumbing, First Class Gas Fitting, 2 years Mechanical Engineering, Interprovincial Red Seal, Certified Journeyman, UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Member
30 years Work Experience as Site Supervisor, Project Manager, Online Instructor and Course Developer, General Superintendent, and Site Superintendent
Ben brings to us over 25 years of educational experience in a variety of settings from elementary to adult learners. He recently retired from his position as the Director of Distance Learning Center and Adult Community Education Director at the Noxon Public Schools in Montana.
Ben has earned an Associates degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and his Master of Arts in Education with Distance Learning from the University of Phoenix, online.
Prior to becoming an educator, Ben worked for 10 years as a service manager of a major Ford Tractor dealership in Michigan. While he was there, he received training in hydraulics, electrical systems, and air conditioning. Ben teaches our Introduction to HVAC and Safety courses, the first online faculty most of our students experience. He makes everyone feel welcome and supported with his online teaching skills.
Ben provides us with a valuable educational experience as well as online training.
James Eller has been involved in the HVACR industry for over 34 years beginning in 1973. Jim began his career as a Quality Control Technician in the AC Motor Division of AO Smith Corporation. This experience led him to a Service Tech Position working on motors, gas fired heaters, electric heaters and other equipment associated with grain handling and preservation in rural Ohio.
Later he secured a position as an Installation & Service Technician with the Hirst-Richmond HVAC Company where he ultimately rose to the position of General Manager. His experience in the field during these years involved all brands of residential and light commercial HVACR equipment. His hands-on experience includes installation, service, sales and design of these systems.
In 1981 Jim fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a teacher. For the next 16 years, he created and taught the HVACR curriculum for the Adult Division of the Miami Valley Career Technology Center, which grew into the largest program of its kind in the state of Ohio. In 1997 he moved to Sinclair Community College where he again assisted in the creation of the HVACR One Year Certificate and Two Year Associate Degree Programs. Jim continues as a tenured professor at Sinclair Community College. In 2006 Jim was selected as one of the top 7 HVACR Instructors in the nation by Refrigeration Air Conditioning News & ARI.
Jim is excited to be a part of the HVACRedu.net online team where he hopes to assist others in their pursuit of a successful, rewarding and challenging career in HVACR no matter where they are locating in the world.
Chris is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Master Plumber, Master Gas Fitter, Master Sheet Metal Worker, Oil Burner Technician, Refrigeration Technician, and Sprinkler Fitter (fire protection). He is also a Certified Vocational Educator in the field of H.V.A.C.\R., Sheet Metal and Plumbing.
He is also certified by the E.P.A as a Renovator (lead RRP program) and is a certified E.P.A. Chief Examiner for many 608 refrigerant recovery education programs. He is a approved instructor and proctor for National Oil Heat Research Alliance (NORA) and The North American Technician Excellence program (NATE). Chris is also an approved OSHA Construction Safety Trainer.
After serving his apprenticeships with local plumbing, heating and cooling contractors Chris joined The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (AFL-CIO) before going into business for himself as a mechanical contractor and later entering into a partnership in a full service HVAC and energy conservation company specializing in high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, Energy Management Systems and weatherization services. After selling his share of the business to his partners Chris went to work for local full service Oil Company as a general manager. He then worked in a management capacity at a national H.V.A.C.\R wholesaler.
Chris currently is a H.V.A.C.\R. Instructor at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School located in Charlton Massachusetts. During the past 21 years he has been an Adult Education Instructor for various HVAC and Plumbing programs as well as being a member of the faculty at The Peterson School of Engineering in Westwood, Massachusetts. Chris has been a member of the faculty of HVACRedu.net since 2004.
He is active in many trade organizations including The National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (NAOESP) formally (NAOHSM), Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA),The Massachusetts Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), The Association of Career and Technical Educators (ACTE) and The Massachusetts Vocational Association (MVA). Chris serves as State Event Manager for The Massachusetts Skills USA HVAC Competition
Chris lives in central Massachusetts with his wife and their five children and their two grandchildren. Chris looks forward to sharing his knowledge and over 30 years of experience with his students.
Mike started out his HVACR career in the early 90’s by attending Worcester Technical Institute where he received a certificate in HVACR. He spent his first five years in the HVACR industry doing service and installation. Starting off doing residential service and installation, he then moved into commercial and industrial service. Mike then got the opportunity to work in the engineering field as an HVAC designer where he designed and specified equipment for many different types of buildings such as hospitals, labs, and educational facilities. Mike has held a position as a sales engineer for a large mechanical contractor before returning to his service roots. After almost fifteen years in the trade, he decided to start educating the HVACR technicians of tomorrow. In 2006 Mike took his first vocational instructor teaching position at the beautiful, state-of-the-art Worcester Technical High School. Aside from teaching high school, he also teaches various courses at night school where he prepares and refreshes veteran service technicians.
Mike is excited about being a part of the HVACRedu.net team and looks forward to helping your endeavor into a promising career.
I have been in the HVACR field since entering a post secondary college in the fall of 87’. Little did I know it at the time but I couldn’t have made a wiser choice concerning a career path. I have gained work experience on various equipment along the way; ranging from domestic refrigerators and room air conditioners to gas-electric rooftop equipment and industrial blast freezers. I’ve also taught full time as an instructor at post-secondary colleges for 12+ years, while also heading up the HVACR department as an Education Supervisor for 10 of those years.
The better part of the last 8 years I’ve been working as a technical troubleshooting advisor focusing on Trane and Daikin HVAC equipment in addition to fielding technical calls for Honeywell and a myriad of other products. I currently hold the position of Commercial Air Conditioning Traiing Manager for LG Electronics and am very excited to be spreading the word about Ductless Split Heat Pumps and Variable Refrigerant Flow systems!!
I am here to help you in any capacity I can, so let me know how I may be of assistance! I am looking forward to getting to know you online!
Victor Handel in brief:
HVAC program- Diploma, Trane product line training, Mitsubishi product line training, Diakin product line training, Weil-McLain product line training, PAC committee Porter & Chester; HVAC Journeyman’s License, EPA 608 Universal Certification, HARDI Certificate.
24 years work experience on various pieces of equipment working on a range of domestic refrigerators and room air conditioners to gas-electric rooftop equipment and industrial blast freezers; HVACR Instructor at post-secondary colleges for 12+ years, while also heading up the HVACR department as an Education Supervisor for 10 of those years; 6 years working as a technical troubleshooting advisor focusing on Trane and Daikin HVAC equipment in addition to fielding technical calls for Honeywell and a myriad of other products; Training Manager for LG Electronics; EPA proctor, NATE proctor, HVAC Excellence Certified Air Conditioning Educator Certificate & HVAC Excellence Certified Electrical Educator Certificate.
We are pleased to have Chris Hickman as one of our online faculty. He has been active in the HVACR industry for over 35 years. Chris first learned about boilers, pumps, heating, and air conditioning in the U.S. Navy. He spent 21 years in Active and Reserve service, and retired from the U.S Navy in 1999. After leaving Active duty, he worked for the Department of Commerce as a Mechanical Engineering Technician (HVACR.) During that time, he was involved with design, repairs, and installation of Commercial HVACR systems.
Currently, Chris is an HVACR Instructor for a community college in S.W. Kansas. In the recent past, he has worked as a Building Automation Control Specialist, and was the Quality Assurance Inspector for Energy Performance contracts and public bond projects involving DDC Controls. He has also taken many training courses in DMS, LonWorks, and Tridium Niagara.
Chris is a member of RSES and CARE. He has EPA Universal Certification, and is a licensed Kansas Mechanical Journeyman (IMC). He has developed and implemented preventative maintenance and training programs for various industries. He also has an A.S. from Trident Technical College in South Carolina, and a B.S. in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University.
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. I transferred after two years at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA where I studied all the basics and organizational leadership. I also studied with Berean Bible College and Riverside Community College. I started working in 1971. Yikes, that’s a lot of years of work experience in business and education. I have worked as a Classroom Aide, Special Ed Tutor, College Admissions, Preschool Director, Secretary, Office Manager, Assistant for the Dean of Education, Administrative Assistant to Professional-Technical Education, and Human Resources Coordinator for a school district. 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, faculty, and crew members.
One of my areas of experience is accreditation. I’ve been fortunate to have worked on the accreditation of Gonzaga University, North Idaho College, and with HVACRedu.net. Accreditation requires that the school demonstrate very high levels of excellence, and it is a pleasure to support excellence through accreditation, policies, and business practices here with HVACRedu.net. I am frequently enrolled in workshops, conferences, webinars, and training experiences on business, online learning, education best practices, marketing, and anything that would move the bar of excellence higher. I teach our online customer service courses.
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 the fresh air, hiking, cross country skiing, biking, kayaking, and camping—my favorite activities. I look forward to working with all our adult students and business associates.
Larrie brings over thirty (30) years of extensive HVACR Industry experience.
With Two-Year Technician Certificate major in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (RAC), Larrie worked as Product Development Technician at Westinghouse & General Electric where he gained experience in prototype design, construction, testing & cost analysis of residential Refrigeration & Air Conditioning; then he was offered a college teaching job at Bulacan State University (BSU-http://www.bulsu.edu.ph/) in 1978.As College Instructor, he helped develop the curriculum & certification/testing of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning being offered in BSIE,BSIT,BSME & other short specialized courses in HVACR. He completed Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education(BSIE)major in RAC thru BSU faculty development program.
In 1984 Larrie received faculty scholarship at Colombo Plan Staff College (http://www.cpsctech.org) in Singapore where he specialized in Technician Education Testing & Evaluation.
In 1985, Larrie joined Northrop Aircraft Technical Training Support in Middle East projects as HVACR Engineer where he served various positions in Facilities Maintenance of major airbases, airports, hospitals, and community housing projects. Advancements of technologies & career growth motivated Larrie to further his education & completed Accounting for Managers, Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) then PhD in Business Management (1992-2000). Through 19 years of International Contracting & consultancy works, he worked on large commercial & industrial HVACR equipment .
In 2004, Larrie joined ATI Career Training Center in Miami, Florida, as Lead HVACR Instructor where he concurrently served as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and assisted in revising the HVACR curriculum and developed separate lecture & laboratory manuals for the Occupational Associate Degree major in HVACR. Larrie served as lecturer & Tests Administrator for EPA-608 Certification at Gold Coast Professional School of Construction in Florida. He completed his Master of Science Degree major in Mechanical Engineering from Almeda University, USA in 2006.
Larrie moved in Upper Peninsula, Michigan and joined Iron County Medical Care Facility as Asst. Director of Physical Plants /Energy Manager where he organized the development of comprehensive Preventive Maintenance program, introduce the Building Management System and spearheaded Energy Conservation Projects. Larrie also won the Heart and Hands award for going beyond the call of duty on the job.
Larrie has been active in EPA 608, EPA 609, R-410-A Certification and Training as well as NATE Certification Training and continuously developing custom designed training for some companies that require specialized training for their employees. Larrie is certified: 608 EPA refrigerant certification, the 609 EPA refrigerant certification for motor vehicles, R-410A certification, NATE Certification, HVAC Excellence certification, Master Electrician license, and has completed countless seminars, awards & specialized certifications from various Electrical & Mechanical Engineering organization.
Larrie is extremely pleased to be part of hvacreducation.net and looks forward to meeting you and helping students progress in their HVACR careers.
In Joel's role as Training Analyst-Staff for Alabama Power, he is responsible for developing and delivering heating, ventilation and air conditioning training to utility marketing, HVAC contractors, building service and apartment maintenance personnel.
A native of Gadsden, Alabama, Joel is a graduate of Alabama Technical College (Gadsden State Community College) where he received a diploma in HVAC Technology. He joined Alabama Power in 1983 in the Appliance Service Department and moved to the Training Center as a training analyst in 1993.
Joel has been actively involved in the HVAC Industry for 32 years and holds eight (8) technician certifications and an Alabama State Board of Heating and Air Conditioning contractor's license, he is a certified Residential Mechanical Ventilation instructor for HRAI of Canada and a member of Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). He also serves on the ICE (Industry Competence Exam) committee for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), Arlington, Virginia; the ACCA Education Summit Subcommittee; the technical committee for North American Technical Excellence (NATE), Arlington, Virginia; and as a site evaluator for Partnership for Air Condition, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation. He also serves as Chairperson of the Technical Committee for the HVACR SkillsUSA, State of Alabama competition.
Greetings . . . I have been with HVACRedu.net since about 2000 and serve as an online instructor. People often ask what experience the instructors for HVACredu.net possess. Here is an example of mine:
I have 42 years in the HVACR Industry and 34 in the classroom, with the insight that only experience can deliver. Starting out at the Northeast Institute of Industrial Technology with a Certificate in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, I spent the first eight years working for Westinghouse Electric as a Refrigeration Technician.
Sensing a need for further career opportunities, I worked towards Certification by the State of Massachusetts as a Vocational Instructor and began my first teaching position in HVACR at Bay Path Vocational High School in Charlton, MA. While there I taught night classes in HVACR as well as Coordinating and teaching HVACR program designed to retrain displaced and unemployed workers.
During my teacher career and up to the 2000 I was a self employed HVAC contractor doing installation, maintenance and repair over a wide variety of HVAC equipment.
In 1986 I started a Post Secondary HVACR Program at the Worcester Technical Institute in Worcester, MA. There I also developed a very successful evening certificate program. Also in that time frame I did extensive EPA 608 training and testing all over the northeast area, successfully certifying well over a thousand technicians.
My first exposure to the online education world was to receive training from Convene.com in 1999 earning a Online Facilitation Certificate. This provided the initial basis for me to work forward as an online instructor/facilitator at HVACedu.net.
After 13 years at WTI, I built another new secondary program at the Worcester Technical High School, which like WTI is part of the Worcester Public Schools. I also taught adult HVACR programs through the Worcester Public Schools “Night Life” program.
I also provide custom training for many contractors, facilities and design firms, including Gentex Optics, Astra Pharmaceutical, F & M Design, Burner Supply, Bell Simons and many others.
I have had the pleasure and privilege of doing training for HVAC specific organizations such as NAOHSM (National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers) and NEACCA. (Northeast Chapter of the ACCA.
I have also been very active in developing online content for professional development in the Worcester Public School system as well as being a Technology Facilitator training faculty to be online facilitators. I am the author of five online courses and may include the one that you might be taking here at HVACReducation.net.
In addition to my duties here at HVACReducation.net I am presently an adjunct instructor and Program Coordinator at Quinsigamond Community College.
I am Licensed by the Commonwealth OF Massachusetts DESE as an HVACR Instructor. I earned a Certificate in Air Conditioning and refrigeration Technology from Northeast Institute of Industrial Technology. I hold a MA Refrigeration License, EPA 608 Universal Certification, ARI ICE Certification in Commercial Refrigeration, I earned a Certificate of Professional Achievement in HVAC Design from Northeastern University, I am an OSHA 10 Hour and 30 Hour Trainer.
When not teaching F2F or online, I can be found at home in Spencer, Massachusetts with wife Marge. I am the proud dad to two grown children, Amy and David, as well as two granddaughters, Kaitlin and Abbey. In my spare time, Marge and I enjoy traveling wherever the sun shines and enjoying life together.
You can reach me at: reckor@hvacredu.net
I have been involved with service work in the HVAC & Facilities Maintenance trades for over 40 years, beginning as an apprentice construction worker building houses and apartments for a contractor. I completed my HVAC/Commercial Refrigeration training at Salt Lake Community College with a certificate in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration. I also attended the University of Utah and Weber State University/Salt Lake Community College for a Bachelor of Construction Management degree. I have industry training in Honeywell DDC Controls, Carrier Chiller & HVAC Equipment Service and Maintenance, Energy Management Systems Service & Maintenance of VSD & VFD Systems, Energy Systems Inc, Diagnosis & Service of Power Systems Harmonics, OSHA Safety Certification, and more. I am a certified proctor through the ESCO training program for most of their HVACR related certificates. I earned EPA 608 & 609 certificates, and also additional NATE and RSES certifications as a Master Refrigeration Specialist.
I began my career remodeling antique historically significant buildings in the downtown Salt Lake City area, and was soon responsible for the maintenance of those refurbished facilities for commercial tenants. A major part of this experience was training in various types of low pressure steam boilers, some of which were new, and others dated to back to 1910.
A significant part of my work history included service as an industrial electrician for a soda ash processing plant in Wyoming, and a solid rocket fuel propellant plant in Utah. These experiences provided unique training in both electrical utility service and in the specifics of high voltage and large industrial equipment applications.
I was an independent HVAC service and general construction contractor for 5 years, with an emphasis on commercial and residential remodel construction and HVAC installation and service, and commercial automation control systems.
The majority of my service history has been in the operations and maintenance of the commercial facilities for Rocky Mountain Power in Salt Lake City, Utah. I recently completed 30 years of service with this company. Our crew takes care of approximately 50 facilities for that utility company in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. A primary focus of my HVAC service work for the electric utility is in working with various sizes of heat pump and chiller systems, including ground source heating systems and the DDC Control systems that enable them to operate more efficiently.
I am also presently an HVAC Course instructor at Salt Lake Community College and have been teaching for 4 years. We recently augmented our training program there to include an understanding of Green Energy Mechanical systems, R-410 refrigerant, and the OSHA basic safety training program to make our students more prepared for improved employment opportunities.
In my personal life, I am Dad to 4 sons and a daughter all of which are now building families of their own. They have blessed my wife and I with 12 grandchildren and another girl due in the spring. Much of my leisure time is spent helping my children and grandchildren with their “immediate” needs. I enjoy camping and outdoor cooking, particularly in the canyons that surround the Salt Lake Valley. A major highlight of the year is our annual Fathers & Sons campout and Dutch oven feast, followed by a game of laser tag.
I am fluent in Spanish and am very much involved with the local Latin community in our area through my church responsibilities which have also greatly rewarded my life.
