I'm 34, been in the trade since I was 18. Duct work, installs, commissioning crew, HVAC commercial and industrial, and supermarket and restaurant refrigeration. Work is out there! Companies are dying for good help. I just got out of 7 years industrial air compressor work on top of all the HVAC stuff. I'm at a new HVAC job back doing industrial HVAC. Air compressors is a crazy business but if your a good tech, you can name your price! Advice to any new guys, show up on time and learn it all!
Good talk Chris. I'm in my third year of apprenticeship for Refrigeration in Canada. I love the place I work. It's non-union and the boss lets me learn on my own and lets me have a home life with my family. It' a small shop and he treats me like a son. I hope to take over the business one day and be half as good as he is. He's a great mentor and it feels great to go into work each day. That's my measurement of a good company.
Thanks for all the content. Always very informative. I actually worked a desk job for 15 years and at 35 years old I said screw it, went to school and just started up commercial hvac. Studying daily. Much respect to you!
I’m 26, I did commercial air conditioning for 3 years and now doing refrigeration, rack systems etc. I feel like knowing Refrigeration brings you up a level in this trade. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 😎👍🏽
Hey Chris. Really enjoyed the video. It’s great to see where the folks in our trade come from and what inspires them. I watched the video yesterday and I pondered what makes a good or great company. I’ve worked for 5 in my 25 years in the trade. The one that I’m working for right now I hope will be the last one as I hope to retire at the end of next year. There are a few things that I can think of. I’m a union HVAC tech so my story will be a little different. There are 2 main aspects of our trade that I think are very important and I believe from them you can build around them. These may not be in the right order but they’re in my order. Number one is safety and Number two is training. Does your company prepare you to come home as when you left it. Does your company teach you how to get home safely. How much emphasis does your company put on those 2 things. Our union has an HVAC apprenticeship to teach you the beginnings on how to work on our equipment and safety. My company has a Wednesday safety meeting at the shop where we watch videos and then discuss what we learned. Our journeymen are expected to show the apprentices and helpers what to do and how to do it safely. Some other aspects. Does your company provide the tools that you need to get the job done? Is the fleet of trucks or vans in good working order? Do the field guys and the office get along? I believe that the money will come once one gets started. Patience,patience,patience. Then someday you can be like me $70p/hr, 2 pensions and a 401. Not too bad for a 65 year old Injun with 2 years of Community College. And I get to ride off into the sunset next year. Happy trails! Thanks again Chris for the great videos. Have an Awesome Sunday. God bless.
Blaze Eisner hey blaze thanks a lot for the awesome reply ! Yes , I agree with all those points that you brought up about a company being a good company . All excellent points ! Congrats on almost being to retirement 👍 . I have a long way to go until that day comes. Hahahha. Thanks again man 👍
I was a car mechanic for 7 years, decided to quit and now I'm doing refrigeration for 1 year now. I wish I have done it earlier! Building new walk-ins and putting complete refrigeration units.
Awesome man. I started out the same way. Worked in cars for 3 years after high school then had the opportunity to get into refrigeration so I did. I still enjoy working on my own vehicles now as a hobby
Another great video. I learned this trade from an old timer, my dad and I’ve been at it now for 26 years. I went through the Va state apprenticeship board, took classes too. Journeyman’s for several years, masters license now. Like you I have seen this trade evolve from carrying only 3 types of refrigerant that covered everything to looking to see if I need to stop by the shop to pick up a can because it’s not one of the 8 I carry. Lol What I wanted to say is I think what sets you and some others apart is that you learned this trade the right way, from older guys but a lot of on the job training too and you are smart enough to adapt to newer technology and merge it all together. I’m sure you know some older techs that simply can’t deal with technology and some younger guys who are great with technology but have no feel when physically working on equipment. I love your videos, mostly because I can relate so well. Keep it up!
jburrows14 thank you man for the excellent comment and for your story I really appreciate it man . You are right on all counts haha . You Definetly have to have that “ feel” that you are talking about when working on equipment 👍 I totally understand what you mean by that
What a killer vid man. I’ve been strictly a commercial refrigeration/ice machine licensed contractor in the Los Angeles area for 18 years. Want to relocate the fam to a better place, possibly (Boise) and just wondering how to go about doing it. I’ve made a lot of $ doing it here. Hard to leave. I feel there’s a company out there that can benefit from my knowledge. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Chris Bivens thanks a lot for watching man ! Good luck with the move. I e always lived here so never had to relocate like that but I’m sure there is a company anywhere you want to go that is looking for good help. This whole trade is short on people as a whole . You just need to maybe research what companies are good at where your looking to move to.
Very cool, thanks for sharing!! I hate HVAC and residential!! Residential is a pain in the ass, hate going in people's houses and under mobile homes. Been there done that and got the battle scars to prove it 😂 Stay safe my brother 👍
I’d rather work all night or be stuck in a walk in than deal with a homeowner , an attic , or someone in their 70 degree office complaining they are too hot. Lol
Thank you for this video! So awesome to hear. I pretty much started out the way you did only 20 years later. It is an awesome field and as a beginner I’m learning a lot.
I know companies want knowledgeable guys. Thing is they are probably where they are gonna retire at. That being said; i think a good company is one that is willing to invest time into newbies coming out of trade school. You dont build companies, you build people. They intern will build the company.
You're completely right about getting a job anywhere.. all the new guys get pretty discouraged right out of school but get three years under your belt and bust ass every day and the employers come to you. I got my refrigeration license as soon as I had enough hours to do so... that license seems to be like crack to employers haha.
the problem is as you get older and put in your time you really dont want to be on call and work a ton of overtime but its part of the business and if you go out on your own then its working & being on call 7 days a week...i been doing this for 20 years and the on call stuff is getting annoying...lol 😂
@@Cscrefandhvac i know u from a refrigeration group on facebook that is why i recognized your face . You uploaded a photo about u when u were aprentice i said u still have baby face lol
New to your channel. Almost done with school but here in California I got a lot of guys in my class that want top dollar and for me I dont mind the low pay. I want to learn as much as possible and with that and the experience and always learning mindset and giving it my all I will eventually move up. Anyways thanks for your videos they motivate me a lot. 🤙
Great chat Chris! The world is changing and jobs are constantly being replaced by AI and automation. After 4-6 years of college and massive student debt you are not guaranteed a high paying job, even if you are the top 1% of your graduating class, but the trades by their nature will always require young, qualified, and intuitive individuals. My advice would be to mirror your advice and spend as much time as possible to research the industry you naturally gravitate toward whether that be refrigeration/HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any other great trade out there and differentiate yourself from everyone else for your personality and aptitude. I guarantee that you wont get noticed from the best companies if you lack empathy and compassion even if you are the best mechanic in the universe. Take care of your body and understand that dangers are always present and please slow down and look at the big picture. Mistakes will happen, we are not perfect. Learn from them, apologize if it was your negligence, and explain how it happened, and how you will prevent it from happening again and move on. If you work for a great company they will appreciate your honesty and nurture your development. Even if your error cost them money in the short run, their investment in you for your honesty and humility will go miles.
I been in the HVAC for 26years doing residential and light commercial did do refrigeration for five years I love to get back into refrigeration I'm about done with the residential side it his hard to find good companies I work for a good company it's been around since 1957 been there 14years just getting tired off all the bullshit god damn sales man keep up with all the videos and thank you
james rook jr hvac hey man I hear ya ! I don’t think any of us like salesmen !!! Lol. But if you want to get back into refrigeration I’m sure you could find a place . Thanks for watching 👍
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac there's good refrigeration companies by me in Ohio I would love to work with Jim pettinato refrigeration love learning from the old guys
Good advice. Always keep learning and don’t settle for a company that isn’t a good fit. I’m looking to jump ship right now, but I’m not going to leave my company for the first thing that comes along, I’m biding my time until a better position comes along. There is very little work life balance where I’m at right now, they run the technicians to death, not so much with work but with distances between jobs, I average 1200 miles per week windshield time on top of actual tool time, that equals 60+ hours per week consistently, that translates into a lot of technician turnover at my current company. My attitude is work me 40 - 50 hours per week and you’ll have an employee for 10+ years, work me 60-80+ hours per week and you’ll have an employee until something better comes along. I know some guys might think I have a shitty attitude, but I don’t want to be lying on my death bed one day thinking “at least I got to work lots and lots of overtime!”, I’d rather be thinking “at least I got to take my grandson fishing”. What do you think Chris?
Love watching you man I’ve been in the trade for a year doing commercial and residential and I’m being trained in service now as of last week I did nothing but installs I love the trade
The problem with a lot of today’s young Tech’s is they aren’t motivated and can’t work independently. Cell phones great but they have become a crutch when there is a problem. It took away the “ I need to figure this out” and made their problem someone else’s and never are going to develop trouble solving skills when always crying wolf. I had a boss like yours Chris, I got in a jam 35 yrs ago at a grocery store and I called the shop for help. I explained my issue, he said “ look down your arm it’s the only hand your gunna get”. I was so pissed but I fixed it and he made me realize I could do this job fine. Sorry for the rant.
The company I'm at now is pretty good, I always wanted to work at JCI and a company near me flasaca mechanical. I would want to try refrigeration as well.
Awesome video Chris , really enjoying the channel! Hvac was my was where i started, but i feel more comfortable now adding that R at the end of it after being with my current company and learning refrigeration the last 4 yrs. Refrigeration I do feel is more challenging, but its fun!
I just got a job as an apprentice getting trained and stuff but I’d be okay with working attics for now but I eventually want to work on rooftops and in walk ins not sure how exactly
Ralph Walton thanks a lot bro I appreciate that !! Both those channels you said are awesome and great guys / techs and you will learn a lot ! We all just trying to help out other guys and gals in the biz !!
I just graduated trade school. I just landed a job in commercial refrigeration. Definitely looking forward to learning and growing as a refrigeration service technician. Thank you for the video🙏
It varies by the state that you work in. In my state , no . We get our refrigeration license which you still don’t have to have under a certain tonnage I believe it’s 5 tons but I may be wrong on that . Only need a couple tractor license here if you have your own business. Even then many companies don’t even have that just the journeyman’s license
Were any of the 3 companies union if not why? Im on the sheet medal and pipefitter apprentice list for almost 6mnths and no call from them. Is it even worth it? I'm non union residential now
Ken Wheelington hey man. Everywhere I have worked has been non union. It’s just the way it’s been. I started out that way and never had an opportunity to work at a union place . I didn’t want to be on waiting lists or anything like that either .
I'm 34, been in the trade since I was 18. Duct work, installs, commissioning crew, HVAC commercial and industrial, and supermarket and restaurant refrigeration. Work is out there! Companies are dying for good help. I just got out of 7 years industrial air compressor work on top of all the HVAC stuff. I'm at a new HVAC job back doing industrial HVAC. Air compressors is a crazy business but if your a good tech, you can name your price! Advice to any new guys, show up on time and learn it all!
Good talk Chris. I'm in my third year of apprenticeship for Refrigeration in Canada. I love the place I work. It's non-union and the boss lets me learn on my own and lets me have a home life with my family. It' a small shop and he treats me like a son. I hope to take over the business one day and be half as good as he is. He's a great mentor and it feels great to go into work each day. That's my measurement of a good company.
Apprentice Phil awesome man 👍. Thanks for the comment. , all true
Thanks for all the content. Always very informative. I actually worked a desk job for 15 years and at 35 years old I said screw it, went to school and just started up commercial hvac. Studying daily. Much respect to you!
I’m 26, I did commercial air conditioning for 3 years and now doing refrigeration, rack systems etc. I feel like knowing Refrigeration brings you up a level in this trade. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 😎👍🏽
Squirtle Hvac you are absolutely correct in my opinion man . Glad you are liking refr ! Thanks for watching bro 👍
Hey Chris. Really enjoyed the video. It’s great to see where the folks in our trade come from and what inspires them. I watched the video yesterday and I pondered what makes a good or great company. I’ve worked for 5 in my 25 years in the trade. The one that I’m working for right now I hope will be the last one as I hope to retire at the end of next year. There are a few things that I can think of. I’m a union HVAC tech so my story will be a little different. There are 2 main aspects of our trade that I think are very important and I believe from them you can build around them. These may not be in the right order but they’re in my order. Number one is safety and Number two is training. Does your company prepare you to come home as when you left it. Does your company teach you how to get home safely. How much emphasis does your company put on those 2 things. Our union has an HVAC apprenticeship to teach you the beginnings on how to work on our equipment and safety. My company has a Wednesday safety meeting at the shop where we watch videos and then discuss what we learned. Our journeymen are expected to show the apprentices and helpers what to do and how to do it safely. Some other aspects. Does your company provide the tools that you need to get the job done? Is the fleet of trucks or vans in good working order? Do the field guys and the office get along? I believe that the money will come once one gets started. Patience,patience,patience. Then someday you can be like me $70p/hr, 2 pensions and a 401. Not too bad for a 65 year old Injun with 2 years of Community College. And I get to ride off into the sunset next year. Happy trails! Thanks again Chris for the great videos. Have an Awesome Sunday. God bless.
Blaze Eisner hey blaze thanks a lot for the awesome reply ! Yes , I agree with all those points that you brought up about a company being a good company . All excellent points ! Congrats on almost being to retirement 👍 . I have a long way to go until that day comes. Hahahha. Thanks again man 👍
I was a car mechanic for 7 years, decided to quit and now I'm doing refrigeration for 1 year now. I wish I have done it earlier! Building new walk-ins and putting complete refrigeration units.
Awesome man. I started out the same way. Worked in cars for 3 years after high school then had the opportunity to get into refrigeration so I did. I still enjoy working on my own vehicles now as a hobby
Cool video Chris, it's nice to hear your story! anyways keep it up brother, so close only a couple hundred more to push past 1000. You got this!!!
HVACR VIDEOS hey buddy thanks a lot 💪. Almost there. Haha
Another great video. I learned this trade from an old timer, my dad and I’ve been at it now for 26 years. I went through the Va state apprenticeship board, took classes too. Journeyman’s for several years, masters license now. Like you I have seen this trade evolve from carrying only 3 types of refrigerant that covered everything to looking to see if I need to stop by the shop to pick up a can because it’s not one of the 8 I carry. Lol
What I wanted to say is I think what sets you and some others apart is that you learned this trade the right way, from older guys but a lot of on the job training too and you are smart enough to adapt to newer technology and merge it all together. I’m sure you know some older techs that simply can’t deal with technology and some younger guys who are great with technology but have no feel when physically working on equipment. I love your videos, mostly because I can relate so well. Keep it up!
jburrows14 thank you man for the excellent comment and for your story I really appreciate it man . You are right on all counts haha . You Definetly have to have that “ feel” that you are talking about when working on equipment 👍 I totally understand what you mean by that
Love this chats while taking a beer on the couch after a hell of work. Thaks for sharing Chris.
I think chiller guys got it the best the guys I know don't even carry ladders on their truck some don't even have to be on call.
What a killer vid man. I’ve been strictly a commercial refrigeration/ice machine licensed contractor in the Los Angeles area for 18 years. Want to relocate the fam to a better place, possibly (Boise) and just wondering how to go about doing it. I’ve made a lot of $ doing it here. Hard to leave. I feel there’s a company out there that can benefit from my knowledge. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Chris Bivens thanks a lot for watching man ! Good luck with the move. I e always lived here so never had to relocate like that but I’m sure there is a company anywhere you want to go that is looking for good help. This whole trade is short on people as a whole . You just need to maybe research what companies are good at where your looking to move to.
Very cool, thanks for sharing!! I hate HVAC and residential!! Residential is a pain in the ass, hate going in people's houses and under mobile homes. Been there done that and got the battle scars to prove it 😂
Stay safe my brother 👍
Thanks brother I hear ya !! I don’t mind rooftop Hvac or heat but other than that I could care less !! Hahha.
I’d rather work all night or be stuck in a walk in than deal with a homeowner , an attic , or someone in their 70 degree office complaining they are too hot. Lol
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac
I hear ya brother 👍
I agree totally!!
Thank you for this video! So awesome to hear. I pretty much started out the way you did only 20 years later. It is an awesome field and as a beginner I’m learning a lot.
I know companies want knowledgeable guys. Thing is they are probably where they are gonna retire at. That being said; i think a good company is one that is willing to invest time into newbies coming out of trade school. You dont build companies, you build people. They intern will build the company.
You're completely right about getting a job anywhere.. all the new guys get pretty discouraged right out of school but get three years under your belt and bust ass every day and the employers come to you. I got my refrigeration license as soon as I had enough hours to do so... that license seems to be like crack to employers haha.
Brad B yes sir ! Having a license Definetly helps and employers like that for sure 👍
the problem is as you get older and put in your time you really dont want to be on call and work a ton of overtime but its part of the business and if you go out on your own then its working & being on call 7 days a week...i been doing this for 20 years and the on call stuff is getting annoying...lol 😂
kingofthecrease30 yes sir , I hear that man for sure 👍
You are one of the 3 best channel in refrigeration ever. Most of the speeching from you i am always willing to hear it
Thank you I really appreciate that 👍
@@Cscrefandhvac i know u from a refrigeration group on facebook that is why i recognized your face . You uploaded a photo about u when u were aprentice i said u still have baby face lol
Building Statux ohhhh I remember you saying that. Lol. That’s pic was legit like 20 years ago hahaha
New to your channel. Almost done with school but here in California I got a lot of guys in my class that want top dollar and for me I dont mind the low pay. I want to learn as much as possible and with that and the experience and always learning mindset and giving it my all I will eventually move up. Anyways thanks for your videos they motivate me a lot. 🤙
Great chat Chris! The world is changing and jobs are constantly being replaced by AI and automation. After 4-6 years of college and massive student debt you are not guaranteed a high paying job, even if you are the top 1% of your graduating class, but the trades by their nature will always require young, qualified, and intuitive individuals. My advice would be to mirror your advice and spend as much time as possible to research the industry you naturally gravitate toward whether that be refrigeration/HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any other great trade out there and differentiate yourself from everyone else for your personality and aptitude. I guarantee that you wont get noticed from the best companies if you lack empathy and compassion even if you are the best mechanic in the universe. Take care of your body and understand that dangers are always present and please slow down and look at the big picture. Mistakes will happen, we are not perfect. Learn from them, apologize if it was your negligence, and explain how it happened, and how you will prevent it from happening again and move on. If you work for a great company they will appreciate your honesty and nurture your development. Even if your error cost them money in the short run, their investment in you for your honesty and humility will go miles.
I been in the HVAC for 26years doing residential and light commercial did do refrigeration for five years I love to get back into refrigeration I'm about done with the residential side it his hard to find good companies I work for a good company it's been around since 1957 been there 14years just getting tired off all the bullshit god damn sales man keep up with all the videos and thank you
james rook jr hvac hey man I hear ya ! I don’t think any of us like salesmen !!! Lol. But if you want to get back into refrigeration I’m sure you could find a place . Thanks for watching 👍
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac there's good refrigeration companies by me in Ohio I would love to work with Jim pettinato refrigeration love learning from the old guys
james rook jr hvac for sure man , the old timers have a lot of knowledge to share
Enjoyed your story. I would say it's time to go to another company when you "can't earn no more or learn no more".
Air Mechanical very true man. Thanks for watching
Good advice. Always keep learning and don’t settle for a company that isn’t a good fit. I’m looking to jump ship right now, but I’m not going to leave my company for the first thing that comes along, I’m biding my time until a better position comes along. There is very little work life balance where I’m at right now, they run the technicians to death, not so much with work but with distances between jobs, I average 1200 miles per week windshield time on top of actual tool time, that equals 60+ hours per week consistently, that translates into a lot of technician turnover at my current company. My attitude is work me 40 - 50 hours per week and you’ll have an employee for 10+ years, work me 60-80+ hours per week and you’ll have an employee until something better comes along. I know some guys might think I have a shitty attitude, but I don’t want to be lying on my death bed one day thinking “at least I got to work lots and lots of overtime!”, I’d rather be thinking “at least I got to take my grandson fishing”. What do you think Chris?
404 Refrigeration I absolutely agree man , excellent points !!
Am so in love of refrigeration and air conditioning trade, I enjoy it cause its challenging,
Man that's big facts. Trail & Error. That's how I learned.
Ralph Walton thanks man ! Absolutely. In my opinion it the only way to learn. Have to get out there and do it ! And learn from your mistakes
Love watching you man I’ve been in the trade for a year doing commercial and residential and I’m being trained in service now as of last week I did nothing but installs I love the trade
Charley Xz awesome man that’s great to hear ! Keep it up man , be willing to learn and you’ll turn into a great tech I’m sure 👍
Thanks for sharing your story & some great advice 👍🏽
Great talk Chris. Really enjoying the refrigeration side. Be safe out there.
drifter436 thanks drifter. You too man .
The problem with a lot of today’s young Tech’s is they aren’t motivated and can’t work independently. Cell phones great but they have become a crutch when there is a problem. It took away the “ I need to figure this out” and made their problem someone else’s and never are going to develop trouble solving skills when always crying wolf. I had a boss like yours Chris, I got in a jam 35 yrs ago at a grocery store and I called the shop for help. I explained my issue, he said “ look down your arm it’s the only hand your gunna get”. I was so pissed but I fixed it and he made me realize I could do this job fine. Sorry for the rant.
Scott Kneeland great points made man thanks Scott 👍
The company I'm at now is pretty good, I always wanted to work at JCI and a company near me flasaca mechanical. I would want to try refrigeration as well.
Sculpin hey man if those are companies you’d like to work at give them a call or send in a resume . Thanks for watching man 👍
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac I wish lol I'm not that experienced in HVAC.
Sculpin well a lot of places just want someone who is willing to work hard and learn .
Awesome video Chris , really enjoying the channel! Hvac was my was where i started, but i feel more comfortable now adding that R at the end of it after being with my current company and learning refrigeration the last 4 yrs. Refrigeration I do feel is more challenging, but its fun!
Josh Butler awesome man thanks for watching ! Glad you are liking refrigeration 👍
I just got a job as an apprentice getting trained and stuff but I’d be okay with working attics for now but I eventually want to work on rooftops and in walk ins not sure how exactly
Alex Guerra awesome man congrats ! Just stick with it and be willing to learn and work and you will be fine. Thanks for watching 👍
You have a new subscriber now. 1st HVAC Videos, then No Cal Dave now you. I rocking with all 3 of y'all. Good shit man ans be safe out there.💪💪👌👌✌✌
Ralph Walton thanks a lot bro I appreciate that !! Both those channels you said are awesome and great guys / techs and you will learn a lot ! We all just trying to help out other guys and gals in the biz !!
@CSC REFRIGERATION AND HVAC Excellent video and boy did you ever drop some jewels keep it up
Mel Washington thanks a lot man appreciate that !
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac anytime looking forward to the next one
Good stuff Chris. Enjoyed hearing your story, thanks for sharing.
JD HVAC hey man ! Thank you for watching 👍
Awesome vid guy. Im getting into the trade. Not sure if I want to do hvac or commercial. I am down to learn it all. Just need a little guidance.
Great chat ! Thanks for posting.
Knight Hvac thanks bro ! How’s things been for you this summer in town ? We been mad busy !
Great advice to young guys .
Edward Hvacr thanks for watching 👍
Loving the videos Chris! Keep em coming
matt kahle thanks a lot man ! I appreciate that , thanks for watching !!
Drive time talk!! 👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼
Steven Izzo thanks man 👍
refrigeration love it
I just graduated trade school. I just landed a job in commercial refrigeration. Definitely looking forward to learning and growing as a refrigeration service technician. Thank you for the video🙏
Marcus Mitchell awesome man congrats 👍 thanks for watching
I just started my first semester of hvac/r school. Is it true that I don't need a contractor license to work on refrigeration
It varies by the state that you work in. In my state , no . We get our refrigeration license which you still don’t have to have under a certain tonnage I believe it’s 5 tons but I may be wrong on that . Only need a couple tractor license here if you have your own business. Even then many companies don’t even have that just the journeyman’s license
Awesome chat 👍👍👍
Harry Dickson thanks bro ! Thanks for watching 👍
Were any of the 3 companies union if not why? Im on the sheet medal and pipefitter apprentice list for almost 6mnths and no call from them. Is it even worth it? I'm non union residential now
Ken Wheelington hey man. Everywhere I have worked has been non union. It’s just the way it’s been. I started out that way and never had an opportunity to work at a union place . I didn’t want to be on waiting lists or anything like that either .
Great video bro . I'm alot like you and same age . These kid don't want to work well most of them anyway
Scott Riddle unfortunately it’s true
What do look for in good company and what to look out at bad company?? Thx like stuff