What is your current company & position? I am the Director of Commercial HVAC Operations at Elite Heating and Air Conditioning.
What AAFAME committee are you involved in? I am part of the Volunteer Committee.
What is the most interesting job you've had? As a teenager, I worked at Kmart selling jewelry. Seeing customers get excited when I told them that the diamond ring or necklace they had their eye on was 70 percent off and ringing them up introduced me to the world of sales.
Do you have professional aspirations? My current professional aspirations include expanding our business's heavy commercial and industrial segment and looking at ways to grow the commercial department. I would also like to get involved with a trade school and help develop the next generation of HVAC technicians.
What do you want to do when you grow up? Since I was a kid, I wanted to have a shop where I could restore old vehicles. My first car was a 1966 Mustang that was constantly breaking down, so I had to learn to work with my hands from a young age. It’s a passion that led me to a 25-year career in the HVAC industry.
If your company had a theme song what would it be? "Whatever It Takes" by Imagine Dragons.
What are your Hobbies? I enjoy hunting, fishing, and running.
What are your Five Minutes of Fame? Winning 1st place at a car show this year for the first time. My 1971 Mercury Monterey was up against some strong competition, and it was a complete surprise.
Do you have Pet Peeves? I am a big believer in punctuality and don’t like it if people are late for an appointment. It may sound old-fashioned, but I believe if you’re not at least 15 minutes early you’re late.
If there is anything you can change, what would it be? The polarization and lack of empathy that seem to be more pervasive in this country recently.
Do you have a favorite quote, saying or song? Why is it your favorite? Don’t dwell on things that are out of your control; much of what is considered luck results from putting in hard work and staying focused.
One of your goals for this year? Personally, one of my goals is to get the time to attend a San Antonio Spurs game with my son who just started college at UTSA. If this Texas heat ever subsides, I might get that chance.
Your favorite thing about AAFAME? The opportunity it gives me to network and meet people I may have otherwise never met and having the opportunity to give back as a member of the volunteer committee.
Interview conducted by Reuben Cadena with HPI