All technicians should strive to be that type of person. These guys are definitely not born with this talent, but they all have the same desire to be the best at their craft. They all get there a little differently. Some guys are raised in the trade; their fathers are old-time refrigeration guys, so they learned from them. Others get there by choice or by chance as they decide on a career path. But I think they all share the same desire: to learn, improve their knowledge base, and to be the best they can be in their field.

Becoming this “true” refrigeration professional is not easy; it takes work. These guys are continually going to educational seminars, conferences and trade events. But I think their greatest attribute is their willingness and ability to find the answers to a problem or to the unknown. When they are challenged, they will take extra effort to research information they need and find the answers. They don’t walk away from a problem, challenge, or an unknown. They attack it head on and find the answer. That is what it takes to be a talent in our trade: the desire and motivation to find the answer and learn from the experience. Taking the extra effort is what makes the difference and separates the craftsman from the others.

So the next time you’re faced with a challenge, whether it is not understanding how a component operates or not being able to find the root cause of a system problem, become that true refrigeration professional. Find the answers you need. Don’t just pass it off to another more experienced technician. Instead be the guy that researches the issue, takes the time to solve the problem, and learns what needs to be learned to become a true craftsman in our trade.

Publication date: 10/1/2012