De La Portilla earned his first NATE certification in 2004 and became a NATE proctor shortly thereafter. He currently holds Heat Pump, Air Conditioning, Air Distribution, Gas Heating, and Light Commercial Refrigeration certifications. In 2015, De La Portilla joined NATE Technical Committee, a group of HVACR industry professionals who volunteer to help develop NATE exams. In particular, De La Portilla helped NATE to develop the new Ready-to-Work and HVAC Support Technician certificate exams, launched in January 2016.

Currently the Technical Training Manager for Lennox HVAC Learning Solutions, De La Portilla builds, manages, and conducts various training programs like Lennox Build-A-Tech, Virtual Build-A-Tech, residential and commercial load calculations, whole home performance, residential duct design, refrigerant piping and system design, and several other technical courses.

“We’re so pleased to present Jose De La Portilla with this year’s Golden Toolbox Award,” said John Lanier, NATE Chief Operating Officer. Jose has been a long-time advocate of NATE and truly “walks the talk” as a proctor and by earning and maintaining his own NATE certifications. His input and work on the NATE Technical Committee is invaluable and helps us move forward with services that support the future of the HVACR workforce.”

De La Portilla has been in the HVAC industry for 23 years. He earned his HVAC diploma from Long Beach City College in California. During his first semester in school Jose started working for a residential/light commercial contractor as a maintenance technician. A little over a year later, while still in school he accepted a position as a service technician for a refrigeration and commercial HVAC contractor. In 1994, he joined the Carrier Corporation as a customer assurance technical support manager in the southern California area, where he supported everything from window unit air conditioners to commercial screw chillers. In his 12 years with the Carrier Corporation, he served in southern and northern California, and in Dallas, Texas.

His passion for the HVAC industry is only surpassed by his love for his family, including his amazing wife of 14 years Karolyn, his oldest son Estevan, daughter Elena, and his youngest son Christian.

For more information about NATE certification, visit www.natex.org.