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HVAC ContractingNewsBusiness Management

Tech of the Month — December 2022: James McGuigan

McGuigan is recognized as the technician of December 2022

By Hannah Belloli-Oster
James McGuigan and Technicians
SERVICE TEAM: McGuigan (middle) with other techs at Accurate Baker. (Courtesy of Accurate Baker Elman)
December 15, 2022

Name: James McGuigan

Title: HVAC Manager for Service/Install Team

Why He’s Tech of the Month: McGuigan has been with Accurate Baker Elman in Franklin, Massachusetts for 10 years and is currently transitioning to its sister company, Wilson Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., in Pepperell, Massachusetts

TECH OF THE MONTH

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“I love the challenges every day,” McGuigan said.

He didn’t grow up planning to be in the HVAC industry, but rather sort of tripped and fell into one day, he said.

His daily tasks include service calls, dealing with any upset customers, and training the younger techs so they can one day advance in their careers. Not only does he install the most difficult applications, but he follows up on many service jobs that other technicians at the company can’t figure out.

“Our customers love James,” said Erin Joyce-Brady, director of marketing and communications at Accurate Baker, noting that often customers even ask for McGuigan to be assigned to their appointment.

“He gets so many requests that we have to tell some customers that if they would like their problem solved sooner than later, they probably don’t want to wait for when James is available.” Joyce-Brady said.

McGuigan’s job as an HVAC technician is more than a job to him. He’ll work into the late hours of the evening whenever a customer is in need. He’ll squeeze a customer into his busy schedule if they ever find themselves with an emergent issue.

“He dedicates a lot of time to his job and never complains. He truly enjoys it every day,” Joyce-Brady said.

Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS →

Recently, during a heat wave, Accurate Baker had a no-cool call from Bellingham Medical Associates, which in a healthcare facility is a dire emergency. When McGuigan arrived, he saw that the compressor was leaking and almost completely out of refrigerant. They needed a new compressor and they needed it fast. McGuigan was able repair the leak temporarily and charge the system up with refrigerant so patients and staff wouldn’t have to be without a/c while they waited for their new compressor to arrive and be installed.

McGuigan received the compressor on a day he’d been working until 4:30 p.m. But he went to Bellingham Medical Associates anyway and installed the new compressor himself. And he did it after hours to ensure he wouldn’t cause a disturbance amongst the staff and patients.

“By 8:30, he finished the job and the new compressor was up and running,” Joyce-Brady said. “They were able to return to the medical building the next day with working a/c. I think this is a great example of how James takes his job one step further than I think most would. He always shows up to work and works harder than asked for.”

As far as what the future holds for McGuigan, “I hope to still be working in the trades as a service manager at Wilson Brothers full time,” McGuigan said.

Click here to nominate an HVACR technician for Tech of the Month.

KEYWORDS: service calls skilled trades Technician Spotlight technicians

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Hannah belloli
Hannah Belloli is editor-in-chief of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. She brings six years of experience as a trade journalist with BNP Media, including four years as an editor at The ACHR NEWS and two years with Walls & Ceilings. Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Wayne State University, where she also earned minors in English, journalism, and creative writing. As the daughter of a carpenter, she has long held an appreciation for the skilled trades and the professionals who drive the industry forward.

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