“Now, I like to see the young technicians progress when they want to and just helping the guys out,” said Swiger, field supervisor and trainer for Arctic Air Home Services, serving Manatee and Sarasota counties in Florida. 

While Swiger doesn’t personally recruit, Arctic does quite a bit. And it’s Swiger’s job, once the recruits get there, to train them up and help them decide what’s next. The biggest challenge Swiger faces today? It’s the same challenge the rest of the industry is facing: finding technicians who want to progress and grow their HVACR career.  

“It really just depends on them,” Swiger said. “You can usually tell within the first month of riding around with somebody whether they're going to make it or not.” 

But that doesn’t stop him from trying.  

“Brian’s willingness to help and his drive to grow are contagious,” said Ben Wilhelm, service manager for Arctic Air Home Services. “He brings out the best in our technicians, elevating the quality of our service across the board. His commitment to both the team and our customers makes him an indispensable part of Arctic Air Home Services. He sets the bar for what it means to be dependable, capable, and customer-focused in our industry.” 

Swiger’s job entails training both new and experienced technicians in the field, conducting site visits, and taking on some of Arctic’s most complex service issues. And he goes above and beyond each time — like when the new A2L refrigerant systems were introduced and training was limited to classroom instruction with little to no field-based support available. One of Arctic’s new installations started having issues, and Swiger was dispatched to investigate.  

“He refused to give up until he had made a correct diagnosis and the system was fully operational,” said Wilhelm. “He coordinated with the installation manager, the manufacturer, and myself to ensure the issue was resolved quickly and efficiently. The customer took note of Brian’s professionalism and follow-through and ultimately decided to have both of his systems serviced by Arctic Air Home Services moving forward. That outcome was a direct result of Brian’s expertise and determination.” 

Wilhelm said it’s Swiger’s combination of attitude and aptitude that makes him the ideal tech Arctic sends to tackle the toughest of service challenges.  

“When a customer is frustrated or when a problem seems impossible to fix, Brian is the person we send,” Wilhelm said. “His calm demeanor and technical skill give customers peace of mind and allow technicians to learn from his example. He’s the kind of leader who makes those around him better … He is a mentor and leader, both technically and professionally, setting the tone for the rest of the service department.” 

Looking ahead, Swiger’s goals are straightforward. He wants to continue mentoring and training, while aiding Arctic in achieving growth.  

“Just to continue to watch the company grow and progress and continue doing what I do — to help these younger guys out and the younger generation out, and hopefully to inspire some of the younger technicians to do the job the right way and to take the extra steps,” Swiger said. 

That means not cutting corners — and encouraging the techs he trains to do the same.  

 “It seems like it's few and far between these days with these younger guys,” Swiger said. “Just put your head down and take the extra step every time, and it'll pay off for you.” 

Advice To Future Techs: And Swiger’s advice to those techs just starting out, or those still trying to decide if HVACR is for them, is just that.  

“Work harder than everybody else, and it pays off,” said Swiger. “Get your NATE certifications, do your research on the equipment you're working on, don't just fumble through your day and collect a paycheck. Make a career out of it and try to advance.” 

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