Tech of the Month: Dec. 18, 2017
Name: Chris Popejoy
Title: Supertech, Hunter Heat and Air, Edmond, Oklahoma
Why He’s Tech of the Month: While attending high school, Chris Popejoy, Supertech, Hunter Heat and Air, Ardmore, Oklahoma, decided he wanted to do something he knew he’d enjoy for the rest of his life.
“I wanted something challenging, something that would not get boring,” said Popejoy. “Most of all, I wanted to choose a career that serves a need and never goes out of style. So, I attended the HVACR program at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma. You can take away luxuries from people, but when the air conditioning or heat goes out, people want it fixed now.”
In 2011, he joined the Hunter Heat and Air team at the age of 20; however, a few months later, he began to experience troubling health problems and had to undergo open heart surgery. He was fearful that his new employer would let him go since he had to be out of work to recover for several months, but Chris Hunter, president of the company, had other plans.
“He not only kept me employed, but he visited me in the hospital, took me to church, and took me to my doctor appointments whenever my family had to work,” said Popejoy. “He and his family were there for me like I was their own.”
Once he recovered, he became the Supertech he is today. Popejoy is known for his big heart and willingness to go the extra mile each and every time.
“Popejoy is always putting others before himself,” said Hunter. “He’s constantly doing things for our customers and other coworkers as well. He relocated 100 miles away for us when we had a need. It was just such an awesome act of kindness. He came to the company as a young kid and has really applied himself in all areas. Now in a leadership position, he is a prime example of being able to do anything you want if you put the effort into it.”
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, Popejoy went the extra mile for his adopted parents who took him in when his home life was no longer safe or stable as a child.
“For the past two years, I have been saving money to give something back to the two people who raised me,” he said. “They are the hardest working people I have ever met. I have never heard a complaint from either one of them. They taught me to be thankful for what I have and to work hard for what I don’t. They chose to raise me — they were not obligated. So, I purchased brand-new vehicles for both of them to express my gratitude. I would not have been able to do that without Chris Hunter and my career at Hunter Heat and Air.”
Popejoy’s favorite part of the job is being able to wake up every day looking forward to making customers happy.
“I strive to never leave a customer’s home without them smiling and thanking me for taking such great care of them; I am a Supertech,” he said.
Popejoy plans to continue to work hard in his new leadership position at the Edmond Hunter Heat and Air location and has a few other plans up his sleeve, as well.
“I’m not here to be average, I’m here to be awesome,” he said. “I have been blessed with a management position at our Edmond location. I will grow this branch to be a huge success. I am also saving to buy my first house and plan to make my wonderful girlfriend my wife.”
To nominate an HVACR technician for Tech of the Month, visit http://techofthemonth.achrnews.com or email samsine@achrnews.com.
Publication date: 12/18/2017
Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!