Editor’s note: The following remarks were made regarding the editorial, “Your Technicians Are Changing With the Times…Are You?,” written by Kyle Gargaro, editorial director, The NEWS, published Dec. 18, 2017:

RELAYING CUSTOMERS’ OPINIONS

I have been in the industry for all of my life — over 35 years. I started as a tech and have held almost every position as a service, installation, construction, and/or mechanical contractor. I can tell you that the customers dictate my opinion of tattoos and piercings. Over the years, I have asked many customers what they thought of these issues. I had several customers explain to me that they would allow a person that was clean cut, with no piercings or tattoos, into their homes. Furthermore, they explained that these clean-cut individuals could be ax murderers, but they would let them right in. On the other side, some people explained that they were intimidated by tattoos and/or piercings.

I worked the Atlantic City area for a lot of years and worked with a top executive who told me a funny story about this topic. He explained that if someone showed up at the front door asking for his daughter who looked like he did, he would not let them in the house. He himself had tattoos, piercings, and a ponytail that he stuck into his three-piece suit when going to work every day.

We had a female guest in our class a while ago who was present when I was explaining to my students about the importance of your appearance when arriving at someone’s home. The woman did not want to interject into the class, but then I asked her to please share her thoughts about appearances. Basically, the woman agreed with everything that I was explaining to the students. If it were me, I would shave it all off.

Rocko M. Meyers Sr.

HVACR Instructor

Lorenzo Technical College

Naples, Florida

Editor’s note: The following remarks were made regarding the state of the industry.

FROM A SERVICE MAN’S VIEW

Good afternoon Kyle,

1975 until now.

Long ago I came up with dedicated mechanics that transferred the desire to the assistants.

The equipment was well built, and we knew it would give many years of service to our customers.

What I am seeing now is troubling — I am seeing less than quality HVAC units that have not been installed correctly.

This is telling me the technicians coming up now are not getting that quality learning from the mechanics.

This is sad — coming from a mechanic that has been commercial since 1980 — the customers are suffering because of this.

This is not true with all, but a lot of techs are not getting quality training.

Contractors — send your teams to necessary classes to bring the excellent standards back where they should be.

Manufacturers — Increase your quality control to ensure the customer is getting their money’s worth.

John West Jr.

Mechanical System Supervisor

Chesterfield County Buildings and Grounds

Chesterfield County, Virginia

Publication date: 2/12/2018