Matthew Preto used to be an auto mechanic, specializing in motorcycles. Then, the Great Recession hit.

Wesley Gedatus didn’t originally plan to work in HVAC.

Chriss Hulsey planned on a career in HVAC right out of high school.

Pablo Gomez, who works at Pipe Works Services Inc. in Chatham, New Jersey, has a bit of a cult following when it comes to HVAC repairs.

Lorono works at Air Control Home Services, doing service and maintenance calls for residential and commercial customers in Lake Havasu City, located in western Arizona.

Why He’s Tech of the Month: Raymond Rodriguez got into HVAC right out of high school.

Russ Miller learned as he worked — his experience was all gained from on-the-job training. After about 10 years at that business, a large, 60-plus-person commercial company, he switched jobs to a smaller place that ultimately ended up getting bought out to become AirComfort Heating & Cooling, serving Columbus and Fremont, Nebraska.

Cecil Williams got his first job in heating and air conditioning 13 years ago, while he was still a high school student attending Kiamichi Technology Centers in southeastern Oklahoma.

Shane Stepps grew up in the building and construction trades; his adoptive father owned a construction company in Oklahoma City for 30-plus years.

Bailey started off as a salesman, working for two different HVAC suppliers before switching to the service side.