With encouragement from his dad, Thomas Egan went straight from high school to trade school… and ended up building ice rinks across the globe before landing in commercial HVAC in Florida.

In this episode of the Service Call Podcast, we cover:

• Going from Lincoln Tech to industrial refrigeration
• Traveling the world with Disney on Ice
• Working on ammonia chillers and massive compressors
• The transition back to local HVAC life
• How the trade is evolving with VFDs, electronics, and new refrigerants
• The future of blue-collar careers
• Why knowledge in a trade can never be taken away from you

If you’re a tech, apprentice, or someone considering the trades, this one’s for you.

Real stories. No scripts. Just honest conversation from the field.

What happens when a life-changing accident forces you to step away from the field?

In this episode of The Service Call Podcast, Mike talks with Danny Lucas about his journey from commercial air conditioning and refrigeration work to becoming a safety leader in the commercial HVAC industry. They discuss driving safety, resilience, technician life, and why protecting HVAC specialists on the road is just as important as the work on commercial heating and cooling systems.

If you’re exploring Nextech careers, Nextech jobs, or commercial HVAC employment opportunities, this is a real look at what the trade demands and what it gives back. Learn more about Nextech career opportunities at https://careers-nextechna.icims.com/

What makes technicians stay in commercial HVAC and what makes them leave?

In this episode of The Service Call Podcast, Mike Mayberry sits down with Scott Newman, Operations Manager out of Southfield, Michigan, to talk about leadership, retention, and building a culture that works in today’s commercial HVAC market.

Scott’s career path includes facilities management, restaurant operations, and large-scale service leadership before transitioning into commercial HVAC operations management. That background shaped how he leads HVAC specialists today, focusing on flexibility, accountability, and treating technicians like people, not headcount.

This conversation is relevant for technicians, managers, and anyone exploring Nextech career opportunities, or commercial HVAC employment opportunities.

Topics covered:

• Careers in commercial HVAC and refrigeration
• Why technicians leave and why they stay
• Leadership lessons for HVAC specialists
• Culture, safety, and accountability in service work
• Growth opportunities in commercial HVAC contractors

Check out The Service Call Podcast for monthly stories on commercial HVAC, working a trade, and building a career in a recession-proof industry!