Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry McWilliams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I cut my teeth in the HVAC/R Industry at age nineteen when I visited beautiful Florida to work at McWilliams & Son for a Summer in 2010. I was able to get hands-on experience in residential and commercial applications including refrigeration and ice machines as well as witness firsthand how all the day to day business was conducted through close interaction with my late Great Uncle Gil and his son Gil Jr. It was from that Summer on, that I knew A/C was in my blood.
As soon as I returned to Houston, I was led to a training program given through the local 2nd Ward non-profit Ser, Jobs for Progress where I was graciously sent through NCCER certification classes and a program at Houston Community College. From there I found work at a local Pasadena company until being laid off in the Winter as work slowed. I didn’t let this keep me down though, I was expediently led to another community-based company in Houston who required my talents as they were trying to fulfill backed up company demands. Thankfully, that stint held me over until I was seeking a change to a more permanent fit at a company I would be able to grow at.
Days later, I applied early one morning to a company that, prior to having my first job with the local Pasadena company, turned me down for a position. It was a heavenly match from the jump this go round. I served for Five and a half years at a very prominent Pasadena company, went to school in the evenings for about 3 years of that time earning my AAS in Air Conditioning Technology, studied for a passed my NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification exam in 5 different specialties, and studied for and passed my state exam for a Class A Contracting License w/ a Combination endorsement, and served for 2 years on the Advisory Board for the Dr. Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School and San Jacinto College’s HVAC programs.
I have a fast and growing love for my Craft and I want to see more people enter into it with a similar passion and spread quality work and awesome customer service so that I can have some decent competition in Houston’s notoriously Hot/Humid market. After five and a half years and promotion from installer up to Field Supervisor, a change was inevitable. Terry’s Heating & Cooling was founded February 2018 and the dream has been ongoing since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the beginning, to get to Florida, I actually worked at a convenience store, sold any material possessions I didn’t require for immediate utility and afforded the trip. Funds included money for gas and food only. From then, the program the non-profit sponsored was actually a huge step up from where I was and where I needed to be and I was only admitted into the program due to my lack of income or marketable skills at the time.
The next greatest challenge was once I started at the prominent Pasadena company because this is when I also started my family. My wife & I work, went to school, and are raising our 3 beautiful daughters. There are many struggles in life, but we found that endurance leads to fulfillment.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Terry’s Heating & Cooling – what should we know?
I’m a “CustomAir Service” provider of anything Air Conditioning & Heating. Every job I encounter is unique and each of my client’s needs are unique. I provide diagnostic services, second opinion diagnostics for the skeptics of others work, replacements of equipment or defective parts, quality control inspections for real estate and new installs.
Indoor Air Quality including ductwork and IAQ devices, dehumidification, and preventative maintenance, and generally anything my license will allow me to serve my clients in to keep them happy and comfortable in their homes.
About 75% of my 8 years of experience is a Residential experience. I enjoy the residential portion of my Industry because it is more personable and I get to do business face to face with other people, handshake to handshake eye to eye. Call me old-fashioned.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My faith in God. My desire to always want to know more and how.
Pricing:
- Houston Residential Diagnostic $65.00 if you mention this article.
- Free In-Home Consultation for Replacement of A/C System.
- Houston Commercial Diagnostic $85.00 plus tax if you mention this article.
- 11% Discount for First Responders, Military, Educators, and Senior Citizens.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (346)617-9088
- Email: customairservice11@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/customairservice11
- Other: linkedin.com/in/customairservice11
Image Credit:
Terry McWilliams
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