Andrew’s Words at Commencement: March–April HVAC Workshop Completion

Acknowledging the Growth

Understanding what Mrs. Smith’s problem is — and how we can fix it — that’s important. Choice matters. And of course, respect.

As Elaine said, the level of respect here from everyone was amazing. Absolutely amazing.

Confidence Over Time

On day one, not a lot of people were very confident. A few thought they were — thought they knew what they were doing. I’m not going to single Jose out at all, so don’t even look that way. (I’m just teasing.)

The level of confidence from day one all the way through was very noticeable — by me and, I think, by everybody. Especially the family members.

Recognizing Hard Work

It’s important that we recognize the hard work these individuals put in for six weeks. It was very, very hard.

Introducing the Instructor

Now, one of the instructors… That’s not fair. One of the instructors — I’m going to have him come up here for just a few moments and say a couple of words.

Sometimes, when he talks, I can’t get him to stop — but today, I’ll ask him to tone down the profanity just a little. (Not that he ever had a potty mouth.)

Andrew, come on up here, please.

Andrew’s Reflections

Hi.

It was a really good group. We’ve had — what — 30, 40, maybe 50 of these classes by now. And there’s always this similarity: you all come in here not knowing each other, and by the time you leave, you’ve somehow created this strange, amazing connection.

I’ve never seen anything like it. Just the way you mesh together as a group — it’s something special.

Tough But Purposeful

Now, I’m not always a nice guy. And yes, I can be pretty… vibrant with my words — all five of them. But it’s all with purpose.

At the end of the day, it’s about helping you understand what’s really out there — because this is the industry. When you’re shaking hammers, this isn’t an office job.

I think you learned that. Some of you probably learned it more than others.

You Got Lucky… Sort Of

You guys were the start of the heat season — you got lucky. You weren’t out there sweating every day. The next class? Yeah, they’re going to hate me even more. They’ll be out in the afternoon heat while I stay cool in here in the morning.

Impressive Growth

But the growth I saw from all of you — it was immense. Really.

From day one, some of you came in not knowing anything about HVAC. The most hands-on thing you’d done before was maybe build an IKEA furniture set. And now? Now you’re out here putting air conditioning systems together.

It’s impressive to see where you started and where you are now.

So please — congratulations.