As a seasoned professional with 28 years in the airline industry, Greg made a remarkable career shift, diving headfirst into the HVAC field without prior experience. Today, he’s a standout service technician at Comfort Systems USA in Utah, recognized for his dedication and rapid progression, much of which he attributes to training with Interplay Learning.
A New Chapter Begins
Born and raised in Utah, Greg’s career began in ramp operations and baggage service at a major airline. However, the events of 9/11 dramatically impacted the airline industry, leading to cost-cutting measures that slashed his pay and benefits. To offset the financial hit, Greg took on a second job as a Deputy Sheriff/Paramedic, a role he balanced for 7.5 years while continuing his airline work. This experience, particularly in medical assessments, laid a unique foundation for his future in HVAC.
“Having the background and experience of doing medical assessments on patients made for an easy transition to doing a diagnostic check on a piece of equipment,” Greg shares. “Whether it’s an HVAC unit or a sick/injured person, having a protocol to follow was extremely beneficial. Knowing what to look for and what to ask made finding the issue easier.”
As he approached the next phase of his professional life, Greg sought a career that would carry him through to retirement. His brother, a long-time employee of Comfort Systems USA, suggested HVAC. It was an industry Greg had no prior experience in, but one he quickly embraced.
“I retired from the airline industry and needed a job that would last until I retire again in about 15 years,” Greg recalls. “My brother has been with Comfort Systems for almost 30 years and thought I’d fit in and enjoy the work.”
Discovering Interplay Learning
Starting a new career in a technical field can be daunting, especially without prior experience. However, Greg found a valuable ally in Interplay Learning. He was immediately drawn to its unique approach, a big departure from traditional training methods.
“I really enjoyed it. It was a different approach to training than I was used to, like books, PowerPoints, and lectures,” Greg recalls. “The training courses were easy to follow. The instructors had real-world experience, not just actors reading off a script. They made it easier to understand the topics.”
A Super User in the Making
Greg’s commitment to mastering HVAC through Interplay’s platform has been remarkable. In just over one year, he completed an impressive 255 courses, often dedicating 10-12 hours a week initially and adjusting his schedule as he progressed.
“I started by logging in 3-4 times a week, spending a few hours during the weekdays, but on weekends, I’d spend 5-6 hours completing courses,” Greg explains. “It took a few months to complete the HVAC and Commercial HVAC paths. Once those classes were completed, I dropped to only a few hours a week, continuing with other interconnected paths like Hospitality, Electrical, and Plumbing.”
Greg’s dedication has not gone unnoticed by his supervisors at Comfort Systems USA. Adam Lindhardt, Service Manager, expressed his respect: “The Interplay platform requires a level of personal determination and commitment to get the most out of it, and Greg certainly has that in abundance.”
Don Lindhardt, Safety, and Technical Director, echoes this sentiment: “Greg has made excellent efforts on the Interplay platform. He is an amazing internally motivated ‘Super User,’ and the results are evident in his technical confidence in the field.”
Real-World Impact
The impact of Interplay’s training on Greg’s daily work is profound. The simulations, particularly, have equipped him with practical skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges.
“It makes troubleshooting pieces of equipment easier with the simulations,” Greg says. “Being able to walk up to the actual equipment and having an idea as to what and where the components are located was invaluable.”
Greg found the authenticity of the simulations particularly beneficial. “The detail of the equipment and level of depth in each simulation is excellent. The option of seeing the electrical schematics in relation to the equipment status is incredibly helpful.”
Overcoming Challenges with Confidence
Transitioning to a new field invariably comes with its challenges. For Greg, Interplay’s structured, hands-on training approach was instrumental in overcoming these hurdles.
“Being new to the field, having the courses walk you through the troubleshooting process was very beneficial,” Greg notes. “Following the protocol to diagnose problems in control and electrical systems helped. Taking that learning and experience from the simulations and applying it to the job made it easier not to get overwhelmed.”
Continuous Learning and Future Goals
Greg’s journey with Interplay is far from over. Despite completing all the HVAC courses, he remains motivated to log in regularly to keep his skills sharp and explore new paths.
“I’ve completed all the courses in HVAC, but I still log on occasionally to see if there are any new classes to keep gaining experience and knowledge wherever I can find it.”
As Greg continues to advance in his career, he’s confident that the skills and knowledge gained through Interplay Learning will open up more opportunities for growth and development.
“It’s a great way to learn if you’re just starting like myself. I’d recommend it.”
Greg Low’s journey from the airline industry to becoming a standout HVAC service technician is a remarkable example of how dedication and the right training tools can lead to success and fulfillment in a new career.
