John had been an HVAC worker for 20 years before he lost his job due to the recession.
Without a steady income, he found himself unable to keep up with rent and bills, and before long, he was homeless.
He spent several long nights sleeping in his car, struggling to find a way to get back on his feet, but despite his difficult situation, John refused to let his skills as an HVAC tech go to waste. He spent his mornings looking for different tasks that would allow him to use his expertise in a/c and heating, then periodically he would help out local businesses with their HVAC systems, and other times he would repair broken air conditioning systems for people who couldn’t afford to pay a professional. One afternoon, John met a homeless woman who had been sleeping on the streets for weeks. She was sick and needed a place to stay, but the shelters were all full. John knew that he couldn’t offer her a home, but he could at least make sure she was comfortable. He used his knowledge of HVAC systems to rig up a makeshift a/c device for her, using parts he found at a scrapyard. From that afternoon on, John made it his mission to help as several people as he could. He became known as the “HVAC worker vagabond,” traveling from town to town and offering his services to anyone in need. He was typically looking for ways to improve his skills, taking free online courses whenever he could find access to a computer. Despite his hardships, John remained optimistic and determined to make a difference. He knew that his expertise in HVAC systems could be a lifeline for those who were struggling.
steam boiler