Leaving the Industry Better Than We Found It with ⁠Don Gillis⁠

Leaving the Industry Better Than We Found It with Don Gillis🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 194The greatest legacy in the skilled trades isn't the equipment you install.It's the people you help along the way.In Episode 194, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with Don Gillis, Technical Trainer, consultant, and founder of Gillis Coach, for a conversation about building careers, developing technicians, and preparing the next generation for the future of HVACR.With more than 35 years in the industry—including 25 years in the field as a licensed HVAC Journeyman, leadership roles in service and sales, and years as a Senior Technical Trainer with Copeland and Chemours—Don has dedicated his career to helping others succeed. Today, he trains 5,000–7,000 HVAC professionals each year and was recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential HVAC Educators in 2024.Together, Rhydon and Don discuss career development, technician shortages, emerging technologies, and why sharing knowledge is one of the greatest responsibilities we have in the trades.For the TradeCrew, this episode is a reminder that every experienced technician has the opportunity to shape the future—one lesson, one apprentice, and one conversation at a time.🔧 In this episode, we cover:• Don's 35-year journey through the HVACR industry• Closing the technician shortage through education• Adapting to new technology without losing the fundamentals• Building a career through continuous learning• Why mentorship is essential to the future of the trades• Leaving the industry stronger than you found itWhether you're just entering the trades or have decades of experience, this episode will challenge you to think differently about learning, leadership, and the legacy you're creating every day.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the HVAC R&D Podcast and Ramblin' Rhyno Column on Substack so you never miss and Article or Podcast drop - https://rhydonatzenhoffer.substack.com/p/leaving-the-industry-better-thanThe HVAC R&D Podcast is the Voice of Distribution, Contractors, and the TradeCrew — bringing together the people, stories, and ideas shaping the future of the skilled trades.#HVAC #Training #Leadership #Mentorship #TradeCrew🙏 Thanks to our partners:DiversiTech Corporation • DRAIN IV • FieldMind • LiveSwitch • ProIAQ • RLS Rapid Locking System • True Nature Meats