Armando Garcia: No Hesitation
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
SAN JOSE — Armando Garcia always wanted to learn a trade, so when he got a chance to get into the HVAC industry, he didn’t hesitate. “At the time, I was working as a laborer for a moving company,” he recounts. “A coworker told me he was getting hired at an HVAC company, so I told him to let me know if there were any more positions available. A week later, he called me and asked if I wanted to get trained in HVAC. ‘Of course!’ I told him, and that’s how I got started.”
During the next few years, Armando advanced in his skills and capabilities, and he eventually earned his air conditioning certification through ITT Technical Institute. Soon after, he made an auspicious acquaintance. “I met Arie Coriat, who owned an HVAC company, and started doing side jobs for him. He was happy with the quality of my work and we continued to develop a good relationship. After a few years, we decided to become business partners and started San Jose Heating & Cooling.”
Today, Armando says his favorite part of his job is the satisfaction of improving his clients’ lives. “I love to see the customer’s face when they turn on their brand-new HVAC system for the first time. It feels good knowing all the work I put in was for a good purpose: to improve energy efficiency and comfort in someone’s home.”
A resident of San Jose, Armando spends most of his time outside of work with his wife, Jacquie, and their three children. “I work six days a week, so Sunday is fully dedicated to spending time with my family. We do go on vacation a few times a year, usually to Utah to visit my wife’s parents. It’s a beautiful place, with plenty of mountains for hiking and quiet for peace of mind.”
In regard to his life and career, Armando explains the motivation behind his drive for success. “My dad always told me that whatever I do, I should think about my family and work to provide them with a better future. That was a big motivation for me to start this company. One day, if my kids want to do this type of work, I can provide them with a direct path and a means to provide for their own families. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give my kids a good future and a foundation they can build upon.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Armando says he’d move to Utah. “A lot of people go to Utah to retire. It’s a pretty nice, relaxed place, and after all these years working in the field, I think it would be good to go there and enjoy the rest of my days with my family.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: IHOP. My family and I go there every Sunday.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I used to collect seashells, but then I let my kids play with them and now they’re all broken.
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Sit on the porch with a cup of coffee and listen to the rain.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas.
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