Looking for a Job... Orlando FL

[servtech2]

Hi everyone, I figured while I wait for a response from my interview, I should jump ahead and post here about looking for a position. If a company is interested to review my details send me a message and I will send my resume. I am new to the Orlando area, have recently moved here from New Jersey. Im a hard worker looking for a career. Thanks

[servtech2]

Hey again, so it seems like there's not many companies surfing this site, or at least not this Job Discussion thread... Just wondering if anyone might know of any companies in or around Orlando FL area that might be hiring? Any feedback is appreciated.

[smokies]

You may want to list some of your qualifications or what market you have the most experience - res,light comm, comm, industrial. Just general stuff so we know which way your looking to go.

I'm in the area and can provide some information on where to start.

Good luck.

[JeffatMEPJobs]

Hi everyone, I figured while I wait for a response from my interview, I should jump ahead and post here about looking for a position. If a company is interested to review my details send me a message and I will send my resume. I am new to the Orlando area, have recently moved here from New Jersey. Im a hard worker looking for a career. Thanks

Check out this link:

http://www.mepjobs.com/JobSeekerPages/profileList.aspx?stateAbbrev=FL

And of course you can post your resume and specify you want to work in the Orlando area.

Good luck!
JeffatMEPJobs

[servtech2]

You may want to list some of your qualifications or what market you have the most experience - res,light comm, comm, industrial. Just general stuff so we know which way your looking to go.

I'm in the area and can provide some information on where to start.

Good luck.

Hi thanks for the reply, I wasn't sure if i should paste my resume in the thread? But my strenghts in the field are residential and light commercial installations. Im from New Jersey though and im not very familiar with ductboard, but have worked with it a few times and it really doesnt seem all that much different then working with sheet-metal. My service skills are not top notch, but i've always managed to find the problems on the systems i've worked on. Im just new to the area and looking for work, would like to obtain a position in a well established company for a long term career opportunity, but also open to any company even as a helper considering the wage would be sufficient enough for me to live.

For the past 2 years i've been working for myself doing retrofitting, residential installs and service.

Thanks for any help and direction you can give me.

P.S. Im willing to travel about an hour outside of Orlando considering the wage is enough to be able to do it.

[Tech Rob]

Check out Westbrook Service Corp. I'm not too familiar with how they operate or treat their people, but I know they're pretty big in Orlando in terms of residential and light commercial type of work.

If you're wanting to get into commercial/industrial work, MSI is a good shop to get in with. I've worked for them for almost two years now, and I don't have any desire to work anywhere else at this time. I'm hearing some chatter about possible layoffs in December, though... So, unfortunately, now might not be the best time. It never hurts to try, though. The number is 1-877-MSIFLA1

[servtech2]

Check out Westbrook Service Corp. I'm not too familiar with how they operate or treat their people, but I know they're pretty big in Orlando in terms of residential and light commercial type of work.

If you're wanting to get into commercial/industrial work, MSI is a good shop to get in with. I've worked for them for almost two years now, and I don't have any desire to work anywhere else at this time. I'm hearing some chatter about possible layoffs in December, though... So, unfortunately, now might not be the best time. It never hurts to try, though. The number is 1-877-MSIFLA1

Thanks for the info, and I'm not only trying to stay with what I've been doing, I'm open to other type of work in the field, just really looking for a solid position. Ill give MSI a call to see if they are accepting applications. Thanks again.

[ideafx]

I'm not sure Florida is a great place to be. I lived there for a year and couldn't stand it. There are too many one-man shops, so there's a lot of competition for jobs that don't pay very well at all. I would try to stay near Jacksonville if possible.

[servtech2]

I'm not sure Florida is a great place to be. I lived there for a year and couldn't stand it. There are too many one-man shops, so there's a lot of competition for jobs that don't pay very well at all. I would try to stay near Jacksonville if possible.

New Jersey wasn't any better. There's no need for any HVAC licensing in NJ, only thing you need is general contract license and EPA card, nothing else.

[HVAC9900]

" New Jersey wasn't any better. There's no need for any HVAC licensing in NJ, only thing you need is general contract license and EPA card, nothing else."

I think they'll even wave those requirements if your cousin's name is Guido....

Sorry can't help on contacts in Orlando-the only place I know there,would Not recommend.

Good place to start would be in the supply houses,the counter people often know who's looking, and who to avoid.
They often have help wanted signs on the bulletin boards too.
Good Luck.

[servtech2]

" New Jersey wasn't any better. There's no need for any HVAC licensing in NJ, only thing you need is general contract license and EPA card, nothing else."

I think they'll even wave those requirements if your cousin's name is Guido....

Sorry can't help on contacts in Orlando-the only place I know there,would Not recommend.

Good place to start would be in the supply houses,the counter people often know who's looking, and who to avoid.
They often have help wanted signs on the bulletin boards too.
Good Luck.

Thats one of the first places i was trying to find, I only found one supply house in the area, and my GPS took me to a few more spots where there was supposed to be supply houses, but was none. Only one i been to so far is Gemaire.

[secorp]

Try Johnstone and Baker distributing......times are rough right now. you better have a great resume. most outfits are looking to upgrade not add, if you know what I mean.

[maxster]

try www.thebluebook.com punch in air conditioning first then your state/area hit contractors (***) and you will access all the companies down there.most have website links to view the companies

[servtech2]

Try Johnstone and Baker distributing......times are rough right now. you better have a great resume. most outfits are looking to upgrade not add, if you know what I mean.

Is there a Johnstone in Orlando? I put it in my GPS and told me it was like 160miles away. I also do consider myself as an upgrade to a company because of the way I work, only problem is I need a company to allow me to show them my work ethics, that's what seems to be the hard part. I don't know everything there is to know about HVAC but I know that I learn new things everyday in the field, and things I dont know I just look up and/or ask here.

Thanks for the info so far everyone. All feed back is helpful.

[secorp]

Johnstone
Orlando FL
1651 South Rio Grande Avenue
Orlando, FL 32805-4442

You must sell yourself in these hard times update and upgrade your resume or you are doomed. and be ready for more than one interview.





http://www.johnstonesupply.com/corp/Default.aspx

[servtech2]

Johnstone
Orlando FL
1651 South Rio Grande Avenue
Orlando, FL 32805-4442

You must sell yourself in these hard times update and upgrade your resume or you are doomed. and be ready for more than one interview.





http://www.johnstonesupply.com/corp/Default.aspx

Thanks for the info, should I copy paste my resume onto this thread so suggestions can be made?

[secorp]

Too much info on the Eye net is never a good thing, I wouldn't. always spell check and have people close to you look it over.

[Joe Harper]

Market here is very bad. The only company that I have seen hiring anyone is ARS. But I think the openings are due to lack of business and tech's leaving.. You are in the good ol' boy network around here. It helps to know someone that can give you some sort of reference. A lot of companies have been burned by guys from NY/NJ that come and steal everything in sight or dont know a thing about a/c and refrigeration. Get a letter of recommendation from previous employeer and/or some of your commercial customers. You have an uphill battle around here.

Also go to gemaire on 441 and princeton, they have a job posting board there.

[servtech2]

Market here is very bad. The only company that I have seen hiring anyone is ARS. But I think the openings are due to lack of business and tech's leaving.. You are in the good ol' boy network around here. It helps to know someone that can give you some sort of reference. A lot of companies have been burned by guys from NY/NJ that come and steal everything in sight or dont know a thing about a/c and refrigeration. Get a letter of recommendation from previous employeer and/or some of your commercial customers. You have an uphill battle around here.

Also go to gemaire on 441 and princeton, they have a job posting board there.

I have 3 professional references that companies can contact, one being my ex boss. What do you mean by NY/NJ guys stealing everything? All i would like is a position in an established company. Thanks again for the comments everyone I really appreciate them.

I'll take a look at that supply house.

[dash]

I have 3 professional references that companies can contact, one being my ex boss. What do you mean by NY/NJ guys stealing everything? All i would like is a position in an established company. Thanks again for the comments everyone I really appreciate them.

I'll take a look at that supply house.

Florida new construction is down by about 80%,so hundreds of thousands less of first starts an warranty clals for techs,only the best of the best can get hired today.

Not great for techs or employers.

[sabre11134]

Check out Westbrook Service Corp. I'm not too familiar with how they operate or treat their people, but I know they're pretty big in Orlando in terms of residential and light commercial type of work.

If you're wanting to get into commercial/industrial work, MSI is a good shop to get in with. I've worked for them for almost two years now, and I don't have any desire to work anywhere else at this time. I'm hearing some chatter about possible layoffs in December, though... So, unfortunately, now might not be the best time. It never hurts to try, though. The number is 1-877-MSIFLA1Westbrook has a very small residential service dept,Yes they do light commercial also. westbrook also builds central energy plants also. If you can get in with westbrook they are a good company to work for. Good luck

[Tech Rob]

Westbrook has a very small residential service dept,Yes they do light commercial also. westbrook also builds central energy plants also. If you can get in with westbrook they are a good company to work for. Good luck

I guess I was misinformed. It was my understanding they were primarily a residential service company that dabbled in commercial work. Either way, they're a pretty strong company in that area, right?

[Joe Harper]

Yes orlando sucks. You can make a lot of money but the enviornment is not stable. Getting $25-30 an hour isnt hard, but not getting laid off is. :mad:

Dont take the "stealing everything" comment personally, unless you are doing it too. Once you see it 5, 10, 15 times you get used to it. Im not saying you are doing it, but others from your area have, and in turn it hurts honest guys trying to get in the door.

[servtech2]

Yes orlando sucks. You can make a lot of money but the enviornment is not stable. Getting $25-30 an hour isnt hard, but not getting laid off is. :mad:

Dont take the "stealing everything" comment personally, unless you are doing it too. Once you see it 5, 10, 15 times you get used to it. Im not saying you are doing it, but others from your area have, and in turn it hurts honest guys trying to get in the door.

Well then since I dont know what "stealing everything" is then im not one doing it... I am though one of those honest guys just looking to get in the door of a stable position.

I would like to ask anyone who know anything about Tradesman International.. How steady is their work, is it what they really propose? I had the opportunity this week to possibly land 2 or even maybe 3 positions and really just want to see which options are best.. Long term is what im looking for and stability so that I know I can afford my rent at the end of a month.

Thanks again everyone for all the information, Its all highly appreciated. Being new to an area knowing no one is a bit hard.

[secorp]

Tradesmen is the new rent a employee service, they used to be referred to as rent a bum's of drunks. they have evolved over the last five years to include actual trades people. they may be able to keep you busy at companies that do not want to hire except for short periods and or jobs. For you it is good way to get a look at different companies, I would think. when I rented from them you had to sign a agreement that you would not hire the tech away. still if you impress the outfit you are with it can and does get done.

I never hired service techs only install techs. I hear they max out at 18-20.

[servtech2]

Tradesmen is the new rent a employee service, they used to be referred to as rent a bum's of drunks. they have evolved over the last five years to include actual trades people. they may be able to keep you busy at companies that do not want to hire except for short periods and or jobs. For you it is good way to get a look at different companies, I would think. when I rented from them you had to sign a agreement that you would not hire the tech away. still if you impress the outfit you are with it can and does get done.

I never hired service techs only install techs. I hear they max out at 18-20.

Hey thank you for the reply.. I have also realized that it is a rent an employee service. That is why I have been unsure about it and came here to ask. I did also think that there are possibilities that a company might like me and want to hire me, and as a way to get to work for a few different companies in the area. Although wage is important, all I really care for right now is a stable income. My strengths lie within installation so I have also thought that rent an employee services would be more on that end of the field rather then renting a service tech, most companies just put out ads and hire service techs rather then rent. I shall give it a shot and see what comes out of it, worse thing that can happen is I remain in the same position I am now.

Well, thanks again for the info. All input is appreciated.

[maxpower]

Have you tried the bigger Co's like Trane,Carrier,York,JCI,McQuay?

[servtech2]

Have you tried the bigger Co's like Trane,Carrier,York,JCI,McQuay?

When i was still in NJ i did think about those companies but then it slipped my mind as I got to FL... Maybe because I havnt seen them like I normally did in NJ. I will though look into them, if anyone knows where they may be located around the Orlando area, I would highly appreciate it. Thanks

[servtech2]

Hey everyone, just wanted to update about Tradesman International, started working for them and so far so good. The only thing Im not too fond about is that its not a guaranty that you will continue to work. Hope I am kept working though, and in the mean time still feel like I shouldn't close the door on other steady work opportunities. Thanks again everyone for the feedback you've given me.

[secorp]

Good deal.
In this bad economy people would rather rent than purchase employees. so you should stay working I would think. all the companies have to do is pay one flat fee and not worry about benefits or comp, not unlike a union.

[sep1280]

Ace Air Conditioning, is hiring one refrigeration tech / HVAC technician for the Orlando market. If you are interested, call the main office number at 386-668-8651. Bryan is the Service Manager. Ace handles mostly residential HVAC but we also service some larger restaurant chains in the area. You can receive more company information at www.aceac.com.

[servtech2]

Ace Air Conditioning, is hiring one refrigeration tech / HVAC technician for the Orlando market. If you are interested, call the main office number at 386-668-8651. Bryan is the Service Manager. Ace handles mostly residential HVAC but we also service some larger restaurant chains in the area. You can receive more company information at www.aceac.com.

Thank you for the information, I faxed my resume a moment ago. Are you an employee of the company? If so might you be able to tell me a little bit about the company from an employee's point of view? Thanks again for the information.

[servtech2]

Since the market in Orlando seems to be a bit slow, I am expanding my search for work to Sarasota area as well. If anyone has any leads they can help me with in the Sarasota area I would highly appropriate it. Thanks again all.

[Joe Harper]

Servtech2. Check private messages

[servtech2]

Checked Thanks... Sent Email..

[maintengg]

hi sir ....
Myself Dinesh Sharma an Electrical Engg. I want to know more abt hvac , chiller interview question
if u have any Mail ID or Contact No. then plz give me...
My Mail ID is diwakercv@gmail.com
Thanks
Regards
Dinesh Sharma
9811628805

[RSGF]

say what

[maintengg]

Dear sir
Thanks for Reply ...
Last Time I Faced an Interview and interviewer asked me what is your air Requirement(HVAC System).
So Please tell me what is the Ans of this question.
Thanks

[EMTV]

I have recently starte a job search myself, albeit in a different maket than yours. Obviously the Orlando market has been hard hit by the ongoing housing debacle. Here in Dallas I was exposed to the same situation and as a result sold my business and have gone to work at a school district to make ends meet. We are in better shape here and I am job-searching with good results. Let me share some of the things that I learned along the way.
Since you are in a tight market these points apply especially. There are alot of people that once could get by in the business that are very marginal, so employers are cautious about hiring. Guys who could not spell HVAC in 2005 were employed. Not today. Your full time job is going to be to locate and convince the DECISION MAKER whomever that person is that you can solve his problems and make him money. Sounds crass but it is reality. So get over it now. Use every resource available to you, Industry Partners, Peers, Friends Reatives,anyone you can contact and start networking. Even if you do not get results the practice will sharpen your saw. Now. Cold Calling Internet etc, whatever you can think of and more. Start keeping files on companies and opportunities. You must have a resume today. Two pages is ok but remember the top third of page one is what must convince the person that is hiring that you can solve HIS problems and therefore continue interst in you. Forget mission statements and dreams show accomplishments that are quantifiable and relevant to solving the DECISION MAKERS problems. Nothing else matters. Turn off the radio it is bad news anyway, and get a CD called the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Listen to it until you can repeat it in your sleep. Get on youtube and search Babich Employment, he is the number one headhunter in the country and the info is free. WORK ON YOUR INTERVIEW SKILLS AND LEARN TO SELL YOURSELF, because no one else will. If they predict clouds then prepare to fight in the shade. Good Luck. Eric

[MechanicallyInclined]

Prevailing wage (and Union scale) aren't what I thought they'd be in Orlando. Realistically, it's in the mid-$20s. That's much different than Tampa or Miami. Try all the big companies Carrier, Emcor, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Linc, McQuay, Siemens and Trane. I believe Hussmann Service operates out of the Trane offices. You could even try Source. In my work search, I've found that Source's "competitive wages" are anything but.

[Tassajara]

The highest scale areas are miami and Jacksonville I think and housing is alot cheaper in jacksonville

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[MechanicallyInclined]

The highest scale areas are miami and Jacksonville I think and housing is alot cheaper in jacksonville

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I just heard that McQuay laid-off a couple of guys in Miami. I don't know how the overall scene is, but Trane seems to have the stranglehold out there, but Johnson Controls isn't far behind.

[Tassajara]

Really? Trane or Jci/York can't have more then hundred guys between them.

I would think a shop like Air Management (union) or Thermal Concepts (non union)... Actually I know those shops are way bigger

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[Tassajara]

I was out to lunch not long ago with the service manager of Mcquay he told me that had 8 or 9 guys

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[MechanicallyInclined]

I personally counted 30 Johnson Controls vans at the Local Union apprenticeship school. That's non Journeymen.
The Carrier service supervisor told me that Trane has between 80 to 100 vans. TC called me about a job after I had already left FL.

[Tech Rob]

Tampa's UA Industrial Journeyman wage rate (not including benefits) is somewhere in the $32-35$/hr. range. Miami may be higher, but I am fairly certain that Jax, Daytona, and Orlando are not.

[Tassajara]

I personally counted 30 Johnson Controls vans at the Local Union apprenticeship school. That's non Journeymen.
The Carrier service supervisor told me that Trane has between 80 to 100 vans. TC called me about a job after I had already left FL.

I am not going to get a passing match with you about I could care less either way. Was Chris the guy you were talking about from Carrier? How many guys did he say Carrier had?

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[Tassajara]

Tampa's UA Industrial Journeyman wage rate (not including benefits) is somewhere in the $32-35$/hr. range. Miami may be higher, but I am fairly certain that Jax, Daytona, and Orlando are not.

Then I stand corrected Miami is 32 something Jax was about 30 cents below that. But if your really interested. It's easy enough to see on the Web look it up for yourself

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[Tassajara]

I am not going to get a passing match with you about I could care less either way. Was Chris the guy you were talking about from Carrier? How many guys did he say Carrier had?

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Man I hate this phone. It should have said pissing lol

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[MechanicallyInclined]

Here's to add more confusion. I just read the Orlando Local agreement, it calls us "Mechanical Equipment Service and Maintenance Journeyman". The scale is under $26/hr! What's up with this? Any info please do tell.

[RCAVH]

I worked for Del-Air and ARS when I lived in Orlando. Would not recommend working for either. Def. try Trane,JCI, OR Carrier. I was only in Orlando for 4 years before I moved back to New York and went Local 638. Good luck with your search.

[smokies]

Not sure what exactly the issue is, but as far as Tampa versus Orlando - the hourly pay in Orlando is less - mid 20's with different bennies. Tampa is more with different bennies. No idea about Miami as I try to stay away from there. Orlando market is tough. Mainly only the bigger companies are union - Carrier, JCI, etc. Trane is not since the 90's. The largest contractor is a private mechanical.

I've been a part of the Orlando UA for many years and have never been out of work and raised a family on the wages with no problem.