Reply to Thread

Originally Posted by replyhvac

Hello fellow dreamers. Thinking about Florida? Well, think again. This is the winter home of "carnival workers". What does that tell you? I will tell you. Granted, this is only an opinion, so judge for yourself. (legal disclaimer).
The following opinion may not be totally accurate (although I think it is), so with that in mind, keep an open mind.
Want to relocate to the land of sunshine. A better description would be, the land of dumb-shines. This is the land of hillbillies, stupidity, and just plain ignorance.
Want to grab a service job? No problem. Can you say everyone of your co-worker's is a lazy mutha-f----r. The native language down her is NASCAR. The highest educational credential down here seems to be a G.E.D. Sure, you can have a job. How about getting payed in peanuts? They learned that from Georgia, home of Jimmy Carter (another loser), who farmed peanuts across the border. Just wait until they present you with your service van. Never mind that it's all f----, up and dirty with leftover bull**** from the most recent inbred that they had on the payroll. This is Florida, please smile. Oh, and yes, we don't know anything about laptops and software. We only deal in lap dances and "hard-on's". Can you say BILLY BOB? We specialize in getting contracts from pizza parlors run by greasy mafia types who came down her from New Jersey or bull**** malls that cater to Britney Spears types. That's why we advertise for "industrial technicians". You have to be "industrial", to put up with this nonsense. Oh never mind, too much negative vibes. This is Florida. Enjoy the pollen burning your eyes out. Enjoy the West Nile Virus. Enjoy the long list of criminals on the Sheriff's website (coming to a neighborhood near you).
But hey, why forfeit making anywhere from $2.00 bucks an hour (for a basic slave) up to $20.00 an hour for a full fledged Master Ass Kisser (leftover from the Civil War).
Don't you just love it BOSS? Freedom of speech in full bloom. Well, maybe. Depends on you.
Anyway, drop me a note on this website if YOU WANT THE TRUTH.

sounds like somebody has a broken compass and it told the msouth was north lmao

i am sure glad you didn't get impatient and trun left on I-40 and head into here

there is enough already lol

guess freedom of speech is a two way street

Originally Posted by -459FZPE

Ya that is close to being the crappiest thing I've ever seen around here, makes for a very fun compressor change out

hmmmm the guy who decided on that must have a relative in new york that does the same thing.....

Originally Posted by cg2

WSHPs in the ceiling??what geniuses

Ya that is close to being the crappiest thing I've ever seen around here, makes for a very fun compressor change out

Originally Posted by webea/c

Exactly. I want to here new ideas, just don't insist on the "Northern Way" and we'll get along great. Coming to Tampa area?

Check with me.

Florida diffinately needs talent, but not the criticism.

Having spoken to a major flight school a few years ago that wanted me to teach avaition to bright young faces, I can tell you this:

Florida needs to offer some wages that are above the 1975 level. You want talent? Pay for it.

Originally Posted by philscott

.

I have been out of service business and in the consulting engineering business from 1987 to 1998... and apparently the HVAC service technician quality has tanked completely in many areas. I was posting an HVAC news group a while back. Mostly residential guys. I wont comment. Some were bright on some issues though.

I can tell you for sure that quality coming out of american engineering offices would blow your mind...too many storys to tell. Just totally south in the 80 to 90% range. People with no clue. A 5% competency rate from my perspective. 40% able to issue something that a contractor could at least build into something workable...and fully 50% producing nothing less than complete disasters.. the contractors re-engineer the job after they get it.

On the HVACR trade this is a union shop area, SF Calif, 80% on anything good sized. they have some training programs.
I see no shortage of disasters coming from many operating 'engineers'... but most of the constuction union guys you run into will not screw up totally, and if they do, it will be done neatly...and everyone shows up.


When I was in Dallas Tx at Texas instruments engineering electronics fabs and running the projects I found a very high competency rate among virtually everyone that contracted work on the site... the last of that was in 1998.

Florida sounds like an exception...but somehow, with negative tax incentives for working hard these days, and the baby boomers starting to retire...I suspect this disaster will spread.

If thats right, could I get a few guess on the spread rate, and a prognosis on what will result.

I am interested that with service so bad in florida that some company doesn't just do it right at a much higher rate. Offer fast service and 100% warranties or whatever.

Why is that strategy not being tried... or why is the tactic failing in florida? Are the strip malls and hookers all broke or something?

Is it a third world demographic taking the whole place down? If that the case, the problem will spread fast as illegals start filling spots vacated by those retiring.

A person will have to structure for that unless he wants to compete at the 15 dollar an hour level.


Phil Scott

Glad someone bumped this thread.Priceless. I gotta agree that its the engineers ruining this trade. those Mfers otta have to come and service some of this s##t. WSHPs in the ceiling??what geniuses

Originally Posted by -459FZPE

Wow I think you just about nailed it..!

LOL..

Wow I think you just about nailed it..!

Originally Posted by ifshrkng

I am an experianced hvac- refrigeration Tech. I have Fifteen years experiance and am still young enogh to lift and haul. I am currently in the fernandina and jacksonville area for the week. I would like to interview with any interested employers. I am here house searching for the week to relocate in the area. I hear there is a lot of work. I mailed resumes out before i came down im still looking for the companies with all the work. Thanks, all inquires welcome

Joel Schlossberg
Cell 732-684-6512
Fla. 904-491-8002
Primary Phone: 732-714-1980
Email: ifshrkng@aol.com

Objective:
To obtain a position as an Air Conditioning/ Heating/Refrigeration Mechanic.

Employment History:

Employer: Hamer Refrigeration. Title: Service Manager/ Technician
Location: Brick, NJ Duration: 10/2000 - Present
Job Duties: Supervised shop and field crews analyzed customer needs, calculated costs, man hours and customer pricing, counseled customers on sales of equipment and systems, designed layout, adapted units as needed. Installed systems, programmed systems, explained use to customers. Organized work orders and installation teams, supervised work crews, managed repair shop, assisted owner in administration of business, trouble shooting and repair of all installed systems.
Installed Draft Beer Systems.

Employer: Petro, Inc. Title: HVAC Technician
Location: Lakewood, NJ Duration: 03/1995 - 10/2000
Job Duties: Fuel oil and gas fired furnace maintenance and repair. Worked with hydronics, low pressure steam, air conditioning, small plumbing repair, system shutdown and activation, preventive maintenance, problem solving and consulting.

Employer: Long Branch Ice and Fuel Title: HVAC Technician
Location: Long Branch, NJ Duration: 01/1992 - 03/1995
Job Duties: Trouble shooting, preventive maintenance and installation of HVAC equipment.

Education:

Major: Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Degree: Vocational Apprenticeship
School: Ocean County Vocational Technical School Completion Date: 05/2001
Location: NJ

Major: Basic Electricity and Electronics Degree: US Navy "A" School
School: United States Navy
Location: IL

Skills and Abilities:

Conducted Inventory Control, Cash Control, scheduling, Line installation, Installation of Heating and Cooling Units, Reading Schematics and Ladder Logic, Small Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Loss Prevention, Parts Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving, Warehouse Operations, Hiring and Firing, Team Supervision, Line Voltage Testing, Rough and Final Installations of All Types of Equipment, Control Systems, Relays, Gas Valves, Pneumatic and Hydronic Systems, Low Pressure Steam, Hydro Air, Light Plumbing, Brazing Fuel Oil Systems, Duct Work, Humidification/Filtration, Ice Machines, Refrigerant Recovery, VAV Box. Scheduled PMS.

[Edited by ifshrkng on 04-17-2004 at 07:23 AM]

Contact Howard services, they are always looking for guys.

Originally Posted by gsxrsquid

Apparently the health department only inspects ice machine in the big hotels because I've seen more slime here than on ghost busters. In Cal I never had slime. mineral build up but not the snot I see al the time. "Naw I don;t wanna pay to get it cleaned just get it makin ice"

Thats why I never get ice in my drinks, unless I'm the one that has worked on the ice machine.

I can relate to that tirade. I'm a southern Californa guy that ended up in Florida panhandle. biggest mistake I ever made. I have to admit in general folks are more laid back but I sure miss women with teeth.

I used to camp in the desert in the summer and never bothered me but the humidity here is brutal. and every fricken thing that flies or crawls is a meat eater. skeeters, chiggers, fire ants gnats, black flies deer flies yellow flies etc.

Winter isn't bad at all in the panhandle. I did find a different work ethic thatn I was used to. Well actually not much of a work ethic. the good ol boy system is alive and well. If you ain't one of the good ol boys (doctor snapping on the glove) then you are the patient getting it shoved up the keester.

wages are terrible. don't tell me about not having state income tax. The contractors charge pretty much the same as socal did but they paid 1/3 to 1/2 for labor. and you get what you pay for.
Apparently the health department only inspects ice machine in the big hotels because I've seen more slime here than on ghost busters. In Cal I never had slime. mineral build up but not the snot I see al the time. "Naw I don;t wanna pay to get it cleaned just get it makin ice"

The installs I have seen here are un freakin believable. Getting back to SoCal is gonna be tough cause no one wants to answer a resume 2300 miles away even though I am willing to travel on my own dime to interview for a decent job.

I'm going to have to break down and start posting pics on the wall of shame.

Originally posted by miami mike
Damn, now I know why my boss loves me.

I got a brand new van after 90 days(247 miles on it)

I get sent to more training classes than you would believe.

Each truck in our fleet is equiped with an H-10,digital charging scale,seven differant refrigerants,recovery machine and cylinder,spare oxy and ace..etc

With spares at the shop in case you break one.

Trane stocks our parts warehouse so its always organized and has plenty of everything.

We get profit sharing, health insurance,tool account and free tool replacement.(if broken on company time)

Our Current commercial accounts include: Hooters,BurgerKing,Mcdonalds,Outback Steakhouse,Lonestar Steakhouse,Miami Subs,Applebees......etc

We charge $89 an hour.

We run most of Carrier`s 10 yr P&L`s in our county.

And we are a Florida company.


"Pollen burning your eyes"...........YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!


With an attitude like that you would not make it to "lunch break".


I lived in Michigan for 21 yrs,been down here six.

I can honestly say moving down here was the best decision Ive ever made.


Period.

Id like to talk to you more,sounds like a good Company,Although I dont get to many of the business that you mentioned ,I am mostly Downtown Chicago,we take care of about 1000 buildings from Boilers to Chillers to Small split system install..take care.Dennis

There are a**holes everywhere.
Florida is no different.
Most of the people down here are transplants from somewhere else.
There are good jobs here, and good people.
Just like anywhere else you just have to look around and find them.
Good luck in your search.

Trapped in Florida

First of all I live in michigan and I have been in Florida and found the people to no differant than here. Infact in most cases have found southren people more pleasent to be around,not as up tight as northeners Although I did run into a situation I simply did not see comming from somebody in Naples. This gentleman called me to see if I would be intrested in working for him and after a few long conversations I agreeded to make the trip to Florida at my own expence,he said he would have to confirm with his brother and would call me back he called me back WELCOME ABOARD 15 dollars an hour to start the van cell phone.ETC.
and my brother has a friend in real estate setting you up with an apartment.So I talked to the wife she said go for it when you get set up I'll come down so I took what money I could get together and left for Florida. After breaking down and stopping to see my sister I arrived to find this gentleman on vacation and his brother telling me I never agreeded to hire you just to interview you and there was no apartment. I stood there in total shock and just about broke simply could'nt think stright. How was I going to get home this ******* had the nerve to say to me no biggie stick around I'm sure you can find a job. where was I going to sleep or shower for that matter. I guess my point is that there are jerks all over the place there is nothing you can do about them just don't let it change who you are or the commitment you made to your self to be the best you can be.As I'm typing this thread I'm finding graditude in the fact that I was able to repair my van and get home.I would still move to Florida and still have the commitment to myself and whom ever I worked for except this time it's money up front.

Resume

To Boss,

I have found the position i was searching for in Florida. I would like to withdraw my resume from the job search section under the thread topic a word to the wise about florida.

Thank You.

Tampa is a great place. One of the best on Florida's west side. Been to McDill AFB a few times.

Originally posted by Spidy
I'm moving south real soon and I am from michigan however it sounds like I wont be to well recieved down there............... so much for southern hospitality.....


I would never impose a so called "northern philospy" on anyone...

Exactly. I want to here new ideas, just don't insist on the "Northern Way" and we'll get along great. Coming to Tampa area?

Check with me.

Florida diffinately needs talent, but not the criticism.

Sounds like you are in the panhandle experiencing "culture shock".
I lived in New Jersey (not by choice) for six years so I experienced it at a different level than you (I am from Pensacola). There are some very well educated hard working people in that area my step dad has a Ph.D. for example.
There are some rednecks that have habits that are annoying, but if you get to know them a little you might understand. It is hard to break out of the mold in which you are cast. If everyone before you did it that way you fall into it too.
If I was in your situation I would start a business myself and put the other guys you are complaining about out of business. I will probably never go back there for several reasons. I do understand your frustration it is just a different culture and takes a while to get used to.
If you don’t like your situation change it!

Seeking work in florida

I am an experianced hvac- refrigeration Tech. I have Fifteen years experiance and am still young enogh to lift and haul. I am currently in the fernandina and jacksonville area for the week. I would like to interview with any interested employers. I am here house searching for the week to relocate in the area. I hear there is a lot of work. I mailed resumes out before i came down im still looking for the companies with all the work. Thanks, all inquires welcome

Joel Schlossberg
Cell 732-684-6512
Fla. 904-491-8002
Primary Phone: 732-714-1980
Email: ifshrkng@aol.com

Objective:
To obtain a position as an Air Conditioning/ Heating/Refrigeration Mechanic.

Employment History:

Employer: Hamer Refrigeration. Title: Service Manager/ Technician
Location: Brick, NJ Duration: 10/2000 - Present
Job Duties: Supervised shop and field crews analyzed customer needs, calculated costs, man hours and customer pricing, counseled customers on sales of equipment and systems, designed layout, adapted units as needed. Installed systems, programmed systems, explained use to customers. Organized work orders and installation teams, supervised work crews, managed repair shop, assisted owner in administration of business, trouble shooting and repair of all installed systems.
Installed Draft Beer Systems.

Employer: Petro, Inc. Title: HVAC Technician
Location: Lakewood, NJ Duration: 03/1995 - 10/2000
Job Duties: Fuel oil and gas fired furnace maintenance and repair. Worked with hydronics, low pressure steam, air conditioning, small plumbing repair, system shutdown and activation, preventive maintenance, problem solving and consulting.

Employer: Long Branch Ice and Fuel Title: HVAC Technician
Location: Long Branch, NJ Duration: 01/1992 - 03/1995
Job Duties: Trouble shooting, preventive maintenance and installation of HVAC equipment.

Education:

Major: Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Degree: Vocational Apprenticeship
School: Ocean County Vocational Technical School Completion Date: 05/2001
Location: NJ

Major: Basic Electricity and Electronics Degree: US Navy "A" School
School: United States Navy
Location: IL

Skills and Abilities:

Conducted Inventory Control, Cash Control, scheduling, Line installation, Installation of Heating and Cooling Units, Reading Schematics and Ladder Logic, Small Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Loss Prevention, Parts Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving, Warehouse Operations, Hiring and Firing, Team Supervision, Line Voltage Testing, Rough and Final Installations of All Types of Equipment, Control Systems, Relays, Gas Valves, Pneumatic and Hydronic Systems, Low Pressure Steam, Hydro Air, Light Plumbing, Brazing Fuel Oil Systems, Duct Work, Humidification/Filtration, Ice Machines, Refrigerant Recovery, VAV Box. Scheduled PMS.

[Edited by ifshrkng on 04-17-2004 at 07:23 AM]

Originally posted by James 3528

Originally posted by Spidy
I'm moving south real soon and I am from michigan however it sounds like I wont be to well recieved down there............... so much for southern hospitality.....


I would never impose a so called "northern philospy" on anyone...

Comon now....it's genetic.

James your haterd for northerners and michiganders in praticuler leads me to beleave you were hurt by someone from michigan.

I feel your pain and it's ok, let it out, tell us about it, get it off your chest you'll feel better!

I am not angry at your misplaced dislike for all people that live where the intelligence and politness is important(the north)Please know I forgive you and it's ok to love again.

Your friend from the north

SPIDY

Originally posted by Spidy
I'm moving south real soon and I am from michigan however it sounds like I wont be to well recieved down there............... so much for southern hospitality.....


I would never impose a so called "northern philospy" on anyone...

Comon now....it's genetic.