I thought of the stories he told about different customers and how they mistreated their HVAC system and blamed the manufacturer or the HVAC company.
My uncle was one of the best HVAC technicians in the city. He was also the fatherly type who wanted all of his customers, especially the younger ones, to understand why taking care of your HVAC equipment was so important. Being his niece, I didn’t mind him talking to me and telling me what was important, but I was sure his clients didn’t appreciate his unsolicited advice. I started talking to some of my friends who also used my uncle as their HVAC techs. Everyone I talked to absolutely loved him. They said he was the most amazing HVAC tech, and he also made them feel comfortable. My best friend said she felt like he was part of the family instead of working for them. I was talking to my uncle the next day and asked what made everyone look at him as something more than a HVAC technician. He shrugged and told me he didn’t think he did anything different. When they questioned why they should take care of their heating and air conditioning, he said he answered them. I thought of the stories he told about different customers and how they mistreated their HVAC system and blamed the manufacturer or the HVAC company. I realized that by just being himself, my uncle did his job and endeared everyone to him. I paid more attention to his stories, and I realized there was a lesson to be learned from every one of them. I learned how to change an air filter, and what to do in case of an emergency. Why did it take me listening to my friends and neighbors to find out how great an HVAC tech and uncle he was?