Christian is Westland Heating & Air Conditioning’s newly promoted Comfort Consultant. Christian has been in the HVAC Industry since 1999. Christian was born and raised in Avon where he attended school through graduation. Christian lettered in Football and Basketball and continues to use the lessons he learned on the field and the court at home and in his career.
Here is Christian’s first-hand account of his experience in the HVAC Industry:
I started in the field as a helper, just an extra set of hands and a gopher (go get this or go get that). I learned right away that this business is not always a 9-5 day and sometimes a day could be 16 or more hours. I worked in many different capacities in all the years I’ve been with Westland; from helper to foreman in the install department, maintenance tech to lead service tech on equipment that’s more expensive than a lakefront mansion. Every day was different and an opportunity to learn something new, or teach something new to an up-and-coming tech. Our industry was changing when I entered it and hasn’t stopped to this day. It’s that reason that I really enjoy what I do and feel as though I was very lucky to start my career at Westland. I’ve been a part of many projects at Westland that I’ve said, “Nobody else could do this”. I’m thankful that Jeff Mitchell (the original owner) was the one who hired me and helped me along the way as I worked into different areas within the company. His tireless work ethic and endless knowledge of the industry showed me what it took to be successful in this business. He is still involved in the business as our Service manager, and is has been an incredible resource to me as I move into the Comfort Consultant role. To put it simply, Jeff is Westland’s Siri and Google rolled into one.
As I transition into my new role at Westland, I want to educate our clients and potential clients on proper system operation and help them understand their systems. There are many different options that range from simple Wi-Fi thermostats and efficiency systems, to the filters that will make your home “pet hair free” or “reduce your sick time”. Some of these options sound great, but can actually reduce system performance or eventually lead to costly repairs. Most homeowners are unaware of the products and services that can increase system performance or make their home more comfortable. I feel that my real life experience in the field, and time spent performing projects our clients are looking to have done, provides an assurance to the homeowner that they are in good hands with Westland.
My time away from work is spent with my family, my wife Kristina and our three kids, Madison, Seth and Fynnley; and our dogs Remington and Cole. Kristina has been the most important person in my career. She sacrifices a lot so I can put the time and energy into my work. Our two oldest, Maddie (16) and Seth (13), were the driving force in making HVAC a career and not just a job. Providing for them and giving them a solid foundation was and is one of my top priorities. Our youngest, Fynnley (22 months) gives me energy to keep advancing within the industry and learning every day. With the varying ages, our family is in constant motion and always going different directions. My favorite days are the ones we all are able to sit down together and eat dinner as a family. We enjoy camping and the outdoors together, whether it’s walking the dogs or a family game of horse. My son and I enjoy fishing and taking turns beating each other in intense games of basketball.
