Mike Sheppard

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

MS: I have been in the industry since June 18, 2007. Started with cleaning boilers, now supervising service, repair, and installation of boilers, burners, water heaters, and all kinds of other equipment - commercial and industrial.

What drew you into the industry?

MS: Originally, it was something to do for the summer between high school and college. But it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the industry. I decided to stay in the industry full-time. It is more of a hobby for me now — fixing and installing boilers, commissioning burners and growing a successful team! Ever since I was young, I was into technical and mechanical things, and this industry aligns very well with that. Also making big fires inside of boilers is pretty fun.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

MS: There are so many things — bringing new boilers to life, satisfied customers, progressing through my career, learning and growing, etc. I think the most rewarding right now would be teaching, watching my team grow and being able to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need. It has been extremely satisfying seeing some of them fall in love with the industry as I have.

What motivates you every day?

MS: Work is more of a hobby for me than it is work. I like making things happen, providing a high level of service, and being able to help others grow and succeed. Knowing that we are going out and doing great work and making a difference is very motivating. I like to think we are setting the bar extremely high every day.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

MS: I wish more people knew how lucrative and rewarding the trades are. We need more people in the industry.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

MS: The first thing that comes to mind is winning the Daikin Unsung Hero MVP award last year. I haven’t been with the company for very long, but they gave me an award that thousands of others could have won. It made me feel like I was doing a good job and was making an impact. Next is definitely watching my team succeed — especially when customers reach out to let me know how good of a job someone did; it makes me very proud.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

MS: Oh boy, I am not sure! I mountain bike a lot and play guitar. I used to hate reading books and manuals — now most of my time is spent reading books and manuals. I didn’t finish college, but I wish I had the time to now — mechanical engineering and physics. I grew my beard when I was younger so I would look older — I had been turned away more than once because a customer said I was too young to work on their equipment.