“HVAC Is Never Going Anywhere”
That’s how Henry Kneeland puts it — directly and without hesitation.
In Episode 3 of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino talks with Henry, a 20-year-old HVAC service technician at Carolina Chillers, about why he chose the trades, how he built a plan without a roadmap, and what it will take to bring more young people into the field.
Choosing Work That Fit
“All through middle school and high school, I didn’t love school. I didn’t like sitting down for extended periods of time being cooped up inside.”
Henry knew early that the traditional classroom wasn’t for him. When it came time to choose a path, he focused on his strengths.
“When you’re figuring out what you wanna do, you take what your skill sets are and things you’d love to do, and you try to apply that to jobs that are out there.”
HVAC stood out because of its range.
“I feel like it was a good mix. You get some electrical in there, you also get mechanical, a little bit of plumbing.”
Experience Over Credentials
Henry chose trade school and full-time work instead of college.
“I thought, okay, I’m going to attack this plan. I’m going to take nine classes at Greenville Tech. I’m going to work a full-time job.”
What mattered most wasn’t the certificate — it was the reps.
“Employers don’t care as much about your certifications… what you can actually do is really worth everything.”
Mentorship Makes the Difference
For Henry, mentorship changed everything.
Henry connected with another Commercial Grade guest, Vice President at Service Logic and host of Straight Outta Crumpton, Greg Crumpton, and through hands-on guidance and mindset coaching, Henry gained confidence fast.
“It’s just been a blessing to have someone walk me through things and really put me on the right path,” says Henry.
Why the Trades Matter Now
Henry believes the biggest problem isn’t interest — it’s exposure.
“If they’re not promoting it in school… that’s a lot harder for people.”
And the opportunity is real.
“If you value money, there’s great money in the trades.”
“If it’s job security, I guarantee you HVAC is never going anywhere.”
As for AI?
“AI is never gonna take your job, ever.”
Building What’s Next
Henry Kneeland’s path to a career in the trades shows what’s possible when young technicians are given responsibility, support, and a clear path.
As Henry says:
“The kids are out there. You just gotta find them and expose them to the trade.”
Listen to the Full Episode
Check out Commercial Grade on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Podcasts.
