Wisdom Of Wrench Podcast

How This HVAC Tech Earns $300,000 a Year (Without a 4-Year Degree)

Jan 5, 2026
David Urrutia, a high-performing HVAC technician at Service Champions, shares his remarkable journey from a shy bartender to earning $300,000 a year without a four-year degree. He reveals the essential role of technical competence and effective communication in building trust with clients. David outlines a structured approach to maintenance calls and emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs. With a blend of genuine service and strategic lead management, he demonstrates how dedication can lead to extraordinary success in the HVAC industry.
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INSIGHT

Communicate Technical Knowledge Clearly

  • Technical knowledge is useless unless you can clearly relay it to the client.
  • David emphasizes translating technical competence into client decisions to deliver value.
ANECDOTE

Shyness Broken By A Student Council Moment

  • David was shy as a child and broke out of it after leading a school activity for student council.
  • That early moment launched his confidence in public communication and later work roles.
ADVICE

Learn By Doing And Embrace Mistakes

  • Don't be afraid to make mistakes and never repeat the same mistake twice.
  • Learn by doing repairs, ask for help, and watch visual resources like YouTube when needed.
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