In this episode of Commercial Grade, host RC Victorino sits down with Curtis Perry Jr., an HVAC Service Technician, last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner, for a conversation about service, leadership, and what it really takes to grow in the trades.

Curtis shares how his path started with trade electives in high school, then took shape after a message at church inspired him to learn something hands-on. He initially considered appliance repair, but once he got exposure to HVAC, it clicked—and he’s been building his career ever since.

RC and Curtis talk about the realities of learning in the field, including the challenge of on-the-job training when certain equipment only shows up once in a while. Curtis explains why experience under pressure matters, how repetition builds confidence, and how he developed into a service team lead who helps bridge the gap between technicians and the office.

They also dig into what leadership really means in the trades: being available, caring about your people, investing in training, and helping others improve instead of just expecting results. Curtis explains why “above and beyond” service means going deeper than surface-level checks—it means doing the thorough diagnostic work, understanding the full problem, and earning trust with customers and coworkers alike.

The conversation also explores how the industry can attract more young people through career fairs, social media, and jobsite exposure, along with why the trades aren’t for everyone—and why honesty matters. Curtis also challenges old assumptions about trade careers, especially when it comes to pay, growth, and long-term opportunity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How Curtis found his path into HVAC
• Why hands-on training matters more than theory alone
• The learning gaps that come with real field experience
• What great leadership looks like in service work
• Why “above and beyond” starts with better diagnostics
• How to attract more young people to the trades
• What people still get wrong about HVAC careers

Episode Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome and guest intro
(00:52) Curtis’s trade origin story
(02:41) Why HVAC won out
(05:55) Learning on the job
(08:52) Becoming a service team lead
(10:52) Defining great leadership
(13:24) The Above and Beyond Award
(17:44) Service mindset and caring for people
(19:00) Attracting new talent to the trades
(23:29) The reality of the work
(27:03) Lightning round
(32:39) Final thoughts and wrap

About the Guest:
Curtis Perry Jr. is an HVAC professional and service team lead based in Columbia, South Carolina. Recognized as last year’s Above and Beyond Award winner by his emplyer, Curtis is known for his commitment to doing the job right, supporting fellow technicians, and leading with care. His career began with trade electives in high school and has grown through hands-on experience, technical development, and a strong service mindset. Today, he helps bridge the gap between the field and the office while mentoring others and advocating for more young people to explore the opportunities available in the trades.

Links & Resources:

• Curtis Perry Jr. on LinkedIn

• RC Victorino on LinkedIn

• Learn more at BuildOps.com

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Building HVAC Leaders: Curtis Perry Jr. on Service, Training, and the Trades