Employee Spotlight! Bill O'Callaghan

January has been a frigid, snowy (and now melty) month when it comes to the weather, so we thought that there was no better time to highlight our HVAC Install Manager, Bill O'Callaghan! If you didn't know we have an HVAC department, meet Bill: he's the perfect example of our friendly, knowledgable service department. While he's now a pro at everything from water heater installation to central air installs, he started off the way many at Abt do: it was a family affair. "It was always a household name. My Dad liked shopping at Abt for TVs and audio equipment since I was a kid."

Bill has been working in HVAC at Abt for a little over 8 years. He started here as a helper, moved into the role of Lead Installer after a short while, and spent 7 years in the field helping people keep their homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. He recently moved into his new office as the HVAC Install Manager, and we couldn't be happier for him.

When asked how he began his position at Abt, Bill said "A friend of mine here at Abt got me into the HVAC field." But you need more than a recommendation to handle these kinds of jobs. Heating, ventilation and air quality is no joke, and each job requires a careful eye. That's why you need to complete a specialized HVAC trade program, as well as EPA certification. Bill mentioned that NATE certification, or North American Technical Excellence, is a big plus for anyone looking to go into the field as well.

Bill gave us his best tips on how to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures. "Make sure you have a clean furnace filter in place, and fresh batteries in a battery-operated thermostat. Making sure that your furnace has had maintenance prior to heating season will help keep you out of trouble, too." He had a great idea to help with insulation as well. "Checking for and sealing up drafty windows will also help a lot." We suggest checking for drafts beneath doors. If you're home at night and don't have time to run out and pick up foam insulation for drafts, rolled or folded towels against the door's base should help you get through the evening!

When asked what some of his favorite Abt memories were, Bill surprisingly mentioned the busy season. "Summers are very busy and get pretty hectic for us in HVAC. For the past few years, we've had a group paintball outing to kick off the summer rush, and a group picnic at the end of summer to get together and have some fun. Those are always good times." While those sound like a lot of fun, sometimes it's the smaller everyday moments that matter. What Bill truly loves about Abt? "Being in a position that allows me to help others." This year, the HVAC Install Manager is looking forward to doing his help to grow the HVAC department more than ever before. Bill and his team are going to be big in 2024, and we can't wait to see what they can do. Looking for a new position on a team that values every member? Check out our open HVAC Installer position at jobs.abt.com.

Lastly, Bill O'Callaghan is a new father! We'd like to wish him and his family congratulations, and to celebrate his new baby who just turned three months old. Congratulations to our Employee Spotlight: his department can only grow and succeed from here! To learn more about HVAC installation and repairs at Abt, check out our HVAC services and take a look at some of our products like water heaters, central cooling and heating and more.