Marcus Witt has a very interesting email address. I was curious; so when I contacted him for the interview, my first question was, “What does “zyromeister” stand for?” He said, “That was the email I used when I was a graphic designer. I was in a group of other graphic designers called Zyro. I always liked the name.”
Marcus tried a lot of different hats before landing in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) program. Besides graphic design, where he made logos for YouTube apps and advertisements, he was a landscape designer for four years. He was not averse to more bluecollar jobs either; he tried being an electrician, a plumber, a welder. But now, as he says, he walks around feeling a little more like he has purpose. He discovered his potential for and competence in a field he knew little about. He completed the HVAC-R program with high scores. In taking a chance, he has discovered something that he excels in, challenges him and allows him to work independently in a supportive community. This is his story.
How did you come upon HVAC-R?
I was working in an electrical company and talking to the owner one day about work. He said at one time he applied and studied for an HVAC-R certification but he never finished it; and he regretted it to this day. That story made a big impression on me.
How did you find SJVC Bakersfield?
It was a blessing from the Lord himself! I prayed and asked to get an interview. And I got it.
What was it like?
It’s really challenging and super competitive. I was ready to take it on, but it was hard for me because I always thought I wasn’t very good at math. I took it very seriously, though, and tested myself to try to learn everything I could.
What was your favorite thing about school?
Definitely the two teachers I had: Mr. Greer and Mr. Bernal. Mr. Greer really took his time explaining everything and I related to the way he described things. He’s done it for forty something years; he’s just a great person to look up to. I could connect to him because it also took him a while to get into HVAC-R; he was welding in oil fields and got laid off when he was 28. Now he’s teaching with his own business. Mr. Bernal teaches the more in-depth hands-on portion of the class. Both are relatable teachers and super professional.
What did you find challenging?
The EPA 608 certification was a hard test: there were 25 super specific questions each with many different formulas you had to remember, which I was able to remember even though the math was hard.
What do you think you’ll be doing in five years?
I really like working at Stockdale Aire. It’s a great company and all the guys fit in with each other well. I get to use everything school taught me. I’ve got my own van now and have been doing jobs by myself for about three months. We use an app that schedules calls during the day. You come in at 7:30 so you know at the beginning of the morning what calls there are that day. We also service emergency HVAC-R calls. The day is over around 5pm.
What’s the best advice you could give a student who wants to complete the HVAC-R program?
I would say if you want to study for the HVAC-R program, be fully there without any distractions. Learn how to take notes; you’ll want to read them over and over again. Just really devote your attention to the people who are teaching because they’ve been out there and done it. They deserve your full attention. And pay attention to detail! And always use your common sense.
