For some techs, HVAC was the family business. For Marcio Butler (@butlerstouch.hvac), it started with watching it on YouTube.
“I knew college wasn’t really for me, and I was always looking into the trades,” Marcio recalls. “I started watching YouTube videos first of HVAC Guy and also AC Service Tech and Love2HVAC. I just liked what I was seeing. I felt like that was for me.”
Those videos led him to Lincoln Tech, where he earned his certifications and EPA license, and kicked off what is now going on four years in the trade.
Learning by Doing and Not Stopping
Even after just a short chat about his typical day, it was clear that Marcio isn’t the type to just go through the motions. Every call is a chance to learn something new and get better at the trade.
“I check systems on maintenance calls as if I’m on a service call,” he says. “That way I know what the pressures should look like, what the voltages should be. Then, when I get a real service call, I know what to look for.”
That mindset has paid off, this year he tackled his first solo compressor replacement, an evaporator coil install, and more brazing work than ever before.
“I really picked up a lot of big jobs this year. I wanted to get more experience, so I went after it.”
He also credits his growth to the team at Glenmont Heating & Air Conditioning, where training and continuing education happens on a regular basis.
With that mindset, it’s clear he knows the value of every job and the importance of doing it right with the right products.
His Viper Go-To
Like a lot of other techs, Marcio’s first Viper experience was with the aerosol coil cleaner.
“The aerosols were just convenient. You don’t have to mix chemicals. I heard a lot of stories about people burning their skin or eyes with some of the other cleaners out there, so I was like, I’m going to buy Viper, it’s the safer one.”
When asked which product he’d recommend, he kept it simple:
“Honestly, all of them. They’re safe, they’re convenient. I like that they are safe to use even in residential kitchens.”
Products can make the job easier, but it’s Marcio’s drive to keep learning that keeps him moving forward.
Learning More is Essential
Between regular training, watching YouTube videos and sharing work on Instagram, he still thinks it’s important to remind people that he’s still figuring things out like everyone else.
“People see my posts and think I know everything, like I’m an HVAC god,” he laughs. “But there are days when I struggle too. There are times I don’t know something or have a hard time figuring it out. I’m still learning too.”
That honesty makes his content relatable and encouraging for other techs who might feel like they’re the only ones still figuring things out.
Not Settling, Always Growing
One of Marcio’s biggest leaps came when he decided he didn’t want to stay stuck doing only maintenance calls.
“My first company just kept me as a maintenance tech, and I didn’t want to only do that,” he explains. “When I got to Glenmont, that’s when I started doing a lot more service. I’d tell anyone starting out, don’t let a company hold you back. Keep grinding, keep working, and someone will see your effort.”
That determination to keep moving forward is still what drives him today.
“Even if I don’t know something, I’m going to figure it out. I just want to keep growing, keep getting better, and take advantage of every opportunity.”
Feeling Like a Superhero
When asked about his favorite part of the HVAC world, his answer makes it clear he’s in it for more than just the work.
“Customers look at you like a superhero when you fix the AC on a hot day. You just see them smile all big, it’s the best feeling.”
Tips for the Other Techs
Marcio knows there’s someone out there watching HVAC YouTube videos, just like he once did, so his advice:
“If you see the opportunity, take it. Don’t be afraid to go after more because that’s how you grow.”
We’re happy to celebrate a dedicated tech like Marcio Butler who is putting in the work as our Tech of the Month.