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50 years in the gas industry

Tim McElwain
Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
and for some reason I am getting sold down the river.



Just a warning there are a lot of people all of a sudden who seem to be experts on servicing gas systems and are finding themselves a market for selling their training services. I would be very careful.



It also seems in this transition time from oil over to gas it would be best to get training from those who have some experience in the gas industry. I understand times are tough and folks are finding them selves unable to survive in their past trade. So they are all of a sudden in the gas training business.



When I worked with Honeywell I also taught oil controls and would not have any trouble doing it. I however honored those from the oil side who did that training and never went into competition with them and always encouraged folks to attend their training. What a fool I have been!



Sorry for the rant maybe Dan will move it into the rant area.

Comments

  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    Tim...

    I bet I've learned more about natural gas by reading a few of your books, and most of your posts here, than from anyone out in the field. This industry will always have guys with "fluffy experience". Nothing will change that. But, all of the compliments I get from customers are regarding the way that I present myself in a straight-forward and educated manner. Those "overnight experts" will always have an audience...until the audience gets smart to it. The top techs in the business aren't going anywhere. They just might be spread out a little more than what's comfortable for us.
  • Jean-David Beyer
    Jean-David Beyer Member Posts: 2,666
    The top techs in the business aren't going anywhere.

    I am afraid the top techs are going somewhere. Eventually they will retire, and unless those coming up after them are properly trained, things will go to the everlasting tropics (as Mark Twain called it) like radio and TV repaimen, appliance repairmen, automobile mechanics, and people who have and know how to operate combustion analyzers.



    Why, if there is so much progress, is there so little improvement?
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    Well

    I agree that the good guys are fading away, but can never be completely run out. We're not in the-age-of-robots yet, and we'll always need educated technicians making the important decisions, because there might be a lack of solutions, but there won't ever be a lack of problems. And problems don't heat your house.
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,367
    Why So Little Improvement?

    Follow the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ trail.
    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • HDE
    HDE Member Posts: 225
    Noticed

    I have to agree they seem to be multiplying with their new shingles hung on the door. Some of them having at least furnace manufacturer credentials. But I gotta say their professional photos taken in a t-shirt on a boat doesn't promote their business well.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    I wouldn't

    take gas training from anyone else, Tim. You're the best.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Mark Eatherton
    Mark Eatherton Member Posts: 5,853
    If I may make some observations and suggestions....

    Tim, I hear what you are saying. I am seeing the exact same thing happening on the "Green" scene. Seems that every former construction manager is now an expert on wind, solar and energy conservation, and they are targeting all the stimulus monies floating around out there.



    Heck, it is even happening at the State Level. Colorado's Governors Energy Office lost over 50% of its good staff because they all went out on their own to capture some of the federal stimulus monies floating around out there (Cash for Caulkers). It's making it harder and harder to do business because not one of them really has any business experience, and hence have no idea as to what to charge, and are only looking to skim the cream off the top for as long as the cream will be floating, which I think is going to be short lived. But I digress...



    Tim, you are an excellent trainer instructor. With that said, you need some help in the "MARKETING" area. I think you also need to start training your replacement, so that when it comes time for you to step down from the podium, your "BUSINESS" will continue forward, generating revenue and great students/attendees.



    A smart cookie like yourself should get in touch with the closest community college that offers courses on marketing. THese classes are looking for real world examples where the students can put what they've learned to real world practices and see the net results. And don't forget to include internet connectivity/classes/sales and marketing in your new revised business plan. You and I are getting too old to learn new tricks, but these students can set it up so it is as simple as "Click and GO". A continuous flow of electrons and money, 24/7/365.



    There is no doubt in my mind that you have and or can get enough endorsements to fill a large phone book. You (WE) need to hire a young up and coming videography student to start filming your sessions so that you can start selling your courses on line in a pay per view manner, or by the CD.



    TImes, they are a changing, and as cost get higher, and control gets tighter, companies are looking for better and less expensive ways to address the needs of employee education. Step up to the electronic age and make it happen.



    You are without a doubt, one of the industries important treasures as it pertains to natural gas/controls training and education.



    I am thinking that a person with your smarts and talents could make it happen with minimal investment by using the existing talent pool available at the local community college level.



    Selling books via the USPS is becoming a thing of the past. TIme for a new web site that accepts credit cards and "MARKETS" your products and services 24/7. We MUST adapt, or technology will run us over. I know, you and I are old dogs, and teaching old dogs new tricks is tough to do, but there are a whole bunch of young bucks out there chomping at the bit to use what they've learned just to see their name up in lights at the bottom of the pages for credits.



    Use them to your advantage. Adapt and remain profitable, or get run over by the green horns.



    ME
    It's not so much a case of "You got what you paid for", as it is a matter of "You DIDN'T get what you DIDN'T pay for, and you're NOT going to get what you thought you were in the way of comfort". Borrowed from Heatboy.
  • Jason Quinn
    Jason Quinn Member Posts: 96
    I couldn't agree more...

    with you, Mark. Tim, I have purchased several manuals from you and am blown away by how much I have learned. I refer to them all the time.

    I have found it very challenging to try and arrange a week away to get to Rhode Island for live training. If you offered an online format or DVD of your training program.... I would be first on line. Not sure what it takes to make this happen, but I'm right there if/when you do it. Thanks for all you do.
  • MikeyB
    MikeyB Member Posts: 696
    Tims Training

    Im right on board with Jason, I own about 12 of Tims books, and would love to get to RI for a week of his training, but every year it gets harder & harder to find a week to get off between family & work obligations, a DVD set of his Training sessions would be worth its weight in gold to me.
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,540
    Mark

    Probably one of the most valuable post ever! And that's saying a lot in this forum!
    To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    Thanks to all of you for

    your very kind comments, they are truly appreciated.



    As to Marks suggestions; you are certainly right on with all of your suggestions. My son who is very involved in many of the areas that mark recommended has been after me for some time to change how I do business. He has two doctorates and has owned and operated five or six businesses which once they are up and running successfully he will sell or enter into a profit sharing agreement with new owners, So he certainly has the marketing and other skills. The problem is he is super busy.



    Like all of us to do what I have to do requires some capital for the investment. Recent attempts at that with local banks have been somewhat frustrating.



    I like the idea of the students who are looking to practice and learn by doing I will have to look into that.



    As for training someone to take over for me that has certainly been on my mind for some time. I watch young men who have come through my facility for training and make note of those who may have the skills I am looking for, I did have someone who had been my assistant when I worked at the gas company. He was very talented and had all the tools to be an educator. We had talked about him coming on board when he left the gas company. That never however came to pass as he died suddenly three years ago of a massive stroke. So the search goes on.



    I definitely hear all of you concerning the CD's. Paul Pollett had voiced that too me many years back. I was hoping to go that direction when I was working with Ric Murray at Biz to Biz TV. He was the producer of the HVACTV.com that Dan and myself along with many others appeared on under the sponsor ship of John White at TACO. It just never worked out and was also very expensive to do. I will work on it however.



    Again thank you very much for the wonderful comments. I did not post looking for those but they sure help. I have tried (not always successfully) to be all things to all men and to make friends not enemies but no matter how hard you try that does not always work. There still is no better way to live however.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Tim,

    who are you talking about?
    Retired and loving it.
  • Alan R. Mercurio_3
    Alan R. Mercurio_3 Member Posts: 1,620
    edited September 2011
    Re: 50 years in the gas industry

    Tim, One of the ways I would be willing to help is to help you set up a PayPal account and create an area on OTT from your page there, where folks can register and pay online for your classes and also purchase your books. I’m not looking for anything in return except your continued friendship. Lord knows you have already done so much for me and my site sharing your knowledge and your dear friendship.



    And then there’s the fact that I just love both you and Judy and would do anything for either of you!
    Your friend in the industry,



    Alan R. Mercurio



    www.oiltechtalk.com
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    Dan I would prefer

    not mentioning names if that is okay? I sent you a private e-mail which I hope answers any questions you have.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    Thanks Alan

    I really appreciate your offer and I will certainly take it into consideration



    I had a meeting tonight with my son and we are looking at several alternatives



    The real issue here is charlatans and thieves who are not qualified being hired by gas companies to do training because they charge less and promise to do what I do in a week of training in one day. Quote of the day "McElwain just likes to hear himself talk, if he stopped telling all the stories we could be done in one day".



    The gas companies among others do not honor the many years of service I have given them and promoted their product nationwide. The name of the game is sell product "GAS" and the customer be damned. If you could see some of the installations I am seeing and perfectly good equipment being removed as faulty and new equipment installed and not system acclimated. It is a nightmare. 



    This country is really going down hill and nobody seems to care as long as they get their $$$$$$$$$$
  • Alan R. Mercurio_3
    Alan R. Mercurio_3 Member Posts: 1,620
    Re: 50 years in the gas industry

    Tim, Their true colors will show in short order, they always do.

     

    "McElwain just likes to hear himself talk, if he stopped telling all the stories we could be done in one day".



    That’s funny, that’s not the feedback I’ve gotten from many of your students including my own technicians. I do however know of individuals that fit that bill, I’ll leave it that as most folks know who these individuals are.



    I wonder if any of these folks you are referring to think they can teach CETP without first meeting the necessary requirements and certification. I have a list provided by the propane association of qualified instructors I’ll have to review that and then I’d be happy to share those names of instructors that are recognized and those who are not.



    You just let me know what I can do for you, Tim. I’ll do all I can.
    Your friend in the industry,



    Alan R. Mercurio



    www.oiltechtalk.com
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,540
    Tim

    "The real issue here is charlatans and thieves who are not qualified

    being hired by gas companies to do training because they charge less and

    promise to do what I do in a week of training in one day. Quote of the

    day "McElwain just likes to hear himself talk, if he stopped telling all

    the stories we could be done in one day".





    Tim,don't waste time and energy on what others do or don't do, change what YOU have control over. Thank you for your help in the past and I'm sure this obstacle will be overcome as well
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