Things are about to change

Dave0176

So I haven’t said anything to really anyone except really close friends and family. A big change has come in life, I decided to close DL Mechanical and for those of you who didn’t know I also worked full time for the United States Postal Service as a Building Equipment Mechanic since Oct 1995. It’s a big change, it’s almost like turning the page on the second part of your life, I started in USPS at 19 years old, it’s been a long journey. When I started I still lived at home and I come from a big Italian family, we had a three family house and my grand parents and aunts and uncles all lived there, there have all since passed and I do miss those times because we had a really big family and Christmas was just unbelievable, this is why the early part of the post office reminds me so much of. I’ve met many inspirational individuals in the PO who have me in the place I’m currently in. Unfortunately everyone knows the current situation the USPS is in, when I hired on we had 28 guys in the shop , we are now down to including me 6, it’s obvious these jobs are going away as the PO is abolishing all building maintenance. As for DL Mechanical, working two jobs really sucked, at first it wasn’t so bad but as my reputation grew as a steam guru I no longer had many weekends or evenings available to do anything. On top of that I consider myself a great mechanic, but a bad business man, I love helping people and sometimes it was just too much. It’s me it’s who I am. I did a lot of work for free. 2020 didn’t start really great business wise, I did very few jobs and when Covid hit it was at a standstill till almost June, we were left with no money, I got Covid in March and didnt retest negative until the end of May using All Sick and vacation leave from the post office including many weeks of leave without pay. Business has picked up greatly since June however PSE&G had put out a need for Journeyman service technicians. I took the opportunity and applied, took all the tests and passed all now on January 4th will enter foreign territory for the first time in 25 years. Anyway keeping my fingers crossed I’m doing the right thing, it’s a big change....

I want to thank all the individuals who helped me, who referred me and gave wonderful comments on the many jobs I did. This community here on Heating Help is an awesome thing. I most definitely want to thank @DanHolohan for the wonderful material, and this forum. The hardest part of this whole thing was on the last job my father and I did, when we finished and all was cleaned up we did our usual, we had a beer and admired the work as the boiler ran quietly, we just completed and he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said I really looked forward to doing these jobs with you I’m gonna miss it and gave me a great hug. He said I know you gotta do what you gotta do to move on in life. Thank you everyone....

Jamie Hall

@Dave0176 , you gotta do what you gotta do. It takes a very brave man to take a step such as you are making, and I admire you for your courage. I know. I've been there, and frankly, it's real scary.

Just may I ask one thing of you? I -- and I am sure many others -- have valued your insight and help over the years here on the Wall. Don't forget us -- when you get a chance, crack a cold one, sit down in front of your computer and come see what trouble we've gotten into this time!

Steve Minnich

@Dave0176 I’ve printed 8.5” x 11” photos of your steam boiler installations and keep them in my steam file. Best of luck with the new gig. 

DanHolohan

I’m so proud of you, Dave. We’re always here for you, as you have always been here for us. Stay strong.  Merry Christmas!

Erin Holohan Haskell

Best wishes as you turn this page, Dave. You've got this! And we'll be here for you if you need us. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

ethicalpaul

You're the only contractor who has ever looked at my steam system @Dave0176 and you are probably the last one, too Thanks for all your contributions to this forum, and thanks for all the NJ families your installations are going to keep warm for decades from now.

I had no idea you had a full-time job in addition to your HVAC work, that is incredible. You deserve a "break" by only having one job for awhile Enjoy!!

EBEBRATT-Ed

@Dave0176

With your background you will have a difficult time "letting go" and just being a worker and letting someone else take the responsibility.

But it will be a big relief for you as well. Been there done that. Just go with the flow.

Time for a change. You deserve it.

Hope you love your new job!!!!

Steamhead

Best of luck, @Dave0176 - can't wait to see more of your work.

Danny Scully

Great mechanic, but a bad businessman. I think this is the sentiment of many in our business...except you actually are a great mechanic 😉. No more headaches @Dave0176, go do what you do best. And when ever you or your dad feel like installing a boiler, take a drive to the island. I’ll have one waiting for you 😎.

hot_rod

Best of luck, sounds like a good career move. Don’t be a stranger here.

neals

Even with two jobs you took the time to tell me about cheap pressuretrols and bad piping. Thank you for being there, and good luck wherever fate takes you!

clammy

One less steam guy in jersey ,best of luck at Pseg . I guess you will find wheather it’s in your blood to be a employee or swim back up steam and be the employer . I know that working for some one is a lot easier and a lot less satisfying then pulling it solo .. I’ve done both and enjoy the latter much more even w what ever down time I occur but I answer to the mirrors reflection and at my age that’s the only one aside from my wife ,my dog and my self and a small handful of friends and co workers I answer to no one and I avoid anyone who gonna be a hassle . Truely wishing u the best but there’s usually always a place back in the field for you just don’t give up your license there hard to come by these days . Peace and the best of luck in the future clammy