John Orr Celebrates 25 years at RSI

How has your role changed since you first started?

Started as technician, moved up to field technical support and trainer, and then due to illness, I have become an estimator.

How have you seen the company evolve over the years?

When I started, we wrote estimates and invoices by hand and delivered them straight to customers. Most of the time a handshake was good enough to proceed with work needed. Our vans were very well stocked which is now kind of cost prohibitive. Gone are the days of team leaders running the show on the weekend, delivering quotes and invoices at the time of work. All need to be proof-read, corrected, and delivered electronically through a chain of technician to supervisor to dispatch and billing then to manager to complete the cycle. I am impressed that we have been able to whittle down most time of delivery to one to two days.

What would you consider to be your biggest achievement(s) while working here?

Becoming a CFESA trainer. Teaching their refrigeration class and RSI’s training for 20+ years. It brings me great satisfaction that I have taught so many young techs to carry our trades forward.

Favorite work-related memory?

None in particular, but the time I spent with guys like Paul Toukalty, Tony Rappinati, John Swindt and of course Marvin and Scott Hester among others comes to mind. Also completing many projects for members of the Texas Brewers Association and the honor of speaking at their conferences as well. In conclusion, making friends with CFESA group, teaching and developing classes for them, as well as making training modules and all the members I have met along the way and all the customers I have helped gives me great satisfaction.

What advice would you give to new employees just starting their journey with us?

Buy proper tools for your job, no matter how much it hurts. Also, invest in yourself 4 hours a week to learn this trade on your own or at a trade school.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

Music has always been in my life, along with poetry. Animals, especially dogs, have always been there as well. Sports and recreation are also things I enjoy like hiking, climbing and enjoying nature.