February 02, 2015

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass., Jan 26, 2015 – After hundreds of submissions, tool manufacturer hilmor® announces the six scholarship recipients of its Retool Your Future scholarship contest. Established to support the next generation of HVAC/R technicians, the Retool Your Future competition awards each winner a $5,000 scholarship, innovative hilmor tools, a trip to the AHR EXPO in Chicago this month and a Green Wall Merchandising Display for their school.

The program, in its second year, is extended to current and future HVAC/R students in the U.S., and this year expanded to Canada. More than 500 students from over 180 trade schools applied for the program with submissions of 250-words or less explaining how the HVAC/R industry will “retool their life”. Winners were selected by a panel of judges based on how their essay describes HVAC/R school helping them start a new life, preparing them for a career in the HVAC/R industry and their commitment to their education.

“This is a powerful program in how it helps to not only identify, but celebrate, the amazing men and women looking to enter and grow their skills in a profession that often serves as a second career and doesn’t get a lot of attention,” said Andrea Halpin, Senior Manager, Brand Marketing, hilmor. “We were incredibly moved by the powerful and compelling submissions, and we’re proud to be able to assist these inspiring students to retool and conquer their future.”

Winners:

Joshua Lipp, 46, a retired pilot and father of twin two-year-old boys, Joshua now attends the Fortis Institute in Lawrenceville, N.J. He has a passion for home remodeling and tinkering with whatever gadgets he can find.

James Mitchell, 61, has watched his son graduate through HVAC/R school and start his own business. Inspired, Jim is now completing his own Associates Degree at Gadsden State Community College in Anniston, Ala., with the goal of joining his son in their family business.

Carl Petee, 39, has had experience in a wide array of trades, from programming databases to teaching geometry. With a love for mechanical problem solving, Carl plans to one day return to trade school as an instructor, preparing the next generation of HVAC/R students. Carl is currently enrolled at the American Trade School in St. Ann, Mo.

Richie Post, 41, has been working with mechanics since he was old enough to walk into his father’s garage. He expanded his skills as an Electrician’s Mate in the US Navy, where he became a decorated veteran. Now enrolled at the Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, N.C., Richie aspires to continue helping his community as a working HVAC/R technician.

Yoginder Rana, 39, has a far from traditional educational background. Having grown up in a small village in India, Yogi found his love for mechanics after working in a small automobile air conditioning shop, where he learned the trade from independent reading and asking those around him. Having maintained a 4.0 GPA at the Ferris State University, in Big Rapids, Mich., Yogi plans to continue his education to help make the world more energy-efficient.

Evelyn Zavala, 35, is one of six children from an Ecuadorian family who grew up in a home with the mantra “Ganadores no podrá rescindir” (“Winners never quit”). Evelyn upholds that family value today, as she continues to advance her education, having completed her HVAC program and currently pursing her Associate’s Degree in Building Trades Technology at Montgomery College in Rockville, Md.

Winners will be attending this year’s AHR EXPO and will be at the hilmor booth 1200 periodically throughout the show.

Contact:

Libby Taggart
BBH for hilmor
Account Director, PR
Libby.Taggart@BBH-USA.com
​(212) 520-2452  
    

About hilmor

hilmor is revolutionizing the HVAC/R industry with smarter, more effective tools and equipment. Backed by one of the largest research investments in the history of the HVAC/R industry, hilmor is dedicated to making technicians’ jobs easier. Located in East Longmeadow, Mass., hilmor is a part of the Newell Rubbermaid global portfolio of leading brands. For more information, visit hilmor.com or follow us on Twitter at @hilmortools and on Facebook at facebook.com/hilmortools.

 

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