LAS VEGAS — Kenneth D. Goodrich, an HVAC entrepreneur and CEO of Goettl Air Conditioning, Sonoran Air Conditioning, Honeybee Air Conditioning Experts, and The Sunny Plumber, announced that two Army veterans would be the first beneficiaries of the scholarship endowment he started at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Titled the Kenneth Goodrich CSN Post-9/11 Veteran HVAC Employment Program, the endowment was developed to aid military veterans enrolled in the school’s Air Conditioning Technology program.
Army Spc. Jamie Olson and Army Spc. Larry Lemieux, both graduates of CSN’s Air Conditioning Technology program, were chosen to be the first recipients of scholarships under the program. The two Army veterans received toolkits containing essential hand tools and diagnostic tools necessary to start a career in the HVAC field at a special awards ceremony at CSN’s Cheyenne Campus.
The tools awarded to Olson and Lemieux are a necessary component for individuals looking for employment in the HVAC industry. While some employers provide a portion of these tools, many expect employees to be personally equipped with essential items such as electronic gauges and meters. These can often cost a technician more than $1,000.
“The sacrifice made by veterans for our country cannot be matched. I established this endowment to show my gratitude and help veterans like Larry and Jamie transition into fruitful and rewarding careers in HVAC,” Goodrich said. “The HVAC industry always needs intelligent, disciplined men and women such as those that the armed services produce.”
Goodrich created the endowment in June 2013 with the goal of helping veterans easily transition into lifelong careers following graduation. He envisioned the program to act as a subsidy to the existing Post-9/11 GI Bill. This bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001. However, the bill does not cover the costs of items such as industry tools, creating a need that Goodrich sought to help fill. CSN will be using funds from the endowment to assemble toolkits for future graduates as well.
Goodrich has previously donated equipment and established additional endowments at CSN. In addition, he currently owns Goettl Good Guys Air Conditioning Repairmen, The Sunny Plumber, and Sonoran Air Conditioning in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, and Honeybee Air Conditioning Experts in Las Vegas. Goodrich plans to expand his HVAC business in Austin, Texas, Dallas, and San Antonio next year.
Publication date: 12/15/2014
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