During a time Prentice Lattinville was seeking a rewarding career path, one of his friends recognized his mechanical aptitude and educational background in steam engineering and encouraged Lattinville to explore opportunities the HVAC industry, having known many HVAC technicians. He advised Lattinville to attend nightly classes to obtain the necessary knowledge and being a career in HVAC.
“His confidence in my abilities and his insight into the [HVAC] industry’s potential were instrumental in my decision to pursue this career, which has since become both fulfilling and successful,” Lattinville said.
Today, Lattinville has HVAC-centered career goals revolving around the evaluation, engineering, and implementation of energy-efficient equipment in the HVAC field that is both serviceable, and functional. He has a passion for contributing to “advancements in HVAC technology that not only enhances performance but also prioritizes environmental sustainability.”
One of Lattinville’s biggest accomplishments to date was working with D. Silvestri & Sons under the mentorship of their owner, Dan Silvestri Jr., and Lattinville’s manager, Scott Massey, where Lattinville gained extensive knowledge and expertise.
“Their drive to achieve high-efficiency standards and to engineer serviceable systems was inspirational,” Lattinville said. “I worked on a variety of systems, including packaged rooftop units, heat pumps, central air systems, and geothermal units. Their approach to teaching, and encouragement to always advance my education, significantly shaped my career.”
Silvestri Jr. imparted a valuable lesson to Lattinville when he said to him: “As a technician, it’s crucial to learn one new thing correctly every day, no matter how small! That means you can learn 365 new things each year; now imagine how much you can learn and grow after 10 or 20 years.”
“Another major accomplishment is the advanced education and schooling I pursued,” Lattinville said. “This education has not only enhanced my technical abilities but has also enabled me to contribute more effectively to my community and my current workplace.”
Since Lattinville joined Iona University, he’s been able to leverage his advanced education and expertise, collaborating on large projects and bringing in new ideas and advanced knowledge to the campus.
“This opportunity has allowed me to apply my skills in a meaningful way, helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the University’s HVAC systems,” Lattinville said. “Being part of impactful projects has been immensely rewarding, as it not only benefits the University but also serves as a testament to the value of continuous learning and professional growth.”
Additionally, he has a long-term goal is to advance into a deputy director, or director role.
“In such a position, I will be able to take the knowledge and experience I have gained to not only help Iona University, but also to elevate my community,” Lattinville said.