At Warners’ Stellian, one of our core values is family, and each new employee becomes a member of our family. In our Spotlight Series, we plan to share a deeper look into the talent that contributes to our success each day. This week, let’s meet Service Foreman Al Brown.

How long have you worked at Warners’ Stellian?

I’ve been with the service department for 14 years. However, I worked for a service company that closely supported Warners’ for 20 years before that… which reminds me I’m getting old!

What did you want to be growing up, and how did that change/evolve?

I wanted to be a train engineer! I still love everything about trains. I grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, where the railroad and shipping rule. My father worked for a creamery in Superior and was taking a night course on refrigeration at the tech college. He talked me into taking one of the courses with him when I was still in high school. I found it really interesting and went to school for it after graduation. I obviously enjoyed it, because here I am.

What is your advice for other people considering a career as an HVAC or appliance technician?

Embrace change. That was the best advice I got from my instructors. When I started in the field, electronics were just starting to take the place of mechanical controls. A lot of coworkers didn’t want to commit to learning new systems and quit. It’s changing faster than ever now with smart appliances and connected Wi-Fi.

Can you talk more about how the industry has changed during your career?

Technology is so much better; appliances can use much less water and electricity. A refrigerator, for example, counts how many times you open the door and what the room temperature is to set fan and compressor speeds. There’s even a refrigerator that takes a picture every time you close the door and sends it to your phone, so you never have to wonder if you’re out of milk when shopping.

What’s one thing about you people would be surprised to know?

I only have nine toes! I had a hunting accident seven years ago and was shot in the foot. Without going into too much detail, I will say it was Warners’ Stellian Field Service Manager Bill Forga who accidentally discharged his rifle – still some doubt as to if he was aiming it or not!

What is your favorite season, and why?

It was always fall for the changing colors and hunting, but summer is starting to take over because my granddaughter loves the water and we spend a ton of time swimming and boating together.

Are you interested in joining the Warners’ Stellian family? Apply here!