Brothers return to technology center to find workers for their new HVAC business.
HVAC grads (L) Evan Bean, Jacob Branscum, Jeremy Riggs, with (R) Justin Lowder and Heath Lowder.
THEN: Two brothers who graduated from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning program at Kiamichi Technology Centers’ Poteau campus. A few years later, Justin and Heath Lowder opened their own business, operating out of a small shop behind Justin’s home. The brothers said the training they received at KTC was a key factor in their success. The two-year program enabled the brothers to:
- Begin their careers with no student debt.
- Create what they described as great-paying jobs.
- Comfortably support their families.
NOW: Operating out of a brand-new facility in Pocola, Oklahoma, Lowder Brothers Heating and Air LLC has grown to 18 employees, five of whom are also graduates of the same KTC program. Justin said he and his brother pride themselves in offering a low-stress work environment, and his employees truly enjoy their jobs.
In addition to hiring KTC graduates, Justin serves on the tech center’s Business and Education Council for the HVAC program.
“Serving on the BEC allows me to contribute to students today by keeping the program up-to-date on industry and work trends,” he said.
The job market for HVAC grads is strong and is expected to grow considerably in the next few years.
