The scorching heat of the Arizona summer is unforgiving, with temperatures often crossing the 110-degree mark. Between June and August, Phoenix recorded 50 days with temperatures of 110.[1] While many wilt under its intensity, during this period, a professional like Lupe Meza, the lead technician at Tempe, AZ-based AC&Refrigeration, truly keeps his cool.
His exceptional attitude is matched only by his profound technical proficiency. Lupe's vast experience of more than 15 years on the job allows him to diagnose problems quickly and efficiently, whether it concerns sensors or refrigerant levels. These diagnoses could have easily been protracted, but with his expertise, he could reduce work hours on complex repairs.
"It wasn't just his technical prowess that set him apart but also his role as a mentor," said Kevin Price, AC & Refrigeration's chief marketing officer. "Lupe became the guiding light for the company's younger technicians. He generously shared his hard-earned knowledge, tricks, and tips from his time in the field. He went above and beyond and volunteered for extra weekend callouts, offering a much-needed respite to his colleagues."
For example, when on a call in the Phoenix suburb, he phones each customer if he's running late because a previous visit took longer than expected. "No one wants a technician to be late, but it's even more frustrating if they don't keep the customer in the loop," Lupe said. "I even call just before I get to the house, telling the homeowner that I'll arrive shortly."
He acknowledged that some customers can be frantic when they lack air-conditioning. "If I feel the customer is getting upset, I take a few breaths, explain in detail what I will do to get the system operating, and I'll give them an estimate of how long it will take," Lupe said. "Of course, it's important to be as close to the time as possible."
"I always think that leadership by example is the best way to demonstrate how you should act." - Lupe Meza
As a husband and father of two children, Lupe says he knows that family time is important to every technician, so that he would volunteer for those weekend callouts. "I always think that leadership by example is the best way to demonstrate how you should act," Lupe said. "I have more than 15 years in the HVACR industry, and it's important not only to share your knowledge but to put your work ethic into practice. One of those is to assume the burden of sharing those weekend callouts."
Despite clocking in 13-hour days this summer, Lupe maintained his composure, keeping cool under the intense pressure of both the job and the weather. Lupe never lost his poise, an attribute his customers appreciated. His commitment to top-notch customer service was evident, with homeowners taking to Google Reviews to praise his commendable blend of professionalism and friendliness.
Despite clocking in 13-hour days this summer, Lupe maintained his composure, keeping cool under the intense pressure of both the job and the weather.
"Lupe's stellar technical skills and nurturing attitude were invaluable throughout the summer," said Price. "His contributions were instrumental in keeping our operations fluid. Lupe is more than just an HVACR technician; he is our HVACR rock star. His impact on our business and morale this summer is nothing short of extraordinary. Lupe has unquestionably earned the title of 'HVACR Summer Superstar.'"