As the demand for HVAC employees continues to grow, Bill Ronayne, the owner of Brandywine Valley HVAC in West Chester, is working to attract more people, especially women and young people, to this recession-proof field, writes Nancy Stedman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

He often speaks at local high schools and other places to promote the benefits of employment in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. He believes there are many misconceptions about the job, which has changed drastically over the last two decades.

“You don’t have to be a weightlifter to do the work we do today,” said Ronayne. “There is still a lot of heavy equipment, but it is smaller and lighter, easier to move.”

These days, the emphasis is on technology. Potential technicians need to understand computers, but they do not have to be experts.

“If you can use a smartphone, then you can do the work,” he said.

Being polite and well-liked by customers is also crucial for the work, as it is important to build a loyal customer base.

“Ninety percent of our work is done on repeat and referral business,” said Ronayne.

Read more about HVAC jobs in The Philadelphia Inquirer.