Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Retired and ready for a fresh start, Omar Aguirre will be earning an associate degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in December to begin his second career.
For 18 years, the 46-year-old was an insurance broker and business owner in his hometown of Las Vegas, working more than 16 hours a day.
“It was time for a change,” he said. “I wanted out of an office. I had the desire to do something different, work with my hands. That led to a big life decision and shift.”
Aguirre ended up selling his business and retiring from insurance, returning to his wife’s hometown of Brownsville in search of something new.
“I have many friends who work in the trades, and they are all doing very well, so I thought why not me,” said Aguirre. “I did my research, found the in-demand fields and picked the one that piqued my interest the most – HVAC.”
He added that his deciding factor in choosing HVAC is the security and stability it offers.
“HVAC is needed and always will be needed, meaning technicians will always be in demand,” said Aguirre.
A different type of learning for a man who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, HVAC has proved to be a new experience for Aguirre, one that he is wholeheartedly enjoying.
“The hands-on learning has shaped my entire experience,” he said. “For someone new to the field, I feel prepared, and I know what to expect when I graduate.”
In addition, Aguirre said his instructors have played a huge role in his newfound confidence and it’s their professional experience and willingness to share knowledge that has been worthwhile.
After graduating, Aguirre will need to work at least two years in the field before becoming a licensed HVAC technician, and he plans on using these two years to gain as much experience as possible because he has big plans for his new career.
“I plan on opening another business, this time in HVAC. TSC made it easy for me to begin this next chapter,” said Aguirre. “I want to serve the Rio Grande Valley with its residential and commercial HVAC needs and introduce new HVAC technologies.”
For more information about TSC’s HVAC program, visit tsc.edu.
