Seeing long-time trade career advocate Mike Rowe speak at the November 15 NH Bringing Back the Trades Tradeapalooza and Career Fair organized by Steve Turner brought Dependable Controls Services Co-founder Randy Furmanick back to his decision to enroll in a vocational-technical trade school. He shares his story, encouraging young adults to “follow your interests” when selecting a career path.
As I watched Mike Rowe speak to a captivated audience of students, teachers, and parents, I recalled being an eighth-grade student from a small town who had just decided to enroll in a vocational-technical trade school. Most of my friends were going on to a traditional high school, and I struggled to know if I made the right decision. At that time, I knew I would never follow in my dad’s footsteps and have my own business, as I had seen firsthand the trials it had brought on! While I didn't have a clue as to what I was doing, taking the trade school path just felt right.
Sparking a New Interest
Before attending classes in my school’s electrical department, I had never considered wiring houses or hanging lights. However, learning these skills sparked a new interest that would eventually lead me to where I am today.
In my junior year, I was selected for a co-op program to work on wiring industrial controls. I was nervous when I started at Applewood Controls, Inc. At first, I was just wiring a “black box,” but the work was so intriguing I just wanted to learn more about how that box worked. The best part was that I was getting paid to know while in high school!
Choosing My Path
Flash forward to my senior year. With all the rules, requirements, and cost of college at the time, I knew that path wasn't for me. Small things mattered back then; I liked car fumes too much to give up my freedom and my vehicle—even just for a year. Many of the conventional college requirements drove me to look at other paths. I also now had a taste for making and saving money.
Taking the Plunge
As some of my buddies went on to college after high school, I took the plunge and became a full-time apprentice electrician. I built and wired machines that automated manufacturing equipment. Eventually, I worked through the ranks, learning to design, engineer, program, and even travel to customer sites to start up the equipment I built. If I decided to take a class to learn a new skill, my company would pay for it. I was having fun while working!
Eating My Words
I met my business partner, Bill Theberge, along the way. I had to eat my words when we founded Dependable Controls Services, an industrial and manufacturing control systems service and repair company, in November 2006. There was a great need for industrial electricians in the area, so we seized the opportunity.
Going Full Circle
My path was not straight, and I required a few pit stops and side roads to gain the knowledge needed to manage a business in the industry that was calling me. Two years later, as the economy crashed around us and everyone talked about jobs being scarce, we purchased Applewood Controls Inc., and I became president of where my career started. We immediately began hiring new staff, and both companies grew rapidly.
Following Your Path
I advise any inquisitive student not to decide what you "want to be" when coming out of the gate. Follow the path that piques your interests, and you will eventually wind up right where you were meant to be.
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