Leaving the military can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. For Peter Kopar, that transition led him to the world of HVAC—an industry he hadn’t initially considered but quickly realized was the right fit. His journey from army life to a thriving HVAC career is a testament to the power of opportunity, the right training, and a strong support system.
Finding a New Mission
While serving in the Army, Peter knew he needed to start planning for his future. Like many transitioning service members, he explored different career paths, searching for something that offered stability, demand, and purpose. That’s when his cousin, already working in HVAC, suggested he look into the trade.
The more Peter researched, the more HVAC stood out. With high demand, strong earning potential, and hands-on work that mirrored the discipline and adaptability he honed in the military, it seemed like the perfect fit. But breaking into the industry without prior experience can be a challenge.
Enter Trade Warriors
A turning point came when a buddy of Peter’s handed him a flyer for the Trade Warriors HVAC Boot Camp. “He just said one day someone had handed him a flyer on base, and he knew I had been looking at HVAC.” Designed specifically for veterans, the program offered accelerated, hands-on training, cutting through unnecessary fluff and focusing on exactly what’s needed to succeed in the field.
Encouraged by the opportunity, Peter jumped in. Right away, he noticed something different about the program—Bill and Anthony, the instructors, weren’t just there to teach; they were invested in every trainee’s success.
“They took the time to get to know each one of us and knew our stories. They knew what we were good at and what area we were weak in, what we needed to work on. They shared their own stories from their own experience,” Kopar explained. Through this, the first Trade Warriors cohort became a very tight-knit community. “We knew we were the first cohort, and we were really excited about what they were doing.”
From Training to the Field
After completing the program, Peter landed a job with Modern Mechanical in Garner, North Carolina. The knowledge and skills he gained through RightTek’s HVAC training were immediately applicable, allowing him to hit the ground running. “My cousin went through a two-year trade school HVAC program. We compared our knowledge, and we realized I had pretty much the same foundation that she had.”
Modern Mechanical would later hire veterans from the Trade Warriors program. This became a huge advantage for Kopar and on-the-job camaraderie. Unlike traditional technical school graduates, veterans often enter the workforce with a unique ability to think on their feet, handle high-pressure situations, and adapt quickly—traits honed through military service.
Kopar thrived in this environment, gaining real-world experience and refining his skills. After two years at Modern Mechanical, life took him outside of Garner, and he transitioned into commercial HVAC work in Pennsylvania. Thanks to the solid foundation from both RightTek and his hands-on experience at Modern Mechanical, the shift was seamless.
Trade Warriors
For veterans looking for a fast-track into a stable, in-demand career, Peter’s story is proof that HVAC—and Trane Trade Warriors specifically—can be a game-changer. With the right training, mentorship, and industry connections, transitioning from the military into a successful civilian career doesn’t have to feel like a battle.
Peter found his mission. Now, the challenge is making sure more veterans know they can too.