Kolton Flick’s journey to becoming an HVAC technician started during his time as a diesel mechanic in the U.S. Army. After joining in 2016, Kolton served with the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Liberty and deployed three times. During his time in North Carolina, Kolton purchased a home and experienced firsthand the challenges of HVAC repair.
“I had some HVAC issues, called someone to come out and fix it, and I was like, ‘Whoa, this is kind of expensive,’” Kolton recalls. This experience sparked his interest in HVAC systems, leading him to self-teach HVAC basics and take on side jobs in his neighborhood.
As he neared the end of his military service, Kolton saw an opportunity to further develop his skills through RightTek HVAC in the DoD SkillBridge Program. The program provided a structured environment for him to formalize his HVAC knowledge and become fully equipped for a career in the field.
“I thought I knew a lot about heating and air until I went through the program,” Kolton says, acknowledging the depth and thoroughness of the training he received. RightTek’s hands-on training allowed Kolton to immerse himself in HVAC systems, setting him up for immediate success upon completing the course.
After completing the HVAC Bootcamp, Kolton began his career at Bagniefski HVAC in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Within two weeks of starting, Kolton was running his own calls and servicing units independently. His bosses quickly realized that his skill level was beyond that of a typical new hire. “They told the boss, ‘This guy doesn’t need to be riding with us. He knows just as much as we know,’” Kolton shared. It wasn’t long before Kolton had his own van and was handling jobs on his own.
Kolton’s advice for future students at RightTek HVAC is simple: “Pay attention in class, and the things they teach you will come in handy when you get out on the job.” While Kolton had a mechanical background as a diesel mechanic, he emphasizes that the program is accessible to those without prior mechanical experience. “The program itself is going to teach you everything you need to know,” he says, highlighting the quality of RightTek’s curriculum.
In addition to his residential work, Kolton and his team have taken on innovative projects, including the installation of an air-to-water heat pump as part of a pilot program for Trane. Kolton has even been involved in installing some of the first split-system heat pumps in the northern region, showing the extent to which his career has grown since completing RightTek HVAC’s program.
Kolton’s success story is a testament to RightTek HVAC’s ability to provide veterans with the tools they need to transition into a thriving civilian career. With a strong foundation in HVAC systems and a dedication to excellence, Kolton is just one example of how RightTek HVAC helps veterans achieve success beyond the military.