Synergy is spotlighting some of our new Synergy members to help you get to know them a little bit better. We asked each new member some questions so we could learn more about them and their business. Check out below to read all about Al May with North Mechanical!
- What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
So my dad was IBEW, meaning I did a lot of electrical helper work with him when I was a kid way back in the 70’s. I remember helping him with air conditioners and oil furnaces specifically. Fixing things was what we did. Fast forward to 1991 and very late one evening at a night club after my band had finished playing the manager of the bar, who was also service manager for a long established residential company, asked if I ever thought about working in HVAC service. I really didn’t even think twice about it, just jumped right in. Within a week or so I was in a new mortuary crawl space installing ductwork and reconsidering what I’d gotten myself into! Once I learned what superheat was I was hooked on the technical side! Fortunately God gifted me with great troubleshooting skills!
- What do you love most about what you do?
All the parts of service are wonderful to me. From technical troubleshooting to the leadership. Truly I love conversations with our people and our clients. We talk a lot about concepts, culture, leadership, vision and development and this is where I thrive these days.
- Who inspires you?
I am a follower of Jesus Christ and that is my core inspiration in work and life. Other business reading/study influences are Robert Greenleaf, Ari Weinzweig, Andrew Murray and Bob Tasca.
- What is your favorite thing about the area you live in?
This is home to the Indianapolis 500, the greatest single day sporting event in the world! That would be my favorite along with the Colts and so many great eateries to choose from!
- What is your most prized possession and why?
My 1964 Fender Stratocaster would be my most prized material possession. I’ve had it since I was 17, we’ve been through a lot together. So many stories.
- What charity or cause are you most passionate about?
Volunteering and working with Northview church.
- What is the best thing you got from your parents?
My dad always said ‘keep your nose clean’ and ‘do it right the first time’. These words served me well in my work. He also had a very strong gift of mechanical ability and troubleshooting that transferred over to me when I was very young. I remember him taking us around to the fire stations to meet his friends and be influenced to maybe be a firefighter. What I remember was wanting instead to drive a ‘Trouble Truck’ for Indianapolis Power & Light Company! That’s just weird eh?
- What have you learned as a business leader since the COVID pandemic?
No matter what the situation, do not overreact. In mid-March the temptation went off the charts to make drastic changes and fortunately we took a deep breath and just paused.
