Mechanic Apprentice at Johnson Controls
OIF veteran’s cheerful disposition impresses his new employer.
By Warren Duffie

There are many things that make military veterans ideal employees – work ethic, discipline, clean living and leadership. But Alejandro Arellano, 27, credits a positive attitude for his success.

“In the military, you get used to working long hours while still maintaining an upbeat attitude,” he said. “In the civilian world, people are surprised to see someone working long hours without complaining and still keeping a smile on their face. Employers notice that sort of thing.”

On the Job
Arellano brings an excellent outlook each day to his job as a mechanic apprentice with Johnson Controls – a worldwide leader in delivering products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs in buildings. The former Army staff sergeant works at the Houston location of Enterprise Products (a Johnson Controls client), a natural gas and crude oil pipeline company.

The former combat engineer spends his days fixing heating, cooling and air conditioning systems within Enterprise’s on-site buildings, machines and other equipment: “I work on a variety of things, from ice machines to 20-ton pieces of equipment.”

Arellano works Monday through Thursday. He also attends classes two nights a week as part of a five-year apprenticeship program.

“My military background has helped me a great deal in my new job,” Arellano said. “I’m new to this industry, but the Army taught me to take initiative and be a hard charger. The physical fitness also helps. I work outside and have to stay hydrated as well as stay in good shape.”

In Uniform
Arellano enlisted in 2002. The 17-year-old Pasadena, Texas, native completed both basic training and combat engineering school at Fort Leonard Wood. He was stationed at Fort Hood and served three tours in Iraq. However, by 2010, the deployments were getting to him. He missed his wife’s pregnancy during his third tour and decided to pursue a civilian career so he could be there for his new family.

The Transition
In addition to attending transition classes and reading G.I. Jobs, Arellano seriously pondered his career options. He wanted to learn a skill that would make him marketable, no matter where he lived or for which company he worked. The HVAC trade looked very attractive to him, so he took courses at San Jacinto College and applied with various companies.

One of these companies was Johnson Controls. Soon after Arellano applied online, he was contacted by a company recruiter, Ray Cuttino, who arranged for several interviews. Arellano was hired in February 2011.

“On my résumé, I highlighted my leadership and management skills, speed of promotion and the fact I was in school,” he said. “I’m very happy with how my transition turned out. The biggest adjustment I had to make was starting at the bottom again. When I left the Army, I had been a platoon sergeant in charge of 22 people. In the civilian world, I’m starting new.”

Figure out what you want to do. “Decide this as soon as possible. That way you can start networking, applying for jobs or go to school. Don’t waste any time.”

Make a plan. “Give yourself six months to a year to plan your transition.”

One of these companies was Johnson Controls. Soon after Arellano applied online, he was contacted by a company recruiter, who arranged for several interviews. Arellano was hired in February 2011.

What Arellano Likes About His Job

• HVAC is a skill that I can always use in my career.
• I work with very smart, professional people.
• My union provides very good benefits.

Johnson Controls
Founded: 1885
HQ: Milwaukee, WI
Employees: 142,000
2010 Revenue: $34.3 billion
www.johnsoncontrols.com

Did You Know?

• Johnson Controls was founded in 1885 by professor Warren S. Johnson, inventor of the first electric room thermostat.
• Johnson Controls is teaming up with Jones Lang LaSalle, the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Clinton Climate Initiative to retrofit the 80-year-old Empire State Building to make it one of the most energy efficient commercial buildings in the U.S. The retrofit program will reduce the Empire State Building’s energy use by 38 percent per year, placing it in the top 10 percent of all U.S. office buildings in terms of energy efficiency.
  

Where Were You on Sept. 11, 2001?
“On 9/11 I was in high school in my government class, and I remember my teacher crying and she was always pretty serious. It took me a while to fully understand what was just happening.”