Project Manager at Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls manager remembers master sergeant’s mastery of HVAC systems.
by Warren Duffie 

As a project manager, Enoch Jackson often sees clients at their most demanding.

“Most of the time, clients don’t have a big enough budget to accommodate all their requests,” said Jackson, 43. “They want a Mercedes but only have enough money for a Volkswagen. The key is to ask the right questions and find what’s really bothering the client. You can usually resolve the matter by asking the right questions.”

This cool-headed approach has helped Jackson succeed with Johnson Controls, a worldwide leader in the manufacture, repair and maintenance of power systems for buildings, as well as batteries and other parts for vehicles. The former Air Force master sergeant is based in Dover, Del. He works in the company’s Building Efficiency Solutions Division.

On the Job
Jackson works for Johnson Controls Building Efficiency business unit, the global leader in delivering products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings. He manages the installation of energy efficiency solutions such as lighting, heating and cooling, and water conservation measures for Johnson Controls’ customers. His main duties include finding and hiring local contractors, writing contracts and ensuring installations are done properly.

His workday lasts anywhere from nine to 12 hours and involves dealing with issues such as equipment delivery and installation.

“The days can be long, just like when I was in the Air Force,” he said. “The best thing the military taught me was how to remove personal feelings from an issue, evaluate it thoroughly and find a solution.” 

In Uniform
A New York City native, Jackson had a good job working at an accounting firm. But he was bored and wanted to try a new career: “I didn’t want to go to sea and I wasn’t interested in the type of field work done by the Army and Marine Corps. The Air Force seemed like a great fit.”

After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Jackson was trained in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair at Sheppard Air Force Base. During his military career, he served in Texas, Germany, Georgia, Korea, Japan, Turkey and Delaware.

The Transition
In 2007 Jackson was ready to leave the military. To prepare, he spoke with retired friends and colleagues, took several transition classes and regularly read G.I. Jobs. “I started preparing about three years before I got out,” Jackson said. “In the military, you become a little institutionalized. There’s a strong comfort zone and the civilian world can be scary. I wanted to make sure I was ready.”

Jackson’s last military assignment was at Dover Air Force Base, where he listened to a sales pitch by Johnson Controls for a base project. During the sales process, Jackson retired and went to work for a company repairing heating and air conditioning units. Then he received a call from a Johnson Controls representative who remembered him. They needed a project manager. Was he interested?

“I had telephone and face-to-face interviews and landed the job,” he said. “It was a great feeling. The biggest adjustment to civilian life was being an independent thinker. In the Air Force, there was always a rule book or website I could consult to solve a problem. Now I have to be more creative. It’s a fun challenge.

How’d You Get That Job?
In 2007 Jackson was ready to leave the military. To prepare, he spoke with retired friends and colleagues, took several transition classes and regularly read G.I. Jobs.

Jackson’s last military assignment was at Dover Air Force Base, where he listened to a sales pitch by Johnson Controls for a base project. During the sales process, Jackson retired and went to work for a company repairing heating and air conditioning units. Then he received a call from a Johnson Controls representative who remembered him.

“I had telephone and face-to-face interviews and landed the job,” he said. “It was a great feeling.”

What Jackson Likes About His Job

Jackson's Advice
Pursue and complete your education. “Whatever you want – a degree or certification – this could be crucial to your success.”

Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. “Military members are used to this. It’s the nature of our business. With PCS moves and constant job changes, we deal with change better than most.”

Always move forward and learn as much as you can about everything you can. “Whether you complete four or 30 years of service, there will be many lessons you can call upon during your post-military career.”

Did You Know?
Johnson Controls’ history dates back to 1887, when the company founder invented the first electric room thermostat.