Meet the HVAC Experts in High River & Okotoks

Service Manager: Shayne

Shayne is our Service Manager and has been with G.M. Mechanical for about 8 years! He is a journeyman plumber/gas fitter who has been in the trade for 20 years. He even took refrigeration and air conditioning courses and is extremely knowledgeable no matter what the problem is.

He currently lives in High River with his wife but has been in the Foothills for 42 years. He has 3 kids that have all grown up in the area as well.

He states that the favourite part of his job is, "The feeling I get being able to provide the resources to help people with whatever issues they may be having at that time." I joke sometimes that he is almost like a therapist as he often talks to people during crisis situations and calms them down. Although I joke, it is often true. Whether they have water leaking in their house or no heat in the middle of winter, Shayne does an excellent job to calm people down by letting them know that someone is on the way.

One thing I had to ask my employees if only for my own benefit was, "why G.M. Mechanical?" This is what I got from Shayne, "I like that G.M. Mechanical is a local, family-owned business that I can continue to have a hand in growing within the community." He also states that he would like to get better at his job by continuing to, "develop the skills and knowledge in my field in order to continue to provide the best service possible." Frankly, I already think he is excellent at his job!

Some of his hobbies include golfing, fishing and travelling. I do know that he is looking forward to next spring to test his new boat out!

And just an FYI, the second picture is from prior to his 8 years as the Service Manager to back when he worked for us as a plumber and air conditioning technician roughly, 15 years ago!

Heating Manager: Ralph

Ralph is our Heating Manager and has been with G.M. Mechanical for just over 7 years! He is a journeyman sheet metal mechanic who has over 30 years of experience in the trade! The one thing I want to mention about Ralph is that he isn't your typical "installer". He actually cares about every job he does in trying to make it functional as well as esthetically pleasing. He does excellent fabrication work in the shop which shows the difference between having properly installed ductwork can make on proper airflow!

He currently lives in High River with his wife but has been in High River for 22 years. He has 4 kids that all grew up in the area as well.

He states that the favourite part of his job is, "The variety of jobs to be done. No job is exactly the same and every job is a new learning experience."

One thing I had to ask my employees if only for my own benefit was, "why G.M. Mechanical?" This is what I got from Ralph, "It is a local company and they are a good group of guys to work with." Ralph is a great team member who can take a joke just as well as he can give it, as you can see with the second picture. He definitely helps the morale of other guys here.

His main hobby is golfing which I know he is much better at than I am! I truly think he likes when he has to travel to a job since he gets to try out a new golf course.

You may have seen Ralph around town as he is part of the High River Alliance Church, an active member of the High River Kinsmen Club and volunteers his time as the equipment manager for the High River Junior B Flyers.

Ralph is another guy that worked for G.M. Mechanical many years ago and came back. Back then the poor guy even had me as a "helper" on some jobs and at that age, I know he'll say that I wasn't much help at all (and he'd be right). He ran his own HVAC company until we eventually bought him out to bring him back into the fold.

Office Manager: Teresa

Teresa! I would say that she is easily one of the most important people here! Most of our employees don't appreciate how much she really does for us.

Teresa is our Office Manager and has been with G.M. Mechanical for 9 years as of Saturday. I think we'll give her the day off. She is a bookkeeper by trade and does an excellent job keeping our books in order. She is also our Safety Manager as well and has the thankless job of ensuring that our COR for safety excellence remains valid. And yet, with both of those titles, probably the hardest job that she does is keeping me from spending too much money! I really appreciate that!

She currently lives in High River and has done so for 30 years. I even remember when I was a child and they moved into the cul-de-sac across the street. With her husband Gary, they have 2 kids that are all grown up now and 1 grandchild.

She states that the favourite part of her job is, "The co-workers." I know that she has fun often here joking around as she has an unmistakable laugh that can be heard throughout the office.

Her career aspirations are to retire on "some beach, somewhere." Her favourite task is when she gets to be creative about coming up with new solutions to problems.

One thing I had to ask my employees if only for my own benefit was, "why G.M. Mechanical?" This is what I got from Teresa, "G.M. Mechanical treats their employees fair and my fellow workers are good to work with. It's also close to home."

Some of Teresa's hobbies include travelling, swimming, boating and camping. I do know that she is looking forward to the next spring when they can get their new trailer out for some new camping adventures!

Service Technician: Les

Les is a Plumbing Service Technician and has been with G.M. Mechanical for over 16 years! He is a journeyman plumber/gas fitter who has been in the trade for 37 years.

He currently lives in Turner Valley with his wife (who looks much younger than Les) and has been there for 17 years. He has 6 kids and 9 grandchildren!

He states that the favourite part of his job is, "being able to do something different every day." His career aspirations are similar to a lot of peoples' and that is to someday be able to retire! He states that he likes "Heating Season" the most as he gets to get customers’ furnaces back up and running. It's funny that he said this because, truth be known, when I wrote our "G.M. Mechanical Christmas Poem" that I post every year on Facebook, I had envisioned Les repairing the family's furnace and not because he would be able to play an excellent Santa.

One thing I had to ask my employees if only for my own benefit was, "why G.M. Mechanical?" This is what I got from Les, "It is a family-run company that is just big enough that we get all different types of work and yet just small enough that everyone knows each other."

Some of his hobbies include spending time with his grandkids, fishing and hunting. He also volunteers his time with Beavers and Scouts with his grandkids.

And just an FYI, the second picture is from at least 14 years ago in our last shop. He went from people thinking he was "Dave Lennox" to "Santa". I can joke about the Santa part as I'm not too far from that myself.

Plumbing and Hydronic Service Technician: Steve

Steve is a journeyman plumber/gas fitter in our Service Department and has been with G.M. Mechanical for about a year and a half. Steve has a lot of experience with over 14 years in the trade.

He currently lives in Okotoks with his wife and 2 kids. He has lived in Okotoks for 20 years.

He states that the favourite part of his job is, "Being able to work in my community."

One thing I had to ask my employees if only for my own benefit was, "why G.M. Mechanical?" This is what I got from Steve, "At G.M. Mechanical there are lots of opportunities to learn and it's great to be able to work close to home within my community." When we first hired Steve, he was helping us out in our construction department. We soon realized that he may be better utilized in service and is currently being trained to be a boiler installer/technician.

Steve is a very active man and is often out enjoying life with one of his hobbies which include; BMXing, snowboarding, hockey and camping. He also volunteers his time on the Board of Directors for the Okotoks BMX Club. He is often helping out Okotoks Minor Hockey as well since his kids are busy playing!

Thank you, Steve, for helping out our plumbing and service departments and hopefully, someday soon, we will see you as a highly trained boiler technician!

Service Technician: Roger

Roger is a Class A gas fitter as well as a journeyman Auto Mechanic. He is our longest-serving employee and has been with G.M. Mechanical since 1997! Roger is the brother of the G.M. Mechanical’s founder, George McCormick. Not only is he our most senior technician, but in his “off-time” he also does our vehicle fleet maintenance.

Roger has been in the High River area for 47 years with his wife and 2 kids. If you are from the area then would you have likely met his kids in their endeavours to help out around the community. This leads to the favourite part of his job, “Helping the younger technicians out. Teaching them the proper procedures to get the job done right.”

His favourite task is getting equipment working. Whether it be a new system or repairing an older system, Roger finds joy in getting it running in peak form. Outside of work, Roger’s main hobby is camping.

Thank you Roger for your many years of service and hopefully at least a few more!

Service Technician: Nathan

Young Nathan is a bit of a prodigy. This kid already has his journeyman refrigeration and air conditioning ticket and is now working towards his Class A gas fitting ticket. He has been with us now for 3 years since we stole him out of Lethbridge. He has been in the trades for 6 years already.

Now, Nathan didn’t leave me with a lot of information to go off of to write this so here are a few things I know about Nathan. The kid is a nerd (and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way) when it comes to new trade tools and techniques. He loves to keep up with the latest technology. On a more personal side, I know he likes to golf and rides his motorcycle.

He never told me why he picked G.M. Mechanical or what his career aspirations are, but I do believe he is happy here as he is looking to purchase a house and whatever his future holds, we hope that he will be a prominent fixture here at G.M. Mechanical.

Thank you, Nathan, I really look forward to seeing how far you’ll go!

Journeyman Plumber and Gas Fitter: Cory

Well, when there’s a guy around that is doing a lot of the plumbing work that you think you should be doing and doing an excellent job of it. You don’t get mad, you go hire him! That is exactly what we did with Cory. Cory has lived in the area for 43 years and has been in the trade for 28 years!

His favourite part of the job is doing plumbing rough-ins and working with a mini excavator. Not sure if I have ever seen anyone faster that can still put out quality work. Just like most people, he hopes to retire one day. He says that we were able to finally coax him over to G.M. Mechanical because “G.M. Mechanical is a reputable company and very easy to work for.”

Cory is married with 3 children. His hobbies include golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking and hockey. He even volunteers his time coaching hockey. And if that isn’t enough, he is also part of the High River fire department.

Thanks for joining our team, Cory!

Construction/Plumbing Manager: Trevor

Trevor has been in the Plumbing trade for 14 years. He has been with us for about 2.5 years now. He moved to the area about 15 years ago and lives here with his wife and 2 kids. He likes to go snowboarding, hiking, camping and quadding.

The favourite part of Trevor’s job is, “handing over a completed product to a satisfied customer.” Trevor would like to continue learning everything there is to know about his trade and his favourite tasks are building boilers and working on anything out of the ordinary.

So, why did Trevor choose to come over to G.M. Mechanical? In his words, “G.M. Mechanical is a pillar of the community and I wanted to help grow and expand the company.” Trevor’s spirit and drive have definitely helped us grow, even through COVID-19. He is one person whose work ethic doesn’t need to be questioned.

Thank you for all your hard work, Trevor. I look forward to working with you for many more years!

Journeyman Plumber and Gas Fitter: Jon

Jon is a resident of Turner Valley and when asked how long he has been in the trade I got, “Don’t have that many fingers to count.” He has been in the Turner Valley area for the past 8 years with his wife and 2 kids.

His favourite part of the job is, “a toss-up between going home and the paycheque.” I won’t put the answer that I got about his career aspirations here but I would tell you that it has something to do with Super Mario. A lot of the other answers I can’t use here either, but I can assure you that I was laughing.

Jon is usually joking around but the type of guy that can joke around and get the job done! Since he joined G.M. Mechanical a little over a year ago, he has been an excellent addition to our team. From helping to ensure that jobs go as smoothly as possible to showing the apprentices how to do their job and stay safe.

Jon, thank you for keeping the job fun.

Service Technician: Tim

Tim is a journeyman sheet metal mechanic with 22 years of experience. For the last 15 years, he has been living in Nanton with his wife as his 3 kids are growing up and starting to go their own ways. He enjoys carpentry, astronomy and gardening. He even volunteers his time with Cubs and Nanton Minor Hockey.

Tim’s favourite part of his job is, “the customer interaction and solving challenging problems.” And his favourite piece of equipment to work on is (gas) fireplaces. Tim has worked for us in the past so I asked him why he came back, “G.M. Mechanical is an incredibly multi-faceted company with technicians that have forgotten more than most will ever learn.”

I am definitely glad to have Tim back as he is a joy to have around and never takes things too seriously. He reminds me of why I like having so many varied opinions around me to push me to learn more. Thanks for re-joining the team, Tim!

Service Technician: Andrew

Andrew is a journeyman plumber and gas fitter that has 15 years in the trade and about 4.5 years with G.M. Mechanical. He lives in Cayley with his wife and 2 kids. Andrew is also on our safety committee as we have our COR in Safety.

Andrew loves helping people solve their problems and his favourite task is troubleshooting a furnace that isn’t working. He says he chose G.M. Mechanical because “It’s the people!! Great co-workers under good management. The ideal working environment.” And I swear that I didn’t tell him to write that.

Andrew didn’t list any hobbies, but I know he likes spending time with his kids, playing the odd game of poker or basically any activity where there is a heavy social element to it. Andrew is a very happy person and is great to have around.

Thank you for your continued service, Andrew!

Journeyman Electrician: Kyle

Kyle is a Journeyman Electrician that has lived in High River for over 20 years. He has a lot of experience as he has been in the trade for 15 years. Some of his hobbies include reading, golfing, hiking and playing with his dog.

Kyle’s favourite part of his job is being able to problem solve and troubleshoot issues with equipment and electrical circuits. He enjoys working on motors and controls. Kyle says he would like to continue “growing his skills and keep up with the new advancements in the industry.”

We asked Kyle, Why G.M. Mechanical? His response was, “They are a local company with a great reputation.” Well, Kyle is only helping with that reputation with his great attitude and work ethic. It’s a pleasure to have Kyle on our team!

Sheet Metal Apprentice: Michael

Michael is a Sheet Metal apprentice who just started the trade when he started with G.M. Mechanical. He has lived in High River for the past year, and I think we have to make sure he never leaves. We keep bugging him and his wife about when they are going to have a baby. Make someone that Mike can take hunting in the future.

Mike jokes about making money as his favourite part of his job but also enjoys making customers happy. His favourite job is furnace replacements, and with the work he does, he definitely makes customers happy! He would like to become a successful tradesman, and I believe he is well on his way toward that.

We asked Michael, Why G.M. Mechanical? His response was, “good reputation!” The quality of his work and his work ethic while being so new to the trade is only going to help that reputation. It’s great to have Mike on our team!

Journeyman Plumber: Jared

Jared is a Journeyman Plumber in our Service Department, with over 10 years of experience. I have known Jared since High School and maybe even before then. He has been in the High River area for over 30 years, about as long as G.M. Mechanical has. He works full-time for us in the winter and part-time in the spring and summer months as he works on his family farm and is a vendor at the High River farmers market. He also volunteers for local non-profit organizations. He is another one when we bug him and his wife about when they plan on having kids to help out on the farm, take on a hike or maybe someday take surfing.

Jared loves his job when he sees happy customers after getting their plumbing or heating issue resolved. He would like to continue expanding his skill set in the service side of his trade. His favourite job is troubleshooting high-efficient furnaces.

We asked Jared, Why G.M. Mechanical? His response was, “local company, with nice management, serving our community.” Jared is a great guy with a great skill set, and we are lucky to have him. Thanks for joining our team, Jared.

Inventory and Purchasing Manager: Mel

Mel is our Inventory and Purchasing Manager who has been doing similar jobs for several years. She just moved back to High River but has been living in the Foothills for the past 9 years. In her off time, she enjoys hiking, camping, crafts, puzzles, cooking, gardening and any activity where she can bring her dog along.

Mel enjoys how her job is "always evolving and different every day. Getting all the customer jobs ready to go is like putting a puzzle together." She loves to put her organizational skills to use, which is a major requirement for her job. Even though Mel has worked in a similar type of job, she has never worked for a Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical company before, so she is looking forward to seeing where this line of work can take her in the future.

We asked Mel, Why G.M. Mechanical? Her response was, "it's a local and family owned company and is a very well known company in the community." Mel has brought her organizational skills to our company and has been a big help in the back with materials, and it is great seeing her continue to learn new things every day. It's great having you as part of our team, Mel!

Apprentice Electrician: Sue

Sue started her electrical apprenticeship with us 6 months ago and moved to High River then too. A big life change for this woman, who enjoys horseback riding, taxidermy and weight lifting.

She likes tackling new tasks every day and finding creative ways to problem solve as well as interacting with customers. In the future, she would like to get her journeyman ticket and get more into electrical service work. Although she enjoys her job, her favourite things about work are when the day is done and lunchtime. Kids these days 😉

We asked Sue, Why G.M. Mechanical? Her response was, "We have fun at work every day! G.M. is like a big family. My journeymen are patient in teaching me and expose me to a variety of scenarios." Sue is like a daughter to many of us here, and we are pleased with the progress she is making. She always has a smile on her face and is an extremely hard worker. It's great to have you on our team and part of our "family," Sue!

Sheet Metal Apprentice: Dalton

Dalton is a fairly new addition to G.M. Mechanical. He has 3 years in the trade and has been living in High River for the last 3.5 years. Also, he enjoys hiking, wildlife photography and anything outdoors in his free time.

He likes that his job presents new challenges to problem solve and lets him be actively hands-on in creating solutions every day. Dalton picked the right trade as he says his favourite take is to work on anything to do with metal. One day he hopes to get his journeyman ticket and become an excellent HVAC technician.

We asked Dalton, Why G.M. Mechanical? His response was, “G.M. pushes you to grow, take charge and be ready to take that next step in your career.” I am sure we will see Dalton take that next step, and school will be the next step for him. We will forgive Dalton for being an Edmonton Oilers fan as we look to see where his future goes.

Service Technician: Greg

Greg is a Journeyman Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician with over 20 years of experience. He’s a long-time High Riverite who’s been here pretty much his whole life. He has 2 adult children that I know he thinks the world of. I’ll try not to get too personal, but Greg is a perfect example of why you give people second chances. Like many of us, Greg had his demons in the past but is on the straight and narrow and seems to be thriving. It’s truly great to see, as Greg has always been an extremely nice person!

Greg likes helping customers and learning new things. His favourite part of his job, though, is to repair and install air conditioning and heating equipment. He is even looking at expanding his horizons and possibly going to get another trade ticket.

We asked Greg, Why G.M. Mechanical? His response was, “They are a local company, fair and honest with good customer service.” Greg’s attitude and demeanour definitely help with our customer service, not to mention his skill set. He has been a great addition since we brought him back. Thanks, Greg. We wish you the best in your continuing future with G.M.

President/Owner: Joe

Joe grew up in High River and now resides on a small acreage north of town with his wife Amanda, two kids, two dogs and even his parents, George and Patti (The original owners of G.M. Mechanical). Joe grew up with the company when George started it in 1991. Started by sweeping up job sites, cleaning parts bins, janitorial work in the office and data entry. By the time he was 14, he was helping on job sites with plumbing, gas fitting and sheet metal during his summers.

After high school, Joe went to college for a couple of years and then eventually worked at a Plumbing and HVAC wholesaler. At the end of 2005, he came to work for G.M. Mechanical in the Inventory Manager position. Over the years, he filled various roles with the company including safety officer, service manager, assistant manager, manager and then eventually purchased the majority share in 2019. In that time, he also obtained his journeyman ticket as a refrigeration and air conditioning Mechanic and is working on his Class A gas fitting ticket.

At the end of the day, Joe’s favourite part of his job is seeing a job through to completion. Starting at the initial quote, winning the bid, getting the technicians the right materials and scheduling them for a time that works with the customer, having the technicians completing that job and answering any questions the customer may have left them as happy as can be. His favourite thing to sell is the Lennox SLP98V furnace. “Although I know the customer will have questions after the job is complete, I can answer those questions and the customers are always satisfied with that furnace!”

As for career aspirations, in the immediate future, Joe wants to get his gas ticket. Longer-term goals are, “to ensure that this company, my dad’s legacy, continues to grow and be one of the most trusted names in the Foothills. Continue to be a company that helps the local organizations and teams. And to be a company that actually cares about its employees.” These days Joe doesn’t have a lot of hobbies and spends most of his time with his family, working and walking the dogs. Some of his favourite activities include anything to do with hockey, fishing and lately started to golf more. Joe enjoys coaching as he was a lacrosse coach before having kids of his own and is now coaching his son’s lacrosse and baseball.

“Service you can count on when you need it,” has been the company’s slogan for as long as I can remember. We strive to be the ones that people can turn to at their worst moment for some help to get their furnace running in the middle of winter or to get that water leak stopped before it does any major damage. This company is more than just another business in the Foothills, we are part of the Foothills. All our technicians live in the areas that we service, we donate to local sports teams and other charities like Habitat for Humanity and Heaven Can Wait. We try to support other local businesses. At the end of the day, it comes down to one phrase, ‘If you take care of your customers, they will take care of you.’ Thank you to all of our customers for the last 30 years and we plan on seeing you for the next 30 and beyond!