Graduate Connections – Meet Dionisio Vasquez

Dionisio, 64, was born in Texas, lived in California, then moved to Las Vegas, eventually ending up in the Valley in 2012. Dionisio completed the nine-month Electro-Mechanical Technologies (EMT) program at RSI back in January 2014. 

Thanks for your time Dionisio; you came to RSI in your early fifties, what did you do before enrolling?

Honestly, I was kind of a screw-up. I struggled with drinking and drugs. I got clean in 2008 and started taking any job I could get. Eventually, I knew I had to do something more with my life, I was getting older. My wife’s family lives here in Phoenix, and her brother encouraged us to move closer as their mother was getting older. So, we decided to move here. I’d been working with the same company in Vegas and transferred with them to Arizona. I enrolled at RSI a few months after we moved here.

What kind of company is it?

It’s a timeshare property management company – Wyndham Destinations. I started working in the common area at the property in Vegas – just doing basic outdoor work, cleaning, general upkeep. When I came here, I started in maintenance. I stepped into a Tech role and realized I needed to move forward in life. I wanted to grow mentally and physically, and that’s when I decided to go back to school for HVAC to get some hands-on experience in the trade. I chose RSI because it seemed like a good fit, and it was close by.

Thinking back, what was your favorite part of your time at RSI?

The support. The instructors were always available. If I needed help with homework, they gave us their phone numbers, answered our questions, and walked us through things. They all had great attitudes throughout every phase. When I didn’t understand something, they were very clear about explaining the answer, they talked to me in a layman’s way that I could understand.

When you started school, did you have any HVAC experience?

None. I didn’t have a clue walking in. 

How did you find the program? Did it come easy to you?

No, I had tough times. It was intimidating at first. I was working full time and going to school at night. That was the toughest part for me being older – juggling work, school, and home life. But the instructors made it easier. They explained things clearly and in a way I could understand.

You stayed with Wyndham after graduating from RSI. How did going to HVAC school impact your career?
It helped a lot. I was considering leaving for more HVAC-focused work, but the company promoted me and gave me a raise. Now I run my own maintenance department and have a team under me.

Do you still get to work hands-on, or is it mostly management now?

I make time to get out there. I still train and help the guys. I try to spend at least part of each day on-site, even with office duties piling up. As I say to my guys when I train them, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

Did you get a raise once you graduated from RSI?

I actually got a raise and a promotion when I told them I was going to school. I think they wanted to keep me. I’ve still had to prove myself and work hard, but it helped.

You mentioned being at several properties. How long have you been at this current one?

Five years here. Before that, I spent eight years at one property and four at another.

So, at 64, what’s next? Are you planning to retire soon?

I’m not done yet. I want to keep working and learning, depending on how my back holds up. I have back issues and bad knees, and I might have to have back surgery in a couple of months. After that I’ll decide what’s next. I might stay with the company a while longer – maybe past 67 when I’ll get my social security. We’ll see what happens.

What keeps you going even with the physical challenges of a bad back and bad knees?

I still have a job to do. Pain or not, you show up and help your team, I have an open-door policy. That’s just the way it is.

What do you enjoy most about your trade?

The personal growth. You keep learning every day. Going to RSI was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me the foundation to be able to grow in this business and go on to meet some great people. Every day is still a learning opportunity.

A lot of experienced tradespeople say, “if you think you know everything, it’s time to quit.”
Exactly. I’ve seen guys who think they’re the best, but they’re not. There’s always someone better, there’s always more to learn.

Did you make friends or connections at school? Did you stay in touch with anyone?

I made a few connections but didn’t really keep in touch. At 53, I was the “grandpa” of the class.

How did the younger students treat you?

They treated me fine. Some assumed I knew what I was doing, but I told them, “I don’t know anything either – I’m learning just like you!”

What advice would you give to new RSI students for them to be successful?

Show up. You can’t learn if you’re not there. Treat school like it’s work. Go every day, and when it gets hard, push through it, and finish. RSI helped me grow so much; looking back 11 years later, it was one of the best things I’ve done in my life. Going to RSI was a great decision.

So much so that I understand your son is now attending RSI. Is he following in your footsteps?

Yes, but he’s doing the Welding Specialist program not HVAC. He graduates in December, I think. He says it’s hot, but he’s enjoying it!

If you’re an RSI graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email [email protected] to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year) and program.