Every Sensible team member has something of value to bring to the work we do and to contribute to the industry as a whole. We are an HVAC company founded on the belief that all Coloradans should have accessible and affordable ways to add geothermal, solar, and heat pumps to their homes and it is a value we work towards every single day.
Phil Jensen is one of the owners at Sensible Heating and Cooling and he took the time to sit down and share with us why he loves this industry, the work we get to do, and our team.
Phil, how long have you been working in the heating and cooling industry?
I started learning this trade when I was 19 years old, so 45 years now. I remember that I became interested in energy efficiency, so I started working in the solar industry in 1982 and when the tax credits were eliminated I moved back into traditional HVAC work. I made sure to learn commercial and industrial systems and I actually owned my own business from 1988 until 2009 when I decided to sell it. It was in 2016 that I became interested in geothermal.
What was it about this specific industry that drew you to do this work?
I always liked working with my hands, so I went to school for mechanical engineering. I didn’t finish my degree but I was hooked by the heating and cooling industry. I was fascinated by the different aspects between piping, ductwork, controls, design, air conditioning, refrigeration, and how water and steam heat. This industry is a never-ending source for learning — you’re always learning something new. I haven’t been bored and I’ve never stopped learning once.
And what has kept you going in this industry after all of these years?
Again, there’s always something new to learn and the heating and cooling industry is always evolving. When I first started all we had was stone axes and pieces of flint to start fires. Now we are heating by transferring heat to and from the earth. This is an ultra-sophisticated industry that requires an open mind and a desire to learn. Anyone can find a niche that will keep them interested and will provide them with an excellent way to earn a living. People who are experienced in this industry can write their own ticket once they’ve gained enough knowledge and understand how to work with others in order to get the best results.
What was your specific schooling, education, and/or training like in this industry?
The training I’ve had has been continuous. Having on-the-job training has taught me the hands-on aspect which has always been invaluable, even though I’ve moved away from it in the later stages of my career. And having a traditional education or learning things by the book is also essential in order to really understand why we do what we do. My specific training comes from a combination of formal classroom training as well as company training. I’ve also had sales training and business management training. The farther I go in my career the more I realize how everything ties together and that, in order to keep improving, I need to always be learning and to keep an open mind.
Are there certain values that Sensible embodies that you align with?
We are very family-oriented which I value and it’s the driving factor behind everything we do. We believe the planet should be in the best shape it can be for future generations and we understand that this has been ignored for far too long by too many companies. We believe that the quality of your life is just as important as earning a good living. We value work-life balance and it’s an integral part of who we are. We want our team to enjoy the outdoors and have the time they need to build and grow their personal lives as well as their careers.
Can you tell us anything else about your background and what led you here?
I always loved being outdoors — camping, fishing, golfing, and just seeing all that nature has to offer. I also love to write and am currently finishing up a thriller that takes place around Moab, Utah. Its theme is all about treating the planet and the people around you with respect.
Is there any advice that you would give to someone looking to become a part of this industry?
What should they know or be prepared for? It’s important to keep an open mind and to be persistent. The truth is that you may not be doing what you want to do in the beginning but stick with it. Everyone has a place in this industry and sometimes it just takes a while to find yours. The more focused you are on your goals the easier it will be to get where you want to go. If people stay open to possibilities, then they will find opportunities. The only thing that is especially frustrating about this industry is that there aren’t more young women learning the trade because this can be a great career for both men and women.
So there you have it. The behind-the-scenes story of one of our owners here at Sensible. Stay tuned for more spotlight pieces and learn more about who makes up our Sensible team.
About Sensible Heating & Cooling
For us, Sensible is a way of life. Our form is function, and we want to equip you with the right information, so you feel empowered to make the right decisions for your home. If you want to work with a premier heating and cooling company that you can trust, you want Sensible.
To learn more about our services and to take our virtual estimate survey, contact us today.
We have integrity. We build trust. We give you comfort.
