It’s no secret that more people are exploring careers in the trades. But when someone hears “HVAC” or “plumbing,” they often picture residential repairs or small shops. At Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, we do something different - commercial HVAC and plumbing. That means hospitals, universities, laboratories, and large commercial buildings.
For someone just starting out or thinking about a career change, the most common question we hear is: “What does a day in this job really look like?”
The truth is, it depends on the path you take. Some people love being part of a construction crew, building big projects from scratch. Others enjoy service work — fast-paced, problem-solving jobs that keep buildings running smoothly.
This article will walk you through both sides of our industry: construction and service. We’ll explain the types of jobs you’ll do, the kind of projects we work on, how we keep everyone safe, and how your career can grow with us.
If you enjoy building things and seeing big projects come to life, commercial construction might be for you. Our crews work on everything from brand-new hospitals to full building fit-outs.
You’ll often start your day with a crew meeting. This is where the foreman explains the plan for the day, assigns tasks, and goes over any safety concerns. From there, you’ll get to work — installing plumbing systems, laying out ductwork, or setting equipment like air handlers or boilers.
Think of it like putting together a life-sized LEGO set, but with real consequences. Every pipe, vent, and valve has to fit perfectly. Your work becomes part of the building itself.
On the other side of the coin is our service team. These are the folks who respond when something breaks, needs maintenance, or has to be adjusted in a live environment. That might mean replacing a rooftop unit, troubleshooting a chilled water loop, or installing a temporary chiller for an emergency fix.
If construction is about building something new, service is about keeping what’s built running smoothly. You might visit three different job sites in a day, each with a different need.
It’s a bit like being a first responder for building systems. When the heat is off in a hospital wing or a lab has no hot water, your quick thinking keeps everything running and people safe.
We don’t just tell people to work safely — we reward them for doing it. At Harold Brothers, we have a program called “Caught Being Safe.” Every month, we recognize employees who go above and beyond to keep themselves and others safe.
That might mean stopping a job when something looks off, helping a teammate use equipment properly, or simply wearing the right gear at all times. We give out prizes to say thanks.
We also provide full PPE, ongoing training, and have a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe work. Whether you're on a job site or in a mechanical room, your safety comes first.
One of the most exciting parts of this career is how far you can go. Many of our team members started as apprentices and now lead crews or work in the office as project managers.
Here’s how it usually works:
And if you want to stay in the field long-term? Great. There’s no ceiling for skilled tradespeople who want to keep building or servicing.
Picture it like climbing a ladder: with the right support and training, every rung brings new opportunity.
The truth is, both construction and service are rewarding — it just depends on your personality.
If you like routine, working on long-term projects, and building something from the ground up, construction is probably a great fit.
If you like solving puzzles, adapting on the fly, and keeping buildings running under pressure, service might be your lane.
The best part? You don’t have to choose right away. Some of our team members move between the two over time, depending on what they enjoy.
You now have a clearer picture of what it’s like to work in commercial HVAC and plumbing. From long-term builds to fast-paced service calls, this field offers something for every kind of worker.
At Harold Brothers, we offer more than a job — we offer a place to grow, stay safe, and take pride in your work. With a proven path from apprentice to leadership, your future is in your hands.
If you're ready to start exploring a career in the trades — or if you're already licensed and looking for a company that supports its people — now is the time to take action.
👉 Visit our Careers Page
👉 Contact Us to speak with someone about your path
We’re Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors — a team committed to quality work, safe practices, and helping our people build great careers. If you're ready to make your move, we’re here to help you every step of the way.