At Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools, the Adult HVAC program is about more than tools and equipment. It is really about the people who make it all happen. Our instructors have built real careers in the field and now enjoy helping adults do the same. Together, Jesse Holmes, Elena Lane, and Paul Tudor bring hands-on experience, leadership, and a passion for teaching into every class. Their different paths into HVAC create a learning environment where students build not just technical skills, but also the confidence and professionalism they need to succeed.
Jesse Holmes knows that journey firsthand. Before becoming an instructor, he started out working mostly with boilers and steam systems. Wanting to learn more about air conditioning and refrigeration, he decided to enroll in EFCTS’s Adult HVAC program. That decision ended up changing everything.
“This program really launched my career,” Jesse said. “I have been able to start two successful businesses with teams of great employees.”
Today, Jesse owns Holmes Heating and Cooling, serving homes and offices, and Glass City Refrigeration, which focuses on large commercial systems and kitchen refrigeration. After building his businesses, Jesse found his way back to EFCTS, this time as the Lead Adult HVAC Instructor.
“I was honestly shocked,” he shared. “I never expected to be offered the full time position. I was really humbled and now I just want to use what I have learned to make this program even better.”
Because Jesse was once a student himself, he understands exactly what his students are going through. “Not that long ago, I was sitting right where they are,” he said. As a business owner, he also knows what matters most when it comes to hiring. He looks for professionalism and showing up on time first. Skills can always be taught, but strong habits take time to build. That is why his students learn more than just HVAC systems. They learn how to be prepared, communicate with customers, and build work habits that lead to long term success. And when he is not teaching or running his businesses, Jesse’s favorite job is being a dad to his four children.
Elena Lane brings a different but just as important perspective to the team. She got into HVAC because she wanted to make a difference. After noticing how few women were in the field, she decided she wanted to help change that. Today, she brings that same passion into the classroom and encourages students to see HVAC as a career that is open to anyone who is willing to work hard and keep learning.
For Elena, HVAC is one of the most reliable career paths out there. “HVAC technicians are always needed,” she said. “No matter the season, there is always work.” She also helps students feel better about their future in a changing world. “There is a lot of worry about jobs being replaced by technology,” Elena explained. “But HVAC will always need people. You cannot replace human skill, judgment, and problem solving in this field.” When she is not teaching, Elena enjoys reading, keeping up with current events, and spending time in her vegetable and flower gardens.
Paul Tudor adds yet another layer of experience to the Adult HVAC team. His path into the field started after his time in the United States Navy, where he worked as an engineer. When he retired, a friend suggested he look into HVAC, reminding him that skilled workers are always in demand. That advice turned out to be spot on.
Now a part time instructor at EFCTS, Paul brings his real world experience into the classroom to help adult students feel confident stepping into the industry. “Most of what you really learn happens out in the field,” Paul said. “Our job is to give students a strong start and the confidence to keep learning.” To Paul, success means being able to work independently. “Success is when you can handle jobs on your own, juggle multiple projects, and eventually become the tech others come to for advice,” he shared. Outside of teaching, Paul enjoys riding his motorcycle and traveling with his wife. Some of their favorite trips have taken them to South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.
Together, these three instructors show what career technical education is really all about. From Jesse coming back to teach after building his own businesses, to Elena helping break barriers in the trades, to Paul bringing his military experience into the classroom, the EFCTS Adult HVAC team is doing more than teaching students how HVAC systems work. They are helping adults build confidence, skills, and a future they can feel proud of.