Faculty and Administration

Ranken Technical College has responded to the need for specialized training for technicians in the workforce. Over the past decade, the Major Appliance and HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) industries have widely adopted electronic integration into their systems, which has necessitated industry specific certifications and education. These changes occur at a time when there is already a growing gap in the supply and demand of skilled workers and Ranken is the only school in the St. Louis region that offers students the opportunity to earn dual degrees in these areas with only an additional semester of enrollment.

Mehmet Dinceroglu is one of those students. Mehmet graduated in May 2019 with dual associate degrees in HVAC Technology and Major Appliance Technology.  He is employed by DLT Properties, a family-owned property management company, as a maintenance technician.

Gary Bick, HVAC instructor, tells us “Mehmet had a very strong HVAC/Appliance background and he progressed very well through each subject. I had to keep plenty of material in front of him. He also would assist his fellow students if he saw they were struggling and help them figure it out. Mehmet was a pleasure to work with in my class.”

At the SkillsUSA 2019 SkillsUSA National Conference, Mehmet placed first in the Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technology category. He and the other contenders analyzed and diagnosed service issues on refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, microwave ovens and dishwashers, demonstrated brazing abilities, participated in interviews, and were tested on a series of other learning exercise. In addition, Mehmet was also awarded tools and several other prizes including a $500 stipend for representing Ranken at the national conference.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Adam Blattel is much like many talented adults who spend years in search of their niche. Adam graduated with an Associate Degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology in May 2003. He returned to Ranken the fall term of 2019 as an evening student to pursue a two-year certificate in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC), graduating in December 2020. Adam is a HVAC Technician at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Benjamin Brown, HVAC Section Supervisor at Scott Air Force Base and HVAC instructor at Ranken Technical College, tells us “Adam was in my residential HVAC class. He was very serious about his education. He worked hard in class and asked lots of questions; his communication skills are outstanding. Adam applied for a temporary position at Scott AFB in the 375^th HVAC Shop. This is a great way to gain experience working on all types of commercial, residential, and institutional equipment just coming out of school. He was hired as an apprentice but is working at a journeyman skill level. Adam is maintaining critical chillers, pumps, and air handling units that enable the Air Force global mission. He has been recognized as the ‘Performer of the Month’ for the 375^th Civil Engineering Squadron. His background is working with computers and this fits in great when working with automated control systems. Adam is always on time and ready to work. He displays outstanding work ethic.  I am proud to know Adam and to have been one of his instructors.”

Adam acknowledges, “My certificate from Ranken is the only reason I have this job. Every respected employer in this region requires you to attend Ranken. When speaking with potential employers in the Greater St. Louis area, like Jarrell Contracting and the Union, I repeatedly heard the same advice, ‘You have to go to Ranken.’” Of Adam’s favorite memories while attending Ranken, he enjoyed helping younger students succeed.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.scott.af.mil/

“Ranken helps most students obtain a sense of a scheduled, orderly life with rules you must follow no matter how ridiculous students may think they are,” says Colton Knowles. “The classes were very balanced in ratio of students-to-instructors, which alleviated the challenge of receiving instructive, one-on-one clarity when you simply asked for it.”

Students in the St. Louis campus Construction Division programs use their skills to build houses in the neighborhood through our nonprofit Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC). They receive construction training in a “learn by doing” style, supervised by our faculty in every facet of construction. Colton enjoyed plumbing those houses with his class during the winter of 2019. Most of his classmates had never been a part of a “build” before and he enjoyed seeing everybody’s reaction to the physical demands and know-how required when piping a house together. He says, “You learn a lot about the people you thought you knew when you get to work out in the field.”

Dave Munie, Plumbing Department Chair and instructor, explains “Colton is a go-getter and was one of the best in his class. He is very focused on the quality of his work.” Colton graduated Cum Laude with a Certificate in Plumbing Technology in May 2020. “My work at Riesenmy Construction allows me to use all my talents as a technician, craftsman, plumber, and assisting in all aspects of custom home building, particularly historical homes,” says Colton.

Nathen Riesenmy, Owner of Riesenmy Construction Services, describes Colton as well-suited for the many facets hit profession entails. “Colton is a long-time acquaintance; our families have known one another since Colton was young. He worked with me years ago before venturing on to other jobs and enrolling at Ranken. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and a great work ethic. We are an all-trades company that performs custom work primary in renovation. Colton often refers to his Ranken instructors when explaining techniques he picked up while earning his college certification.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Now a Master Plumber and Plumbing Superintendent for Comfort Systems USA, Mtech-ICON in Houston, Texas, Cody Frank tells us Ranken had a huge impact on his career. “The plumbing program at Ranken jump started an awesome career . . . Ranken classes and instructors put me ahead of my coworkers with equal and sometimes even more experience. Coming from a small town in Southern Illinois, I never would have imagined I’d be managing plumbing crews and helping run a large-scale company in Austin, Texas doing all sorts of commercial jobs,” he says. Cody received his Certificate of Plumbing Technology in 2007. He is a State of Texas Responsible Master Plumber who carries a Medical Gas Endorsement and owns a small side business named Redbird Plumbing Service, LLC.

Victor Mangold, Vice President of Construction, Comfort Systems USA, Mtech-ICON,  shared “Cody is a great success story here. Within six months of joining Mtech, Cody was chosen as the new field superintendent of our plumbing workforce. He has really excelled and developed a culture of loyalty in his team. Cody gets our name out to the customer base. The sky’s the limit for Cody and we’re proud of him.”

Cody adds, “[The Ranken Plumbing Program] taught me many formulas and methods I did not use right away but always had in my ‘tool bag,’ so to speak. I’m proud to be a Commercial Superintendent managing around 50 men. Ranken teaches you skills and knowledge and gives you the motivation and confidence you need to get in, thrive, and advance in the Plumbing and Pipefitting trade.”

One of Cody’s fondest memories of the Plumbing program was the class final. He says, “Topping out a 3-story building frame before I knew much at all was pretty cool.” Two of Cody’s closest friends, Brian Meado (2007 CST) and David Murphy (2008 HVAC) also graduated from Ranken Technical College.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://comfortsystemsusa.com/

Dave “The Plumber” Munie graduated from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in 1990. He took the post of Plumbing Department Chair and Instructor at Ranken in 2015. Since that time, Dave has been writing curriculum and teaching day students the craft of plumbing. He also maintains a departmental budget and does an incredible job of recruiting future plumbers for our industry. Dave has increased enrollment in Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program four-fold in the past five years. With Dave’s ingenuity and imagination, Ranken now has a state-of-the-art three-story plumbing laboratory. “[The structure has] 43 bathrooms, so every student’s going to put full bathrooms in. They’re going to do laundries, kitchens, water heaters . . . and we’re going to turn it on,” he says. “We’re growing great plumbers from the ground up.”

Dave, Master Plumber, has been a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 101 in Belleville, Illinois for 27 years. He’s been a leader in charge of many different facets of the plumbing industry including commercial, residential, and industrial. Dave is the former owner and operator of a plumbing company himself; he possesses entrepreneurial experience and a love of the trade. He also taught plumbing and pipefitting apprentices in foreman certification and Illinois plumbing code through Local 101 for 15 years.

Dan Kania, Ranken Vice President for Education boasts, “It’s no secret that Dave has a passion for plumbing and that is why the program has grown under his leadership! Whenever there is a tour through plumbing, Dave always gets the group excited about the program with his enthusiasm. His real impact has been in preparing and connecting students to industry. Dave is well respected by his students, his team, and the Ranken community. “

Dave tells us, “[My Ranken education prepared me for] a great career!” His favorite memory of his time as a Ranken student is . . . “impossible to choose, there are too many to list,” he says. Dave’s father, Roger Munie, graduated from Ranken’s plumbing program June 1965 (pictured with Dave above).

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Christopher Mills graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in May 2021. Ranken offers a nine-month certificate in Plumbing. The program is highly regarded in the Greater St. Louis area. Students get hands on training through Ranken’s Community Development Corporation (RCDC), working on real residential job sites, installing all the plumbing components in accordance with the Universal Plumbing Code.

Following graduation, Chris joined Grasse & Associates, a plumbing and fire protection contractor, as a Plumber Pre Apprentice. Lou Grasse, President, Grasse & Associates, says “[Chris] has only been with us for a few months, but he is great.”

“In lieu of the decline of skill trades workers, Ranken’s education has significantly helped me secure my career trajectory,” says Chris. “The field needs plumbers and Ranken helped me get my foot in the door. Definitely one of the best decisions I ever made.” Chris values becoming a member of Local 562 with his friends and fellow peers.

Stephen Felling, Plumbing instructor, tells us “Chris is intelligent and gets along with everyone. He is focused and completes tasks in a timely manner with a high degree of proficiency. Chris willingly accepts challenges, analyzing tasks and breaking them down. His calm, confident demeanor puts people around him at ease. I have no doubt Chris will have an outstanding career and positively influence everyone privileged to work with him.”

David Prost, Plumbing instructor, recalls “Every time I needed a special project done on campus, I asked Chris if he would lead the crew. He is one of those quiet, strong leaders that others naturally follow. One of his strengths is taking instruction extremely well. I liked to give him tasks above his skill set; it was fun and rewarding to watch him rise to the occasion. Chris came up in a tough environment as a young man. He put himself through trade school in a program that appealed to him; now he is reaping the rewards. I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m proud to say I had the honor and pleasure of being part of his Ranken experience.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
http://www.grasse.com

Jarrell Contracting, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the greater St. Louis area, specializes in creating full-service solutions for the highest level of performance for commercial and industrial businesses. Jarrell Contracting is a family-owned company, bringing all the best people to the table with the knowledge, commitment, and passion to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Mr. Mark Wiegmann, service manager, has worked for Jarrell for more than 36 years serving the commercial industry with their operating needs including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), electrical, plumbing, and sheet metal work. He manages 70 skilled technicians, including Jonc Pender. “I am pleased with Jonc’s performance” he says. “He has a strong work ethic and is a team player. Jonc trains with journeymen at Jarrell, learning everything there is to know about industrial maintenance and repair.”

“I got to know Mr. Pender as a student in my first year HVAC course at Ranken Technical College,” explains Chad Crouch, HVAC instructor. “He was always eager to be in the shop applying the theory behind the hands-on [curriculum]. During my semester with Jonc, he was well-liked by his peers in class and an attribute when working on group projects. I have always known Mr. Pender to be honest and hardworking during his training at Ranken.”

Jonc graduated from Ranken’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology program in May 2020. He tells us, “[Ranken] set me up for a long-term career where I will be able to make a good living and support myself.” His favorite memory would have to be going out to play whiffle ball on the last day. Jonc’s father, Jonc Jason, graduated from Ranken’s Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating Technology (RFAHT) program in June 1997.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.facebook.com/jarrellcontracting
https://www.jarrellcontracting.com/

Abigail Pritchard was drawn to the craft of carpentry – the ability to apply knowledge and skill to fashion useful items and structures from raw materials. She graduated from Ranken Technical College with an Associate Degree in Carpentry and Building Construction Technology in May 2020.
Abby thrived in the program. Carpentry instructor John Davis noted her reliability and the fact she “always jumped in to help out.” In her second year, she especially enjoyed the ability to work on actual construction projects on properties owned by the Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC). “After learning the basics of carpentry and construction, my transition into an apprenticeship was as smooth as it could be,” Abigail tells us. Among her favorite memories is the day she helped install the roof trusses. “It was very satisfying seeing our house get one step closer to being closed off from the elements.”

Not long after graduation Abigail established herself on the west coast in Seattle, where she has family. Abby has worked for Mētis Construction on a variety of remodeling projects, uncovering timber and trusses and repurposing older buildings while restoring them to their former glory. Andy Madden, a project manager at Mētis, has been astounded by the new apprentice’s immediate impact. “She is a quick learner . . . with an amazing work ethic. Abby was well-prepared by Ranken; she is ready to work every day.”
Mētis is an organization committed to the tradition of the craftsperson contractor, and Abigail was also impressed by their dedication to equity and social justice. “The fact that it is worker-owned drew me to this company,” Abby observes. “I am loving my job and my mentors have been fantastic . . . I couldn’t be happier in my new home.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.metisconstructioninc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/metisconstructioninc

Over the past year our society has seen a renewed emphasis on, and appreciation of, essential workers. Among the most needed are those that maintain climate control systems. Ranken Technical College helped Jason Monesmith enter this skilled profession at a critical time – he earned his Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Technology Magna Cum Laude in May 2020.

Mike Graft, one of Jason’s instructors, says that he “possesses the knowledge and drive needed to succeed in this everchanging field.” Mike was especially impressed by his attitude, sensing that his “possibilities are limitless, and I know Jason will work hard and strive to be the best in his position.”

Jason is employed by Goldkamp Heating and Cooling, a Florissant, MO-based company that prides itself on the efficiency and training level of its staff. Goldkamp’s Installation Manager, Patrick Luley, tells us his new employee has rapidly become an invaluable asset, noting “Jason is awesome! He’s so team friendly and everyone loves to work with him. [He] often comes to me with work-related ideas of his own.” Patrick is even confident that someday, Jason will “have a business of his own.”

Jason found his HVACR experience satisfying on both a professional and a personal level, telling us “Ranken taught me useful information for the trade I am in. I enjoyed the friendships I made with my classmates and instructors.” Jason Monesmith is an outstanding example of a Ranken career success story – impressing everyone he comes into contact with while providing indispensable services to his community!

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

https://www.facebook.com/GoldkampHVAC/

https://www.goldkamphvac.com/

May 2020 graduate Andrew Poetz was on the fast track to the 2020 SkillsUSA National Championship when the COVID-19 pandemic began. This year, he placed first in the plumbing contest during the District Championship, and garnered the praise of Ranken’s Plumbing Department Head, David Munie.

Now, Poetz is working at Beis Plumbing, specializing in residential repairs, residential remodels and new construction. He says in five years, he sees himself as a journeyman plumber and working to become a master.

“Ranken has given me an intro to plumbing, and gave me a step above even some experienced plumbing apprentices,” Poetz says. “It has helped me find a fantastic job and set me on a path only leading up. It has put me in a place where I can look to the future and be confident in my capabilities.”

https://www.facebook.com/beisplumbing

https://beisplumbing.com/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

It’s sort of a rare occurrence to have both an instructor and an employer come from the same family. But when you’re talented with a strong work ethic, sometimes it just happens. For Ranken grad Andrew Stephens, going from student to employee and maintaining a relationship with brothers Dave and Mark Munie has been beneficial.

Stephens is employed by Beloman Plumbing, where coincidentally Mark Munie is his manager. Before Beloman, Dave Munie was Stephens’ instructor and Plumbing department head.

“Andrew is a great addition to our company,” said Mark Munie. “Since coming on-board he has worked both residential and commercial projects. He has a great work ethic, is timely, and complies with our company policies. Andrew is well-spoken and knowledgeable, serving our clients well. ”

Dave Munie agrees. “Andrew is a great guy who is willing to do anything for you. A true team player. I’d hire him in a minute if i was an employer!”

In addition to his work ethic, Stephens graduated May 2020 from the Plumbing Technology program, Summa Cum Laude.

https://www.facebook.com/beloservice

https://beloman.com

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Andre Hickman, graduated from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in May 2020.  Since graduation, Hickman has taken on a role at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, here in St. Louis. Hickman is one of 13 men and women in the new Champions program, “ a joint initiative to expand membership diversity in the city of St. Louis, while strengthening the Local 562 workforce. “

“Graduating from Ranken was a huge accomplishment for me, “ Hickman said. “Ranken prepared me for my career, whether it’s hands-on training, or in a classroom setting.”

Hickman will complete the one year Champions program, then continue with a 5-year apprenticeship. With an education from Ranken, Hickman will be prepared for what lies ahead.

“My instructors gave me the perfect advice, and pushed me to be the best I can be,” he said.

https://www.facebook.com/Local562

https://www.local562.org

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

From his first day at Ranken, Jake Aurelio caught the attention of his instructor John Davis for his self-assuredness and work ethic.

“Jake was a great student from his first day in the program,” Davis said. “He knew he wanted to be a carpenter and worked very hard to improve all of his carpentry skills.”

While enrolled in the Carpentry program, Aurelio took advantage of the annual SkillsUSA competition, where he won at the district and state level, and earned a spot in the national competition. In 2020, he did it again. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aurelio was unable to participate in this year’s national competition.

Aurelio established himself as a leader during his time as a student, often stepping up for more tasks to do while working on Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC) homes. According to Aurelio, Ranken has deeply impacted his life, as it “gave me new opportunities in the workforce and my job, specifically,” he says. We are proud to say that Aurelio is a May 2020 graduate, with Magna honors. Jakc is employed as a carpenter by Pfund Construction Company.

https://www.facebook.com/Pfundconstruction

http://pfundconstruction.com/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Mark’s success story is quite impressive. He conquered obstacles that would have otherwise thwarted a young adult pursuing a degree in the trades. Mark came to the United States from Nigeria. Not only did he overcome the language barrier, but he adapted to our country’s Imperial system of measurement. Educated using the Metric system, which uses measuring units to count orders of magnitude (i.e. meter, liter, and gram), he graduated from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology Certificate Program Cum Laude in 2019.  He now works as a 2nd-year apprentice for Murphy Contractors, the largest mechanical, industrial construction, and engineering company in the United States. Mark’s supervisor, Alex Ivanov, service operations manager for the Murphy Company, shared “Mark absolutely goes above and beyond. He’s always prepared, often researching project solutions after hours.”

Dave Munie, Plumbing Department Chair, tells us, “Mark Ezepue was a stellar student.  He is very professional and possesses a great attitude and excellent work ethic. While attending Ranken full time, he was employed at a job where he put in thirty-six hours each weekend and still managed to excel in his studies and meet Ranken’s attendance requirements.”

Mark reflects on his decision to attend Ranken, “Going to Ranken was probably the best choice I made especially as an immigrant who was trying to find his feet in a different environment. I am grateful for making that decision.” He has many memories of Ranken, “. . . especially with my classmates and the instructors who were always ready to help each student irrespective of their race, gender, or academic issues.” In 5 years Mark sees himself as a licensed Journeyman skilled in the plumbing craft.

Photograph was taken pre-pandemic.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

https://www.facebook.com/MurphyCompanyMechanicalContractorandEngineers/

https://www.murphynet.com/

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the construction business was booming. Like many other industries, this health hazard has had a negative impact, including backlog, revenue and profit margin expectations, workforce issues, and supply chain issues. Infrastructure projects rely on public funding and the general economic health of the nation, which significantly slowed down the market. The Civil Quarterly, a report published by Dodge Data & Analytics, states the Commercial Construction Index, that gauges the strength of the industry, plummeted from 74 to 55 between the 1st and 2^nd quarter of 2020. Times like this, when furloughs and layoffs occur, call for ingenuity and persistence.

Daniel Otten possesses those very qualities. He began his career doing foundation, plumbing, and masonry work, then pursued electrical technology at Lincoln Tech in Indiana. He entered the Navy in 2012, serving until 2016. As an aviation structural mechanic 3rd class, he worked on the MH-60 Sierra Helicopter and he served on three aircraft carriers during training maneuvers.

Daniel utilized the G.I. Bill to attend Ranken. He says, “Ranken has given me the opportunity to tune the skills I learned growing up to be successful in my trade. My favorite memory was the last day of school, sitting there on the front porch of the house we had just finished, looking back at all the little tasks we had completed to make our house a home for the family that now lives there.”

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Carpentry and Building Construction Technology program in 2019, and Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Applied Management in 2020, Daniel worked as a carpentry apprentice for a local union. Carpentry instructor John Davis noted Daniel’s dependability, explaining “He was a great student and person . . . [Daniel] was one of the most reliable, dependable students that I have ever had.” A few months into the pandemic, Daniel took another path. He is now a chemical operator and subject matter expert for Afton Chemicals where he controls part of the plant that makes an engine oil additive.

Daniel Otten, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class, U.S. Navy

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.aftonchemical.com/

Graduate Jacob Hartman says attending Ranken gave him the skills he needed to succeed professionally, as well as skills he needed in life.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student at Ranken,” Hartman says. “I will always say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Hartman graduated in May 2016, first with an Associate of Technology in Control Systems Technology, then received a Certificate of HVAC in May 2019. He now works as an R&D Lab Technician at Hussmann Corporation, where he’s been for the last four years.

“On each project, Jacob brings his skills learned at Ranken as a strong knowledge base, and adds new skills learned on the job,” said Hussmann R&D Manager Mike D’Anna. “In this regard Jacob Exceeds expectations working in the Hussmann R&D Center.”

Before attending Ranken, Jacob says he almost shut the door on going to college. But with the help and encouragement of his cousin, Jacob decided to go for it.
“Ranken gave me the structure I needed to be successful in life,” he says. “Going to Ranken completely changed my life.”

https://www.facebook.com/hussmanncorp

https://www.hussmann.com/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

For 2019 graduate Amanda Blazer, Ranken Technical College provided something she never received in high school. It was the confidence to do well in her work and know she was on the right track.

“My favorite memory is when I got an ‘A’ and didn’t have to study,” she says. “When I was in high school, tests were not my strong suit. I had to study a lot.”

It could be that Ranken is not a traditional school. For every hour students spend in the classroom, they receive three hours of hands-on training. Not only did Amanda gain the skills she needed for employment, she graduated Ranken Magna Cum Laude with a certificate in Carpentry.

And she’s still pushing forward. Amanda is currently enrolled in Ranken’s Facilities Technology Program, all while working as a Water Restoration Technician at Woodard Cleaning and Restoration Company. Her boss speaks highly of her.

“Amanda is a great employee with a pleasant disposition and admirable work ethic,” said Sean Dunlap, Crew Chief at Woodard. “She knows how to prioritize her work and is extremely timely and efficient when it comes to completing her projects.”

Sean says Amanda’s work with providing cleaning treatments to health businesses and residential businesses have been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is a skill she has mastered.

“Ranken gave me the confidence to be able to move forward in my dream job and it continues to do so the more I learn,” Amanda says. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and I thank the program, the teachers, and the staff for being so kind and understanding, especially when I first walked in the doors.”

www.woodard247.com

https://www.facebook.com/Woodard247

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

According to David Munie, Ranken Plumbing Department Chair, “Ryley excelled at everything including all his projects. He competed in the 2019 SkillsUSA District Championship, taking 1st place in the plumbing contest. He then advanced to the SkillsUSA Missouri State Championship where he placed 1st again.  Next stop, the 2019 SkillsUSA National Conference where he took 4th place. Ryley possesses a great work ethic; he had a superb attendance record. He is making preparations to acquire and outfit his own work van as a 2nd-year apprentice.”

“I am truly loving my job at Beloman Heating & Cooling,” says Ryley.  “It’s all because I was so prepared and had great teachers. Ranken taught me to take responsibility, and to be a great plumber. I made the right decision to attend Ranken.  My fondest memories were coming back from winter break and seeing all the guys again. Everyone got along so well and always had a great time. I know I made lifelong friends that I can always count on.”  In 5 years, Ryley sees himself running a lot of remodels, both commercial and residential, along with the occasional new home.  He adds, “Someday, I’d love to come back and teach at Ranken.”

Ryley gets all high marks when it comes to his work with Beloman. “Ryley has a great attitude and impressive work ethic,” reports John Davinroy, Beloman Project Manager and Estimator. “He always wants to learn more and steps up for more responsibilities. While with Beloman for two years, Ryley does the work of 4^th and 5^th year apprentices, much like journeymen. He is a real team player and takes pride in his work.  We wish we had more like him.”

http://www.facebook.com/beloservice/

http://www.beloman.com

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Chris Richardson graduated from Ranken Technical College’s Plumbing program in May 2019.  “From the minute I took a tour of the plumbing department and met my future teachers I knew this was what I wanted to do in life,” Chris says.

Dave Munie, Plumbing Department Chair at Ranken, instructed Chris and remembers him well: “Chris was a great student, very smart and business savvy. . . I believe he’ll go on to bigger and better things, [a] top lead position in the field.”  Chris is thinking very much along these same lines, predicting that he “will be a journeyman in the trade and with any luck, be able to try running work as a foreman.”

Both his classmates and instructors bestowed a unique nickname on Chris reflecting his intelligence and recall – ‘the professor’.

Work ethic is graded as part of the experience at Ranken Technical College, including a vital component – teamwork.  This is one of the things that impressed Chris the most, as he recalls: “Even though my class was on the large side, we all became like one family. If anyone had a problem with something, either in the classwork or home life, we helped each other through it.”

Since he graduated, Chris Richardson has been employed with Grasse & Associates and is currently a 2nd year apprentice.  Grasse & Associates incorporated in 1992 but represents only the latest endeavor of the Grasse family, which has been synonymous with the local construction industry for nearly a century.  The company works with general contractors across the St. Louis metro area and Chris is currently working on sleeving a deck – preparing a permanent concrete installation for piping, a task which requires advanced surveying skills. “I have great benefits and pay” Chris proudly declares, “and can now support a future family of my own.”

Photos below taken Spring 2019

https://grasse.com/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Outside of the hands-on training that Dale McCrackin received during his time at Ranken, there was something else just as important Dale says helped his development.

“I must first thank my instructors at Ranken, because without
them I would not be where I am today,” McCrackin says. “I truly felt like they were always looking out for me and my classmates during my time at Ranken. They also taught me interpersonal skills that I use every single day.”

McCrackin is a spring 2019 Ranken graduate, having completed both the HVAC-R and Major Appliance programs, with MAGNA honors. He now works as a Controls Technician at The CTS Group.

As a Ranken student, McCrackin says his favorite memory was of getting the opportunity to participate in a “How-to” video featuring an unreleased product with the company NIDEC.

“This was a great opportunity to meet some wonderful people from that company and get some insight into up and coming products in my industry,” he says.

https://www.facebook.com/CTSgroup.ESCO

https://www.veregy.com/about-us/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Michael Landolt graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program in 2011. He tells us, “Ranken instilled strong, practical knowledge in an evolving industry allowing me to be effective in the industry as technology advances. The core concepts I learned from the various courses set me up for success in my future career.”

His favorite memory of his time spent at Ranken is, “The various ages of equipment in the shop were an excellent representation of the real-world environment of performing service work. There was a very old residential furnace with ribbon burners and a natural draft flue. I had lots of fun working on the relay logic of the system.”

Michael has been recognized for his leadership and dedication to the energy industry on several occasions. He won the Association of Energy Engineering’s Corporate Energy Management Award and Region IV Group Award, and Aramark’s Service Star Volunteer and Campus of Excellence Awards. His project management skills have proven paramount according to Michael Heroux, Aramark Technical & Energy Director at Baylor University (BU). Mr. Heroux explains, “Michael’s oversight and diligent management of planning and implementing work and operational assignments over Baylor Energy Complex has been exceptional. His work on the Aramark Baylor University Energy team was instrumental in achieving energy savings of over $1.25M over the last four years. Michael set up and implemented over five plant tours and energy discussions with BU Engineering students.  We received multiple thank you’s and appreciation from both faculty and students, ‘A Great Education Experience’.”

Photo taken pre-pandemic, Michael Landolt pictured far-right.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

https://www.facebook.com/BaylorUniversity1845/about/?ref=page_internal

https://www.baylor.edu/facilities_management/index.php?id=950265

Working for Allied Services in Dayton, Ohio, Victor met some people who had attended Ranken and he decided to come here to learn the trade. After graduating he returned to work for Allied Services and worked for a couple of other businesses before being hired to work as a pipefitter at International Harvester Truck Plant where he worked for 35 years before retiring. Victor says, “Ranken helped me a lot. The drafting class we took was very helpful and having learned pipefitting in our plumbing program helped me get my job at International Harvester.” While in St. Louis he rented a room for $10 a week on Forest Park Parkway which he shared with a few classmates.

Bruce used the GI Bill to pay for his education and worked on campus over the summer painting fences to help cover expenses. He also worked on campus at night answering phone calls and keeping track of tuition payments. After graduating from Ranken, Bruce and his classmate, Terry Chance, took jobs in Baton Rouge, Louisiana working for JF Nailer. He was there for less than a year when they went on strike, so he moved back home to Quincy, IL. There he worked as a maintenance man for Motorola for six months and then for Meyer Heating and AC where he worked for two and a half years. Bruce then decided to open his own business.  Bruening Heating and Air Conditioning has been in business for 46 years and has two locations. Bruce has been joined in the business by Sandra, his wife of 50 years, and all three of his children. Chad, 44, learned the trade on the job and was later joined by his wife who is now the secretary. Mary, 42, went to college and then decided to learn the trade and join the family business. Kelly, 36, started out as a secretary and then moved into sales and now heads up the fireplace and grill side of the business. Bruce’s favorite memories are his classmates and teachers, “Mr. Groves was a character and told us how it was.” He remembers. Bruce also remembers his classmate Paul Mueller who became a Ranken teacher, “One day while Paul was teaching, I snuck into his class while he was writing on the board. When he turned around and saw me, we both had a good laugh.”

Before enrolling at Ranken, Everett spent four years in the Navy from 1964-1968. He used the GI Bill to attend Ranken and worked evenings while attending classes. When he graduated, he worked for Mac’s Plumbing and Heating in East St. Louis. While in East St. Louis, where he lived for twenty years, he also worked for the City of East St. Louis and the East St. Louis School District. He also taught HVAC at State Community College. Everett was in East St. Louis for 20 years and then moved back to Columbia, MO, his hometown. For much of his career, he was self-employed servicing and installing. Everett remembers some valuable lessons that he learned while a student at Ranken, “Ranken helped me tremendously. We had to follow rules and regulations, which I was used to from the Navy. Some people have a hard time with this, but this is what makes Ranken special. Ranken also taught us to treat people right and to do what is in the best interest of the customer. Some companies just want to install new equipment, but we learned to repair equipment so that we could save customers money.” Everett still works part-time.

Charles has embraced a variety of roles since graduating from Ranken. He started working as a drafter and did that for seven years. He has sold lumber, worked for Miceli Custom Homes as a Construction Superintendent and later promoted to VP of Construction building subdivisions and apartments. Charles also worked for Fred Weber building bridges and roads, and the Missouri Housing Development Commission as an inspector before retiring in 2017. Retirement did not last long as he went back to work for MODOT as a construction technician. He plans to retire again at the end of March. Charles has been married for 31 years, has three kids and 8 grand kids ranging in age from 3 to 22 years old. His Nephew Matt Sadler is an evening Automotive teacher at Ranken and his brother in law Jim Sadler also graduated from Ranken in Automotive. Charles remembers taking classes with his friend Rob Wirth and doing custodial work for the school in the evenings. “Ranken helped me hone my drafting skills which I still use in my leather business making belts, purses, and other products. It also helped prepare me for the workplace as it was more like going to a job because we were always designing and drawing something,” he recalls.