Meet The Team

Co-Founder

Andrea has 19 years of experience in Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Andrea has her MM98 Mechanical Contractor’s License. She has lived in Albuquerque, NM all her life. She has worked in the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling business since she was 18 years old. She has 1 daughter, Hannah. When Andrea is not working, she enjoys, hiking, biking, boating, jet skiing, four-wheeling, attending church, spending time with family and most important to her, being involved in all aspects of her daughter’s life. Her burning desire is to write a book, become a business consultant, and motivational speaker. Something nobody knows about her: she enjoys reading and journaling. Andrea’s key to success is “Never stop learning, work hard even if it means nights, weekends, or holidays, always go above and beyond the call of duty, treat everyone with respect, and have compassion.”

John has 34 years of experience in the plumbing and HVAC industry. John has both MM98 and EE98 Contractors Licenses. He also has Journeyman Plumbing, Gas, Refrigeration, and Boiler Operators Licenses. He has lived in New Mexico all his life. His previous jobs include farming, ranching, and machinist apprentice. John is married to Michele Barner, and between them, they have four children: Mariah, Jacob, Owen, and Jonathan. John and Michele also have seven granddaughters. John is an audiophile and enjoys skiing, golfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Something nobody knows about him: his favorite music is Reggae. John’s key to success is “Work hard, there are no shortcuts.”

Bookkeeper

Debra has over 10 years of experience in the HVAC and Plumbing Industry. Her previous jobs include dispatcher, install coordinator, and office manager. Debra’s spouse is Korey Davison, and they have two boys Kassius and Kace. They also have a dog, Zeus. “He is the coolest pit bull.” She has lived in Albuquerque all her life. When she is not working, she enjoys going to football games, spending time with her family, and taking vacations.

Her burning desire is to learn, execute and move up. She will do this by always giving 100% commitment to achieving her goals.

Something nobody knows about Debra. “My age! I’m forever 29!”

Debra’s key to success is “PATIENCE”!

“I like working for First Rate because of the work-life balance and flexibility for the employee. I like that we have an opportunity to grow and advance and that we have a healthy non-toxic work environment.”

HVAC Installer and Plumbing Technician

Kyle Duran has 12 years of experience in plumbing, heating, and cooling. He has his Journeyman Sheetmetal License. His previous jobs include Warehouse/Delivery, Office Assistant, and Sales Associate. Kyle resides in Albuquerque, NM. When he is not working, he enjoys producing music (mostly electronic music), playing video games, DJing, cooking, and traveling. His burning desire is to produce a track that is played on the radio worldwide. His key to success is, “Drive, determination, responsibility, integrity, and hard work.”

“One thing I like about working for First Rate PHC is the people I work with are exceptional at what they do and I feel that I learn new things from them every day.”

Installation Manager

Jake Barner has 12 years of experience in plumbing, heating, and cooling. He has his Journeyman Plumbing/Gas License, Universal EPA, and Journeyman Refrigeration License. His previous jobs included being a heavy equipment operator, welder, and truck driver. His spouse is Kayli, and they have one daughter Kinsi with another girl on the way. They also have some great dogs. Jake has lived in New Mexico all his life. He enjoys hunting, fishing, ATV riding, and riding horses when not working. His burning desire is to do out-of-country big game hunting. His key to success is, “raising 90s kids”

Dispatch Manager

Ron Gonzales has 14 Years in the Plumbing Heating and cooling industry. Previously he worked as an IT Program Director servicing two major hospitals in both Oklahoma and New Mexico.  Prior to that he worked as a 911 dispatcher.  He resides with his spouse Janelle Stratton in Rio Rancho, NM along with their two Scottish terriers.  He recently made what he calls his hardest trip ever to New York, to see his daughter off to Syracuse University for Grad School.  When he is not working you will find him in the company of friends and family, attending a mystery movie with Janelle, visiting with his 98-year-old Grandmother or sitting at the Pit rooting on his beloved Lobos. 

When asked what he likes best about working at First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling, he will say, “Being a part of place that makes me feel at home.  Being able to jump from around a corner to scare Co-Owner Andrea without getting fired, but rather laughing about it or trying to convince Co-Owner John that I know without a doubt who shot JFK.  Still, what I like the most is knowing the team I work with, is my family and I am theirs.”    

“Go Lobos!”

Comfort Advisor

Ronnie Gutierrez has 10 years of experience in plumbing, heating, and cooling. His previous jobs include HVAC Sales, Project Management, and Beverage Sales and Management. His fiancé is Antonette Benavidez. He has 3 children: Dominic Baldonado, Marissa Gutierrez, and Reina Gutierrez. He has lived in Albuquerque all his life. When he is not working, he enjoys automotive restoration, paint, and bodywork. His burning desire is to be successful at everything he does and to own a 1959 Impala convertible. Something nobody knows about him is how much he enjoys meeting new people. His key to success is, “Preparation and organization is key.”

“I like working at First Rate because of the support system, true team environment, employees, as well as ownership takes great pride in our work and reputation.”

Comfort Advisor

Daniel Garcia has been in the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling industry for 18 years. Previous jobs he has done are HVAC Service Technician and In-Home Comfort Advisor. His wife is Kristyn, and they have 3 children. When Daniel is not working, he enjoys watching his kids play football and volleyball, coaching softball, and going fishing. His burning desire is to always keep learning. Something nobody knows about Daniel is that he likes watching reality TV. Daniels key to success is “hard work”.

HVAC Installer and Service Tech

Jude has 2 years of experience in plumbing, heating, and cooling. Jude has his EPA certification and Journeyman license. He has lived in Albuquerque for 9 years. When he is not working, he enjoys motocross racing. His burning desire is to be successful at a young age. Something nobody knows about him: he was a 4-time State Champion in Racing. His key to success is, “Have the best work ethic possible.”

“I like working at First Rate because I enjoy talking to customers and showing them that we’re not just technicians, we’re people too. Also enjoy getting to give people comfort in their home.”

Plumbing Technician

Patrick Mulcahy has 20+ years of experience in plumbing and heating. He has done plumbing and heating for all of his career. Patrick’s wife is Gladys, and he has 2 children and 1 pet. He resides in Albuquerque, NM. When Patrick is not working, he enjoys traveling. His key to success is, “Hard work!”

Plumbing Technician

Valentino Calabaza has 6 years of experience in the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling industry. He has worked in this trade all his working years. He has lived in New Mexico all his life. When he is not working, he enjoys fishing, sports, and outdoor activities. His burning desire is to learn and master his craft to the best of his ability. Valentino’s key to success “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

HVAC Installer and Service Tech 

Julian has several years of experience in Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. He has lived in Albuquerque, NM all his life. He has 1 son. When Julian is not working, he enjoys being with family. His burning desire is to be an expert in the trade. His key to success is “work hard”

Apprentice

Enrique Romero is new to the industry. He is a member of our apprenticeship program. Enrique has lived in New Mexico all his life, when he is not working he enjoys skiing, basketball, and fishing. His burning desire is to learn. Something nobody knows about him, he graduated with a 3.5 GPA. Enrique’s key to success “Take criticism as a learning opportunity”

HVAC Service and Plumbing Technician

Kevin has 4 years of experience in Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. He has lived in Albuquerque, NM all his life. He has 2 puppies’, a Pitbull named Pancho and a Poodle named Chanel. When Kevin is not working, he enjoys reading books, fishing, and sports. His burning desire is to learn every day and become better every day. Something nobody knows about Kevin “I am very good at card games, especially Black Jack”. Kevin’s key to success “Hard Work”

HVAC Service and Plumbing Technician

Michael has 4 years of experience in the plumbing, heating and cooling industry. His previous jobs include being in the restaurant industry and retail service industry. His spouse is Lorina, they have 3 dogs and 3 cats. He has lived in Albuquerque 8 years. When Michael is not working he enjoys video games, motorcycles, 3D printing, woodworking, and building things. His burning desire is to learn and grow his knowledge base. Something nobody knows about him is, he started working in his family owned catering company washing dishes at 7years old. His key to success “keep moving forward”

Customer Service Expert

Shirley has over 30 years of experience in customer service. Her previous jobs include, she owned an in home child care, performed wellness checks on elderly patients being taken care of in their homes, was a field representative for a state funded food and nutrition program. She is married to Jonathan Aguilar. She has twins, Andres and Andrea. She also has 4 dogs. She has lived in Albuquerque all her life. When she is not working she enjoys being involved in her church, cooking, gardening, spending time with family and helping the elderly or anybody in need. Her burning desire is to travel more. Something nobody knows about her, she was a track runner in high school. Her key to success “care about others and always have integrity.”

Customer Service Expert

Jenny has over 20 years of experience in customer service. Her previous line of work was working in the dental field. She has 4 children and has lived in Albuquerque all her life. When she is not working she enjoys the outdoors, attending church, and attending her children’s sporting events. Her burning desire is to live a peaceful life with lots of laughter and love. Something nobody knows about her is she comes for a family of 4 siblings, 3 girls which includes a set of twins and a boy and she also has the combination in her own children. Her key to success “set clear goals, have consistency and have a positive mindset”