Meet The Team

Co-Founder

Andrea has 21 years of experience in Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.  Andrea has her MM98 Mechanical Contractor’s License, EPA Certification, Journeyman Refrigeration, Journeyman Plumbing, and Journeyman Gas license.  In addition, she is a student at NMSU Global where she is wrapping up her Business Degree.  She has one child.  When she is not working, she enjoys being a parent, hiking, being involved with church, learning, and spending time with family.  Her burning desire is to write a book, which is in progress as we speak, and to become a business consultant in her retirement years.  Something nobody knows about her; she enjoys reading inspirational books.  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, and treat everyone with respect and compassion. She was also a 2024 recipient of Albuquerque Business First's Top 40 Under 40.

Co-Founder

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 & Chief Executive Assistant

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."

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!”

HVAC Supervisor

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”.

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 and HVAC Installer

Valentino Calabaza has 7 years of experience in the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling industry. He has worked in the 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."

Service Tech/Installer

Enrique started with the company as an apprentice. He has worked hard to learn the ins and outs of the industry.
His work ethic and mechanical aptitude have led to many opportunities for him in the company.
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”

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."

HVAC Install Coordinator

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"

Apprentice

Daniel is our HVAC and Plumbing apprentice. He has lived in Albuquerque, NM all his life. When Daniel is not working, he enjoys hiking and fishing. His burning desire is to be an expert in the trade. His key to success is “Hard work and good work ethics"

Plumber

Saul has 11 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he has lived in New Mexico for 15 years.  When he is not working, he enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends.  Saul says   "Hard work and integrity" are his keys to success!

Plumber

Sebastian is an experienced Plumber, he has lived in Albuquerque, NM all his life. When Sebastian is not working on his fleet of Ford Mustangs, he's hanging with his 2 dogs. Sebastian's key to success is to "Acknowledge ones mistakes and learn to do better!

In-home Comfort Advisor

Roger has been in the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling industry for 20+ years. Roger is our in-home Comfort Advisor. He has lived in Albuquerque over 20+ years. When Roger is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, making salsa, fishing and hiking. His burning desire is to be the best at what he does. His key to success is to " take risks and fall forward."

HVAC Technician

Pablo is our HVAC Technician. He has lived in Albuquerque all his life. When Pablo is not working, he enjoys spending time out doors and snowboarding. His burning desire is to grow and become a better person each day. His key to success is to " Provide dedication, excellence, quality and satisfaction on each job done."

HVAC Installer

Story is our HVAC Technician. He has lived in Albuquerque for 6 years. When Story is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, camping and painting. His burning desire is help the next person, you never know what a little help does. His key to success is “Facing every challenge with a "will do" mind set.

HVAC Technician

Philip is our HVAC Technician. He has just moved to Albuquerque. When Philip is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, listen to live music and read all about history. His burning desire is to be 100% debt free. His key to success is to " be up front, be kind and be persistent."

In-home Comfort Advisor

Hello, my name is Cristobal, your Comfort Advisor. Today, I look forward to sitting with you to design the best system for your needs and application. I am background checked and drug tested. I will be showing up in a company marked van and wearing a company uniform. Here is a little about me, I have been in the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling industry for 10+ years. I have lived in Edgewood for over 20 years. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time fly fishing, watching and playing baseball. My burning desire is to be the best at what I do and my key to success is "Attention to detail" Thank you in advance for entrusting me in your system design process.