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 Service Technician

Sean has worked in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry for 4 years. Sean has a Universal EPA certification and a Journeyman Refrigeration License. For the majority of his career he has worked in general contracting for residential and commercial. In addition, he has also done elevator installations and has been a heavy equipment operator. Sean is a New Mexico native. He is married to Shanna (in his words “my beautiful wife Shanna”), he also has a son (in his words “my blessing of a son, Shea”). He has no pets, says it’s too hard to say goodbye. His hobbies are fly fishing, camping, and riding dirt bikes. His burning desire is to move to northern New Mexico to be closer to his favorite fishing holes. Something nobody knows about Sean, “The Lord is the love of my life.” His key to success is, “Don’t lie, don’t steal, and don’t cheat. Always be honest.”

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 Supervisor

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 include heavy equipment operator, welder, and truck driver. His spouse is Kayli, and they have one daughter Kinsi. They also have some great dogs. Jake has lived in New Mexico all his life. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, ATV riding and riding horses. His burning desire is to do out-of-country big game hunting. His key to success is, “Hard work and reliability.”

Dispatch Manager

Ronald Gonzales has 12 years of experience in plumbing, heating, and cooling. His previous jobs include Dispatch Manager, 911 dispatcher, and program director. His spouse is Janelle Stratton. He has one 21-year-old daughter and two Scottish Terriers. He has resided in New Mexico 40+ years. When he is not working, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and traveling. His burning desire is to finish his skydiving certs. He is an open book. His key to success is, “Integrity, honesty, and dedication.”

“I like working for First Rate because of the professionalism and ambition for growth.”

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”.

Apprentice

Jude has 1 year of experience in plumbing, heating, and cooling. He is working toward his EPA Universal certification, obtaining on-the-job training and will continue on with First Rate’s apprenticeship program to become licensed in the trade. His previous jobs include being a warehouse worker. 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.”

Apprentice

Elijah Tarin has 1 year of experience in the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Industry. He has lived in New Mexico all his life. When he is not working, he enjoys going to the gym and working on cars. His key to success is “Good work ethic and discipline”.

Office Assistant

Hannah Navarrete has grown up in the industry all her life being the daughter of co-founder Andrea. She has lived in Albuquerque all her life. When she is not working, she plays Club volleyball, volleyball for school, and assists with any volleyball activities that she can. Her burning desire is to become part-owner of First Rate in 15 years. Something nobody knows about her: she wants to move to Colorado for a while to see how she likes it. Her key to success is, “Focus and determination.”

“I love working at First Rate with my mom because she inspires me to be successful like she is and pushes me to my full potential.”

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.”