Louie Lopez says he is a product of trade schools. His family owned an air conditioning business, so he studied HVAC, and he has always enjoyed helping customers feel comfortable in their homes or businesses. Now, he passes that knowledge and experience on to students at UEI College in Fresno as an Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) instructor and Campus Chair for Trade Programs.
“When I came to UEI five years ago, I knew I loved being on a roof,” Louie said. “I was always the guy who trained the new hires or helped them out. But when I started teaching, I thought, ‘Wow, this is my calling—to be patient, to teach, and to show someone how to work on all these different systems.’ Teaching is now a passion of mine. I feel like I’ve always had a teacher’s heart and have always enjoyed helping people learn. Plus, I’m teachable myself, which I think is essential.”
“Here at UEI College, we keep things relevant to what the industry currently needs, focusing a lot on hands-on training,” he explained. “The industry is constantly evolving, so we stay up-to-date with its changes. We emphasize hands-on learning, and it’s all about getting our students’ hands dirty.”
“Louie has a way of making people feel comfortable and valued. Whether he’s teaching a full class or in a one-on-one tutoring session, Louie has a unique talent for delivering content, checking for understanding, and adjusting his approach if needed,” said Ada Clower, UEI Fresno Campus President. “He clearly loves the industry and is excellent at inspiring that same passion in others. His student surveys often praise his abilities as an outstanding instructor!”
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Louie’s pride in the program at UEI is evident. He takes great pride in the labs on campus that guide students from basic residential HVAC skills to handling commercial and industrial equipment. All tools and equipment are kept in top working condition, and if something malfunctions, it becomes an opportunity for students to practice their skills.
“Our instructors are highly skilled and come from diverse backgrounds across the HVAC industry,” Louie said. “They’re patient, and they truly care. For them, it’s all about student success.”
The most important skills Louie aims to teach aren’t technical but soft skills—finding the balance between being a skilled technician and a considerate professional.
“Those skills don’t come from a book,” Louie said. “It’s about manners. When you’re at a customer’s house, do you walk through the grass or around it? Do you park in the driveway or on the street? Soft skills are so important; saying thank you, yes sir, and being courteous. Soft skills are a big part of what we emphasize at UEI.”
“Mr. Lopez is an instructor who is always dedicated to his students and their success,” said Cari Stockdale, Director of Education at UEI Fresno. “He leads by example, often being the first on campus to greet students—not just HVAC students, but all of them. Mr. Lopez shows genuine care and commitment to student success. He advises students, reminding them of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ for achieving their goals and assures them that they can do it!”
For those considering a career in HVAC, Louie believes it takes a blend of soft skills, technical expertise, and a drive to keep learning. That commitment has always fueled him, and he’s passionate about sharing it with today’s students and those in the future.
“HVAC changed my life and helped me get through challenges,” he said. “I’ve seen it do the same for many others.”
