Aaron DeBolt, ’96, looks back on his time as an HVAC major at Alfred State with fond memories. From playing baseball and spending time with friends to developing the technical skills that shaped his career, Alfred State laid the foundation for his professional success.
Although he grew up as the son of a banker, a summer job introduced Aaron to hands-on work and sparked a new direction. “I kind of broke the norm of my family’s background and decided to try something new.”
That decision led him to Alfred State’s Applied Technology campus. “What made it unique was how the campus was broken into individual pieces of the trade,” Aaron explained. “I was interested in sheet metal fabrication and plumbing, and Alfred State provided all those resources within one curriculum. I knew pretty quickly that this was the right fit for me.”
Aaron appreciated the balance of classroom instruction and lab experience. “The education I received mimics what you can expect when you go to work. You would learn the subject in lecture and then immediately go into the lab to execute the tasks.”
As graduation approached, Aaron and his classmates were already connecting with employers. He accepted a position with Postler & Jaeckle in Rochester, where he worked for a year and a half before moving on to Cornell University.
He credits his Alfred State education not only for his success in the trades, but also for helping him advance into leadership roles. “I was able to market myself and take advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves.”
Today, Aaron serves as a Senior Technical Trainer for Meier Supply Company in Binghamton, NY, a role that has strengthened his connection to his alma mater. “We really like the way Alfred State structures its programs. It was a no-brainer to invest in the HVAC program, whether I was an alumnus or not.”
Recently, Meier Supply donated several VRF inverter technology heat pumps to the HVAC program. “Heat pumps are the future of the HVAC industry. Understanding inverter technology is relatively new, and by installing, setting up, and troubleshooting this equipment, students can gain experience that will benefit them throughout their careers.”
The donation helps bridge the gap between foundational theory and emerging technology, preparing students for an evolving industry.
Pumping up future HVAC Professionals video
Aaron’s connection with Alfred State is also a family legacy. After his graduation, his brother followed him and built a successful HVAC career. This fall, that legacy continued when Aaron’s son, Austin, began his studies at the college.
“When Austin was a junior in high school, we started exploring his interests and visiting colleges. When he decided on HVAC, I was secretly smiling, it’s been such a rewarding career for me.”
After weighing options and touring campuses, Austin chose Alfred State. “We now have a strong family heritage here. I’m excited to see where it takes him.”
Returning to campus as a parent has been especially meaningful. “Seeing how the facilities in Wellsville have evolved into incredible places to learn the trade has been rewarding.”
Aaron looks forward to continuing his family’s connection with Alfred State while supporting the next generation of HVAC professionals.