Josh Via grew up all around Maryland, living in Rockville, Walkersville, and Damascus. His family settled in Brunswick, where he got a job at a local Roy Roger's when he was 16 years old.

"I knew I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life," he said. 

In 2004, he began his journey in the trades thanks to a suggestion from his mother. 

"At that time, my mom had worked for Warner Service," he said. "She said, 'There’s an opportunity you can start here.' Everything lined up.”

He started as part-time help during the summer then moved to a full-time apprentice after high school graduation. Warner sent him to training by ABC, which Josh called "a really good opportunity."

He spent three years working up to a "full-fledged" service technician, a position he held for 8 years.

"[My] first day in the field was an experience," he laughed. "I remember being told to grab a quarter-inch nut driver, and I stared down at the toolbag for minute and I was like, 'Wanna give me any hints on where the quarter-inch nut driver is?'"

Today, he's the installation coordinator -- and still works with his mother.

It's a "fun" experience because "she can help me out. I can help her out."

Their dynamic fits seamlessly into the Warner atmosphere.

"It sort of feels like a family at Warner anyway," Josh said.

"When we...have get togethers [like picnics and softball games] and we have all our family together, everybody feels like one big family. You feel like you have a bond and a connection with people."

Even happy customers appreciate their small-town, family values, which is one of Josh's favorite things about the company. 

"They do show their appreciation."

Aside from positive testimonials and referrals, he likes being "a doctor for HVAC equipment."

"The satisfaction of figuring out issues and problems [is] the part I enjoy, even if it’s not heating and air conditioning issues. Once you do figure it out, you feel accomplished."

This attitude and knowledge has kept the Warner name circulating through the community for 80 years and counting.

"The fact that we have grown this much over 80 years, it’s a big accomplishment," Josh said. 

"Our circle is a lot bigger than Frederick. I feel everybody knows our trucks. I feel everybody knows our logo. I feel like I get a good vibe from the community that we’re at least on the right track. We’re doing pretty good."

As for the future of Warner Service?

"I feel proud to work for the company that’s put in the time and put in the effort to keep employees around for 80 years," he said. "I hope we have another 80 years [with the same values] that got us where we are."

You can view Josh's full video interview here. 

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