Easter Monday is usually a time for rest, but for me, it’s another day of ensuring things run smoothly. This past holiday, I received an early morning call—one that’s familiar to tradies like me. It was a request to fix a problem with the cooling unit at our largest client.
This particular client has a specialised storage arrangement with cooling units suspended above. It’s a design intended to maximise storage while minimising floor space, which is crucial for holding pallets deep within. The cooling unit features an insulated door for ease of forklift access as they manoeuvre pallets in and out of racking systems.
But on this quiet Easter Monday, two of the top motors that keep the enormous cool rooms running had fan issues. The sight of a fan grabbing and squeaking instead of spinning freely signals trouble—and potential downtime for stored goods.
Being practical, I often channel a bit of MacGyver spirit. On that day, it called for borrowing a functional fan from another unit to replace the faulty one. The cooling unit has two fans, so I knew we weren’t in too much of a pinch. Disconnecting the electrics for safety, I ensured the temporary set-up would keep everything cool until proper replacements could be installed the next day.
On-site repairs are rarely glamorous, but they are part of a rhythm I cherish—improvising and learning continuously to keep things running. The refresher rate of the phone may not capture the subtleties, but it’s all part of the experience of making sure technology works for us.
My journey as a tradesman began over 35 years ago. From my days as an apprentice sparkie on the Mornington Peninsula, I’ve branched out into refrigeration, solar, batteries, and beyond. A significant shift towards electric vehicles, solar power systems, and more sustainable practices has shaped these decades. I’ve embraced these changes not just personally, building an off-grid-ready home, but professionally as a mentor to new talents in the industry.
Yet, the spirit of my work goes beyond the tools—it’s about sharing what I’ve learned. It’s not about selling or convincing anyone, but about passing on useful knowledge. Whether it aids someone in making a better decision or simply grants clearer understanding, that’s the essence of my efforts. In a way, every job, like the one this Easter Monday, is a small chapter in a lifelong learning book.
Each repair presents an opportunity to reflect on the mechanics and meanings of hands-on work. The satisfaction from a temporary fan fix on a holiday morning echoes the quieter joy of continuous learning and sharing. It affirms my belief that knowledge should flow freely, benefiting all who seek it.
What’s your take on the joys of learning and sharing in your field? Do you have a MacGyver moment to tell?
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