Career advice: Air-conditioning technician

Kerry O'Brien,49, co-owns T.F. O'Brien & Co. Inc. in New Hyde Park.

Why did you go into this field?

The simple answer is, it's a third-generation family business . . . I stayed in it because I like to solve puzzles, to come up with solutions.

What would you say to someone considering this career?

We're problem solvers. You have to be someone who likes to solve puzzles. What is kind of neat about it is for the most part you are offering people solutions, helping them save energy costs and increase reliability. You've got to keep on top of what you need to know.