Jerry Virtuoso joined Tauris Tech in 2019 in our third class at 50 West St, and after getting his Q-01 NYC Refrigeration License went from handyman to Resident Manager of his own building. Since my first class at 50 West St in February 2018, dozens of the people I taught there have gone on to become Building Engineers and Property Managers. I cannot thank Seth Coston, Time Equities, Inc. and The Albanese Organization for the confidence and support throughout the years.

Thomas Quinn is not just a mentor at Tauris Tech, he is an instrumental part of all our efforts to provide trade skills and high paying jobs to people from underserved communities. He has aided the restoration of VFW Post 3427 since day one; giving us the benefit of his decades of experience and connections to help us overcome overwhelming odds, and never asked for a thing in return.

It was an honor to be asked by Joe Havey, CEM, LEED AP to appear on his podcast “The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey”, and I’m blessed to have found a new friend and mentor, whose opinion about work, business and skilled trades align with my own.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap_hvac-engineering-skilledtrades-activity-6914268630675292160-qseS?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=ios_app

While working at The Turner School in the early 2000’s I realized I had a very bad temper and often felt like exploding at my students, coworkers and employers. In 2010 I began yoga and martial arts classes, which taught me how to redirect my energy and calm situations that could easily lead to physical conflict. A year later I opened the first of three fitness studios, where I and my staff trained over 14,000 people in 4 years. Since then I have tried to impart lessons I learned from that experience to everyone on the Tauris Tech team. Those of us who are not rich, famous or powerful do not have the luxury of assaulting people and not suffering severe consequences.

BMS Specialist Chirag Patel, PE joined Tauris Tech in 2020 and after getting his Q-01 NYC Refrigeration License continued to tutor others on the team seeking theirs. Now he will be a mentor and instructor in our upcoming BMS/Controls classes and Building Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program. We also congratulate the Patel family on the birth of their beautiful baby girl 🎉.

Alberto Gutierrez and Frontline Safety NY LLC. have been key to the restoration of VFW Post 3427. Not only did they provide the Site Saftey Plan and OSHA training, he was also a mentor to our trainees; and one thing I’ve heard Alberto speak about many times, is being able to control your emotions when you feel disrespected (https://youtu.be/eVvvsTtM85E). Last night the entire world witnessed one black man commit an act of violence against another one over a stupid joke; and with that lapse of judgment he not only damaged his reputation, he continued the stereotype that people of color or those from low income backgrounds are prone to violence. I grew up in a world where chaos could erupt at any moment; one in which people were viciously attacked for a single glance or word. I have spent 18 years trying to help people escape that world, and what happened last night has made my job just a little bit harder.