Ramblin’ Rhyno: Oh, The Critters We Find
Editor’s Pick:
*”There’s no such thing as a ‘simple service call’ when you’re crawling through nature’s attic.” — Ramblin’ Rhyno
When we recorded Episode 002 of HVAC R&D, we were barely past the “what if nobody listens?” stage.
But we already knew one thing for sure: this industry hands you stories you just can’t make up.
This episode — “Oh, The Critters We Find” — wasn’t just about raccoons in attics or snakes under air handlers (although, trust me, we’ve got plenty of those).
It was about realizing early on that the trades aren’t clean, polished, or predictable.
They’re wild. They’re weird.
And if you can’t laugh about it once in a while, you won’t last.
“You don’t just fix ACs out here — you survive adventures.”
That’s something nobody tells you on Day One.
You think you’re signing up to work on machines.
Next thing you know, you’re dodging wasp nests, stepping over raccoons, and trying not to fall through a ceiling soaked in squirrel pee.
It’s humbling.
It’s disgusting.
It’s hilarious.
And it’s exactly why so many of us fall in love with this work.
“The trades test you before they pay you.”
When I look back on those early service calls — long days, rough houses, customers who didn’t want to hear bad news — I realize those moments shaped me more than any easy job ever did.
You learn quickly that HVAC work is life work.
It’s managing people, weather, animals, and yourself, all at the same time.
“Patience and boots — two things you better break in early.”
Nobody walks into this trade polished and ready.
You earn your stripes one snake encounter, one attic sweat-fest, one customer freakout at a time.
The trick is learning to keep your boots moving and your attitude clean — no matter what’s lurking behind the next crawlspace door.
Early HVAC R&D episodes had that rawness to them because we were still living it every single day.
Not filtering it. Not sugar-coating it. Just handing it to you straight.
“Some days you fix equipment. Some days you fix yourself.”
That’s the other side of all those critter stories.
You’re not just learning how to fix machines — you’re learning how to face hard things without running.
Every rough attic.
Every crawlspace surprise.
Every job that went sideways.
They weren’t setbacks.
They were workouts — building the toughness you need to keep going when lesser folks would hang it up.
Ramblin’ Rhyno Sign-off:
If you’ve ever cracked your head on a roof truss, wrestled a raccoon for attic space, or stared a black snake in the eye while trying to finish a PM, this one’s for you.
Welcome to the trades.
It’s not always pretty, but it’s always worth it.
#CrittersAndCrawlspaces
#RamblinRhyno
#HVACRnD
Are you interested in joining Rhydon on an episode of HVAC R&D? If so, please fill out the Podcast Questionnaire and then Rhydon or Kris will send you a link to book a discovery call or fast track you to booking your show!
