Eagle Pipe Heating & Air, a locally owned HVAC and plumbing contractor serving Kitsap and Jefferson Counties, has donated and installed a complete HVAC system at Community Works, a hands-on trades training program for teens and young adults based at Short's Family Farm in Chimacum, Washington. The project, completed on April 21 in partnership with ServiceTitan's Power the Nation initiative, transforms a previously unusable concrete barn into a comfortable, year-round learning environment.
Community Works offers civic engagement and technical training in disciplines such as boat making and tiny house construction. The new HVAC system, which includes an energy-efficient thermostat, allows students to train throughout the year in a safe setting. "This is where we could really make a difference - not only financially, but by spending time with this organization and with their folks," said Lori Tschohl, owner of Eagle Pipe Heating & Air.
The donation was made possible through contributions from Thermal Supply and Daikin, whose support helped offset equipment costs. The project reflects Eagle Pipe's commitment to workforce development. Tschohl, who also serves as president of the Jefferson County Builders Association, has participated in trade schools across the region to introduce young people to HVAC and plumbing careers. "We take technicians with us and say, 'These are gauges. These are our tools. This is what we do,' hoping to generate interest so that by the time they leave, they don't have to think, 'Am I going to college? What am I going to do?'" Tschohl said.
The Community Works project connects to a wider network of community involvement. Students have previously built items donated to Dove House, a local women's shelter, where Eagle Pipe had also installed an HVAC system. Through the Power the Nation initiative, Eagle Pipe expanded its charitable giving, with check presentations expected to exceed prior donation amounts.
Tschohl emphasized the role of technology in modern HVAC operations, including AI-powered tools from ServiceTitan's platform, to illustrate the industry's relevance. "It's not just turning a wrench or learning about refrigerants. It's about what's up and coming," Tschohl said. "This industry right now is in the absolute best position to not only utilize AI, but explore the future."
The donation addresses critical workforce shortages by providing hands-on exposure to skilled trades. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technician jobs are projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Programs like Community Works help fill that pipeline by engaging students aged 16 and 17 before they make post-graduation decisions.
For more information, visit eaglepipemechanical.com.
