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+---
+tags: HVAC
+image: 2023-12-12-cancel-this.gif
+---
+
+# Cancel This
+
+This post is going to be hard to put into words, it's going to seem egotistical at points, but know
+that my actions / feelings online are the same as they are if you met me in person. The problem with
+online interactions is tone and other subtleties do not come across, so it's hard to tell when
+someone is joking or being serious.
+
+## The Meat
+
+It has been brought to my attention that someone out there thinks that I'm sexist and should not
+speak at the HVAC School symposium because of it. They are holding a curse word against me that I
+said two years ago, in the moment A) it was fitting and B) it was one of those times that my mouth
+was working faster than my brain (raise your hand if that's ever happened to you).
+
+I am an open book, I am not afraid of showing failures and strengths. I've never claimed to be
+perfect (well, actually I have but it's always a joke). I'm not at all condoning what I've said in
+the past, nor will I repeat it out of context now, but I communicate with people like adults and I
+look at people as piers. We do not always have to agree with one another, conflict helps us learn
+where to grow, but we also can not expect people to change to fit our wants / needs, that's just not
+how it works.
+
+I do not at all agree with the tactics used by whomever is behind this. I would happily discuss this
+in private or out in the open. You can find all my contact / social information in the sidebar of
+this website and I've offered up my cell phone number in private groups that we are all probably a
+part of.
+
+## The Potatoes
+
+I am a father of 3 girls, I have a sister, talk crap about my mom and you'll find out who I am! I
+love women, I have no problem with women in the trades, I encourage women who are in the trades. I
+try to help every person that I can, if I can. I have failed more times than you can imagine! I am
+self taught in about everything I do, so I give of it freely. I have all kinds of work to do to grow
+into the man that I should be, but at the same time, I am not afraid to be the man that I am today.
+I will greet you by whatever pronoun you want to be referred as.
+
+I would love to say that I don't judge people, but I do, just as I'm being judged! I am fine with
+someone judging me and having opinions about me, I mean that is our right. I will not say that
+person is wrong, because in their mind they're right. What I will not do is stop being myself. I
+know for a fact that I've helped more people than this person has gotten "cancelled". I will
+continue to help people in the trades, homeowners, or people in need. I also will not remain quiet!
+I will give my opinion like it or not. There are people in my corner that really know me and my
+intentions.
+
+## Final Words
+
+The trades are rough around the edges, just as am I. The trades are a slow turning ship (just look
+at how many still do not follow proper practices, etc. even with the capabilities and resources
+available today).
+
+If you are new / coming into the trades then I hope you are not overly sensitive to foul language
+and other inappropriate comments. Thick skin is valuable in the trades, but at the same time don't
+be afraid to speak up if something offends you. Remember we are adults, we can handle disagreements
+like adults (well, some of us can). Adults can learn from those of any age, they can reflect on
+their own behavior and make their own decisions.
+
+I personally think that being offended is not a bad thing, it causes us to reflect / repair our
+foundational beliefs. I hope that we can stop with this "cancel culture" of today, stop hiding
+behind a keyboard, and be a diverse community.
+
+To wrap things up, I just want to reiterate that I am not at all mad at whomever is behind this. To
+everyone out there who has shown me love and support, I greatly appreciate it.