Hardwired to Help: How HVAC Gave Nick Hartman Clarity, Confidence, and a Calling
This story is part of our Skilled AF podcast series, spotlighting diverse and inspiring voices connected to the skilled trades & construction community.
Nick Hartman always felt a deep desire to help others, but he never expected the skilled trades would be the place where that calling came to life. After dropping out of college and bouncing between jobs, a random Facebook message from a friend led him to a warehouse role at an HVAC company. That decision would quietly change the course of his life. As someone with ADHD, Nick had spent years searching for a place to channel his energy and drive. The structure, pace, and purpose of the trades gave him exactly that.
Today, he’s the Chief Growth Officer at Ongaro & Sons, a fourth-generation plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company in Northern California. His job is more than growing the business, it’s about developing people and the culture of the company – a role that taps into his purpose in ways no title ever could.
In this episode we cover:
Nick’s Journey: How a Facebook message at age 27 led him into HVAC and changed his life
Growing Up Fast: What it was like being the oldest of six kids raised by a single mother, and how that shaped his sense of responsibility and drive
ADHD as a Superpower: Nick’s experience navigating ADHD and how the trades gave him structure and purpose to channel that energy
Neurodiversity in the Trades: Why hands-on careers are a powerful fit for neurodivergent individuals
Mental Health: The unique challenges tradespeople face and how Ongaro & Sons is building a culture of support
Importance of Investing in People: Leadership, mentorship, and creating environments where others can thrive
Advice for the Next Generation: Especially for neurodivergent youth navigating school and career choices
A special thank you to Petaluma High School and their incredible Media & Broadcast CTE program – Trojan Broadcast – for helping produce this episode.
