TEAM MEMBER
HIGHLIGHT
NATE
SWAILS
HVAC Service
Technician - Seattle
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the challenge and excitement of being at the tip of the spear for the new Seattle branch! I thrive when challenged and I look forward to acquiring larger commercial accounts that I can really sink my teeth into.
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What did you do before you came to work here?
I performed HVAC service for another contractor where I got some great experience managing preventative maintenance and repairs for critical healthcare and technology facilities.
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What do you like to do on the weekends?
I fish, travel, ride my Harley, shoot, camp, hike, ski, and do just about anything outdoors. I took up sailing this year and am thrilled to see what new adventures I can find! Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my 12-year-old daughter, who is an equestrian and has recently developed a passion for mall shopping. I’m getting very well versed on all the latest teenage girl fashions and fragrances!​​
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Where did you go on your last vacation?
My dad, a handful of buddies, and I went to Neah Bay for offshore bottom fishing. We raked in the halibut, ling cod, and rock fish!
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What is something unique or surprising about you?
I collect antiques, particularly stereo equipment, video games, and phonographs. I have equipment ranging from the early 1900s up to about 1985.​
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Sports?
American football is my favorite to watch on TV and hockey is my favorite live sport. I did get caught up in the Mariner’s post season though! Downhill skiing is the sport I participate in and hope to make it up to Whistler soon!
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When you were a little kid, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be Spiderman and catch as many steelhead as dad.​
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What is your claim to fame?
I swam from Pearl Harbor to Ford Island, HI when I was in the Navy, apparently through a hammerhead shark breeding ground… no bites though!
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Do you have any pets?
My beloved cat of 13 years, Wookie, passed this year. I’m taking a break from pets but plan on getting a golden retriever puppy when I’m ready.
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Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Nothing hidden, I’m an open book. I play alto saxophone, but I haven’t picked up my horn in a few years. I like to dance, though my moves aren’t quite as solid as they used to be 😉
LUKE
HOWLAND
HVAC Service
Technician - Seattle
What do you like most about your job?
I would say that I like most the problem-solving aspect of my job. Everyday I'm assigned with a new task, and it can be so fun to learn and work through something I haven't seen before. It can pretty much be a guarantee that I run into frustration, however, as soon as I understand something it makes it all so worth it.
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What did you do before you came to work here?
I was working still as an HVAC service technician at another company. The reason for the switch is because Alliant is providing me with huge opportunities to grow and evolve as a technician. The amount of training and education I have received has truly been incredible.​
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What do you like to do on the weekends?
On the weekends I'm often finding myself doing a combination of hanging out with my girlfriend, going to the gym, and taking time to rest and recover from all that happens in life, which usually consists of gaming and watching shows.
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Where did you go on your last vacation?
A couple of weeks ago my girlfriend and I took a day trip to Leavenworth, WA. We went at the perfect time because it was a weekday, not crowded, and there was no snow on the roads. My favorite part was having a cupcake from one of the bakeries in the town and looking at the super detailed dragon figurines in the shops.
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Sports?
When I was a kid, I played soccer in premier leagues from ages 6-14 however as of recent I’ve been into bodybuilding with plans of competing in a year or so. Also, I'm a Thunderbirds hockey fan!
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When you were a little kid, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I never truly had a solid career I was after however I knew that whatever I did I would always try my best, and I think that mentality has carried me to success.
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Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a standard poodle named Quil! He’s the sweetest and most spoiled thing you’ve ever seen. We keep his hair short and he’s half brown half white, so people often question his breed and are typically shocked to hear he’s just a poodle.
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​Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I can solve a rubix cube in under 2 minutes (best time ever like 30 seconds) and in general I’m good at puzzles.
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