Roy Bird Talks Boiler Mechanics and Entrepreneurship

I chat with Roy Bird, a boiler mechanic with over 30 years of experience in industrial and commercial heating systems. Roy walks me through his work, which involves maintaining and repairing boilers that create steam for various industries, from hospitals to processing plants. He’s particularly passionate about the role of boilers in environmental sustainability, such as separating oil and water in the oil industry.

Roy’s path into this specialized field started when he was 14, working as an HVAC technician. After realizing he didn’t like crawling through attics, he pursued a more hands-on career with boilers, eventually going back to school to specialize. His decision to start his own business, Olson Boiler HVAC Services, came nine years ago after working for decades in the trade.

Starting a business, Roy says, was terrifying. Leaving a steady job to venture into entrepreneurship brought with it uncertainty and fear. But over time, the effort paid off. He highlights one of the harsh realities of business ownership: while you gain independence, you end up with hundreds of bosses—your clients. Roy stresses the importance of commitment and hard work, especially in the early years, where long hours and sleepless nights are the norm. Despite the challenges, his motto is clear: treat others well, and good things will come back to you.

At Meet Up 64, a young professional networking event at the Huntington Museum of Art, Roy shared his insights with attendees. He sponsors the event through his connection to Mount West, where his daughters work. This was his first experience with Meet Up 64, and he found it to be a great way to meet new people and hear from inspiring speakers.

Roy’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Prepare thoroughly before stepping out on your own. Make sure you have the right licenses, insurance, and a good bookkeeper. With solid preparation and a commitment to your craft, he says, you can make it in business.

It was a pleasure having Roy on the podcast. His story serves as a reminder that while the road to entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, with determination, hard work, and the right mindset, success is within reach.