Rick Reuter, owner and founder of Power Mechanical Inc. in Newport News, met with industrial trades instructor Richard Baker’s students recently at Paul D. Camp Community College.

Accompanied by his associate, Valerie Brazzale, Reuter discussed employment opportunities with the HVAC and welding students.

Family-owned and operated, his business provides steam and chilled water resources. According to the PMI website, the business grew from a mechanical contractor start-up company to a national leader in the rental, sale, installation and service of steam and chilled water process solutions.

By age 20, Reuter had become a certified welder, a master pipe fitter and experienced boilermaker. He was a 21-year-old parent when he decided to go into business for himself and built the first PMI rental boiler.

“It was very interesting and impressive to hear how he began a business venture at such a young age and how he was able to grow it into the nationally recognized company that it is today,” said Baker.

Past students of the industrial trades program attended the business leader’s presentation, as well, and Reuter also stressed the importance of developing a career path based on a strong work ethic and a well-balanced life with Christian values.

Alumnus Troy Reardon said, “I found Mr. Reuter’s talk to be inspirational and loaded with sound advice for improving my work skills.”

Power Mechanical Inc. currently has more than 100 employees and has a strong philanthropic presence in the community, lending support to organizations such as Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics and Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue.

“It was so gratifying to see how our students responded to Mr. Reuter, knowing that he is a welder and technician himself who has walked the walk in the field,” said Baker.