David Bott, Service Technician for Damuth Trane’s Southside East Service Team, and Gregg Schmitz, Service Technician for Damuth Trane’s Peninsula City Team, will both be retiring on Friday, June 7.
David joined Damuth Trane in January of 2017. He began his career in the U.S. Navy where he served for 30 years, retiring in 2011 as a Master Chief Electronics Technician. Following his retirement from the Navy, David volunteered as a caseworker for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society for a couple of years, then went on to earn his Associates of Applied Science in HVAC/R at Tidewater Community College. It was there that David learned about Damuth Trane through their HVAC Internship partnership with TCC and soon accepted a full-time position with the company.
Gregg joined Damuth Trane in May of 2012. He began his trades career with a local contractor as an Electrician’s Helper and eventually moved into the HVAC/R realm within the same company, receiving the necessary training and certifications along the way. When the company went out of business nearly 30 years later, Gregg responded to an online listing for a Service Technician opening at Damuth Trane and started soon after.
As Service Technicians, David and Gregg were responsible for operating, repairing, and maintaining a variety of equipment, from chilled water systems to computerized building management systems and everything in between. David and Gregg’s teammates have described them both as exceptional technicians and compassionate mentors who used their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the organization.
Bob Gunderson, Service Operations Team Leader, said of the retirees: “David and Gregg have both been “go-to” technicians on our team over the years, delivering an awesome client experience, producing excellent work, and providing mentorship for their fellow team members. I am proud to have been on the same team with them both; we will all miss their talents. I wish David and Gregg a very happy and fulfilling retirement!”
David lives in Suffolk, VA with his wife of 37 years. Together they have three children and one grandchild. In his plans for retirement, David expressed he’s looking forward to traveling more - visiting the last 13 states on his list, as well as catching up on projects around the house. On his time with the company, David shared: “I greatly appreciate all the opportunities I have been provided at Damuth. The success I’ve experienced is a direct result of being led, trained, mentored, and supported by the best team I’ve ever had the chance to work with. I feel lucky to have been involved in projects all over Hampton Roads and beyond. The incredible associates and strong teamwork I’ve seen here at Damuth is the reason my time here has been rewarding and enjoyable.”
Gregg lives in Gloucester, VA with his wife of 42 years. Together they have two adult daughters and one new grandchild born at the end of 2023. Gregg plans to work his way through his “honey-do” list and enjoy having less responsibilities and more free time in his retirement. On his time with the company, Gregg shared: “When I came here in 2012, I thought I already knew a lot, but working and going through training here, I now know a whole lot more than I used to; it’s been an eye-opening experience. A big ‘thank-you’ to everyone who has helped me along the way!”
Congratulations David and Gregg! Thank you for your many contributions, hard work, mentorship, and dedication to the company over the years. Best wishes for retirement from your Damuth Family.