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Jonathan Wright: Always Faithful

By Matt Solis, Editor

For many HVAC professionals, their professional paths began with trade school or fortuitous personal connections, but for Jonathan Wright, it all started in the United States Marine Corps. “In 2013, the military selected me to be a refrigeration and air conditioning technician,” he explains. “After I left, I worked for a couple of HVAC companies that didn’t treat their employees or customers very well, so I actually quit the industry and enrolled in film school.”

In 2021, a need for a summer job brought Jonathan to Ongaro & Sons, where he quickly turned a temporary maintenance position into something more meaningful. “I knew this company had a good reputation, but when I saw how they truly support their employees and treat their customers right, I knew I had to stay,” he says. “As HVAC service manager, I take pride in helping others build fulfilling careers. Watching my team improve their lives, develop their skills and grow professionally is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Jonathan currently lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and their four cats, but before moving to Sonoma County, he commuted 90 miles from Lake County every day just to work at Ongaro & Sons. “It was worth it,” he says. “Opportunities are scarce in my hometown, so I wasn’t going to let myself get stuck.”

A naturally curious and driven person, Jonathan enjoys creative writing, tabletop gaming and working on short films in his free time. He and his wife are also avid explorers, often taking off on spontaneous road trips along the coast for a meal or a scenic detour. “We love jumping in our Mustang and just going somewhere new,” he affirms. “That’s our version of relaxing.”

Despite his professional success, Jonathan brings a deep sense of humility and purpose to everything he does. “I still live by the Marine Corps principles of honor, courage and commitment,” he says. “Also, someone once told me that happiness has to be fought for, and I definitely believe that’s true. Very few people live their dreams through complacency.” 

When asked what his life might look like if he could retire tomorrow with unlimited resources, Jonathan says he couldn’t just sit still. “I’d have to start a new project or open a charity, because it wouldn’t feel right to have the means to help others and not act on it. I would still want to make the world a better place.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A cat person.

Q: Do you prefer being somewhere hot or cold?
A: Somewhere hot. I’ve only been around snow a handful of times in my life.

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would take my wife all over Europe.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Raku Ramen & Rolls in Santa Rosa.

Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A: A Ferrari 458 Italia.