Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Michael Scott: A Problem-Solving Mindset

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Michael Scott, the most rewarding part of HVAC work isn’t simply repairing broken systems—it’s helping people find solutions when they need them most. Throughout his three-plus decades in the industry, he has combined technical knowledge with a customer-first approach to earn his clients’ trust.

Michael first entered the HVAC industry in 1995 after graduating high school, when he began working for the same company as his father. He learned the trade under his dad’s guidance, gaining valuable experience while navigating the unique challenges of working alongside a family member. “When your kid works for you, they don’t treat you like a boss and vice versa,” he says. “But that also means he didn’t hold back, so I learned how to do things the right way.”

After spending years developing his skills in the field, Michael joined Bell Brothers Plumbing Heating and Air in 2010 and quickly found a place where his passion for troubleshooting and diagnostics could thrive. As a home efficiency specialist, he combines decades of technical experience with a problem-solving mindset to help homeowners improve their indoor comfort and energy efficiency. “I’m a mechanic at heart, so I like the hands-on aspects of the work,” he says. “It’s always challenging to work on complex systems.”

Michael has witnessed major changes in HVAC technology throughout his career, so he prioritizes continuing education to stay ahead of industry developments. He says he appreciates that Bell Brothers provides its technicians with the resources they need to confidently work on newer systems. “We do a lot of in-house training, so we don’t have to work on equipment that we’ve never seen before.”

Outside of work, Michael dedicates most of his free time to his wife, Jenae, and their five sons. His oldest son, Tanner, has even followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Bell Brothers as a maintenance technician. Michael says he has enjoyed watching Tanner develop his own skills and appreciates the opportunity to share the HVAC trade with the next generation.

In addition to raising their own children, Michael and Jenae are currently caring for a foster daughter who’s in the process of transitioning back to a family member’s care. Michael says fostering has allowed his family to provide stability, support and a comfortable home environment during a difficult period in the child’s life.

When he’s not working, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors. He owns a piece of property in the foothills where he’s creating a personal campground, with plans to eventually build a permanent house on the property. He also enjoys boating and camping whenever his busy schedule allows.

After more than three decades in the HVAC industry, Michael continues to be guided by the same principles that have shaped his career from the beginning: honesty, integrity and a commitment to helping others. “I believe you should treat others the way you’d want to be treated,” he says. “I think that says a lot about a person’s integrity.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could retire tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
A: I’d spend more time at my property and see how easily I could make it more of a permanent location.

Q: What’s your favorite genre of movies?
A: Action. I love anything with superheroes, villains and adventure.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Neither. I’m a Diet Dr. Pepper guy.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. I miss the ’90s—it was simpler and a lot less stressful.