Staff directory
Administrative Staff
Alex Tiechner
Training administrator
With over 20 years of industry experience in HVAC Service, Sheet Metal, Testing Adjusting and Balancing, Alex Tiechner brings expert leadership to our union apprenticeship program. Grounded in the values of quality, safety, and solidarity, the program is designed to prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople through hands-on training, technical instruction, and real-world experience. Under Alex’s guidance, apprentices gain the knowledge and craftsmanship needed to succeed in a demanding and rewarding career—building a strong future for themselves and the union.
ako saipele
administrative assistant
Ako Saipele is a highly organized and dependable Administrative Assistant with a proven ability to support teams and streamline daily operations. Known for strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach, Ako excels at managing schedules, coordinating logistics, and ensuring smooth office workflows. With a focus on efficiency and service, Ako is a trusted go-to for both staff and leadership support.
Instructors
Shane Lee
instructor
Specializing in Advanced welding technologies, welding certifications, Hoisting and Rigging, AutoCAD design, leadership, shop layout and fabrication
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1st - 4th Year Sheet Metal
Welding
Plans and Specs
C.W.I.
Marcus Stratton
INSTRUCTOR
Building Information Modeling (BIM), Navisworks, Revit, Tremble and Bluebeam
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AutoCAD/Detailing
BIM
Rob Martin
INSTRUCTOR
Specializing in Architectural, wall cladding, TIG welding, OSHA safety, HVAC Installation, Fiber laser cutting, CNC hydraulic press breaks.
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1st - 4th Year Sheet Metal
Welding
Plans and Specs
C.W.I.
Roger Kane
INSTRUCTOR
Specializing in HVAC service, Testing adjusting and balancing, Title 24 Mechanical Acceptance Testing, Direct Digital Controls, Variable Refrigerant Volume systems
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1st - 4th Year HVAC Service
Brazing / Soldering
Testing Adjusting and Balancing
Mechanical Acceptance Testing
Building Automation Systems
Joint Apprentice Training Center(JATC) committee
Chris Ruch
Chair
Labor Trustee
Chris Ruch serves Local 104 members as their Codes and Standards Representative. He began his career in 2004 specializing in Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB). In 2018, he became Director of Education for the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI), combining his expertise in training and air balancing. Ruch serves on multiple technical committees as an expert and voting member and holds several International Certification Board (ICB) supervisor certifications. He brings extensive technical and educational experience to the JATC Committee.
Greg Gordon
Co-chair
Management Trustee
Provides operational and business support to commercial and industrial customers, with a focus on energy efficiency, automation, and HVAC systems testing and balancing. Experienced in optimizing system performance and ensuring reliable control system operation across complex facilities.
Leads teams to achieve operational and financial objectives while ensuring all contractual commitments are met through timely, high-quality service delivery and strong customer focus.
Labor trustees
Fred Latu
Fred Latu is Assistant Business Manager for Local #104 District 2. District 2 covers the dispatch areas of Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and Fresno. Fred has been a member of Local #104 since 2012 and also sits on the board for the Modesto JATC and the Fresno JATC. Fred is a staunch advocate for apprenticeship programs and enjoys seeing the apprentices grow into successful Journeypersons.
Jeremy Ures
Jeremy Ures is a Business Representative for Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104, serving 18 counties across Northern California, from Amador County to the Oregon and Nevada borders. A member since 2008, Jeremy brings well-rounded industry experience, having worked in both shop and field environments, as well as in estimating and business development. He is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of every apprentice who comes through the program.
Robert Kuks
Robert Kuks is a Business Representative for Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 104 and serves the membership from Sacramento County to the Oregon and Nevada borders. He acquired hands-on experience as an HVAC service technician and TAB technician working for ACCO and ASSC. Background includes servicing and maintaining a wide range of commercial and industrial facilities, including hospitals, data centers, casinos, and schools.
Liz Sutton
Liz Sutton is a Business Representative for Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 104, serving San Joaquin, Alpine, and Calaveras Counties. With over 20 years of experience in the sheet metal trade both in the field and shop. Liz also serves as Co-Chair of Local 104’s Women’s Committee, where she is committed to mentorship, training, and advancing opportunities within the Sheet Metal Trades.
Management trustees
Sean Bakey
Sean brings over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, with the past 12 years spent at Lawson Mechanical Contractors. He has developed a strong foundation in construction management and mechanical engineering throughout his career. This expertise allows him to provide steady leadership and practical insight to support the Training Center’s growth and direction. His experience helps ensure the organization remains forward-thinking and a leader in industry training and development.
Gary Myers
Gary Myers brings 25 years of corporate and HVAC project management experience, beginning his career with Western Air and Refrigeration overseeing projects throughout Southern California. He later served as Vice President of Construction at Airco Mechanical before joining Intech in 2009, building a strong track record of leadership in the industry. His extensive experience includes complex healthcare and laboratory projects for clients such as Sutter Health, Kaiser, and UC Davis, and his leadership strengthens the team’s collective expertise across HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems.
Nick Clayton
Nick has spent the past 25 years with Comfort Air, playing a key role in its growth into one of the largest HVAC contractors in the Stockton area. His leadership experience spans both field and shop operations, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the trade. He contributes valuable insight to the committee by helping shape training around the skills, tools, and equipment needed for apprentices and journey-level members to succeed.
Brian Hill
Brian Hill is the Chapter Manager for the Northern San Joaquin SMACNA Chapter. He was previously the Administrator/Director for the Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers JATC in Ventura, CA.