About
About Richard Fritzke
Founder of The Modern Trades Mentor — contractor technology and AI advisory built from 24+ years in HVAC, facilities, mechanical systems, and service operations.
Founder · The Modern Trades Mentor LLC
Built From the Field, Not From a Sales Deck
Richard brings more than 24 years of experience across HVAC/R, facilities, mechanical systems, service operations, technician leadership, building controls, optimization, and commercial and mission-critical environments — including current recommissioning and optimization work supporting operations at MacDill Air Force Base. That experience shapes every recommendation, because software only works when it fits the people and operations using it. Richard also builds and runs modern software, AI tools, CRM, and marketing systems for his own businesses — which is exactly why he can tell a contractor when a vendor is overselling them.
Experience references are provided for professional background only and do not imply endorsement by any current or former employer or government entity.
24+ Years in the Trades
- Commercial HVAC
- Facilities
- Mechanical Systems
- Operations
Leadership
- 20+ technicians supervised
- 40+ facilities managed
- Capital planning
- Building optimization
Today
- Helping contractors modernize
- Software selection
- Practical AI adoption
- Staff training
Philosophy
“Technology should fit the contractor — not force the contractor to fit the technology.”
Business Before AI
We fix the process before automating it.
Vendor-Neutral Recommendations
We do not force a preferred software platform.
Practical Implementation
A recommendation is only useful if the team can actually adopt it.
Keep the Human in Control
AI should support owners and staff — not create new risks or confusion.
Why Contractors Work With Richard
- 24+ years of hands-on HVAC, facilities, and mechanical systems experience
- Led teams of 20+ technicians across 40+ commercial facilities
- Currently active in recommissioning and optimization work, including operations supporting MacDill Air Force Base
- Builds and runs modern software, AI tools, CRM, and marketing systems for his own businesses
- Vendor-neutral — no software commissions or referral fees driving recommendations
- Understands both the field and the office — because he has worked in both
Experience references are provided for professional background only and do not imply endorsement by any current or former employer or government entity.
Who This Is For
Owner-led contractor and field-service businesses with 0–15 employees in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, general contracting, and related trades.
Based in the Tampa Bay area with remote advisory available. If you need someone who speaks contractor operations — not just software sales — you are in the right place.
Work With Someone Who Has Been in the Field
Book a Shop Visit for a practical conversation about your business — no software pitch, no obligation.