Andy Chirinos, owner of Dr. Freeze Cooling & Heating LLC in Pittsburgh, has built his air conditioning and heating service company through consistent hard work and customer referrals. His decision to immigrate to the United States from his native Honduras was driven by two clear reasons:
“The first was to find better educational opportunities for our daughters,” he explains, and the second was “political persecution.”
A father of three daughters — one of whom was born in the United States — Chirinos says education has been the guiding force behind every major decision his family has made. “That’s what drives us,” he says. He arrived in the United States in November 2021. “We presented our case and were granted permission to enter and remain in the country,” he shares.
Before immigrating, Chirinos already had experience working in the air conditioning industry in Honduras, which allowed him to envision a path forward in his new environment.
“My goal was to replicate what I had been doing in Honduras,” he says. Even so, he acknowledges that the transition has been challenging. “The adjustment was difficult, and it continues to be.”
Andy Chirinos (Foto/Photo: Angelo Cavicchioni)
After arriving, he had to become recertified in the United States. “I had to take an exam, and fortunately I passed it,” he explains. “Then I received the certification that allowed me to practice this profession here.”
From there, he began building his business through smaller jobs, supportive close contacts, and customer recommendations that gradually developed into a loyal client base. He credits the company’s growth to intentional planning and consistency. “When you do things the right way and plan carefully, the results eventually follow,” he says.
In that process, Chirinos identifies two essential factors: customer service and quality workmanship. “At the end of the day, that’s what customers notice,” he reflects.
For Chirinos, building a career in Pittsburgh — which he describes as a traditionally American city — has been far from easy. However, over time, he has steadily built a reputation within the community. Based on his experience, he emphasizes the importance of preparation before launching a business.
Andy Chirinos (Foto/Photo: Angelo Cavicchioni)
“The fundamental pillar is having a plan,” he says, adding that ongoing education is equally important because, as he puts it, “everything comes down to education” — understanding the environment and learning how to navigate it successfully.
He also stresses that immigration should never be an impulsive decision. “It’s not just about saying, ‘I’m going to go and see what happens,’” he explains.
Although he arrived with a basic knowledge of English, Chirinos says true proficiency only becomes clear in real-life situations. “It wasn’t until I got here that I realized how well I spoke English — or how much I still needed to improve,” he shares.
Despite the challenges, he believes anyone can rebuild their life in another country. “We all have the same ability,” he says. For him, the key lies in education, perseverance, and hard work.
Those interested in Dr. Freeze Cooling & Heating LLC’s services, you may contact the company at 412-733-6386, info@drfreezellc.com, or through its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @drfreeze.pgh.
This article was featured in the May/June edition of Pittsburgh Latino Magazine. Click here to see view it and share it! Send us your thoughts at hola @pitlatinomag.com
