At the MEMA Technical Education Center, we are 100% focused on preparing you for a successful career in the HVAC-R industry. Our school and its curriculum are supported by industry leaders. The instructors leading you in lectures, class discussions, video simulations and hands-on lab work are heating, cooling and refrigeration authorities.
“Dave” has been in the HVAC industry for more than 40 years, first starting in the US Air Force as an air conditioning and refrigeration specialist. Since then, he has held multiple positions for different HVAC companies across the US, including working as a service manager for Trane Heating and Air Conditioning for 11 years. In 2006, he started his own company, Aircon, Inc. He is experienced with service and sales engineering, has a vast knowledge of any HVAC system, and is certified in handling propane, natural gas, and EPA Refrigeration. Most recently, he taught HVAC/R courses at the Northeast Technical Institute.
Dave joined our team in 2023 and quickly became a standout instructor. While he carries himself with a calm, calculated confidence, his dry wit and no-nonsense teaching style resonate strongly with students. He’s respected for his deep knowledge, steady presence, and ability to challenge students in just the right way.
Rick has worked within the HVAC-R sector for over 30 years. In high school, he was part of the HVAC-R program at the Portland Regional Vocational Technical Center (P.R.V.T.C.), now formally known as Portland Arts and Technical High School (PATHS). He went on to serve four years in the US Marine Corps, and in 1986, he got his first job with a heating company. Over the years, Rick gained experience in many facets of the industry, including sales, delivery, installation, and services. Most recently, he worked as a service manager for Dead River Company.
Rick joined our team in 2024 and has since become a valued instructor known not only for his deep industry knowledge, but also for his upbeat attitude and easy rapport with students. Rick takes good-natured teasing from students and staff alike in stride, always quick with a smile and a witty comeback, creating a classroom atmosphere that’s both welcoming and fun.
A Richmond, Maine native, Paul Spaulding discovered his passion for HVAC at just 16 while attending Capital Area Technical Center. After graduating from Richmond High in 2007 and earning his oil license from MTEC, he began his career with Charlie Burnham Heating the week he turned 18.
Paul quickly advanced through the ranks—earning his Master Oil License in 2015 and adding propane and natural gas credentials along the way. In 2014, he founded Spaulding Heating, now a trusted name in the Topsham area known for expert service and efficient energy solutions.
Paul joined our team in 2025, when he began working as an adjunct instructor to teach our evening propane and natural gas courses. He has since joined our staff in a more permanent capacity!
When he’s not working or teaching, Paul enjoys riding his motorcycle, jet skiing, and spending time at Moosehead Lake.
Mike has been in the HVAC business since 1979 when he started working at his father’s business in the 8th grade. After graduating from Rutgers University in 1987, Mike went to work for Carrier and then Trane in the commercial HVAC market. Since then, Mike has owned and operated his own contracting business focusing strictly on heat pumps. He began teaching HVAC basics and sales to HVAC distributors in 2012. He then taught at tech schools and a community college beginning in 2018.
At MTEC, Mike is an instructor for our Mini Split Install Training, which teaches students heat pump installation and service best practices with an emphasis on safety, flaring technique and system evacuation.
Charlie began his 50+ year HVAC career as a student at Freeport High School while working for Lowell Oil. Over the decades, he built a reputation for excellence, working with several leading oil companies before advancing to Supervisor at Union Oil. In 1991, he and a business partner founded Charlie Burnham Heating & Energy Inc., a premier home comfort provider that proudly served southern Maine for 32 years before being sold to Dead River Company in 2022.
Beyond his business success, Charlie has played a key role in shaping the industry here in Maine. He has been actively involved with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and the Maine Energy Marketers Association, where he served as chair of the board of directors from 2021 to 2023. He has also been a longtime member of our Education Committee, helping ensure MTEC’s curriculum stays forward-looking and relevant.
Since retiring in 2024, Charlie has dedicated his time to supporting students in our Oilheat Technician Training labs. Known for his deep expertise and approachable teaching style, he is the go-to resource whenever someone has a question about heating equipment. A lifelong learner himself, Charlie embraces new technologies and industry developments, making him not only a trusted mentor but also a teacher who inspires students to stay curious and never stop learning.
Dan Weber, our prior Dean, introduces you to the school and the hands on training that students receive in working toward their license as a HVAC/Heat Pump technician.
The top priority of our instructors and administrators is to provide you with the tools to pass your certification exams and transition seamlessly to a career in the heating, cooling and refrigeration sector.
We’re here to answer your questions about our programs and the boundless opportunities in the HVAC-R industry. Feel free to call or contact us online.
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