Russ Borst
Russ Borst took several bits of advice in his teens and early 20s while on his way to success, leadership and great satisfaction by choosing Ferris State University for studies in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
His first thought leader was his father, a master plumber.
“It was a simple message,” Borst said. “HVACR work is cleaner than dealing with pipes
that could be plugged with almost anything.”
Borst began his career training at the Ottawa Area Career Technical Center.
“I found I enjoyed HVACR. It appealed to me more than all the work that came my way, working on the farm of a family friend,” he said.
The next bit of advice shaping Borst’s direction came from a girlfriend in his teens.
“She thought college training would be important if I wanted to be successful,” Borst said. “I started studying programs, which quickly pointed to Ferris as close to home and the best possible program for studying HVACR. I saw I could become the first in my family to go beyond high school in my learning.”
A brief turn in the path toward higher education came Russ’ way when he was named the Outstanding Student of the Year following the first year of HVAC Technology associate degree studies.
“Jerry Holwerda, of Holwerda Huizinga, had a tradition of taking the winner of that award into their corporation,” Borst said. “For a year and a half, I worked for the company, then Jerry took me to Ferris, when they had a dedication ceremony for the HVACR Bachelor of Science program. It was at that time he told me he would cover my costs to study HVACR Engineering and Technology.”
In two years, Russ had the coursework for his Bachelor of Science degree completed, returning in 1991 to work for Holwerda Huizinga Mechanical Contractors.
“I had committed to the firm as part of an agreement for supporting my education and in the final year of that term, I was promoted to Service Manager,” Borst said. “Over the next decade, my responsibilities and opportunities grew related to the business’ projects, service, and controls. I was in a position to purchase the company, but it turned out Hurst Mechanical made the buy.”
Borst works for Hurst to this day, serving as a veteran employee of its Service Department and is philosophical about the turn of events.
“The big guy upstairs opens and closes doors for a reason,” Borst said. “This path
has worked out great.”
Hurst Mechanical has a large presence in West Michigan, with headquarters in Belmont,
just north of Grand Rapids, and business centers in Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Traverse
City.
“Over the years, the staff has doubled, 110 vehicles and 156 employees, from service
staff to management,” he said. “We are encouraged about Hurst’s new direction, as
the company went under new management July 1 this year.”
While Borst has been active in the success of the companies he has served, he has
also been an active investor in the HVACR program of his alma mater.
“Ferris’ program is paramount and that needs to be known and appreciated on a wide scale,” Borst said. “My instructors certainly shaped me on a path to success. I joined the HVACR advisory board in 1998 and am proud to continue in that role.”
Hurst Mechanical’s employee roster includes dozens of Ferris graduates.
“Hurst benefits from a ton of talent who did their learning at Ferris, which really speaks to their abilities and the contribution they make each day to our corporation’s success,” he said. “We also had nine student interns, or helpers this summer, serving in service, control and instruction. We make a decided commitment at Hurst to support their learning in this fashion.”
Professional affiliations and commitments have been part of Borst’s resume throughout his career, including serving as national chairman of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America in 2008. Borst said that was an opportunity to promote Ferris HVACR through the big names in the industry, so they know about the program and its stature.”
Borst said the MSCA is active in advocacy, including welcoming Ferris students to see what lies before them in the industry.
“At the annual MCSA conference, Ferris HVACR has a track record of more than 20 years, being present and active in workshops and among the membership,” Borst said. “Ferris is frequently the only higher education institution in attendance. The MSCA student chapter brings its members before the top names in the industry, which clears a path for them to pursue whatever directions they choose for their careers.”
Another key leadership role for Russ is his involvement with Local 174 of the United Association of Pipefitters, Welders, and HVAC Service Technicians.
“I am proud to have served on the UA’s national labor committee,” Borst said. “UA is second to the United States military in terms of its training programs. When the UA has its global training week, it is something to see and appreciate. A recent conference at Washtenaw Community College saw the UA participants, led by 4,000 instructors on-site take over Ann Arbor, which is just an amazing experience.”
Borst also serves on the executive committee of the West Michigan Mechanical Contractors Association.
“I am so glad to give of my time to these organizations,” he said. “All of this involvement keeps me busy, but I enjoy the service.”
The mindset of giving back in his case began with Jerry Holwerda taking an interest and committing to Borst’s beginnings.
“Benevolence and mentorship were a phenomenal part of my personal and professional growth,” Borst said. “I am glad that at Hurst, we try to do the same here every day.”
Having Ferris placed before him as a destination has worked out personally and professionally.
“I met my wife, Shannon, at church when I returned to Ferris for my Bachelor of Science degree,” Borst said. “Just another blessing from being a Bulldog.”