We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrick Somers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance is a term that has been widely discussed and debated, but my view on it is somewhat unconventional. I believe that work-life balance is a myth and not something to be pursued on a daily, weekly, or even yearly basis. Instead, I view balance through the lens of life’s various stages.

From my early years onward, I’ve always been driven to push, be unbalanced, and invest my time, work, and hustle into my career. This isn’t about neglecting other areas of life but rather focusing intensely on my professional pursuits so that I can later dedicate time to other aspects of life on my terms.

Imagine a seesaw. Nobody enjoys it when the seesaw is perfectly balanced; the thrill comes from the up-and-down motion, the dynamic and ever-changing experience. That’s how I view the balance between work and life. It’s not about maintaining a static equilibrium but about embracing the highs and lows, the pushes and pulls that lead to growth and fulfillment.

I don’t see work and life as two separate entities that need to be balanced. Instead, I believe they should be intertwined and pursued as a unified goal. Work is life, and life is work, and the pursuit of one’s identity and purpose shouldn’t be hampered by trying to achieve a mythical state of balance.

There are many people who strive for work-life balance and find themselves broke, lonely, or unfulfilled. Instead of falling into this trap, I focus on aligning my work and life in a way that is congruent with my values and long-term vision.

In my view, true fulfillment comes not from balancing different aspects of life but from embracing them in a harmonious pursuit of personal and professional growth. That’s the “balance” that makes sense to me, and it’s one that I actively cultivate as I move through different stages of life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About Our Business: General Air Conditioning & Plumbing

General Air Conditioning & Plumbing is a leading HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical contracting business located in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Serving our community with dedication, we’ve carved a name for ourselves through hard work, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Our Journey: From Technician to Owner

My journey with the General began in 2010 as an entry-level technician. Leveraging my business and management experience, I quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Service Manager within just 8 months. Following this, I served as Operations Manager and then General Manager until April 2018, when my business partner Francisco Rodriguez and I bought the company. Our transition into ownership was smooth thanks to a well-crafted succession plan with the previous owner, Frank Harrison, who desired a graceful retirement.

What Sets Us Apart: Our People and Culture

What truly sets the General apart is the incredible individuals that choose us as their workplace. We firmly believe that great people make great companies, and we strive to create an environment where our team members feel valued and motivated. Through consistent alignment with our vision and personal, professional, and financial goals, we foster a positive culture that promotes growth and success.

Our Growth and Challenges: Expansion and Alignment

Our growth plans include both organic development and strategic acquisitions. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, it has certainly been rewarding and fun. The key to our success lies in recruiting the right talent, communicating our vision clearly, and ensuring everyone’s alignment with it. We also prioritize helping those whose visions don’t align to find opportunities elsewhere, maintaining a cohesive and driven team.

Our Mission: Unwavering Dedication and a Clear Vision

At the General, we are on a mission, and we will not fail. Our unwavering focus on growth and commitment to our values sets us apart from others. It’s not just about building a successful business; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, professionally and personally. We are more than a company; we are a family, united by a shared vision and a passion for excellence.

In Conclusion

Our story at General Air Conditioning & Plumbing is one of growth, resilience, and success. From humble beginnings as a technician to leading the company, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of vision, teamwork, and perseverance. What the world should know about the General is that we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence, driven by a mission that goes beyond mere business. We are here to make a difference, and we will not stop until we achieve our goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably take them to work, seriously. That said I would take them would take them to lunch at Burgers and Beer maybe play some golf at one of the many local courses. The evening would be reserved for smoking cigars and engaging in candid conversations about politics, religion, business, and other stimulating topics that people often avoid discussing. It would be a day filled with professional insights, good food, sports, relaxation, and meaningful dialogue.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
With a heart full of gratitude, I recognize that my journey has been shaped by a mosaic of influences. Friends, mentors, and even detractors have all played a part, each one pushing me to persist, to keep moving forward. To all of them, I extend my heartfelt thanks, for they have helped me “keep on keeping on.”

However, at the core of my support system, there’s one person who stands out: my incredible wife, Marybeth. Her unwavering faith in me has been my anchor in the stormiest of seas. I remember a defining moment when I came home with the weight of the world on my shoulders, telling her that our house was on the line. Her response was a beacon of strength and clarity. She asked, “Do we lose the kids?” I said no. “Do we lose each other?” I said no. Then, with a calm assurance, she told me, “Well then, you have nothing to worry about.”

Her words were not just a comfort; they were a revelation. In that instant, I realized what truly mattered. Marybeth’s support wasn’t just about belief in my dreams; it was about the understanding that our love, our family, was the bedrock upon which everything else was built. Her confidence in us gave me the courage to face anything, knowing that whatever happened, we would face it together.

So here’s to Marybeth, my number one, my rock. And to all who have helped shape me, I thank you. Your influence has made me who I am, and I carry a piece of each of you with me as I continue on this path. Thank you.

Website: www.callthegeneral.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthegeneral/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksomers1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CallTheGeneral

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Callthegeneral/featured

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@callthegeneralhvac?lang=en

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