07/20/2026
42 years ago next month I started a job a Honeywell, working for what was called at the time The Honeywell Professional Development Center. My focus was initially doing training on pneumatic controls. We offered two levels of training on pneumatics. Eventually my responsibilities expanded to mechanical systems, in that capacity I did training on centrifugal and absorber chillers, boilers and their controls, air handling units, taught classes to prep students for the refrigerant certification test that were part of the ‘save the Ozone’ era and more. I worked as a full time Honeywell employee for 22 months, at which time Honeywell, in their infinite wisdom, laid me off. A few months later they contacted me. Bob Bear, the man responsible for hiring me at Honeywell initially, asked me to come back as a full time employee for a period of two months to teach five classes for General Motors in Detroit. The class they purchased was the ‘NET209’ class, which was a 5 day class covering both centrifugal and absorber chillers. Bob said to me “you’re the only instructor I have that teaches that class”. I said “no, I’m the only instructor you had!” but I offered to work for Honeywell Training as a contractor. That’s what got me started on my M.O.V. Training Services adventure.
I could write many stories (and I think I will!) about the adventures I’ve had over the years, and the cool things that I’ve seen. In April 2020 my world changed as we entered the Covid fiasco. Like any other training organization that wanted to survive that time period I had to move into virtual training. I have to say that this has been a big blessing. It’s worked out very well, and as I get a bit older I plan on focusing my efforts on virtual training, maintaining my travel for the customers who have supported me seemingly forever. Tomorrow, 7/20/26, I’ll be starting my 194th virtual training class! Most of these classes have been the 5 day Niagara4 Certification Training classes. I am certified by Tridium to teach all three levels of certification. On Friday, 7/17/26, I finished presenting the Level III Advanced Certification Training class as a virtual class. I get lots of positive comments from my students at the end of the classes I do, but this comment from a student in my class last week choked me up a bit and means a lot to me:
Vern,
After going through all 3 levels of training you provide for Niagara. By far the best experience of training and insights I have had in the Industry. Far superior than any class I have taken and with your teaching style and approach to training far exceeded my expectations. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these classes. You've made this experience one I will always remember. Wish you the best.
A sincere thank you to that student!!
If you are looking for Niagara Certification Training at any of the three levels, please accept my invitation to check the schedule on my website: www.MOVTraining.com. Hope to see you in class!
Vernon Petersen
President
M.O.V. Training Services LLC
www.MOVTraining.com
https://www.facebook.com/movtraining/
