If asked what he does for a living, Antoine Johnson will probably say, “maintenance.” A deeper dive into conversation will reveal that doesn’t fully describe what he brings to his work.
With dedication, skill and a lot of heart, Johnson has served the past 15 years as a maintenance technician for the City of Hampton. The role involves everything from HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems and plumbing to electrical work and balancing systems. No matter the task, he gets things done with a calm confidence earned through years of hands-on experience.
Though skilled in many areas, Johnson said he enrolled at Virginia Peninsula Community College in 2019 to advance in his favorite field.
“Before I came to the Virginia Peninsula Community College, I already had a trade. What college did for me was enhance what I already knew and refresh me on things I’d forgotten. Because, as you know, if you don’t use it, you lose it,” he said.
“So, it enhanced my learning in HVAC,” added Johnson, who earned an associate degree in Technical Studies with a specialization in HVAC-R Technology. He fondly recalls landing an unexpected role in the classroom while at the College. Johnson said the more experienced students often helped newcomers get up to speed. So, he fully embraced being somewhat of a mentor.
“We pretty much helped each other out. I don’t mind teaching anyone anything that I know will be helpful to them. It was a badge of honor. I enjoyed it, and I still enjoy it now,” he said.
Johnson, a graduate of now-defunct Ferguson High School in Newport News, values the VPCC student experience. He said the academic credential boosted his confidence and credibility in his field. Deep into a career he loves today, he would not change anything.
He admits many things can go wrong in his line of work. However, he’s rarely caught off guard or unprepared.
“I’ve gotten to a point where there aren’t any surprises anymore. As they come, I try to address them best I can, and if I can’t, and I have guys who can actually back me up,”
Johnson found his career in skilled trades after several years in lawn care, working for a landscaping company. A better opportunity in apartment maintenance came along, introducing him to HVAC work. The apartment maintenance experience also inspired him to aim for financial stability and career growth. Plus, his father and uncle encouraged him to pursue HVAC more intently.
“My uncle said, ‘It pays well.’ But my dad, he really brought it home,” said Johnson.
“He said, ‘Son, in this world, you need a trade. If you don’t have a trade, it’s like being on a battlefield without a weapon.’ I didn’t know what that meant at that time. As I got older, though, I understood exactly what he was talking about,” he recalled.
Johnson’s livelihood is more than just a job to him. It’s something he believes offers freedom, pride and potential. He wishes more young people would pursue skilled trades.
“People don’t realize how lucrative the trades can be,” he said. “You get a skill. You can always find work. Even after you retire, you’ve got something to fall back on.”
He practices what he preaches. Although he’s passionate about his day job, Johnson is setting the stage for his own business. When he’s off work, he takes side jobs across the region, building a reputation through word of mouth.
Becoming an entrepreneur is one path Johnson is exploring for the future. He’s also interested in another field down the line but plans to run his business alongside. That’s where his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Capella University enters the picture. Thanking his significant other for encouraging him throughout his higher education journey, Johnson aspires to become a probation officer. He hopes if an opportunity opens, the job can be another way to have a positive impact on the next generation.
“There are too many young people being led in the wrong direction. I want to be that voice of reason, that person who shows them there’s another way,” said Johnson, who is a proud “girl dad” of two.
He admits staying busy is his “special interest.” So, he’s undecided about retiring even though he could in a few years.
“I think I have five more years to go. So, it depends. A job is not a job when you love doing what you do. I may do seven or eight more years,” he declared.
Nonetheless, he isn’t slowing down. Johnson is growing his side business and dreaming of full-time entrepreneurship, all while he continues to show up every day for the City of Hampton.