Our online skilled trades courses are built by trusted industry experts and instructional design professionals who understand what top technicians need to know. These experts cover the foundational elements – tools, measurements, codes – and also provide real-world use cases
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Craig Bartholomew serves as one of Interplay Learning’s multi-family maintenance experts. Craig began his career in the multi-family industry in 1992. With 23+ years of on-site maintenance experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and success to diverse assets, including A+ lease-ups, conventional, mid-rise, and garden-style communities. As a leader for service teams, he enjoys working with company leadership to develop maintenance operations that provide the highest level of service for residents and a career path for service team members that keeps them engaged and challenged.
Craig is currently an independent contractor working in the multi-family industry to advance education for service teams. Craig served as Sr. Director of Maintenance and Technical Education and as a Regional Maintenance Manager for a large multi-family company in his prior roles. As a Sr. Director, Craig worked closely with leadership to develop and implement tools for service teams that reduced risk and improved efficiency. As a Regional, not only was there a component of compliance with company standards but also an opportunity to train and mentor supervisors and all service team members through one-on-one, classroom, and hands-on learning.
During his 23+ years working on-site, Craig was relied on for property takeovers, due diligence, regional maintenance training, and teaching classes in plumbing, electrical, HVAC and pool management. Craig is currently an EPA Proctor and PHTA (NSPF) Certified Instructor. Follow Craig on LinkedIn.
Dan Clapper serves as the Commercial HVAC and Facilities Maintenance Market Director for Interplay Learning. Dan brings 25 years of experience to Interplay in a variety of roles across the HVAC market. Over the years in this space, Dan has developed a passion for helping trade professionals grow their businesses and their people. From installing boilers and HVAC equipment with his father as a teenager to sales, design, and distribution at the wholesale level, to training thousands of HVAC professionals across the country at the manufacturing level, Dan has a unique perspective on best practices.
After sending out 5,000+ free copies of his first book, “Get More HVAC Leads: 5 Must Have Strategies for 2018”, Dan realized that the biggest challenge in our industry is the skilled labor shortage, not lead generation. With tens of millions of people in the US who make less than $15/hr, HVAC and Facilities teams can build a pipeline of talent if they had better in-house training infrastructure. At Interplay, Dan now helps business owners and leaders leverage 3D simulation-based training to help attract new talent to the industry and upskill them faster and more efficiently than ever before. Follow Dan on Linkedin.
Daniel is a seasoned expert in Electrical Construction, Building Automation, and Manufacturing Systems, bringing a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the field. With a deep foundation in NEC code, Automation, Mechatronics, PLCs, VFDs, and HMIs, Daniel specializes in design, installation, programming, and commissioning. His diverse project portfolio spans residential, commercial, industrial, and healthcare facilities
Holding a Master’s in Adult Learning with Emerging Technologies, a bachelor’s in building Automation Engineering, an associate’s in electrical construction and maintenance, and a certificate in Photovoltaics, Daniel is also a tenured Associate Professor at Hudson Valley Community College, where he is committed to teaching learners of all abilities. His approach to work is grounded in pride, tenacity, and a belief that every student can achieve their goals in their own way and at their own pace.
A proud Brooklyn native and former ice hockey player, Daniel credits his upbringing and the sport with shaping his resilience and work ethic. As a father of two boys, those experiences continue to guide him both professionally and personally. What he enjoys most about the electrical trade is its power to transform lives—just as it did for him when he was first introduced to it by his father at the age of four. For Daniel, this trade is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong passion and a legacy.
Dave Yates serves as one of Interplay’s plumbing and HVAC subject matter experts.
He began his career in the PHVAC trades in 1972, and after completing his apprenticeship and working up to Master Plumber status, he struck out on his own in 1979. In 1985, Dave returned to the company where he did his apprentice years and purchased F. W. Behler, Inc., a third-generation PHVAC firm that celebrated 119 years of service in 2019.
Dave’s company has won numerous awards for their work, and he was the first recipient of the international Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence. A published author in numerous trade publications in the USA and overseas, Dave has also written articles for The World Book Encyclopedia.
In addition to teaching, lecturing, and presentations throughout the USA, Dave has served as an Adjunct Professor and on the Technical Advisory Board for the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Dave is a past executive board member of the RPA (Radiant Panel Association), a member of the Green Mechanical Council, and serves on the newly established RHC (Radiant & Hydronics Council) with ACCA. Dave recently “retired” after 14 years as the board president for York Central Market in York, PA, and now operates Yates Consulting LLC. Follow Dave on Linkedin.
Derrick B. Frazier’s fascination with mechatronics started early — long before he knew what it is — fueled by a love for tools and electronics as a child. After completing an apprenticeship as a CNC machinist, he joined Mazak USA as a Service Engineer, where he specialized in repairing and maintaining advanced electro-mechanical machinery. He later took on a leadership role at Cameron, overseeing facility maintenance and designing projects to enhance safety and efficiency. At Laitram, Derrick refined his CAD and control design skills while supporting R&D initiatives. His work at Brambles involved working with cutting-edge automation systems and mentoring junior technicians. In 2024, Derrick partnered with Interplay Learning to create training programs, helping shape the next generation of maintenance professionals.
Gary is a dedicated Safety Consultant and Manager with a solid background as a scaffold carpenter and ten years of experience in the safety industry. His expertise includes accident and incident investigation, hazard elimination and mitigation, policy implementation, and training. Gary’s experience spans commercial and residential projects of various scales, including data centers, manufacturing warehouses, battery cell plants, and high-rise buildings up to 33 stories.
Throughout his career, Gary has worked closely with multiple trades, such as painters, plumbers, ironworkers, and wood framers, always ensuring a strong safety culture on every job site. His credentials include OSHA 10, 30, 500, 510, and 511 certifications, along with a GSP designation and comprehensive experience in Occupational Safety and Health.
Gary’s approach to safety emphasizes education and mentorship. Rather than imposing rules, he ensures that his team understands the significance of safety practices, creating a work environment where employees feel empowered to make safe choices. The greatest reward in his work is seeing his team members return home safely each day, free to enjoy their families without the risk of workplace injuries.
A passionate sports fan and traveler, Gary also enjoys spending quality time with his granddaughter. His commitment to safety and genuine care for others are at the heart of his work, guiding his dedication to creating secure and supportive job sites.
Jeff Hazel (1968-2021) joined Interplay Learning as a multi-family and training consultant in 2020.
He served as the Service Training Manager at Edward Rose & Sons and was a top multi-family training and development expert with decades of experience.
With an unmatched ability to optimize the bottom line, Jeff skillfully created and implemented highly effective corporate training programs that not only greatly increased revenue but meaningful decreased operational costs.
Jeff prided himself in his ability to foster a deep culture of learning among his maintenance staff and trailblazed the industry with his unique approach to talent and career development.
With 18 years of experience in industrial maintenance, John Nelson is a skilled expert in troubleshooting, PLC and HMI programming, debugging, and making program edits. His extensive career spans a variety of industries, including automotive, food production, OEM manufacturing, and heavy industrial projects.
John’s approach to work emphasizes creating engineering and repair solutions that are not only safe and reliable but also easy for others to maintain and build upon. His dedication to quality and problem-solving allows him to tackle complex challenges and improve systems effectively.
Outside of work, John enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hiking and skiing and loves to travel to new destinations. For John, the most rewarding part of his trade is the opportunity to solve problems and make meaningful improvements that leave a lasting impact.
Loren Green is a Senior Lubrication Subject Matter Expert with DesCase in Tulsa, Ok. Previously, Loren worked for Industrial Oils Unlimited and Noria Corporation, training technicians and developing world-class lubrication programs. Before this, he served in the US Navy as a Boiler Operator and Oil King.
Loren has a Master’s in Management and Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Business Management. He has also earned the Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) from SMRP, Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) from STLE, and Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE), as well as MLT I and II and MLA I, II, and III from ICML.”
Preston Witt is a seasoned Mechanical Engineering and Reliability pro with years of hands-on experience leading maintenance and safety across both large and small-scale industrial projects. As a dedicated Maintenance Supervisor, Preston specializes in industrial maintenance, facilities management, water systems, safety initiatives, and both predictive and preventative maintenance strategies. He’s known for stepping up, making tough decisions, and building strong relationships on and off the floor.
From new equipment installation and commissioning to keeping systems running smoothly, Preston thrives on tackling fresh challenges every day. His approach is action-first, empowered, and grounded in trust and accountability.
When he’s not keeping operations tight, you’ll find him outdoors fishing, staying fit, cooking up something good, or out hunting. For Preston, it’s all about solving problems and keeping things moving.
Tim draws from his 35-plus years of field and engineering experience to provide consultation on quality engineering solutions, maintenance training and support, and designs for training for the existing and future workforce. Prior to joining Interplay, Tim served as Executive Vice President of TPC iSchematic, where he not only led a team that provided products and services to various industrial and commercial clientele but also supported online and instructor-led training across various divisions. Over the course of his career, Tim has been responsible for engineering and consulting services, new product development and support, and curriculum development for various companies, including American Trainco, National Technology Transfer, and Industrial Trainers of America.
Tim Smith serves as one of Interplay Learning’s HVAC experts. Tim began his career in the HVAC industry in 1986 as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. There, he serviced and repaired various commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including commercial ice machines, ultra-low temperature freezers, and industrial water chillers.
In mid-1988, he went to work for Mechanical Testing Inc. as a sales engineer and chief estimator. In this position, he provided estimates, as well as plan and spec bidding for air and hydronic balancing contracts and clean room certification and commissioning throughout the US and Canada.
In August 1989, he became a refrigeration and HVAC instructor at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) in Troy, NY, where he developed curriculum, secured equipment donations, and designed and installed a new HVAC laboratory in 2000. For over 30 years, Tim has taught various HVAC, refrigeration, and controls courses within the degree program. In September 2019, he retired from HVCC but returned as an adjunct professor in January 2020, eventually attaining the rank of Professor Emeritus upon retirement.
In 1993, Tim started his own consulting company, Smith & Associates. His company is still active today, providing in-house training and certification for HVAC and refrigeration technicians throughout the Northeast US. In addition, Smith & Associates also provides residential energy audits and energy-saving recommendations to clients within the Capital District of New York state. Tim’s company has also provided EPA 608 and R410a safety training to over 10,000 technicians in the Northeast US.
These days, Tim’s primary focus is to serve as an HVAC subject matter expert for Interplay Learning. Since 2014, he’s been working with Interplay, assisting in developing various video courses and simulations. “I knew from day one that Interplay was on the cutting edge of educational technology.”
With 20 years of experience in industrial maintenance, Tyler Curtis is a versatile professional with expertise across multiple technical disciplines. His core strengths lie in developing and managing preventative maintenance programs using iMaint CMMS software, as well as excelling in electrical troubleshooting, motor control circuits, and mechanical speed drives. Tyler is also skilled in VFD installation and programming, HVAC repair, PLC programming, pump rebuilding, and welding (MIG, TIG, and stick) for both fabrication projects and repairs.
Tyler’s career spans a wide range of commercial projects, from large-scale installations like high-speed dispersers, dust collection baghouses, and VOC air quality systems to smaller projects such as retrofitting hazardous location lighting systems to LED or rebuilding specialized pumps. His adaptability extends to light commercial and residential work for family and friends.
With certifications in Industrial Maintenance Technology from Grand River Technical School, HVAC from Metropolitan Community College KC, and an EPA Universal certification from ESCO Institute, Tyler brings a deep knowledge base to every project. Having worked extensively in Class 1 Division 1 hazardous locations, he prioritizes safety, quality, and innovative problem-solving in all aspects of his work.
Outside of his trade, Tyler enjoys surf fishing and brewing his own craft beer at home. What fuels his passion for industrial maintenance is a curiosity about how systems operate, a drive to analyze failure points, and the satisfaction of implementing effective improvements.
Tim Smith, an Interplay Learning HVAC Expert fell into HVAC work a bit by accident. After losing his job as a hotel and restaurant manager, he leaned on a lifelong love of (and talent for) fixing electrical and mechanical systems to fuel a career shift, enrolling in an HVAC/R program at Hudson Valley Community College. He found the work interesting, challenging and he was great at it. Twenty-nine years later, after working in the field for a few decades, he returned to teach at his alma mater, serving as Senior Professor. Now helps shepherd techs through our VR and 3D HVAC learning modules as well.
Tim believes that HVAC professionals that truly excel are those who are at their core good communicators, able to relate to customers, have good reading comprehension and math skills, and are consummate professionals. Most of all, he believes that great techs are at their core problem solvers.
Connectedly, he’s a big believer in up-to-date training as a key step to becoming a better technician. “When I came to teach at Hudson Valley Community College, the HVAC Refrigeration program was very dated,” he says. “I authored an entirely new curriculum, one that reflected current changes and technology in the industry. I believe Interplay is on the cutting edge when it comes to technical education, and I love being a part of it.”
