For Jon, pursuing a college degree after high school wasn't an option. “When I was 16, I had to leave home,” he recalls. “I was working two jobs to support myself and had to grow up really fast.” Those early years of balancing responsibilities taught Jon resilience, adaptability and a drive to succeed.

He soon became a commission-based electronics and appliances salesperson. When the company cut commissions, he moved to managing a retail gaming store, then an office-supply store and eventually management-level jobs at an electronic cigarette manufacturer, with each step bringing new challenges and growth.

A contract opportunity as a pension analyst at Trane Technologies proved to be a turning point. Jon’s strong analytical skills and problem-solving mindset quickly stood out, leading to a full-time role. Within two years, he was promoted to a learning systems analyst. “My experience at Trane Technologies has been life-changing,” he says. “There’s a lot of transparency here about our purpose and who we are, and it’s inspiring to be part of it.”

Jon’s advice to others forging nontraditional paths is simple: “Don’t be afraid to be yourself, regardless of your qualifications. You may have more barriers, but you’ll knock them down and come out better and stronger on the other side.”