Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads – Schan Willis – Radon Mitigation Technician and Business Owner
Originally launched during the COVID-19 Pandemic when students could not engage in face-to-face or on-site work-based learning experiences, the Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads video series brings people from a wide range of occupations to students remotely to learn about their careers and the competencies necessary for success.
In this Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads episode, we interview we interview Schan Willis, Radon Mitigation Technician and the owner of Clean Air Radon Systems in Naperville. Schan is a graduate of (the formerly named) Wheaton Central High School, Wheaton, Illinois. In 2000, Schan graduated from Columbia College Chicago, earning a B.A. in Communications, Marketing, and Advertising.
After graduating from Columbia College, Schan worked in various fields, but in 2012, he became interested in radon mitigation. He interned with a local radon mitigation business he had previously worked for in 1994. In 2014, Schan earned his radon mitigation license, and in 2017, he launched his company, Clean Air Radon Systems. He was able to use his degree in Communications, Marketing, and Advertising to promote his business. Schan’s focus is ensuring that homeowners have a safe home free from radon while installing systems that do not take away the beauty of their homes.
In this video, Schan shares his unconventional path to becoming a Radon Mitigation Technician and owning his own business. Schan talks about the importance of effective communication, advertising, creating a referral base, and networking. He also emphasizes the importance of planning and organizing, accountability and responsibility, problem-solving, self-motivation, and adaptability. He notes that becoming a radon mitigation technician does not require a college degree but that his degree has been very valuable in running his business.
Schan’s work as a business owner is part of the Finance and Business Services Career Pathway.
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