Derek Sawyer’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing

Meet the people behind your home’s comfort

Get to know the HVAC and plumbing professionals who care for our neighbors’ homes. Explore their experience, training and approach to helping you understand your options.

Our HVAC team

From routine maintenance to troubleshooting heating and cooling problems, our team brings technical experience and clear communication to each visit.

Isaiah Facio

Isaiah Facio

HVAC Service Manager

In the trade since 2022  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2024

Isaiah leads the service and warranty technicians at Derek Sawyer’s, providing technical support and helping the team take care of homeowners. After an opportunity arose while working at an HVAC company owner’s home through Geek Squad, Isaiah entered the trade in 2022 and completed a one-year apprenticeship. Electrical troubleshooting and a team-first approach are central to Isaiah’s work.

Isaiah focuses on explaining problems and options in everyday language so homeowners can feel confident about their decisions. Away from work, Isaiah enjoys dogs, guitars and classic cars.

Certification: EPA Universal certification

Service communities: Stockton, Modesto, Turlock and Merced

Tim Butler

Tim Butler

Service Technician

In the trade since 2005  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2017

Tim brings experience in comprehensive diagnostics, preventive maintenance and HVAC replacement recommendations. Conversations with people in the trades sparked an interest in the technical and mechanical side of HVAC, leading to nine months of trade school and a career that began in 2005.

Tim takes time to inspect systems thoroughly and explain repair and replacement choices, helping homeowners understand their equipment and make confident decisions. Outside of HVAC, Tim’s background includes service in the U.S. Navy. Tim enjoys camping with family and friends near Sonora, California.

Certification: EPA Universal certification

Service communities: Lodi, Stockton, Tracy, Lathrop, Modesto, Riverbank and Turlock

Tony Soto

Tony Soto

Service Technician

In the trade since 2008  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2024

Tony chose HVAC to build a strong technical background and completed nine months of trade school before developing a career in service. Day-to-day work includes system diagnostics, maintenance and helping homeowners evaluate replacement options.

Tony’s approach starts with a thorough inspection and straightforward recommendations. By explaining what is happening with a system and walking through the available choices, Tony helps homeowners feel informed and confident about the next step. When away from work, Tony enjoys traveling, with Japan a favorite destination.

Certification: EPA Universal certification

Service communities: Los Banos, Atwater, Turlock, Modesto and Stockton

Leo Yepez

Leo Yepez

Service Technician

In the trade since 2021  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2021

Leo diagnoses and services heating and cooling systems, combining technical training with a strong focus on customer service. After completing nine months of trade school, Leo entered the HVAC field and joined Derek Sawyer’s in 2021.

Leo aims to educate homeowners, offer honest recommendations and solve problems that affect comfort and efficiency. Clear communication is a key part of every visit. Outside of service calls, Leo enjoys time with family and also works as an instructor, helping future HVAC technicians develop their skills.

Certification: EPA Universal certification

Service communities: Stockton, Salida, Modesto, Patterson and Los Banos

Judah Jarret

Judah Jarret

Service Technician

In the trade since 2023  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2025

Judah handles residential maintenance and service calls, including same-day repairs. Experience in a related field led to an opportunity to grow in HVAC, followed by a one-year apprenticeship and a career in the trade beginning in 2023.

Judah brings a solution-oriented approach to service, with an emphasis on communication and customer care. The goal is to help homeowners understand the problem and the steps needed to address it. Outside of work, Judah enjoys playing and watching soccer and is a Manchester United supporter.

Certification: EPA Universal certification

Service communities: Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, Ceres and Los Banos

Brandi Taylor

Brandi Taylor

Maintenance Technician

In the trade since 2023  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2026

Brandi focuses on residential HVAC maintenance and indoor air quality improvements. Training at the Institute of Technology included nine months of trade school, building a foundation for a career in the HVAC field that began in 2023.

Brandi makes complex HVAC concepts easier to understand, explaining maintenance findings and repair or replacement needs in plain language while keeping the homeowner’s budget in mind. Away from work, Brandi enjoys spending time outdoors with family and going to rock concerts.

Certification: EPA Universal certification

Our plumbing team

Meet the people helping local homeowners with drains, water heaters, repairs and everyday plumbing needs.

Ethan Shackelford

Plumbing Manager

In the trade since 2006  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2026

Ethan manages the plumbing technicians and their daily work, drawing on a plumbing career that began in 2006 through a union program in high school. Ethan’s background includes training at College of the Redwoods and Union 313, with experience in trenchless repairs, tank and tankless water heaters, and pumps.

Ethan focuses on diagnosing problems quickly and offering more than one solution when appropriate, helping homeowners understand their options. Originally from Washington, Ethan moved to Turlock with family and now serves homeowners in the local community.

Background: College of the Redwoods and Union 313

Service communities: Turlock and Modesto

Jonathan Salazar

Plumbing Technician

In the trade since 2019  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2026

Jonathan began working in plumbing with a family company after high school. Today, Jonathan handles residential drain and repair work, with experience in water and sewer repiping and installing both tank and tankless water heaters. Jonathan’s education includes Modesto Junior College.

Customer service is central to Jonathan’s approach, with a focus on making each visit a positive experience for the homeowner. Originally from the Bay Area, Jonathan enjoys spending time outdoors and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers.

Background: Modesto Junior College

Service communities: Modesto, Stockton, Manteca and Merced

Colton Humphrey

Plumbing Technician

In the trade since 2018  |  With Derek Sawyer’s since 2026

Colton entered the plumbing trade through a family company in 2018 and joined Derek Sawyer’s in 2026. Day-to-day work includes residential drain and repair jobs, with a particular focus on diagnostics, technical problem-solving, and water heater diagnosis and installation.

Colton holds a Navien certification and puts the customer experience at the center of each service visit. By working through plumbing problems and discussing the next steps, Colton helps homeowners move toward a solution. Outside of work, Colton enjoys collecting trading card games.

Certification: Navien certification

Service communities: Modesto, Oakdale, Stockton and Tracy

Areas We Serve
© 2026 Derek Sawyer's Cooling, Heating & Plumbing1001 Carver Rd, Modesto, CA 95350
Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited.
Privacy Policy | California Notice at Collection | Terms of Use | Accessibility Statement | Sitemap | Imprint | Opt-Out Preferences