How a TAB technician role shaped a career in building systems commissioning, and what it taught him about stopping at a “that’s how it’s always been” mentality.

The Path In

For Quinton Smith, CxA, the road to a commissioning career began immediately after attending James Madison University — not in a commissioning firm, but out in the field as a testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) technician. That first role became an unlikely foundation for everything that followed.

TAB work demands an intimate understanding of HVAC and mechanical systems, the kind you only get by putting your hands on ductwork and reading live airflow measurements. As the commissioning side of his firm grew to meet project demand, the transition was a natural evolution: the technical grounding was already there, and his appetite to go further was clear

“Commissioning always seemed like a vague but important part of the construction process from my perspective as a TAB technician,” Smith said. “After learning more about it, I was especially attracted to the idea of broadening my horizons beyond mechanical systems and being more integrated into the construction process from the beginning of projects.”

What the Work Looks Like Now

Today, commissioning makes up 75-100% of Smith’s professional work. The scope has expanded beyond mechanical systems into building controls, testing methodologies, and the full range of systems that make a modern building perform as designed.

It’s the hands-on problem-solving dimension that continues to drive his engagement with the work. Commissioning sits at the intersection of design intent and real-world performance, and closing that gap requires both technical depth and the willingness to dig into details others might overlook.

Advice for the Next Generation

“My advice would be to never stop asking questions,” Smith said. “Building systems and industry practices are constantly evolving, and continuous learning is essential if you want to stay current professionally. Just as importantly, don’t accept ‘It’s always been this way’ as a final answer. Most industry practices and traditions are rooted in fundamental principles, and understanding those principles will help strengthen your technical foundation and decision-making skills. And occasionally, ‘It’s always been this way’ simply means no one has challenged a flawed approach yet. Curiosity and a willingness to dig deeper and find the finer details are some of the most valuable tools you can develop in your career.”