Brett Rhodes

Brett began his career in the HVAC industry as an installer in 1998 while attending technical college. After receiving his HVAC license, he worked his way up to foreman of an installation crew, following which he acquired the skills to become a service technician. In 2004 Brett married his wife Laura, and they now have three children, ages nine, seven and four. In 2010 co-founded his own company, Dublin Heating and Air Specialists in Dublin, Georgia. They specialize in residential installation and service, selling Daikin HVAC products. On June 28, 2016 Brett’s company received a call requesting a quote on replacing several packaged airconditioners.

Someone on-site performed CPR and Brett was taken by Air Evac helicopter to a hospital in Macon, Georgia. He sustained extensive trauma to his spinal cord as well as a traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma for three weeks and had a number of surgeries. One of the results of his injuries was a permanent partial loss of hearing as well as a loss of ability to smell. Following his initial hospitalization, Brett was accepted at the nationally renown Shepherd Center in Atlanta where he underwent therapy and rehabilitation. Brett continues physical and occupational therapy every week with the help of a caregiver. Fortunately, Brett was covered by private disability insurance. One of his goals was to be able to drive independently so he could, among other things, take his children to school while his wife worked. Insurance does not cover the cost of modifying a vehicle for a disabled driver, so Brett and Laura searched for assistance through resources provided by the Shepherd Center. They found the Joseph Groh foundation through these resources, and petitioned for a crane and driving controls for Brett’s truck.

According to Laura, Brett still has a ways to go and works hard at rehab to enhance his independence. “Without assistance from the Joseph Groh foundation and the many donors who make this possible, Brett’s continuing progress would fall short of his goal. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you,” Laura said.