By Jack Howland

Julio DeLeon likes to show up to his first house of the day at least 15 minutes early so he can sip his coffee, read for a bit and feel prepared for anything.

One of the heating and cooling repairman’s favorite books, “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy, focuses on how to accomplish tasks through time management and determination. In his job, which is based in Westchester County, the Hopewell Junction man never knows what he’s going to get — a common issue he can troubleshoot within minutes, or a days-long affair.

He said he always tries to work hard and clearly explain to customers the tasks he’s performing so “they know where their money went.” The job allows him to provide for his two daughters, ages 13 and 20.

This life would have seemed impossible to him some 30 years ago, he said.

As a teenager, the Guatemalan immigrant lived illegally in Westchester, after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Earlier this month, he became a U.S. citizen.

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