Sano was introduced by Jennifer Lohr, vice president of Fisher Balancing Company, who has been with the company since she was an apprentice.

“Matt is more than a mentor; he is a guiding light, a beacon of wisdom, and a source of inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing him,” she said. “With patience and grace, he has selflessly imparted his knowledge, shared his experiences and provided invaluable guidance to countless individuals, nurturing talent and fostering a community of empowered leaders.”

Sano was introduced to TAB and indoor air quality shortly after he began his sheet metal apprenticeship, in 1980. The technical aspect of TAB is what caught his attention, and kept it for his entire career.

“TAB draws in those with certain skills. You have to have a propensity for math, and I enjoy that,” he said.

Nearly 25 years after opening his own business, he has 10 balancers in the field — with four women and six men, Fisher is now one of the highest employers of female balancers in the country — who complete TAB, fire life safety and sound and vibration services.

Sano set out to recruit people for not just for the current skills they could bring to the company, but also for their potential. In addition to apprentices, he attracted professionals, including mechanical and civil engineers, to join SMART and work for Fisher Balancing Company.

The stronger his employees were, the stronger his company stayed, he said.

“Part of it is opportunity. Part of it is the ability to work with their hands but not in a building capacity. It’s a good wage and benefits,” Sano said. “It’s remarkable to see people grow.”

When Jack Webster was inducted as the second person in the TABB Hall of Fame in 2004, a friend leaned over to Sano and said, “That will you be you someday.”

At the time, Sano shook it off.

“I never thought that much about it. I don’t seek recognition,” he said. “I was very surprised.”