COLUMBUS, Ohio — At its annual conference, HARDI recognized Warren Lupson, director of education for the Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), with an Award for Outstanding Dedication.

Lupson retired from AHRI at the end of 2015.

“He’s had a phenomenal impact on the industry,” said Randy Tice, former HARDI president and chairman at Lebanon, Pa.-based APR Supply. “I’ve known him a long time and consider him a friend in addition to being an invaluable industry resource. He’s been instrumental in helping our vice president of equipment sales to grow in his role, and though he has retired, I know he and the rest of us at APR Supply will continue to stay close.”

Lupson boasts a 50-plus-year career in the HVACR industry. He spent 26 years as president of Beltway Heating & Air Conditioning in Beltsville, Md., and served in leadership roles for ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and NATE (North American Technician Excellence). For the past eight years, he has been director of education at AHRI.

“I’m confident that HARDI speaks for the entire industry in giving this award to Warren,” said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. “Not only has Warren built bridges between multiple organizations in the industry – forging stronger ties among AHRI, HARDI and ACCA - but he has also mentored members of the HARDI executive team, helping them become valuable resources to our members and to the industry.”

HARDI wishes him well and thanks him for everything he has done for the industry and for his support of two-step distribution.