Brynn Cooksey
Growing up, Brynn Cooksey’s favorite topics in school were science and math. His parents operated a family-owned HVAC business, and Cooksey helped them out with jobs during his summer breaks. These two things aligned perfectly: HVAC is a complex industry full of science and math and Cooksey found it all extremely interesting. So, choosing HVAC as a career path was a no-brainer.
Cooksey spent nearly 15 years at DTE as a journeyman, including at a nuclear plant, where his work qualified him for both mechanical and electrical licenses. Since then, he has worked to attain every license, credential, and certification in the field. His commitment to developing and maintaining his own expertise earned him the nickname “The Air Doctor.” In 2014, Cooksey took over the family business, and in 2019 he fully rebranded with that coined nickname at the center.
“As I got older, I resolved to learn the industry and focus more on the design aspect of HVAC,” Cooksey said. Air Doctors Heating and Cooling is a home performance contractor specializing in HVAC system installation and service, but they focus on HVAC system design. Their goal: to reduce customer’s utility consumption and increase their comfort by providing a properly designed system verified through commissioning.
Over the years, Air Doctors Heating and Cooling has incorporated building science best practices in their contracting business and, according to Cooksey, “have seen a significant growth of six times in three years.”
Additionally, Cooksey founded HVAC U, a technical trade school and training organization started to help contractors learn and implement those building science best practices so that customers can fully benefit from a customized HVAC system. He has trained over 10,000 technicians, electricians, and energy auditors. In 2024, he was named one of ESCO Institute’s Top 25 Most Influential HVACR Instructors. Cooksey is also a published author of technical papers and textbooks on HVAC, building science, and indoor air quality.
Going forward, Cooksey would like to develop software tools and other aids to help technicians and contractors perform their jobs better and more efficiently.
“I would also like to start a consulting business to help reduce the high rate of failing HVAC contracting businesses,” Cooksey said.
