"This award is the highest honor a commercial HVACR contractor can aspire to," said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO. "It's always difficult to decide among the many entries because those who enter are the best of the best. They all deserve our praise and respect for their commitment to excellence and professionalism. They are outstanding companies that are also active in their local communities."

The award was presented at the 2006 ACCA Annual Conference and Indoor Air Expo in San Jose, Calif.

When he nominated the company, Thomas A. Winstel, CEO, wrote, "Results are what count! Engineering Excellence Inc. provides many programs from maintenance to construction to assure continuous comfort and total reduced costs for many clients." The company prides itself on communication with customers and its extensive safety program. Its Web-based software, Intellitrak Management System, provides real-time access to the status of any call, preventive maintenance, or information about clients' HVAC mechanical assets.

The company's written safety procedures are administered by a full-time director of safety who has completed the "Out Reach Trainer" certification for general industry and construction (OSHA 501 for general industry and OSHA 500 for construction). The company also provides ongoing technical and safety training.

Winstel founded the company in 1985. In 1993, the regional contracting company expanded for the first time, in Columbus, Ohio. Today there are also offices in Dayton, Ohio, and Lexington, Ky.

Other finalists for the award were Tri-City Mechanical, Phoenix, and Shapiro & Duncan, Rockville, Md.

"We congratulate the Engineering Excellence team for their dedication and hard work," Stalknecht concluded. "They deserve this recognition."

Publication date: 04/24/2006