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The ACHR News - August 26 2024

2024 August 26

This issue of The ACHR NEWS takes a look at some of the industry’s most stand-out and up-and-coming players in the NEWS’ annual “Top 40 under 40,” three key issues that are keeping Gen Z from joining the trades, a new challenge the DOE has given manufacturers — developing heat pump RTUs for cold climates, details on an IAQ bill that is getting support from the industry, California’s ambitious new heat pump partnership and its goals, the opening of Daikin’s Seattle Experience Center, ACCA’s call for nominations for its 2025 awards, a $1.6 million renovation in Michigan City, Ind., how to stay safe with CO₂ refrigerants, the potential for AI to replace some human CSRs, and a peek at a host of new HVAC products.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

2024 Top 40 Under 40

2024 Top 40 Under 40 HVACR Professionals List

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

The 10th annual ACHR NEWS Top 40 Under 40 list highlights those young HVAC professionals blazing a trail.

Cory Anderson

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Cory Anderson

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Over the course of Cory Anderson’s life, he has worked nearly every possible job at M&A, the very same company his grandfather founded in 1969. In 2020, Anderson became president.

Brian Bohannan

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Brian Bohannan

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Since Bohannan joined the JBW team, some of his noteworthy HVAC accomplishments involve the expansion of its sales team into all 50 states and Canada.

Josh Buhler

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Josh Buhler

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Opening a thriving HVAC company is one of Buhler’s greatest achievements to date, along with obtaining the HVAC contractor’s license.

Vinny Campagniolo

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Vinny Campagniolo

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Vinny Campagniolo is already living the HVAC career goal that he set for himself 12 years ago when he first joined the industry. Now, he wants to learn everything he can in this role to help him achieve his next goal: to teach and mentor the future of the HVAC industry.

Braden Cook

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Braden Cook

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Looking ahead, Cook hopes to continue driving forward innovative, intelligent, digitally-enabled lifecycle solutions that don’t just transform the HVAC industry, but also support a more sustainable, resilient future, one system at a time.

Brynn Cooksey

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Brynn Cooksey

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

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.

Luke Cooper

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Luke Cooper

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Some might say Luke Cooper was born into the HVAC industry. He’d say that he has refrigerant running through his blood.

Cody Dampf

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Cody Dampf

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Cody started as the only technician at the company, and now as the company has grown, he manages the day to day operations along with the training the technicians receive.

Arnav Deshmukh

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Arnav Deshmukh

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

With a desire to apply his expertise to a field with a significant environmental impact, Deshmukh joined the team at Energy Recovery, where he has made significant contributions since.

Rachel Ellman

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Rachel Ellman

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Rachel Ellman is a relative newcomer to the HVACR industry who wants to change the nature of air conditioning to reduce the climate impact of cooling — the very reason Mojave Energy Systems was founded in 2022.

Kyle Fields

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Kyle Fields

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Fields has hosted seminars on Danfoss Turbocor oil-free compressor technology, market trends and environmental, social, governance (ESG) topics to associations like the ASHRAE Jacksonville chapter, and numerous other organizations including local universities.

JJ Foley

2024 Top 40 Under 40: JJ Foley

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

It’s been said that JJ Foley is an entrepreneur at heart and a builder at the core. In his current role at Madison Air, Foley bears financial ownership of a P&L that includes 20+ companies and brands in the indoor air solutions sector.

Brad Gooch

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Brad Gooch

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Gooch currently holds his state of Georgia Restricted Air License (and is working on non-restricted licenses), NATE certification, Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification.

Kristopher Hollenbeck

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Kristopher Hollenbeck

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

During Hollenbeck’s tenure as branch manager, he had the opportunity to lead a team that tripled the size of branch sales and operations, allowing them to expand and complete a renovation of our building.

Andy Heilmann

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Andy Heilmann

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Under Heilmann’s leadership, MSC operates under the belief of “ONE TEAM,” fostering a culture of collaboration. This means that every employee, from the top engineers to apprentices, is valued equally and encouraged to contribute their expertise.

Matthew Hernandez

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Matthew Hernandez

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Hernandez said his career is driven by a dual passion for technical mastery and community service.

Alex Ivey

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Alex Ivey

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Ivey has served over 18 years in the HVAC industry. He’s licensed in Mississippi and Alabama, has two associate degrees (one in business and one in HVAC), and in 2015, he founded his very own company.

Alexa Kalandiak

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Alexa Kalandiak

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Alexa Kalandiak become involved in the HVACR industry in what she said is a “sort of roundabout way.” In college, she majored in mechanical engineering with a focus on mechanical and product design.

Ankit Kalanki

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Ankit Kalanki

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Working as part of a coalition to establish the right pre-conditions for commercialization of uber-efficient room air conditioners — products that effectively manage not only temperature, but humidity, while reducing lifecycle emissions and costs — is a key focus area for Kalanki at RMI.

Sara Kampfe

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Sara Kampfe

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

In Sara Kampfe’s first two years at Copeland, she was the driving force behind key improvements and upgrades to the company’s sample management system, and helped train their internal users in order to improve the efficacy of the system.

Joanne Kim

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Joanne Kim

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Kim’s biggest HVAC accomplishment to date? Her found passion in the field. She’s fallen in love with the industry, and what she wants to learn about it has expanded since she joined.

Sarah Kim

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Sarah Kim

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

As Dr. Kim was wrapping up her Ph.D. program, she came across a scientist position for developing the next generation refrigerants that led her to join the HVACR industry.

Cassandra Kline

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Cassandra Kline

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

During her time in the HVACR industry, Kline has managed to foster/facilitate industry collaboration between industry stakeholders, including subject matter experts, industry professionals, and regulatory bodies. She’s both organized and led workshops, seminars, and meetings to gather insights and feedback.

Prentice Lattinville

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Prentice Lattinville

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Lattinville has HVAC-centered career goals revolving around the evaluation, engineering, and implementation of energy-efficient equipment in the HVAC field that is both serviceable, and functional.

Erica Leonor

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Erica Leonor

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Erica Leonor comes from a background of coaching and training. She’s spent years teaching and speaking in order to help other people achieve more in their lives through different skillsets.

Justin Lloyd

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Justin Lloyd

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Lloyd is deeply passionate about mentoring and developing talent within the organization, whether that means enhancing customer service standards, refining sales techniques, or nurturing overall professional growth, he gets immense satisfaction from seeing individuals thrive in their roles.

Jake Lysher

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Jake Lysher

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Lysher finds himself a part of a fantastic team of people who take excellent care of each other and their customers. And watching each member of the team grow not only professionally but personally as they continue to provide the best customer experience possible, is a true pleasure for him.

Jacob Maag

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Jacob Maag

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Worthington Enterprises takes pride in supporting U.S. manufacturing, and offering a low-risk source for refrigerant cylinders — Maag’s commitment extends to helping customers enhance their sustainability efforts by onshoring supply chains.

Jen McKee

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Jen McKee

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

McKee has done social media for a number of reputable HVAC companies and organizations since her entrance, including Women in HVACR. McKee has also helped clients achieve huge ROI on their advertising investment — including $30,943 made on $3,302, and $25,342 made on $5,102.

Albert Meza

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Albert Meza

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Albert Meza has revitalized Bill Howe’s heating & division since he joined the company in August 2022. Upon joining the company, Meza began his strategic reorganization by immediately identifying areas for improvement, and implementing industry best practices, resulting in streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and enhanced overall performance.

Josh Moryl

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Josh Moryl

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Moryl enjoys the challenge of growing and operating JM Mechanical, and solving the new challenges that come along with any growth and expansion.

Jacob Nolley

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Jacob Nolley

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

After obtaining years of experience working for an HVAC company, and with his background in digital technology, Nolley developed The Graphite Lab, a company dedicated to helping HVAC businesses maximize their technology solutions by connecting them with the necessary tools and expertise to succeed.

Geoff Peirce

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Geoff Peirce

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

In 2025, Peirce’s family will have been in the HVAC industry for 99 years. Peirce himself is the oldest fourth-generation of the family to work in the company and be part of the executive team leadership.

Jonatan Portillo Reyes

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Jonatan Portillo Reyes

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Portillo Reyes’ work on developing energy-efficient installation methods has not only saved customers significant costs but significantly reduced environmental impact. Portillo Reyes also mentors and instructs new HVAC technicians to ensure proper practices in the field.

Rawand Rasheed

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Rawand Rasheed

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

awand Rasheed used to work in the Life Support Systems Division at the NASA Johnson Space Center, where he first got involved in HVAC.

Kyla Robinson

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Kyla Robinson

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

In her current role Kyla Robinson has successfully facilitated their front-line management program to over 130 leaders in the company.

Amanda Searcy

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Amanda Searcy

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Searcy started in the accounting division at Winsupply, where she eventually transitioned to sales and operations, until she realized her dream of becoming president and owner of Winsupply of Gilbert.

Jimmy Strusowski

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Jimmy Strusowski

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Strusowski is actively involved in a number of committees within ABC Delaware such as Legislative, Careers in Construction (where he serves as chairman), ABCares First Responders, and Young Professionals.

Charlie Vollhaber

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Charlie Vollhaber

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Charlie Vollhaber is a third-generation sales engineer at SVL. His father, Todd Vollhaber, was CEO at the company before he retired in 2023. And his father’s father, Craig Vollhaber, was one of the co-founders of the company.

Grant Wheeler

2024 Top 40 Under 40: Grant Wheeler

Hannah Belloli.

August 26, 2024

Since Wheeler began his focus on the HVAC industry, he’s led the specification development for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Commercial Building Heat Pump Technology Challenge, and led the planning, design, and construction of the Commercial Buildings Research Infrastructure (CBRI).

Opinion-Kyle-Gargaro

3 Things Are Keeping Gen Z from Joining the Trades

Jobber Blue-Collar Reports showcases what HVAC contractors are up against

August 15, 2024

The report showed 61% of the Gen Z respondents said their parents haven’t spoken to them about vocational school — or told them not to consider it.

Trane Symbio Unit Controller

Advances in Heat Pump Rooftop Units for Cold Climates

Their residential CCHPs were a success, so OEMs are tackling their commercial counterparts

Joanna 2017

Joanna R. Turpin

August 21, 2024

The DOE's new Rooftop Accelerator program encourages manufacturers to develop efficient commercial rooftop heat pumps for cold climates, which could reduce GHG emissions and energy costs by up to 50%.

Students in a classroom

IAQ Bill Wins Support

Several HVAC groups endorse, officially or unofficially, plan to improve indoor air 

Matt Jachman

July 30, 2024

A federal measure designed to improve IAQ, particularly in schools and child-care facilities, is winning support from HVAC industry trade groups. 

Call Center

Can AI Replace My Customer Service Representative?

Merritt

August 28, 2024

Finding, and retaining, a good customer service representative can be a challenge, but could AI be a new solution?

Laundry Room with Rheem Unit

California Heat Pump Partnership Aims to Scale Up Electrification of HVAC

Group plans coordinated ‘barrier-busting’ to reach 6 million electric heat pumps installed by 2030

Maria Taylor

August 5, 2024

This new private-public partnership wants to quadruple heat pump installation in California over the next 6 years.

Heatcraft eCO2Boost Transcritical Booster System

FROSTlines

Staying Safe with CO₂: Key Basics You Need to Know

This low-GWP refrigerant can keep food cold without harming the environment

Don Fort

August 22, 2024

Although CO₂ systems may seem a bit more complicated than HFC DX systems, they are actually quite similar, with the main difference being CO2’s higher pressure.

Daikin ribbon-cutting.jpg

Daikin Opens Experience Center in Seattle Area

July 29, 2024

The Daikin Seattle Experience Center is equipped with cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits that provide a hands-on learning experience for all ages, the company said in a press release.

ACCA Opens Nominations for its 2025 Awards Program

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

August 13, 2024

ACCA's annual awards recognize outstanding achievements in the HVACR industry, and the program is widely recognized as a celebration of the best of the best.

Mid-City Supply Unveils $1.6 Million Renovation

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

August 13, 2024

Mid-City Supply invested $1.6 million in the renovation of its Michigan City, Indiana, location, expanding the new building to 18,600 square feet from its original 10,500 square feet, the company said.

FYI - The ACHR News

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - August 26, 2024

August 26, 2024

For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each week.

Solatube International: Solar-Powered Attic Fan ClimaSense

Solatube International: Solar-Powered Attic Fan

August 23, 2024

The combination of direct sun beating down on a home and lack of adequate ventilation can significantly raise the temperatures in a home’s attic, which can then transfer to the rest of the house.

WaterFurnace TruClimate 900

WaterFurnace: Heat Pump Chiller

August 26, 2024

Featuring a variable speed compressor with WaterFurnace’s OptiHeat technology, the TruClimate 900 Heat Pump Chiller can operate as a hot water or chiller water system or a simultaneous heating and cooling source.

Airdale Data Center

AireDale: Data Center

August 29, 2024

The Cooling System Optimizer is an intelligent controls layer that sits between product controls in chillers and CRAHs and below the site building management system (BMS).

Siemens Sinamics G120XE

Siemens: Drive System

September 4, 2024

The Sinamics G120XE was designed specifically for the demands of industrial pump, fan and compressor applications in a wide variety of markets.

RectorSeal ClearDrain 1170x658.png

RectorSeal: Drain Cleaner

September 6, 2024

ClearDrain PVC effectively eliminates major contributors to clogged HVAC/R condensate drains.

Alleima Freeflex Versa

Alleima: Compressor Valve Steel

August 21, 2024

The new material of the compressor valve steel Freeflex Versa contributes to designing smaller, more sustainable, and more energy efficient compressors for refrigerators, and freezers.

AO Smith Voltex MAX.png

A.O. Smith: Heat Pump Water Heater

August 16, 2024

The Voltex MAX hybrid electric heat pump water heater uses a new smart valve to deliver maximum hot water while the heat pump technology provides maximum savings.

AirEase Evaporator Coil 7EC-01

AirEase: Multi-Refrigerant Coil

August 6, 2024

The AirEase 7EC-01 evaporator coil is the only coil purposefully engineered to ease your transition to Low GWP refrigerants.

greenheck SYNC ERVs.png

Greenheck: Energy Recovery Ventilator

August 19, 2024

Greenheck has added three new models to its line of high-performance residential energy recovery ventilators (ERVs).

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