Industry News

Top field service technology solution provider makes first appearance on the prestigious list of dynamic public and private tech businesses

XOi, a leading provider of technician-focused technology solutions, ranks 490th on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 29^th year.

“At XOi, we’re committed to delivering transformational digital solutions to the skilled trades, which have traditionally been underserved by technology,” said Aaron Salow, founder and CEO of XOi. “Our continuing fast growth demonstrates how urgent our mission is. We’re proud of this recognition, but we’re also focused on continuing to equip skilled trades workers with the tools they need to ensure we all have the electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling services that keep us safe and comfortable.”

XOi provides field service contractors and their teams the premier tool for managing and leveraging data from current jobs as well as historical projects, including powerful data collection, virtual support and mentoring, and real, actionable insights.

“Each year I look forward to reviewing the progress and innovations of our Technology Fast 500 winners as these companies truly demonstrate how important new ideas are to progressing our society and the world, especially during difficult times,” said Paul Silverglate, vice chair, Deloitte LLP and U.S. technology sector leader. “While software and services and life sciences continue to dominate the top 10, I’m encouraged to see other categories making their mark. Congratulations to all the winners who show us how creativity, hard work and perseverance can lead to success.”

Overall, 2023 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 206% to 222,189% over the three-year time frame, with an average growth rate of 2,051% and median growth rate of 524%.

“As a growing company, it’s always rewarding to be recognized for the ongoing commitment it takes to navigate obstacles, transform when necessary and ultimately create a thriving business,” said Christie Simons, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications within Deloitte’s audit and assurance practice. “Over the nearly 30 years we’ve been compiling the Technology Fast 500 we’ve seen new categories emerge, growth rates explode, and certain regional markets shine from the bright talent they attract. We are proud of all the winners for achieving this well-deserved honor.”

Leading HVAC company celebrates sixth year of program, honors three independent dealers for their dedication to their community, employees, and excellent service

American Standard® Heating and Air Conditioning, a leading provider of high-quality residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for over a century, has announced its sixth annual Building a Higher Standard award winners – three of the brand’s exceptional independent dealers from across the country. Selected from a group of high-achieving nominees, the 2023 winners were ultimately recognized by a blind panel of judges for being champions of American Standard’s core brand values of integrity, teamwork, commitment to excellence and community service.

The 2023 American Standard Building a Higher Standard award winners include:

• Gibson’s Heating & Plumbing – Waterloo, IN
• Spencer Heating & Air LLC – Auburn, AL
• Hydes Air Conditioning – Indio, CA

American Standard has always been committed to delivering the best-in-class experience in every aspect of its business, and the same goes for the brand’s nationwide network of independent dealers. The 2023 American Standard Building a Higher Standard Award winners exemplify integrity, teamwork, commitment to excellence, and community service by continuously going above and beyond to bring a higher standard of care to the communities they serve, from helping businesses in need and building cherished customer relationships to investing in their employees’ futures.

“The dedication and selflessness showcased by the 2023 American Standard Building a Higher Standard Award winners and nominees is truly inspiring. Their commitment to improving the lives of those around them is a testament to the power of compassion and the impact it can have on a community,” said Kathryn Wildrick, Senior Brand Manager for American Standard. “At American Standard, our customer’s trust and satisfaction is the driving force behind everything we do and is a standard our dealers exhibit time and time again. We are grateful for their contributions and proud to recognize them for their unwavering commitment to building a better community for all.”

The 2023 American Standard Building a Higher Standard award winners include:

• Gibson’s Heating & Plumbing 

Run by husband-and-wife team, Mark and Christie Gibson, Gibson Heating & Plumbing was founded in 1983 with the simple mission to provide every customer with unparalleled customer service. The secret to their success is their 6,000-square-foot, on-campus training center filled with seasoned experts where employees can sharpen not only their technical skills but also their interpersonal skills.

“By providing our employees with opportunities for growth and development, we not only increase their job satisfaction and retention but also enhance their skills and knowledge, which ultimately benefits our customers and business as a whole,” said Mark Gibson.

• Spencer Heating & Air LLC 

David Simpson’s unique perspective of being an HVAC technician in the field has tremendously enriched his experience of being a dealership owner. David’s hard work and ambition helped him move up the ranks from a service technician at Spencer Heating & Air to eventually taking over the business as owner. Since then, he has shown dedication to ensuring his employees feel supported and cared for.

“I strongly believe that taking care of our employees means that we take care of our community, which translates to high-quality customer service. Being able to offer my employees benefits such as retirement is just one of the ways to have a positive impact their lives and grow our business,” David said.

• Hydes Air Conditioning

The Hyde family opened its doors in 1972 and, since then, has followed two guiding principles to ensure their business success: sell reliable, quality products that customers can count on, and remember that their employees’ success is the company’s success. The Hydes make it a point to make every employee feel valued, whether that’s making sure each worker gets a card on their birthday or having teams switch roles for a day to learn and gain a new appreciation for each other’s jobs; they’re a business that makes sure everyone is on the same team.

“At our business, we believe everyone deserves a chance at success and can reach for it. That’s why we invest in our employees’ professional growth and always provide a supportive work environment,” said Michael Hyde.

The 2023 American Standard Building a Higher Standard award winners will be honored with custom trophies, challenge coins, a year of Customer Care Platinum Membership, and will have their names added to the Hall of Fame Trophy – which will be on display in the American Standard plant and offices in Tyler, Texas. They also will be the focus of a local media campaign with professional assets for their usage and have access to earned and paid public relations in trade and regional media.

American Standard also recognizes the Building a Higher Standard award’s four semi-finalists and the remaining three dealers who round out the top ten with commemorative desk ornaments to recognize their dedication to the business.

2023 Semi-Finalists:

• BT Reynolds of Indianapolis, IN
• Handyside Inc. of Harrisburg, PA
• Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning of Dallas, TX
• Christmas Air of Carrollton, TX

Rounding out the 2023 Top 10:

• Hartley’s Climate Control of St. Louis, MO
• Cody & Sons Plumbing Heating and Air of Dallas, TX
• Texoma Maintenance & Refrigeration of Oklahoma City, OK

For more information about American Standard’s Building a Higher Standard awards program, please visit http://www.amsd.us/bahs.

Oil-free compressor pioneer marks 10 years as a wholly owned Danfoss company

Danfoss Turbocor, manufacturer and pioneer of the world’s first oil-free, magnetic bearing compressor for the HVAC industry, is celebrating its 10^th anniversary as a wholly owned Danfoss company. Initially founded in 1994 and later becoming a joint venture with Danfoss in 2004, its Turbocor^® compressors have delivered versatile and unmatched efficiency, with low-Global Warming Potential compatibility, helping to reduce emissions while earning strong return on investment for customers.

Ricardo Schneider, president of Danfoss Turbocor, stated: “From the beginning, we knew this technology was transformative; the cutting-edge technology combined with our strong manufacturing and sales network enabled us to provide our customers with solutions to improve operating performance and reach unprecedented energy efficiency levels.”

The unique oil-free, magnetic bearing technology of Turbocor compressors results in zero performance degradation over the life of the compressor, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. The permanent magnet motors and variable-speed drives provide efficiency at both full and part loads. Their flexibility to be used in air cooled, water cooled or evaporative cooled chillers operating across a wide range of applications such as comfort cooling, low temperature process, ice storage and heat recovery, has resulted in over 130,000 compressors being installed around the world.

Over the years, Turbocor compressors have been recognized with multiple industry awards, including the Alliance to Save Energy’s Innovative Star of Energy Efficiency award, the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s 2022 Product of the Year and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate and Ozone Protection Award.

Globally, Danfoss Turbocor is continuing to grow its footprint, with an expanded facility in Haiyan, China opening next year, and the establishment of a configuration center in Nordborg, Denmark, at Danfoss’ corporate headquarters. The Nordborg site currently handles sales and service for Turbocor’s European customers; a new production facility is scheduled for completion in 2026.

At its headquarters in Tallahassee, Fla., Danfoss Turbocor continues to build collaborations with local institutions. In 2021, the company began a five-year partnership with FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, providing $750,000 of scholarships and research grants to first-generation or underrepresented minority students, to develop engineering talent in the local community and help students achieve their career goals. The company has also partnered with Tallahassee Community College on workforce development programs, such as its CNC machinist apprenticeship.

Soon, the company will celebrate another milestone: its new 167,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Tallahassee is scheduled for completion in early 2024. The new facility will increase current manufacturing capacity to meet a fast-growing demand from American and international markets for high efficiency compressors for cooling and heating. The expansion is projected to create significant additional jobs in the Tallahassee area.

Falls Church, Va. — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation announced the winners of the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests. The contests were held October 25^th & 26^th in Cleveland on the tradeshow floor during the PHCC—National Association’s CONNECT 2023 event. A total of twenty-one plumbing and eleven HVAC apprentices from across the nation took part in the contests.

HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners

• First place: Jacob Lee of P1 Service in Lenexa, Kansas. He was sponsored by RIDGID.
• Second place: AJ Posivak of Deluxe Plumbing & Heating in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He was sponsored by Milwaukee Tool.
• Third place: Raulie Rojas of Midwestern Mechanical in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was sponsored by RIDGID.

L to R – HVAC Contest Committee Chair Chip Greene, PHCC Educational Foundation Chair Kevin Tindall, HVAC Contest Winners Raulie Rojas (Third Place), AJ Posivak (Second Place), Jacob Lee (First Place).

 Plumbing Apprentice Contest Winners

• First Place: Cody McDonald of Van Contracting, Inc. in Columbia City, Indiana He was sponsored by the International Code Council.
• Second place: Nick Vasknetz of Local 525 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was sponsored by Home Depot Pro.
• Third Place: Joseph Hardin of Local 333 in Lansing, Michigan. He was sponsored by Bradford White.

L to R – Foundation Chair Kevin Tindall, Plumbing Contest Co-Chairs Larry Shoemaker and Victor Hatcher, Plumbing Contest Winners Cody McDonald (First Place), Nick Vasknetz (Second Place), and Joseph Hardin (Third Place).

The plumbing apprentices were required rough-in a bathroom system. The set-up includes a toilet, sink and shower, complete with supply, waste and vent lines, plus cleanouts and extra features designed to test the contestants’ knowledge and skills. The test set-up includes a variety of pipe materials – cast iron, copper and PVC and corresponding joining methods.

The HVAC competitors were required to complete a written test, demonstrate proper brazing techniques and perform a hands-on diagnostic on an HVAC package unit, with system errors created by the Foundation’s contractor volunteers for the competition. The competitors also had to perform a pressure and leak test, demonstrate proper refrigerant recovery procedures and the ability to accurately take a variety of instrument readings.

A dedicated team of contractor volunteers arrived two days before the competitions to assemble the competitor test benches, distribute the materials and supplies and set up the testing areas. They monitor the competitions, evaluate the apprentices’ work and provide constructive feedback on each competitor’s performance following the event.

The contests are made possible by the generous support of several industry sponsors who provide monetary support and in-kind material and tool donations.

“I am proud of the Foundation volunteers and staff who pull these contests together,” said Foundation Chair Kevin Tindall. “These are complicated events between getting the apprentices here and then having all the materials, tools, equipment, volunteers and judges ready to go – and all in a different city each year. It is amazing to see it all come together to create a great experience for the apprentices who are competing.”