Kalahari Resort
Greater Austin • Texas | March 24-27, 2025

Mainstage Sessions

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
JAKE HAVRON

Lead with Influence with Jake Havron
Keynote Speaker, Business Strategist, and Mentor

Join Jake on his transformative journey from nurse to acclaimed speaker and strategist, empowering people to create their dream lives through results-driven coaching. Jake has always had a heart to serve humanity and guides solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and corporate workers strategically to increase their vitality and performance daily by providing personalized strategies and methods for increasing their business success.

In Jake’s keynote, he challenges your notions of leadership, aiming to astound you with new possibilities. Discover his “4 Pillars of Influence” and learn to connect deeply with your team, breaking down communication barriers and fostering collaboration. Jake’s session offers the key to impactful leadership, equipping you with the skills to lead with influence, innovate, and inspire positive change within your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to redefine your approach to leadership!

SPONSORED BY
ideas into action with ken goodrich
About
Speakers
Arriving at the closing luncheon of ACCA 2024, you’ll be overflowing with ideas to optimize your business and motivate your team, but how do you translate ideas into action? Join HVAC superstar Ken Goodrich for an inspiring and interactive session about the 7 Centers of Management Attention he used to improve broken businesses and Goettl-ize the nation. You’ll be challenged to develop management systems that translate the ideas of the conference into repeatable business processes and hold your team accountable.
 
Management is no different than fixing an air conditioner; it is a skill you must learn and practice until you’re good at it. Ken will be the first to tell you he didn’t have the skills needed when he got started. Ken will team up with Mike Caito of MAP Consulting to share some ideas for how to get the training and tools you need to understand your goal as the founder of the business, focus on going in that direction, and document it.

Ken Goodrich

Ken Goodrich, Goettl’s current Board Chair and former CEO, is a seasoned entrepreneurial executive and co-author of The E-Myth HVAC Contractor, Why Most HVAC Companies Don’t Work and What to Do About it, with Michael E. Gerber, a New York Times best-selling author. Goodrich has over 30 years of experience acquiring, integrating, and developing HVAC, plumbing, and contracting businesses. 

Ken started in the HVAC business as a boy, holding the flashlight for his father on late-night calls. At Goettl, innovations he developed and implemented, now considered industry standard operating processes, resulted in 15x growth from 2013 to 2021 and the resurrection of the iconic brand. His motto is, “We do things the right way, not the easy way.”

Ken is passionate about helping others throughout their careers and lives. His donations helped create the College of Southern Nevada’s (CSN) Air Conditioning Center of Excellence & Dual Enrollment Academy. He sponsored the J. Duncan Goodrich Air Conditioning Technology Lab at CSN, named after his father, and presents Goettl’s annual “Post 9/11 Veterans Tools Scholarship Award” to help jumpstart students’ careers in the HVAC industry. Under his leadership, the Goettl Academy was established as a technical and life skills training program.

Ken’s credentials also include serving on local and national trade organizations. He sits on the board of Building Performance Institute, has served as president of the Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association, and as a board member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). He also serves on the air conditioning committee of CSN’s Air Conditioning Technology Advisory Board and as a member of Nevada’s Governors Workforce Development Board (GWDB).

During his career, Ken has received personal recognition from organizations such as the 2022 AZ Big Media’s Most Respected & Influential Leaders, 2022 AZ Big Media Business Leaders to Watch, 2021 Service Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021 Contracting Business Hall of Fame, 2018 Most Admired Leader by Phoenix Business Journal, 2016 Contractor of the Year by Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association, Business Professional of the Year by Success Group International, Nevada Entrepreneur of the Year by ‘In Business’ magazine and was awarded the ‘Legacy of Achievement’ Award from College of Southern Nevada.  In 2014, Goodrich was named an ‘2014 Industry NewsMaker’ ACHR NEWS magazine for his efforts in rescuing a large Phoenix, AZ-based company.

Under Ken’s leadership, Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing received many accolades and awards, including the Industry Leader of Arizona award by Arizona Business Magazine in 2018, being listed as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and Contractor of the Year by Mechanical Trade Contractors of Arizona in 2018.

 

Michael Caito, MAP Consulting

Michael Caito is the owner and CEO of Management Action Programs, Inc. (MAP). A visionary, nose-to-the-grindstone leader, Michael’s entrepreneurial roots date back to the early 1990s when he joined two partners in launching Restaurants on the Run with a mere $6,000. Michael spent the next 20 years building that business through a strategic lens, adopting MAP’s accountability system along the way. When the company sold in 2015, it was valued at 12x EBITDA and scaled 10 markets, 600 people and $40 million in revenue.

A self-taught business student, Michael practices proven management methodologies. Known as a “metrics guy,” he’s big on data, using it to measure progress and get breakthrough results. He also thrives off sharing lessons learned. A member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization for 20+ years, he’s served as a past Global Chairman and traveled to over 25 countries, engaging with countless company owners and organizations. Michael is also active in the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). In December 2017, Michael purchased MAP, the very company that helped him so much over the years. Now at the helm, he’s set his sights on developing MAP’s people and expanding its footprint globally.

The father of three young boys, Michael coaches their athletic teams and yet still carves time out for himself to exercise regularly and mountain bike whenever he can.

BREAKFAST WITH CHAMPIONS
About
Speakers
Sarah Michel, along with past and present ACCA award winners and some of the industry’s best contractors, for roundtable discussions on various topics. Come prepared with questions and ideas. Pick their brains and learn how they took old and new problems, generated ideas to address them, and then introduced profitable solutions. They may lead the table, but YOU lead the discussion.

Sarah Michel, Velvet Chainsaw

Sarah Michel is an Experience Architect who has worked in the meetings industry for over 20 years to create dynamic audience experiences. Her vast knowledge of next-generation learning and facilitation skills help design dynamic meetings that guarantee more participation, opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer interactions to assure a return on attendance. Sarah is Vice President of Professional Connexity for Velvet Chainsaw Consulting helping organizations deliver on the networking promise at face-to-face meetings. She is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) awarded by the National Speakers Association and a nationally recognized expert on networking and the creator of the NetWORTHing® process. Sarah has keynoted and facilitated for audiences and organizations around the world on how to be a more effective connector and the author of Perfecting Connecting©, A Guide to Mastering Networking in the Workplace and coauthor of the e-book, Conference Connexity. She lives with her family in Fort Collins, CO.

Ed Lehr, Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling, and Electrical

Ed Lehr is President of Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling, & Electrical in Allentown, PA, ACCA’s most recently installed member of the ACCA Board of Directors, and the recipient of the 2024 ACCA Distinguished Service Award. As a true leader in our field, Ed’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond the confines of his own company. As a member of ACCA, president of the Pennsylvania Air Conditioning Contractors Association, and an active participant in esteemed organizations such as ASHRAE, he has continually demonstrated his passion for advancing our industry. For example, three years ago he identified an issue with GFCI devices and outdoor HVAC equipment in the 2020 National Electric Code. He represented ACCA on a team that worked with NEC and the industry and testified before the NFPA Standards Council, presenting compelling evidence that the GFCI requirement would not only disrupt operations but also compromise safety for technicians and customers alike. Thanks to his efforts, outdoor HVAC equipment got a pass from the GFCI rule until a better fix could be found.

Joe Oliver, Oliver Heating and Cooling

Joe Oliver is the founder of Oliver Heating & Cooling in Morton, PA and the 2024 recipient of the ACCA Community Leadership Award. Joe founded Oliver Heating & Cooling after experiencing a downsizing at Boeing Helicopter Division, where he was an engineer, following the Vietnam War. The success that Joe has experienced since opening his company in 1971 is deeply rooted in his strong faith, wisdom, and unique sense of integrity and honesty. Joe has proven his commitment to these values through his work within his community, working regularly with initiatives and organizations including Heat for the Holidays, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Salvation Army, Susan B. Koman, and Veterans Memorial Headstrong Foundation, as well as donating time and resources to local schools and athletic programs.

Gerry Den Ouden, Ree Mechanical, Inc.

Gerry Den Ouden is a Service Manager for Ree Mechanical, Inc., in Temecula, CA and the recipient of the 2024 ACCA Service Manager of the Year award. Gerry has dedicated himself to the service industry and thrives on supporting his team in creating the outstanding service his clients expect.

 

Andrew Meadows, Pro-Air Mechanical, Inc.

Andrew Meadows is the President of ACCA’s 2024 Commercial Contractor of the Year Company, Pro-Air Mechanical, Inc., of Longwood, FL.

Matt Marsiglio, Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical

Matt Marsiglio is a Director on the ACCA Board of Directors, as well as, the Operations Manager for Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical in Warren, MI which is the 2024 ACCA Residential Contractor of the Year.
Manufacturer Leadership Forum
About
Speakers

ACCA 2024 welcomes top manufacturing industry leaders for an interactive session on current events affecting manufacturers and the HVACR supply chain. Leading manufacturer representatives, including Chris Forth (JCI), Braden Cook (Carrier), John Schneider (Copeland), Doug Widenmann (Daikin), Randy Roberts (Rheem/Ruud), and Heather Buchicchio (Mitsubishi), will join Kyle Gargaro, editor-in-chief of ACHR NEWS, as he moderates this engaging conversation about the issues contractors face every day.

Chris Forth, JCI

Chris Forth is a 30+ year HVAC industry veteran, who has worked in engineering, in product management, and most recently in the regulatory and codes space as the Vice President of Regulatory, Codes & Environmental Affairs for the Ducted Systems division of Johnson Controls. Chris is heavily involved in industry codes and standards development, as well as industry advocacy efforts to facilitate the safe transition to low-GWP refrigerants at the state, federal and international levels.
 
Chris currently serves on multiple committees and boards, including the Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, and the State Chamber of Oklahoma, where he is based.
 
 

Braden Cook, Carrier

Braden Cook serves as the Director, Product Management and Training, Residential HVAC. Braden directs the product marketing and lifecycle management for residential heating, cooling, ductless and VRF products, with a focus on launches in support of 2023 regulatory compliance. Braden joined Carrier in 2015 as Product Manager for our 80% Gas Furnaces and Oil Furnaces. Since 2017, he has held the position of Heating Platform Leader with a primary focused on Fan Energy Rating (FER) and Ultra Low NOx gas furnace launches.

Braden holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Indianapolis and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Purdue University. Braden and his wife Brittney live in Westfield, Indiana, with their three kids.

John Schneider, Copeland

John Schneider was born and raised in Brunswick, Ohio. John attended Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduation, John joined P&G, working in New Product Development. While working in Cincinnati, John received his MBA from Xavier University.

In 2000, John joined Copeland, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric, in Sidney, Ohio, as Market Manager, Residential Air Conditioning. He subsequently held roles of increasing responsibility, including VP of Marketing and VP of Global Variable Speed. In 2013, Schneider was promoted to VP/GM Thermal Management, North America of Emerson’s Network Power division in Columbus, Ohio. In 2016, Emerson sold the Network Power Division and John stayed with the new management, where he became the SVP, Global Thermal Management & Solutions of the new company, Vertiv. In 2020, John rejoined Emerson as President of the Therm-O-Disc Division in Mansfield, Ohio.

In August 2021, John was promoted to President, HVACR Technologies, Americas. In this role, John is responsible for Emerson’s businesses serving the HVACR industries, with revenue in excess of $2B, including Copeland compressors and related HVACR technologies.

Doug Widenmann, Daikin

Doug Widenmann is the senior vice president of marketing at Daikin. He has amassed 34 years of experience in the industry in various sales and marketing leadership roles with three major HVAC product manufacturers.
 
 

Randy Roberts, Rheem/Ruud

For over a quarter of a century, Randy Roberts has played an active and integral role growing and positioning Rheem’s U.S. Air Conditioning Division for long-term success. Since 1997, Randy has worked closely with Rheem contractors and distribution partners, helping them succeed and grow their business while also strengthening Rheem’s culture, strategy, and customer and consumer partner engagement. Randy currently oversees Rheem’s Residential Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Product Development efforts.

Randy is an alumnus of the University of Alabama earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1993, as well as an Executive MBA in 2012. He has served as a board member and President of the Birmingham Golf Association (BGA), where he has been instrumental in Junior Golfer development in the greater Birmingham community. In addition, Randy is also a deacon and active member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church. When not working, Randy enjoys playing golf, pickleball, and watching college sports.

Heather Buchicchio, Mitsubishi

As the Senior Director of Residential Channel Development for Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), Heather Buchicchio is responsible for channel development for the HVAC business in the United States, including the company’s variable-capacity all-climate heat pumps.

In her role, she serves as a channel expert on the U.S. heat pump market, competitive environment, and strategic opportunities, driving efforts to hit increasingly challenging targets in new business development with short- and long-term perspectives.

Buchicchio implements cross-departmental process improvements relevant to the channel and directs the involvement of company team members, including support, service, and management resources, to meet performance objectives and customers’ expectations. She builds productive, professional relationships with key contacts across HVAC distributor and contractor companies.

During her nine-year career at METUS, Buchicchio built a strong business and inventory lifecycle appreciation, having served in multiple leadership roles in field marketing, product marketing, and customer service. In her previous role as Senior Director of Customer Experience, she oversaw three key customer-facing departments, including Customer Care, Order Management and the Technical Service Advisor (TSA) team.

Prior to joining METUS, Buchicchio was Principle/Managing Principle of Infinity Growth Partners LLC, providing marketing consulting and services to technical B2B companies. She also gained valuable HVAC experience during her ten years of service at a Chicago distributorship, where she held positions in commercial sales and marketing and led a purchasing team.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a master of business administration degree from Purdue University.

 
 

Kyle Gargaro, ACHR News

Kyle Gargaro, Editor-in-Chief of the ACHR News, moderates this deep dive into the issues you and your business face daily.
Contractor Forum Live:
Legends of hvac
About
Speakers

Some of the greatest success stories in our industry were born from best-in-class contractors exchanging ideas at ACCA conferences. The networking of ACCA’s Contractor Forum comes alive at ACCA 2024!

Superstar contractor Bobby Ring will moderate an all-star panel of HVAC legends, ready to share their stories take your questions. Join us for a lively discussion on our industry’s greatest issues and ideas that can put you ahead of the pack.

Bobby Ring, Meyer & Depew Co Inc

Bobby Ring is the President/CEO of Meyer & Depew Co Inc in Kenilworth, New Jersey. He holds a Master HVACR Contractor license. Bobby served an ACCA Board Member for 10 years, including as Chairman of the Board from 2013-14. He also served on the NJ Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors for two years. Bobby also volunteers with the Kenilworth Silver Card Assocation and as a volunteer firefighter.
 

Tara Smith, Mr. Furnace

Tara started her HVAC journey over 30 years ago and hasn’t regretted a day of it. Tara is the owner/operator of Mr. Furnace Heating in Winnipeg, Mb. Their family business has been in Winnipeg for 70 plus years and is a staple in both new home development and retrofit install and service. Tara has been a part of HRAI her whole career and joined the board of directors of the Mb Chapter in 2008, and is just this year retiring to past chair in Manitoba, but that is not the end of her HRAI journey as she will now become Chair of the national HRAI board of directors. Giving back to an industry that has afforded Tara a great life is very important part of her journey.
 

Hugh Joyce, James River Air

Hugh Joyce, president of James River Air Conditioning Company, has been working in the family HVAC/R service business since 1979. Hugh started as an installation helper, and has worked in service, sales, and management. He is currently sole shareholder and President of the Company.
James River and its affiliate, Whitescarver Engineering, service the Richmond / Central, Virginia and Roanoke, Virginia markets respectively. The firm focuses on service and replacement markets; for both residential and commercial HVAC, plumbing and electrical. In addition to HVAC, James River Air Conditioning is involved in Solar Energy and other sustainability Green Energy projects throughout Virginia.
Hugh attended University of Richmond and earned a B.S. Degree in Management with marketing and finance concentration.
He is also involved in the Real Estate business and is former owner of Gallery Flux in Ashland, VA, a fine art gallery. Finally, Hugh is a past Board of Director member of Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), National and past president of the Central Virginia ACCA. Other affiliations include: Rotary International, Richmond SPCA, BBB of Richmond, Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout), YMCA, Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Richmond Bridge Park-Board of Directors, Ashland Main Street Association-Board of Directors and current President, VCU School of Engineering Foundation-Board of Trustees, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, CultureWorks Board of Directors and STIR Board Member.
Hugh lives in Montpelier with his wife, Temple and their two sons, Andy and Ben. His interests and hobbies include; running, hiking, skiing, art, guns, fishing, photography, real estate, boating, motorcycles, cars and flying. Hugh is an instrument rated private pilot.
 

Joshua Campbell, Rescue Air and Plumbing

Joshua Campbell is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, specializing in AI, marketing, and business development. He’s renowned for his expertise in acquisitions, having purchased and sold 4 companies. As a John Maxwell Certified Trainer, he offers exceptional leadership training.

Joshua’s impact extends to various boards, including CertainPath, Better Business Bureau, and Perfect Technician Academy. He’s a recipient of multiple Centurion Awards for Excellence and has been honored with prestigious awards like the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Member Company of the Year and the BBB Torch Award.

Apart from his business success, Joshua is an active community contributor, hosting a weekly radio show and engaging in speaking engagements with leading software manufacturers like Service Titan. He’s involved in charitable organizations such as Folds of Honor and Ronald McDonald House.

With a family legacy of entrepreneurship spanning four generations, Joshua leads Rescue Air Heating and Cooling, employing nearly 100 individuals from a 30,000-square-foot facility in Dallas, TX. He holds licenses including Class A Contractors, Master Electrical, and Mechanical and is a licensed private pilot.

In his personal life, Joshua enjoys spending time with his wife Lee-Ann and their two sons, Declan and Perry, coaching hockey and engaging in outdoor activities. His dedication to both professional and personal endeavors reflects his passion for excellence in all aspects of life.

David Kyle II, Trademasters Service Co

At the age of 17, David Kyle set a goal to own a business and founded Trademasters in 1990. Thanks to its team of fantastic coworkers, Trademasters has grown into a significant company serving residential, commercial, and government clients in the midatlantic region and now, across the nation.

Over the years, Dave has served in many roles and the Trademasters team has received many honors – ACCA Past Chair, AACP Past Chair, Current NATE Chair, SBA’s Virginia and Northern Virginia Small Business of the Year, ACCA Commercial Contractor of the Year, DOL Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award, Inc5000 List, VSBA Business Honor Roll, and more . . .

Trademasters has procured several hundred million dollars in federal sales by developing a government service process and has provided training and mentoring to others so they may also secure government contracts. Because of this success, Dave’s team has had the unique opportunity to work with some of our nation’s most iconic and historic locations.

Dave truly believes that great things can be achieved for our community, coworkers, and clients through solid principles and character with a balanced business approach.

Mitchell Cropp, CroppMetcalfe

Parish (Mitchell) Cropp was born and raised in the heating and air conditioning industry. After 15 years as a territory and sales manager for Automatic Equipment Sales, he founded CroppMetcalfe in 1979. Under his leadership, and now with his sons Tim, Greg, and Brian at the helm, CroppMetcalfe has earned a reputation as one of the largest and most respected heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and home security contractors in the Washington Metropolitan area.

His extensive industry involvement includes leadership roles in organizations such as the Alliance for Fair Utility Competition, Metro Washington Heat Pump Association, State Board of Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals of Virginia (PMPV), and he served as Chairman of ACCA’s national board in 1998.

Cropp’s unwavering dedication to customers has garnered many accolades, including ACCA’s Residential Contractor of the Year, Carrier Hall of Fame, Fast Track Award from Washington Business Journal, Mechanical Contractor of the Year by the Plumbing, Mechanical Professionals of Virginia, the James Muncy Lifetime Achievement Award from PHCCVA, along with many Jaycee and Lions Club awards. When not immersed in the business world, Cropp enjoys volunteering with community organizations, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow-up, cheering for the Redskins/Commanders, and hobbies like bow hunting and bass fishing.