“We’re putting the band back together.” A go-to phrase from the 1980 classic comedy, The Blues Brothers, that’s what it felt like last month in Hershey, Pa. The niche show dedicated to the oil and energy service professionals had its reunion feel back, and the 61st OESP Annual Trade Show & Convention featured its cast Read more
Judy Garber
“We’re putting the band back together.” A go-to phrase from the 1980 classic comedy, The Blues Brothers, that’s what it felt like last month in Hershey, Pa. The niche show dedicated to the oil and energy service professionals had its reunion feel back, and the 61st OESP Annual Trade Show & Convention featured its cast of characters in attendance.
In truth, last year’s two-part OESP Roadshow, a noble effort, which tried to bring the show closer to contractors, lacked solid attendance numbers. Yet, bringing it back to Hershey, its sweet spot—pun intended—you could feel the energy, and all exhibitors and attendees were satiated.
Dave Sweet (r), product manager, Taco, talks to an attendee about Zone Sentry zone valves.
OESP, the association dedicated to the Oil & Energy Service Professional, held consistent on its mission of education with a diverse program, including two of NORA’s new courses on airflow and hydronics, as well as a full trade show. “OESP changed its name a few years ago to reflect an evolution in its industry and its membership. Many conventional fuel oil dealers are adding propane to their offerings, as well as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.,” said Al Breda, president.
Mike LaVigne (l), engineer, Energy Kinetics, live fires a 90+ Resolute boiler for an attendee.
“Since 1999, the oil heating industry has changed dramatically, and it has been tough for many companies, and thus our members,” said Judy Garber, OESP executive director—her last as acting director. “I’ve watched those who have accepted the challenge and moved toward diversification. In 1999, oil companies delivered to and serviced only oil heated homes and businesses. Today, they install solar, bathrooms, propane and gas appliances, and they quote new efficient oil-fired boilers and gas appliances. Today’s progressive companies control their routes with GPS, customers receive and pay their invoices electronically, often times right on the spot with handheld devices,” said Garber.
Dave Hansen, product marketing manager, U.S. boiler Co., talks with the Hub’s Eric Aune about the K2 boiler system’s Fast Pipe, which is designed to be an affordable primary/secondary piping solution that can help all contractors.
Charitable Events
This year’s OESP Convention featured the The Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $250,000 in awards—since 1999—has been presented to students interested in pursuing careers in the energy-service industry. The scholarship recipients are Roger Bruso, Jeffrey Comitz, Thomas Daros, Jr., Erik Graff, Michael Boylston, and Garth Reish.
Oil Heat Cares’ Care to Ride raised funds for oil-heating equipment replacements for people who are struggling to heat their homes. The following people were recognized for their commitment to Oil Heat Cares:
• Oil Heat Cares Cup: Judy Garber and Dan Holohan
• Top Fundraising Team: Team Connecticut
• Top Fundraiser Motorcycle Division: Ralph Adams
• Top Fundraiser Bicycle Division: Roger Marran
• Top Fundraiser Walking Division: Dan and Marianne Holohan
Awards Banquet
The Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 19 was a special night, a night which saw OESP honor Garber for her outstanding contributions to the industry. Garber received the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside her family and friends. At a loss for words, she had said that she is rarely surprised, but that night was an exception, and the outpouring of appreciation overwhelmed her.
Judy Garber, overcome with emotion, shares the moment with her father.
During the awards banquet, OESP also recognized Dan Holohan for his support to the association, establishing the Dan Holohan Scholarship, a scholarship set up in his name identifying the top instructors in the industry. Those teaching future technicians will be able to either purchase materials to enhance their training or attend a class or program that enriched their skills as an instructor.
Dan Holohan, after receiving the award dedicated in his name, does what Dan does best, connects with his audience.
Holohan, who has announced his retirement, has said, “This is my final year of doing seminars. My last will be at the AHR show in Orlando next January.”
OESP & AREE Partner
OESP and the Atlantic Region Energy Expo (AREE) recently announced they will host a joint trade show and convention next year — May 22-26, 2016 — at the Foxwoods Casino Resort, Ledyard, CT.
Eric DeGesero, executive vice president, Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, a prime sponsor that provides show management services for AREE commented, “This joint venture is a logical step in a consolidating industry.”
“Our goal is to continue to provide the forum that brings all segments of the petroleum marketing industry together to network and learn. Not only will we be continuing these efforts on behalf of motor fuel and heating fuel distributors but adding the technical educational component that OESP does so well,” DeGesero said.
According to OESP’s Garber, something needed to happen; there are too many shows with too few people attending them.
“We need to build an outstanding product that attendees know they need to attend. The oil industry is shrinking but it sure isn’t going away. OESP is evolving but it will take time to attract those in other energy businesses. Our focus is on service and installation, and by partnering with AREE, we are stronger and we can together be a very strong show in the Northeast when it comes to oil and energy.
“The joint show provides each of us the ability to sponsor an industry-wide convention and trade show that will provide a wider audience. It will also provide OESP greater exposure to our industry as we will now be able to showcase our extensive technical education programming to owners and managers,” said Garber.
OESP (National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals) hosted its 61st Annual Convention & Trade Show in Hershey, PA from May 17-21, 2015. OESP honored Executive Director Judy Garber for her outstanding contributions to our industry. It was a bittersweet celebration, marking Garber’s final Convention at Hershey. The Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 19 Read more
OESP (National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals) hosted its 61st Annual Convention & Trade Show in Hershey, PA from May 17-21, 2015. OESP honored Executive Director Judy Garber for her outstanding contributions to our industry. It was a bittersweet celebration, marking Garber’s final Convention at Hershey.
The Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 19 was a special night. Garber received the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside her family and friends. She remarked that she is rarely surprised, but that night was an exception. She was at a loss for words and touched by the outpouring of appreciation. The following individuals and companies were also recognized for their dedication to our industry:
Service Manager of the Year: George Fantacone
Hugh W. McKee Memorial Award: Charles Holmes
Instructor of the Year: Dan Holohan
Lou Ehrich Memorial Associate of the Year Award: George Pavlik
Manufacturer of the Year: Carlin/Hydrolevel
This year’s OESP Convention featured two charitable events. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Tournament was held at Deer Valley Golf Course in Hummelstown, PA. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship fund was established in 1999. Since then, over $250,000 in awards has been presented to students interested in pursuing careers in the energy-service industry. The 2015 Dave Nelsen Scholarship recipients are Roger Bruso, Jeffrey Comitz, Thomas Daros, Jr., Erik Graff, Michael Boylston, and Garth Reish. Oil Heat Cares’ Care to Ride raised funds for oil-heating equipment replacements for people who are struggling to heat their homes. The following people were recognized for their commitment to Oil Heat Cares:
Oil Heat Cares Cup: Judy Garber and Dan Holohan
Top Fundraising Team: Team Connecticut
Top Fundraiser Motorcycle Division: Ralph Adams
Top Fundraiser Bicycle Division: Roger Marran
Top Fundraiser Walking Division: Dan and Marianne Holohan
The Convention also delivered on OESP’s mission of education with a diverse program, including two of NORA’s new courses on air flow and hydronics, as well as a full trade show. According to OESP President, Al Breda, “Our name changed a few years ago to reflect an evolution in our industry and our membership. Many conventional fuel oil dealers are adding propane to their offerings, as well as HVAC services and maybe even plumbing, electrical, and so on. We are here to help with the educational classes and certifications that can better prepare the managers and field personnel to handle the new challenges.”
Visit www.thinkoesp.org to learn more about educational opportunities throughout the year. And join OESP and the Atlantic Region Energy Expo (AREE) for a joint Convention and Trade Show from May 22-25, 2016 in Foxwoods, CT.
As OESP—the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals made up of about 1500 dedicated energy professionals who service the energy needs of the Northeast portion of the United States—revs up for its annual trade show and convention May 17-21 in Hershey, Pa., it will be the last under the directive eye of Judy Read more
As OESP—the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals made up of about 1500 dedicated energy professionals who service the energy needs of the Northeast portion of the United States—revs up for its annual trade show and convention May 17-21 in Hershey, Pa., it will be the last under the directive eye of Judy Garber; however, she will be active in the association.
Recently, I had the chance to speak with Judy about her journey, OESP and the future.
MH: How did you get involved with NAOHSM/OESP?
Garber: Oddly, I was looking for a new job. I was tired of traveling and I knew Bob Boltz, V.R. Boltz. Lebanon, Pa., who happened to be the president of the association at that time. I met with him and discussed ideas that I had. I thought that I would like to sell for a local contractor. He, being one of those, suggested that I just hold tight. He later told me to apply for the job as the director of NAOHSM. I had no idea what an association was but I “trusted” him. I was a vendor at the show for many years so I at least was familiar with the group. Honestly, it was one of my favorite shows. My experience is/was in sales and marketing. I was a sales manager, and honestly these are two skill sets that really can work well for an association. And, because I didn’t come from the association world, I had no “bad habits.” I was quite comfortable asking “why are we doing it like that” and didn’t hear the words, “because we always do it that way.” I learned quickly, and I truly have made some wonderful friends.
MH: How has the association evolved over the years?
Garber: I really don’t like to use clichés, but it sure isn’t a “good ol’ boys club” any more. Our organization is really committed to our mission of education. They care so much about the oil heating industry but they also are aware of an evolving energy industry and many of them are part of that. I remember being at a meeting in Washington, DC a number of years ago and the speaker predicted that the future of energy would include a menu of energy choices. I have never forgotten that. It will be. Since I became the exec in 1999, this industry has really changed. At that time we had strictly oil companies involved. Now there are few of them. Most have added propane to their mix of offerings. They also rely more upon the service department for revenue.
MH: What have been some of your major challenges?
Garber: Keeping both vendors and members motivated, energized and happy. I see some areas in our market that are “pumped” and others, sadly, just don’t care. I have learned the benefits of an association and that means being part of something bigger than yourself. Strength is in numbers for sure. Members that are “active,” meaning don’t just pay dues but actually attend meeting and events, gain so much. True networking often times takes place at that happy hour that takes place before the meeting.
MH: What has been the most rewarding aspects of the job?
Garber: The most rewarding part of my job is probably the Awards Banquet. When I see five or six young people receive the acknowledgement of a scholarship—it is a delight. Their parents are so proud of them. Since we started the scholarship in 1999, we have awarded well over $275,000 in awards. For a small association, that is pretty amazing to me. Oil Heat Cares, too, has been something of which I am proud. It is beautiful to see the pride that our members show when they have done something special for another individual.
I also enjoy the annual convention. Someone once told me that its like a family reunion. I have to say, that is a good description of our event.
MH: Can you describe behind the scenes at OESP, including those that have worked their tails off?
Garber: This is a great question, John. Any officer of our association works hard. If they don’t . . . Our convention committee, comprised of Jay Moser, Harris Comfort; George McQueeney, East River Energy; Dave Bessette, MacFarlane Energy really help pull the show together, as well as the sitting president, which happens to be Al Breda, Sippin Energy. These gentlemen really put in the time. Ralph Adams, Parker Fuel, is one that stands out because he puts so much into the education side of the association. I can’t miss two other my buddies: Bob Boltz who suggested I apply for this position and Dan Holohan who has become a great friend, as well. I know that I am missing others but these guys stand out. They truly are awesome and you have to commend their bosses for encouraging them to be involved.
MH: As you relinquish your executive director duties, Who will be taking over?
Garber: We won’t start the search until very late fall. We have a OESP 2-day Forum in August and that will be one of the topics. I am encouraging them to look toward the future. Maybe we should hire an individual with strengths in technical education vs. association management. We won’t know until it is discussed. But associations, in general, are evolving and we need to think “outside of the box,” as well.
MH: Are you confident in the direction of OESP?
Garber: I am because we have such quality volunteers. I will be around long enough to guide if needed.
MH: Just saw the release where OESP/AREE have partnered on trade show/convention for 2016. How that came about?
Garber: The simple answer is, its time. Something needed to happen. There are too many shows with too few people attending them. In my humble opinion, we need to build an outstanding product that attendees know they need to attend. The oil industry is shrinking but it sure isn’t going away. OESP is evolving but it will take time to attract those in other energy businesses. For example, those that specialize in alternatives, plumbing, AC.
Our focus is on service and installation and by partnering with AREE we are stronger and we can together be a very strong show in the Northeast when it comes to Oil and Energy. We’ll focus on the technical side of the business and their strength is on the management side. So that combination is good. The job of the service manager has evolved, too, and they are more of a GM vs. someone who is solely the technical guy, so our members can take advantage of the additional management training that will be offering.
MH: I know that you will still be involved with OESP, but stepping down as ED makes you feel ______?
Garber: Why? Until June of 2016 I really don’t know. I love working and enjoy the energy business so I don’t know. But I don’t want to be one of those that just hangs around.
MH: Oil Heat Cares is always an important aspect of the organization. Any new projects?
Garber: 2015 was kind of a “quiet year” for Oil Heat Cares. I am certain it was because of the long cold winter here in the Northeast. I suspect we’ll be bombarded this summer. One of the better ones this year has to do with a World War II veteran and his daughter who is his caregiver. This family truly is why Oil Heat Cares exists. It is there for those that fall through the cracks. Mr. Bullis’s daughter worked for a local hospital and after years of service lost her job. Thus, when the heating appliance needed to be replaced they didn’t have the funds. Our guys from the Fairfield County Chapter came to the rescue under Oil Heat Cares.
The New York City Chapter, too, does a great job of identifying a project and invites the Saunders Technical School, Yonkers, New York to join them. The students learn how it feels to work side by side with energy professionals and also to give back to their communities. It is a winning combination for all.
MH: Finally, the last time you said, “Today is a great day,” you were doing what?
Garber: Last Saturday when my husband, Larry and I went to our grandson’s confirmation in DC. The weather was beautiful, the service was wonderful, and I couldn’t believe that I have a grandson 14 years of age. I also have a granddaughter who is 16. Life is precious and, as the years move forward, I am reminded of that each and every day.