Amy O’Grady went from the fashion industry to an effective contractor and leader in the heating and cooling industry Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, today announced it has appointed industry sales and marketing expert and licensed HVAC contractor Amy O’Grady as its first executive director. O’Grady brings Read more
refrigeration
Amy O’Grady went from the fashion industry to an effective contractor and leader in the heating and cooling industry
Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, today announced it has appointed industry sales and marketing expert and licensed HVAC contractor Amy O’Grady as its first executive director.
O’Grady brings more than 13 years of experience as a licensed contractor, sales and marketing director and events manager to the WHVACR family. She also served four years as the executive director for the North Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (NFACCA).
“Women in HVACR has always been a completely volunteer-only organization, but since we now offer such a long list of networking events, educational programs and scholarship funds to our members, we needed someone on our permanent staff to manage all the good work that we do,” said 2024 WHVACR President Lori Tschohl. “With her background in the HVAC industry and executive director leadership, Amy brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to our organization. We are confident she will provide the necessary oversight to help our board achieve its goals and take Women in HVACR to new heights.”
O’Grady is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in textiles and consumer sciences. After starting her career as a product developer and assistant buyer in the fashion industry, O’Grady began honing her leadership skills in business development, marketing and event planning as a marketing manager for a regional grocery chain and for Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
“It was during my tenure as marketing director for Charlie’s Tropic that I discovered my passion for the HVAC industry and entrepreneurship,” O’Grady said. “I was able to modernize the company’s identity by crafting unique content and developing data-driven marketing programs to stay on top of the ever-changing digital market.”
She also reached a significant milestone at the HVAC company by becoming a licensed contractor, which helped her master her craft and put her on her current career trajectory.
Her next position was as the executive director for the NFACCA, where she demonstrated her adaptability and willingness to learn new skills. She spent more than four years in this role before accepting the position at WHVACR.
“My role at NFACCA certainly helped prepare me for the job I’m taking on at Women in HVACR,” she said. “I look forward to bringing my industry knowledge to our team so that I can help this organization grow and create a dynamic environment that inspires more women to start careers in the skilled trades.”
For more information about Women in HVACR, visit www.womeninhvacr.org/.
Leading U.S.-based manufacturer of water heaters and boilers announces upcoming appearance at MCEE Show in Montreal Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, will showcase its diverse range of innovative, high-performing and efficient products at the MCEE Show in Montreal April 19-20. “The MCEE Show is one of Canada’s premier Read more
Leading U.S.-based manufacturer of water heaters and boilers announces upcoming appearance at MCEE Show in Montreal
Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, will showcase its diverse range of innovative, high-performing and efficient products at the MCEE Show in Montreal April 19-20.
“The MCEE Show is one of Canada’s premier events for building professionals,” said Mark Williamson, general manager and sales director for Bradford White Canada. “We’re looking forward to connecting with attendees and sharing first-hand demonstrations of our reliable, high-quality solutions. As our industry evolves, we’re committed to delivering proven solutions that allow distributors and contractors to elevate their service in order to thrive and succeed.”
Representatives from Bradford White Water Heaters will be available at Booth #1809 during the MCEE Show. The following Bradford White products will be on hand as well as representatives to provide informative product overviews for all visitors:
- Infiniti® GR Tankless Water Heaters: The ENERGY STAR®-certified Infiniti® GS tankless water heater offers energy efficiency, high performance and cutting-edge features, including a robust stainless steel heat exchanger, high temperature setting of 180 degrees, cascade rack installation and multiple venting options.
- AeroTherm® Series Heat Pump Water Heater: With 50-, 65- and 80-gallon capacity units available, the Bradford White Water Heaters ENERGY STAR®-certified AeroTherm® Series offers value, efficiency and versatility. AeroTherm® Series water heaters are easy to install and maintain and feature the AeroTherm® integrated smart control panel plus five operating modes (heat pump, hybrid, hybrid plus, electric and vacation).
- ElectriFLEX Series™: Bradford White ElectriFLEX Series™ field convertible commercial electric water heaters deliver a fast, reliable solution for commercial customers. Voltage, phase, and kW are field convertible.
- eF Series® Ultra High Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heater: The ENERGY STAR®-certified eF Series® Ultra High Efficiency Gas Water Heaters feature BMS integration, protective powered anodes, , thermal efficiency up to 97%, ICON HD® controls, direct spark ignition, three-pass fire-tube heat-exchanger system, and an installed T&P relief valve.
- Vitraglas® with Microban®: Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about Bradford White’s proprietary tank lining, Vitraglas®, now infused with Microban®, a built-in antimicrobial technology.
The MCEE Show, bringing together more than 6,000 building mechanics professionals, is an unmissable and indispensable event in the Canadian industry and an excellent opportunity to develop your business network. Participants emerge from their MCEE Show experience better informed and more productive in order to make their business more profitable.
For more information about Bradford White Water Heaters, visit https://www.bradfordwhite.com.
AHR 2023 is a wrap, and the biggest U.S. HVAC show marks the 20th time—minus the COVID year—that I have attended this great event. A huge shoutout to the Stevens family for organizing such a great experience. Also, huge props to Nicole Bush and her press team for helping the trade press throughout the event Read more
AHR 2023 is a wrap, and the biggest U.S. HVAC show marks the 20th time—minus the COVID year—that I have attended this great event. A huge shoutout to the Stevens family for organizing such a great experience. Also, huge props to Nicole Bush and her press team for helping the trade press throughout the event, and keeping them fed and hydrated.
Now that we’re all back home safely—I hope—we can digest the event and gain a better perspective of what transpired over these past three days. The numbers haven’t been shared yet attendance-wise, but it was a hugely successful event, especially coming through what some call the “COVID years,” where traveling came to a stop—with more people now connecting again.
The MH team, and some old guy.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the manufacturers’ investment in after parties that are always a hit! For the Mechanical Hub crew, for example, it was Taco, Burnham/U.S. Boilers, Rheem, RLS, Franklin Electric, RIDGID and Viega.
From what I heard, over and over again, is that Atlanta just isn’t the most optimum place for a trade show, if I can be perfectly honest. Listen, Atlanta is a wonderful city with plenty to do and many fine places to eat and drink, but the traffic, and the infrastructure to support such a trade show, need to improve. But hey, it was 65 degrees and sunny, and relatively quick flight to the show. So, I suppose it does have its advantages. Where does Atlanta rank for you? Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, Las Vegas. Perhaps it should be noted that the sooner you book accommodations for a show, the more strategically you will be for rides, dinners, walking, etc.
Nevertheless, I can’t tell you how many people sniped about the layout of the show floor—getting from one end of Exhibit Hall C, and its meeting rooms, to the other end of Exhibit Hall B, and its meeting rooms was a hike. My feet, and the 55,000 steps according my trusty Fitbit, were a testament to that.
Also, as I mentioned, 20 years of covering the event, it’s nice to see the changing of the guard with some young talent in attendance, more pointedly—and I know some don’t like to be referred to as this—social influencers. They cover the floor tirelessly to promote the show and new products. In fact, I was lucky enough to attend the social media breakout on the last day. Ten of the brightest influencers graced the stage to talk about their experiences and the importance of social media, and what it means to be an influencer.
HVAC & Social Media: Strengthening the Trade with a Community Mindset—from l to r: Ben Poole @hvactactical, Jamie Christensen @northwest_hvac, Aaron Bond @bond_aaron, Michael Flynn @flynnstone1, Jeff DeMassari @jeffjdemhvac, Jessica Bannister @hvacjess, Rachel Sylvain @hvacrara, Chris Stephens @hvacrvideos, Eric Aune @mechanicalhub, and last but not least, Omar Harris @omartheplumber.
We also were fortunate to share the stage with some of the best podcasters on the planet, as our Make Trades Great Again, hosted by Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson, featured three podcasts during show hours to much fanfare. Guests included representatives from RIDGID, NIBCO, Navien and guest Travis Albaire, T.A.P. Plumbing and Heating. Check them out wherever you stream. Also, the Appetite for Construction podcast, hosted by John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward, featured two podcasts, which featured guests from Bradford White, Rheem, Spirotherm, Lochinvar, and Danny G and Louie the Boiler Man. These recording will be launched within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, check out these podcasts wherever you like to stream stuff, or you can always find them right here on our site.
The Appetite for Construction Podcast with guests Louie Medina @louietheboilerman and Danny Gronendyke @howitbewithdannyg
The Make Trades Great Again Podcast with guests Michael Provenzano, director of pressing and Jim Vild, Atlanta territory manager, RIDGID.
As far as the latest and greatest, you couldn’t get far without seeing the future. Electrification, decarbonization, hydrogen technology are making waves as more heat pumps, electric furnaces, electric boilers, hybrid heat pumps and prefabbed distributed pumping methods are front and center; the latest in thermostats, and a plethora of other products that can talk to each other, and you, with a WiFi signal—from circulators, forced air furnaces to tankless water heaters. New or improved pipe joining methods through press technology, push-to-connect fittings, fusion welding, advances in pipe bending and cutting drew eyes. Listen, if it’s in the HVAC industry, it’s at AHR.
Check out Mechanical Hub websites, social media (@mechanicalhub & @plumbing_perspective on Instagram and TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.) and check out our ever-growing YouTube for products from the show.
Next year’s AHR Expo will take place in Chicago, my back yard, January 21-24 (2024). Again, check back for updates on the show or any other breaking announcements surrounding the event.
Building information modeling (BIM) helps improve accuracy, efficiencies, job-site safety, productivity, and even profitability potential on commercial projects. With the use of BIM expanding, many contracting firms are now outsourcing work due to resource constraints. However, before partnering with a BIM services provider, it’s important to do your research. Because BIM is a relatively new Read more
Building information modeling (BIM) helps improve accuracy, efficiencies, job-site safety, productivity, and even profitability potential on commercial projects. With the use of BIM expanding, many contracting firms are now outsourcing work due to resource constraints.
However, before partnering with a BIM services provider, it’s important to do your research. Because BIM is a relatively new concept to the construction industry, experience is in short supply. Here are three points to consider along with an informative webinar series to provide guidance when considering a partnership with a BIM services provider.
Location
One of the most important points to consider when choosing a BIM services provider is their location. Some companies are located overseas, which can make live interactions or collaboration challenging. Be sure to choose a provider located in your region, or at least in your
country, so collaboration can happen in real time.
To find out how BIM services providers can benefit your business, watch this Introduction to Uponor BIM Services webinar.
Experience
Ensure the team you’re considering has the necessary knowledge and experience with codes and standards in your jurisdiction as well as specific construction practices in your area. For example, certain commercial projects, such as hospitals, may have certain construction methods that must be adhered to for code. It’s vital the BIM services team you’re partnering with knows these important details.
For information about what BIM services providers can offer, check out this Benefits of Partnering with Uponor BIM Services webinar.
Industry Affiliations
Be sure to partner with a team that has affiliations with industry organizations, such as the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). This will ensure they’re up to date on all the important industry trends and application practices your project may require.
Not all BIM services providers are the same. Discover the Differentiation of Partnering with Uponor BIM Services with this final webinar in the series.
To learn more or to get started on your next project, visit uponor.com/bimservices.
Entries accepted through August 9th The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Innovation Awards. Exhibitors are encouraged to enter recent or upgraded products for the competition. Entries are welcomed through August 9, 2022. The 2023 AHR Expo will return to Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center Read more
Entries accepted through August 9th
The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Innovation Awards. Exhibitors are encouraged to enter recent or upgraded products for the competition. Entries are welcomed through August 9, 2022. The 2023 AHR Expo will return to Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center February 6-8, 2023. To request more information about the Innovation Awards, or to receive forms for entry, please email Kim Pires at kpires@iecshows.com.
“If Vegas is any indicator of what’s ahead for HVACR then Atlanta will certainly be an impressive showing,” said show manager Mark Stevens. “Our ten category winners and 2022 Product of the Year winner, Danfoss, blew us away with innovative solutions that demonstrate just how revolutionary the technology within this industry is becoming. It’s really a remarkable gauge of just how fast this industry is moving,” continued Stevens.
The Innovation Awards aim to honor the most inventive, useful and original products, systems and technologies in the marketplace. Exhibitors are encouraged to submit products and technologies to showcase solutions for new and existing challenges and new avenues for industry growth.
Once submitted, all entries are evaluated by a panel of third-party ASHRAE members with over 20 years of professional engineering experience. The panel uses a review process to tally points based on application, innovation, value and market impact. Winners are then selected in ten industry categories, including building automation; cooling; heating; indoor air quality; plumbing; refrigeration; software; sustainable solutions; tools and instruments; and ventilation. An overall Product of the Year will be selected from the pool of category winners and will be announced at the show in Atlanta.
The Innovation Awards as an investment in our workforce
In 2022 AHR Expo introduced a workforce development program in which entry fees from the Innovation Awards program were used to support a local dual-HVAC high school. With the success of the awards in Vegas, AHR Expo was able to donate $25,000 directly to the program as well as host 25 students for a field trip on the show floor. In 2023, AHR Expo aims to work with the Atlanta Public School district to award donation funds to a similar program, with the hopes of growing into other areas of service within HVAC including computer programming and engineering.
“This industry is special,” said Stevens. “If you’ve been to the AHR Expo you understand the feeling of community and connectedness−even more now than ever coming out of the challenging years behind us.
“We are poised to build a fantastic future with HVACR leading the transformation of our built environment. The Innovation Awards lend a preview of this and it is encouraging to see how we are moving forward as an industry. Manufacturers continue to exceed expectations by showing up, making improvements and pushing forward; and while we award only ten companies, we see hundreds in our submissions. We can’t wait to see what’s to come in Atlanta,” concluded Stevens.
How to enter the 2023 Innovation Awards
The awards extend an opportunity for manufacturers to validate their dedication and hard work with strategy, planning, execution and market realization through the recognition of the industry’s most prestigious award. Winners are encouraged to learn more about the awards and view the 2022 winners on the Innovation Awards webpage. All applicants can submit their entries via the dedicated portal. The deadline for entry is August 9, 2022. Questions can be directed to Kim Pires at kpires@iecshows.com.
There are many benefits to participation, including:
- Winners and finalists will be recognized at the 2023 show with special booth signage
- Finalists will be announced on social channels one week before winner announcements, extending the opportunity for exposure longevity
- All winners will be invited to celebrate with their colleagues and industry leaders at a closed reception
- Winners will be interviewed for a custom video months before the show and will be featured on the AHR Expo website and social media channels, as well as in industry media coverage
- Winners will be encouraged to promote their win on their communication channels
Registration for the 2023 AHR Expo is open and available on the AHR Expo website.
Attendees are also encouraged to sign up for the show newsletter to receive updates as they happen.
ABOUT THE AHR EXPO
The AHR Expo is the essential event for HVACR professionals, attracting the most comprehensive gathering of the industry from around the globe each year. The show provides a unique forum where manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes and specialties come together to share ideas and showcase the future of HVACR technology. Since 1930, the AHR Expo has remained the industry’s best place for OEMs, engineers, contractors, facility operators, architects, educators and other industry professionals to experience everything new in HVACR and build relationships. The AHR Expo is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI and is held concurrently with ASHRAE’s Winter Conference. The next show will take place February 6-8, 2023, in Atlanta.
For more information, visit ahrexpo.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram.