We’re thrilled to honor the individuals shaping the future of the HVACR industry through their remarkable teaching and dedication. These outstanding instructors and trainers are the driving force behind countless careers sharing their knowledge in classrooms, at local wholesalers, through manufacturers, and even online as social media and YouTube influencers.

A few weeks ago, HVAC Excellence and TruTech Tools invited the HVACR community to help identify this year’s top influencers in education. Over 1,000 responses poured in from those eager to highlight these educators’ contributions. Today, we’re proud to announce the Top 25 Most Influential Instructors/Trainers of 2025 (in alphabetical order):

·     Clifton Beck, CSME* – ESCO Institute

·     Ty Branaman CMHE* – ESCO Institute

·     Brynn Cooksey Sr, CEM, CMS* – HVAC U, LLC

·     Eric Dhillon – Johnstone Supply Orion Group

·     David Doyle, CMHE – Lincoln Tech

·     Brian Faulds – Rheem (Canada)

·     Don C. Fort Sr. – Heatcraft

·     Jim Fultz – Emerson White Rogers

·     Kevin R. Hart – HAVEN IAQ

·     Joey Henderson – Midlands Technical College / iConnect Training

·     Jim Johnson – Technical Training Associates

·     Greg Jourdan – Wenatchee Valley College

·     Eric Kaiser – TruTech Tools

·     Louise Kellar – UEi

·     Todd Kler, CMHE* – HVACREdu.net

·     Fran McGrath* – United Association Local 420

·     Ben Middleton – Daikin

·     Chris Mohalley – Regal Rexnard

·     Dirk Nauman, CM, CSME – HVAC Simulator

·     Jason Obrzut, CMHE – ESCO Institute

·     Eugene Silberstein, CMHE – ESCO Institute

·     Greg Smith – Locklin Technical College

·     Jesse Stewart – NAVAC

·     Brett Wetzel – Advanced Refrigeration Podcast

·     David Whitten – UA Local 26

(* indicates those recognized in a previous year)

We commend these dedicated educators and trainers and all the nominees for their invaluable contributions to the HVACR industry!

In appreciation of their hard work, each winner’s name will appear on the back of a commemorative t-shirt, provided courtesy of TruTech Tools, for attendees at the upcoming 2025 National HVACR Education Conference, to be held from March 16-19, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV.

Let’s give a round of applause to these leaders for their dedication and passion in inspiring the next generation of HVACR professionals.

Congratulations to all!