By: Bruce Widener, CAAG Executive Director

I have now been with CAAG for 40 years! Earl Smith, Bob Kesterton and I started CAAG in 1980 and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am extremely proud of everything we have been able to accomplish over the years. I have heard multiple times that CAAG is envied by all other HVAC groups in the country. Bob Kesterton told me a couple months ago how proud he was of our accomplishments. We should all be very proud!

I really enjoy being able to help our members. CAAG members are my family! Like many of you have had to do in your businesses, it’s time for CAAG to begin preparing for the transition and my retirement. My goal is to make sure CAAG is in a position to continue representing the HVAC industry in the very best way possible.

The question has been asked when will I retire? It’s in my heart and soul to work as long as I can and am effective. However, I do understand the need for a transition. Ashley and I have discussed this often. We have met with several different prospects of people we would feel comfortable bringing on as a replacement. After many considerations I believe Tucker Green is the perfect person to take my place. He is a good “people person.” He loves politics and he is from a HVAC background (grandson of Jimmy and Marilyn Green, Green Heating & Cooling, Canton), which is a huge bonus. You have probably met Tucker at some of the CAAG meetings he has attended recently.

He has been going to the CAAG “Day At The Capitol” since he was a very small child. He also was recently invited by Bud Mingledorff to go to Washington, DC for a legislative conference on two different occasions. I discussed my retirement plans with Bud and he thought that Tucker would do a great job and highly recommended him after seeing him in action in Washington.

It is also very important to have someone who is honest, smart, hard-working, self-starter and an all-round good person. I believe Tucker is all of these and more. Ashley often says that we have CAAG members in all levels of life. We have members who are neighbors of the Governor on West Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta and then we have the small rural contractor working by himself with one truck. It takes a special person to appeal and relate to all types of contractors and politicians. Tucker can do that.

Tucker has agreed to come to work with CAAG and will begin in July. His resume is quite impressive! It will take at least a year to get Tucker up and running. Ashley and I will continue to do all the things we have always done and teach Tucker the ropes.

Ashley will be excited about our next adventure in life. She is really tired of her role as a “secretary.” However, I would like to stay on as long as I am effective and able.

In making this decision I contacted what I have referred to as a “transition committee” consisting of: Bart Hillman, Elaine Powers, Bud Mingledorff, Barry Abernathy, Ed Newsome, Pat Rogers, Don Vansant, Emory Young, Jr., Mike Littlejohn, Alan Ferguson and others. I wanted to make sure there would not be a problem with this transition. Everyone I talked to was most supportive and appreciative.

To all the CAAG Members and Leadership I want to say a sincere “Thank You” again for 40 years of friendship and support! I look forward to continuing to work for such a great group of people!