The Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) hosted their 2022 “Level UP!” Educational Conference at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, FL on March 16 -18, 2022. The annual event combines an opportunity for contractors to earn 14 CEU credits toward their license requirements with networking, a vendor trade show and awards presentations recognizing the achievements of industry representatives from throughout the state.

Day one of the conference featured a profitability class conducted by best-selling author and business trainer Ruth King. Ruth has a knack for helping business owners understand financials, then apply their knowledge to fuel growth, income and profits. Attendees earned four CEU credits for completing the class. Ruth also presented the “Rocket Your Profits” course during the second day of the conference, exploring the foundation of a proper maintenance program, cash and cash flow, knowing a company’s value and how to build and retain a line of credit for a business.
Day two courses covered Contractor Regulation and Licensing presented by Trent Cotney and Tray Batcher of Adams and Reese; Setting Expectations for Vehicle Management by Don Duckworth of Enterprise Fleet Management; the importance of training techs to understand the testing process and test results regarding duct leakage by Bryan Orr of Kalos Services and Jim Bergmann of measureQuick and how to manage the cost of Worker’s Compensation by Trenton Lash of Federated Insurance.
Trent and Tray provided a Florida legislative update during the day two luncheon which also featured the induction of FRACCA officers and delegates and an awards presentation. A highlight was Paul Stehle of Climatic Conditioning being named recipient of the 2022 Above and Beyond Leadership Award.
Day two concluded with a St. Patrick’s Day Presidential Gala and Tradeshow, a question and answer panel featuring Ruth King, Jim Bergmann and Rick Sims and moderated by Bryan Orr and a raffle for prizes donated by the attending vendors.
Bob Cochell, President of Gulf Coast Air Systems in Tampa and avid supporter and advocate for Florida’s HAVCR industry, presented a class on the EPA’s new refrigerant regulations and a class covering an array of changes made to the 2020 Florida Building code on day three of the conference. Carter Stanfield, co-author of Fundamentals of HVACR, provided his insights on Workforce development and flammable refrigerants during his two sessions. A course on tax planning for 2022 was presented by Dr. Shawn Powell Joseph and Dennis Harrelson, The Future of the HVAC Industry class was hosted by Bryan Orr and Robert Orr of Kalos Services and Austin Bass and Trenton Lash of Federated Insurance concluded the day’s classes focusing on S.A.F.E. (Speed. Attention, Fatigue and Emotion) driving can be managed to reduce driving crashes and fatalities.
“We thank everyone that participated for making this year’s conference successful,” FRACCA Executive director stated. “The levels of energy and engagement shown by the attendees, instructors and vendors was exciting to witness and experience. We are already looking forward to another great event next year.”
For information on sponsoring or supporting next year’s Educational Conference and other FRACCA activities, contact Paula Huband by emailing
Paula.Huband@FRACCAAir.com or calling 407-260-206.
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