The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (RACCA), Tampa Bay, presented Greg Hatfield with their 2021 Legacy Award on August 26, 2021. The Legacy Award is a new way of giving recognition to retired or retiring individuals who have meant a great deal to RACCA and the local HVACR industry. It is anticipated that other awards will be presented, possibly at the annual RACCA Installation banquet.

Past RACCA Executive Director Keane Bismarck presented the award, stating “Greg Hatfield served on RACCA’s Board as the Associate Director for many years during my tenure as Executive Director. He was so well versed in the State’s Mechanical and Energy codes that he became a tremendous Industry resource to RACCA as well as myself. His counsel will be sorely missed by all. Stay tuned for future recipients. Our Association is truly blessed with talented individuals (both past and present) who are very deserving of this award.”
Greg retired earlier this year after devoting 50 years to the HVACR industry in the Tampa Bay area. A coin flip charted the direction his life would take after receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1969. Tired of the winters in Chillicothe, Ohio, he decided his destination would be either Florida or Texas. The coin flip pointed him to the Sunshine State.
Greg enrolled in the Pinellas Technical College air conditioning program, graduated in 1971 and took a position in the Sears Air Conditioning Department in St. Petersburg. He joined Victor Distributing as a salesman in 1990, staying on until his retirement. During his career he served as RACCA’s Associate Board member for 8 years and on the Code Committee for 24 years.
“My advice to newcomers in the industry is to look beyond the sale; create a relationship and provide value to your customers,” Greg stated. “Over my 50 years in this industry, I have been blessed with an abundance of friends and relationships. My journey since retiring is more new adventures with my wife Sheryl. Plus sleeping in and happy hour are also growing in popularity!”