February is a special month for the Southwest Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SWACCA). Annually the association installs its newly elected officers and board members and announces its Pioneer Award recipient. This year, 60 SWACCA members and guests were in attendance to congratulate Theo Etzel of Conditioned Air, Naples, Florida as he accepted the 2021 SWACCA Pioneer Award. Presenting the award was Tim Dupre, Conditioned Air’s CEO and SWACCA Past President.

This prestigious award is given In recognition of 40 plus years as a leader and role model and for paving the way for future professionals in the Southwest Florida HVAC industry. Tim introduced Theo by using himself as a testimonial to Theo’s leadership and employee mentoring skills. Tim was hired by Theo as an apprentice in the production housing department at the age of 18 and was able to work and grow with the company. Twenty-three years later, Tim is now the CEO.

In addition to the Pioneer Award, the Officers and Directors elected for one and two-year terms respectively were installed by FRACCA President Rick Sims. They are the following: Mike Antonucci, President; Jim Britton, Vice President, Gulf Shore Cooling; Peter Pietruszko, Secretary/Treasurer, Speedy Air Conditioning and Directors Ken Danziger, Tropic Supply; Jon Kunz, Conditioned Air; Michael Porter, Carrier Enterprise; and Rick Sims, Johnsons Air Conditioning.

Rick Sims closed the evening with a presentation on Why Flammable Refrigerants are Coming Now. The next SWACCA meeting is scheduled for March 10 as a joint meeting with ASHRAE. Matt Michel, Service Roundtable/Service Nation CEO is the schedule guest speaker. Coming in from Texas, he will be speaking on “What is Your Leadership Style … From Behind or From in Front?” He is a dynamic speaker both SWACCA and ASHRAE members are excited to introduce to their members and guests.