Join Jake on his transformative journey from nurse to acclaimed speaker and strategist, empowering people to create their dream lives through results-driven coaching. Jake has always had a heart to serve humanity and guides solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and corporate workers strategically to increase their vitality and performance daily by providing personalized strategies and methods for increasing their business success.
In Jake’s keynote, he challenges your notions of leadership, aiming to astound you with new possibilities. Discover his “4 Pillars of Influence” and learn to connect deeply with your team, breaking down communication barriers and fostering collaboration. Jake’s session offers the key to impactful leadership, equipping you with the skills to lead with influence, innovate, and inspire positive change within your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to redefine your approach to leadership!
Ken Goodrich
Ken Goodrich, Goettl’s current Board Chair and former CEO, is a seasoned entrepreneurial executive and co-author of The E-Myth HVAC Contractor, Why Most HVAC Companies Don’t Work and What to Do About it, with Michael E. Gerber, a New York Times best-selling author. Goodrich has over 30 years of experience acquiring, integrating, and developing HVAC, plumbing, and contracting businesses.
Ken started in the HVAC business as a boy, holding the flashlight for his father on late-night calls. At Goettl, innovations he developed and implemented, now considered industry standard operating processes, resulted in 15x growth from 2013 to 2021 and the resurrection of the iconic brand. His motto is, “We do things the right way, not the easy way.”
Ken is passionate about helping others throughout their careers and lives. His donations helped create the College of Southern Nevada’s (CSN) Air Conditioning Center of Excellence & Dual Enrollment Academy. He sponsored the J. Duncan Goodrich Air Conditioning Technology Lab at CSN, named after his father, and presents Goettl’s annual “Post 9/11 Veterans Tools Scholarship Award” to help jumpstart students’ careers in the HVAC industry. Under his leadership, the Goettl Academy was established as a technical and life skills training program.
Ken’s credentials also include serving on local and national trade organizations. He sits on the board of Building Performance Institute, has served as president of the Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association, and as a board member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). He also serves on the air conditioning committee of CSN’s Air Conditioning Technology Advisory Board and as a member of Nevada’s Governors Workforce Development Board (GWDB).
During his career, Ken has received personal recognition from organizations such as the 2022 AZ Big Media’s Most Respected & Influential Leaders, 2022 AZ Big Media Business Leaders to Watch, 2021 Service Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021 Contracting Business Hall of Fame, 2018 Most Admired Leader by Phoenix Business Journal, 2016 Contractor of the Year by Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association, Business Professional of the Year by Success Group International, Nevada Entrepreneur of the Year by ‘In Business’ magazine and was awarded the ‘Legacy of Achievement’ Award from College of Southern Nevada. In 2014, Goodrich was named an ‘2014 Industry NewsMaker’ ACHR NEWS magazine for his efforts in rescuing a large Phoenix, AZ-based company.
Under Ken’s leadership, Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing received many accolades and awards, including the Industry Leader of Arizona award by Arizona Business Magazine in 2018, being listed as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and Contractor of the Year by Mechanical Trade Contractors of Arizona in 2018.
Michael Caito, MAP Consulting
Michael Caito is the owner and CEO of Management Action Programs, Inc. (MAP). A visionary, nose-to-the-grindstone leader, Michael’s entrepreneurial roots date back to the early 1990s when he joined two partners in launching Restaurants on the Run with a mere $6,000. Michael spent the next 20 years building that business through a strategic lens, adopting MAP’s accountability system along the way. When the company sold in 2015, it was valued at 12x EBITDA and scaled 10 markets, 600 people and $40 million in revenue.
A self-taught business student, Michael practices proven management methodologies. Known as a “metrics guy,” he’s big on data, using it to measure progress and get breakthrough results. He also thrives off sharing lessons learned. A member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization for 20+ years, he’s served as a past Global Chairman and traveled to over 25 countries, engaging with countless company owners and organizations. Michael is also active in the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). In December 2017, Michael purchased MAP, the very company that helped him so much over the years. Now at the helm, he’s set his sights on developing MAP’s people and expanding its footprint globally.
The father of three young boys, Michael coaches their athletic teams and yet still carves time out for himself to exercise regularly and mountain bike whenever he can.
Sarah Michel, Velvet Chainsaw
Ed Lehr, Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling, and Electrical
Joe Oliver, Oliver Heating and Cooling
Gerry Den Ouden, Ree Mechanical, Inc.
Andrew Meadows, Pro-Air Mechanical, Inc.
Matt Marsiglio, Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical
ACCA 2024 welcomes top manufacturing industry leaders for an interactive session on current events affecting manufacturers and the HVACR supply chain. Leading manufacturer representatives, including Chris Forth (JCI), Braden Cook (Carrier), John Schneider (Copeland), Doug Widenmann (Daikin), Randy Roberts (Rheem/Ruud), and Heather Buchicchio (Mitsubishi), will join Kyle Gargaro, editor-in-chief of ACHR NEWS, as he moderates this engaging conversation about the issues contractors face every day.
Chris Forth, JCI
Braden Cook, Carrier
Braden Cook serves as the Director, Product Management and Training, Residential HVAC. Braden directs the product marketing and lifecycle management for residential heating, cooling, ductless and VRF products, with a focus on launches in support of 2023 regulatory compliance. Braden joined Carrier in 2015 as Product Manager for our 80% Gas Furnaces and Oil Furnaces. Since 2017, he has held the position of Heating Platform Leader with a primary focused on Fan Energy Rating (FER) and Ultra Low NOx gas furnace launches.
Braden holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Indianapolis and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Purdue University. Braden and his wife Brittney live in Westfield, Indiana, with their three kids.
John Schneider, Copeland
John Schneider was born and raised in Brunswick, Ohio. John attended Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduation, John joined P&G, working in New Product Development. While working in Cincinnati, John received his MBA from Xavier University.
In 2000, John joined Copeland, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric, in Sidney, Ohio, as Market Manager, Residential Air Conditioning. He subsequently held roles of increasing responsibility, including VP of Marketing and VP of Global Variable Speed. In 2013, Schneider was promoted to VP/GM Thermal Management, North America of Emerson’s Network Power division in Columbus, Ohio. In 2016, Emerson sold the Network Power Division and John stayed with the new management, where he became the SVP, Global Thermal Management & Solutions of the new company, Vertiv. In 2020, John rejoined Emerson as President of the Therm-O-Disc Division in Mansfield, Ohio.
In August 2021, John was promoted to President, HVACR Technologies, Americas. In this role, John is responsible for Emerson’s businesses serving the HVACR industries, with revenue in excess of $2B, including Copeland compressors and related HVACR technologies.
Doug Widenmann, Daikin
Randy Roberts, Rheem/Ruud
For over a quarter of a century, Randy Roberts has played an active and integral role growing and positioning Rheem’s U.S. Air Conditioning Division for long-term success. Since 1997, Randy has worked closely with Rheem contractors and distribution partners, helping them succeed and grow their business while also strengthening Rheem’s culture, strategy, and customer and consumer partner engagement. Randy currently oversees Rheem’s Residential Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Product Development efforts.
Randy is an alumnus of the University of Alabama earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1993, as well as an Executive MBA in 2012. He has served as a board member and President of the Birmingham Golf Association (BGA), where he has been instrumental in Junior Golfer development in the greater Birmingham community. In addition, Randy is also a deacon and active member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church. When not working, Randy enjoys playing golf, pickleball, and watching college sports.
Heather Buchicchio, Mitsubishi
As the Senior Director of Residential Channel Development for Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), Heather Buchicchio is responsible for channel development for the HVAC business in the United States, including the company’s variable-capacity all-climate heat pumps.
In her role, she serves as a channel expert on the U.S. heat pump market, competitive environment, and strategic opportunities, driving efforts to hit increasingly challenging targets in new business development with short- and long-term perspectives.
Buchicchio implements cross-departmental process improvements relevant to the channel and directs the involvement of company team members, including support, service, and management resources, to meet performance objectives and customers’ expectations. She builds productive, professional relationships with key contacts across HVAC distributor and contractor companies.
During her nine-year career at METUS, Buchicchio built a strong business and inventory lifecycle appreciation, having served in multiple leadership roles in field marketing, product marketing, and customer service. In her previous role as Senior Director of Customer Experience, she oversaw three key customer-facing departments, including Customer Care, Order Management and the Technical Service Advisor (TSA) team.
Prior to joining METUS, Buchicchio was Principle/Managing Principle of Infinity Growth Partners LLC, providing marketing consulting and services to technical B2B companies. She also gained valuable HVAC experience during her ten years of service at a Chicago distributorship, where she held positions in commercial sales and marketing and led a purchasing team.
She earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a master of business administration degree from Purdue University.
Kyle Gargaro, ACHR News
Some of the greatest success stories in our industry were born from best-in-class contractors exchanging ideas at ACCA conferences. The networking of ACCA’s Contractor Forum comes alive at ACCA 2024!
Superstar contractor Bobby Ring will moderate an all-star panel of HVAC legends, ready to share their stories take your questions. Join us for a lively discussion on our industry’s greatest issues and ideas that can put you ahead of the pack.
Bobby Ring, Meyer & Depew Co Inc
Tara Smith, Mr. Furnace
Hugh Joyce, James River Air
Joshua Campbell, Rescue Air and Plumbing
Joshua Campbell is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, specializing in AI, marketing, and business development. He’s renowned for his expertise in acquisitions, having purchased and sold 4 companies. As a John Maxwell Certified Trainer, he offers exceptional leadership training.
Joshua’s impact extends to various boards, including CertainPath, Better Business Bureau, and Perfect Technician Academy. He’s a recipient of multiple Centurion Awards for Excellence and has been honored with prestigious awards like the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Member Company of the Year and the BBB Torch Award.
Apart from his business success, Joshua is an active community contributor, hosting a weekly radio show and engaging in speaking engagements with leading software manufacturers like Service Titan. He’s involved in charitable organizations such as Folds of Honor and Ronald McDonald House.
With a family legacy of entrepreneurship spanning four generations, Joshua leads Rescue Air Heating and Cooling, employing nearly 100 individuals from a 30,000-square-foot facility in Dallas, TX. He holds licenses including Class A Contractors, Master Electrical, and Mechanical and is a licensed private pilot.
In his personal life, Joshua enjoys spending time with his wife Lee-Ann and their two sons, Declan and Perry, coaching hockey and engaging in outdoor activities. His dedication to both professional and personal endeavors reflects his passion for excellence in all aspects of life.
David Kyle II, Trademasters Service Co
At the age of 17, David Kyle set a goal to own a business and founded Trademasters in 1990. Thanks to its team of fantastic coworkers, Trademasters has grown into a significant company serving residential, commercial, and government clients in the midatlantic region and now, across the nation.
Over the years, Dave has served in many roles and the Trademasters team has received many honors – ACCA Past Chair, AACP Past Chair, Current NATE Chair, SBA’s Virginia and Northern Virginia Small Business of the Year, ACCA Commercial Contractor of the Year, DOL Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award, Inc5000 List, VSBA Business Honor Roll, and more . . .
Trademasters has procured several hundred million dollars in federal sales by developing a government service process and has provided training and mentoring to others so they may also secure government contracts. Because of this success, Dave’s team has had the unique opportunity to work with some of our nation’s most iconic and historic locations.
Dave truly believes that great things can be achieved for our community, coworkers, and clients through solid principles and character with a balanced business approach.
Mitchell Cropp, CroppMetcalfe
Parish (Mitchell) Cropp was born and raised in the heating and air conditioning industry. After 15 years as a territory and sales manager for Automatic Equipment Sales, he founded CroppMetcalfe in 1979. Under his leadership, and now with his sons Tim, Greg, and Brian at the helm, CroppMetcalfe has earned a reputation as one of the largest and most respected heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and home security contractors in the Washington Metropolitan area.
His extensive industry involvement includes leadership roles in organizations such as the Alliance for Fair Utility Competition, Metro Washington Heat Pump Association, State Board of Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals of Virginia (PMPV), and he served as Chairman of ACCA’s national board in 1998.
Cropp’s unwavering dedication to customers has garnered many accolades, including ACCA’s Residential Contractor of the Year, Carrier Hall of Fame, Fast Track Award from Washington Business Journal, Mechanical Contractor of the Year by the Plumbing, Mechanical Professionals of Virginia, the James Muncy Lifetime Achievement Award from PHCCVA, along with many Jaycee and Lions Club awards. When not immersed in the business world, Cropp enjoys volunteering with community organizations, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow-up, cheering for the Redskins/Commanders, and hobbies like bow hunting and bass fishing.
