The holiday season can present an existential challenge for retailers, testing the skills and endurance of marketing and sales teams in a six-week race to reach revenue targets by the end of the year. It is not a time to inconvenience customers and staff with building maintenance or repairs. “There’s a reason they call it Black Friday,” says Bill Schaphorst, vice president of business development at MaintenX, a commercial facility maintenance and repair company. “Because of the surge in traffic and sales on the fourth Friday in November, that typically …
HVAC/R
Atlanta — Hillphoenix, a pioneer in environmentally sustainable refrigeration, has once again earned the GreenChill Store Certification Excellence recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This achievement recognizes the commercial refrigeration systems manufacturer that installed the most advanced, sustainable refrigeration systems in GreenChill-certified stores in the past year. Hillphoenix has provided sustainable refrigeration for 777 stores. “We are committed to developing future-focused refrigeration solutions at Hillphoenix and very proud of our long history of developing sustainable refrigeration technology,” says Scott Martin, director of business development and industry relations for …
Brea, Calif. — CoolSys™, a market-leading provider of sustainable refrigeration, HVAC, energy and engineering solutions, has acquired Mechanical Engineering & Construction Corporation (MEC2), a full-service mechanical engineering firm based in Maryland and Virginia that provides comprehensive mechanical design and construction services for institutional, commercial, industrial and government projects. In acquiring MEC2, CoolSys will strengthen its commercial and industrial capabilities while deepening its market presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. “We’re excited to join forces with MEC2 and welcome their team to the CoolSys family. This acquisition enhances our national presence and …
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer has surpassed its industry-leading 2025 sustainability goal of cutting carbon emissions by 50% — one year ahead of schedule. The retailer set a target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2018 levels. The target has not only been met but surpassed, achieving a 57% reduction in 2023. The retailer credits its clear plan, senior leader involvement and the dedication of its team members. “At Meijer, we understand that to be a good company, we must be a …
Batavia, Ill. — ALDI SOUTH Group has a goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 2050, making it one of the first international grocery retailers with net-zero emissions targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies to play their part in combating the climate crisis and set GHG emissions reduction targets in line with what is needed to mitigate global warming. As a part of ALDI SOUTH Group and one of America’s …
Prep Now for HVAC Manufacturer Backlogs, Service Delays in 2025
An approaching shift in refrigerants for heat pumps and air-conditioning systems will have far-reaching implications for restaurant and retail operators, potentially delaying the availability of new equipment, replacement parts and access to the service providers needed to install or repair them. “In the months before a rule change like this, everybody starts to scramble to get ready,” says John Brightwell, regional project manager at facilities repair service provider MaintenX. “We’ve budgeted for this and have adjusted our equipment, tools and training to install and service the new systems; but if …
— By Samuel Hammers — Why it’s important for retailers and restaurants to strengthen their power management. Summer is the season for relaxation, but it can be a stressful time for retailers and restaurant owners looking to keep the lights on. Electrical disruptions, which tend to be more common during the summer, have potential to bring down critical systems such as HVACs and push customers to seek out greener (or cooler) pastures. A power surge could also take down POS systems and leave a facility unable to process transactions. Power …
Philadelphia — Voomi Supply, a fast-growing e-commerce retailer of HVAC, plumbing, electrical and industrial supplies, has named RJ Cilley as its new chief executive officer. Cilley’s appointment at Voomi marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to expand its market presence and technological capabilities. Cilley previously served as the chief operating officer at Saks, where he was an integral part of the executive leadership team; while at Saks, he significantly contributed to the re-platforming of www.Saks.com, the launch of its marketplace and spearheading significant advancements through the …
Eatontown, N.J. — New Jersey-based HVAC, electrical and plumbing services provider Total Comfort Group (TCG) has completed three new hires at the executive level. Jana Coyle, Christopher Soto and Timothy Bruton have joined the company as senior business development manager, northeast service manager and manager of strategic partnerships, respectively. Coyle’s tenure in the industry includes experience in facility maintenance, construction and remodeling services, with business-to-business (B2B) sales experience in Fortune 500 companies. Soto, overseeing comprehensive operations throughout the Northeast region in his new role, will focus on responsive service, streamlined maintenance …
Deerfield, Ill. — PremiStar, a leader in commercial and industrial HVAC, plumbing and building automation services, has hired John Eberhardt III as chief operating officer. In this role, he will lead the company’s strategy for platform-wide value creation and delivery across the organization, including all operational activities to support PremiStar’s national growth strategies. “I am excited to welcome John to the PremiStar senior leadership team,” says Joe Kirmser, CEO of PremiStar. “Over the past three decades, he has proven himself as a transformational leader who excels in aligning and motivating …