Industry Giants: Meet the Mentors Shaping the Hydronic Heating Field

If you aspire to excel in your profession, having a few good mentors along the way can be invaluable. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to learn many valuable lessons and acquire essential skills, though I've also picked up a few bad habits along the way that I am working on. The most crucial lesson I've learned is the significance of having exceptional mentors and maintaining a constant thirst for knowledge. I often joke that I'm the spoon in the knife drawer because my friends are always sharper than me.

With nearly two decades of experience in design and tech support within distribution, I owe a great deal of credit to my field experience and the remarkable mentors who have shaped my proficiency. With my father's ownership of a family HVAC company and my uncle's involvement in wholesaling, I've been fortunate to gain insights from three different perspectives: installation, design, and distribution. Throughout this journey, I've had the pleasure of meeting exceptional individuals whom I believe you should know and follow.

Traditionally, I would give a Friday shout-out, but as I delve into writing, I'm starting a regular feature where I acknowledge the best and brightest in our industry. I encourage you to take a moment to look them up on LinkedIn, connect with them, and if you mention that I referred you and they decline your connection request, please accept my sincere apology in advance. :)

David Holdorf, TACO Comfort Solutions: Dave Holdorf is a well-known figure in the hydronic heating industry. With his extensive experience and knowledge, he has been instrumental in the development and promotion of innovative hydronic solutions at Taco, Inc. .

David is not only one of my closest friends, but he possesses a rare combination of quick wit, friendly nature, and profound knowledge. His prowess as a hydronic trainer is unparalleled, with an exceptional ability to convey technical details in a digestible and engaging manner. It is this talent that truly sets him apart as the best in the industry.

As a trusted friend, David has played a vital role in guiding me, serving as a mentor, and offering invaluable feedback on my hydronic software projects. His commitment to sharing knowledge is evident through his frequent facilitation of training seminars and his active involvement in the training room at my company.

Robert Bean, Healthy Heating: Robert Bean is a respected industry expert and the founder of Healthy Heating , a platform that provides resources and information about heating systems. His work has been instrumental in educating both professionals and homeowners about the intricacies of hydronic heating, and his contributions to the field of building science have been invaluable. Robert is a champion for building science and lobbying for a better understanding of exergy vs energy and is the leading authority on designing systems for people.

I can honestly say I have no idea how Robert and I met, but he has become one of my closest friends—a kind and generous person. When COVID hit and my wife and I were stranded out of the country, Robert went above and beyond, providing updates and guidance to keep us safe amidst all the misinformation and fear. Connect with him, enjoy his writing, and invite him to your events if you want to be dazzled by his incredible knowledge. Although he claims to be retired, he's always willing to share his expertise.

Patrick Scantlebury, Air Solutions: Patrick Scantlebury is a key figure at Air Solutions Inc , a renowned rep agency known for its innovative approach to heating and cooling solutions. His work in the field of hydronic design has been influential, playing a significant role in the development of my own personal knowledge and approach to design.

Patrick is one of those guys who will make you laugh and just maybe also make you groan a little. He is also one of the smartest and kindest people I know. He loves to ask, "Do you have a minute?" before launching into a speech about thermal dynamics, energy efficiency, or how we can improve upon a complex design.

I found myself entangled in a challenging situation where I was not achieving the expected results. It was during this sticky predicament that Patrick and I forged a lifelong friendship. Despite the potential consequences to his own career, Patrick fearlessly proclaimed, "Michael is right, and no matter how we spin it, he is still right." It's a rare quality to find someone who will bravely stand up for the correct answer, even if it jeopardizes their own job security. Patrick is like a brother to me and the essence of all that is good in our industry.

John Siegenthaler, Appropriate Designs: John Siegenthaler, P.E. is a renowned expert in the field of hydronic heating. As the principal of Appropriate Designs, a consulting engineering firm specialized in hydronic heating and cooling systems, his innovative designs and comprehensive approach have made him a leading figure in the industry.

I would go so far as to say that John is the brightest mind in hydronics we have when it comes to design. Challenging his answers often leads to a 30-minute lesson in physics. It's safe to take this guy's word for it unless you enjoy getting buried in detailed mathematical formulas. John has done dozens of technical presentations with me and is without question the best our industry has to offer.

Jamie Johnson, IBC Boilers: Jamie Johnson ME. is a key player in the hydronic heating industry, working with IBC Technologies USA . His work has contributed to the development of high-efficiency boilers that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. His innovative designs and commitment to quality have greatly influenced the industry, and like everyone else on this list, he is one of the most important mentors I have.

When my customers call me, they know I have their back at any time and any day. I'm proud of my level of knowledge and work ethic. However, if I'm stumped on why a boiler is acting strangely, I know there's one man I can rely on—Jamie "Obi-Wan Kenobi." At Eden Energy, my team knows exactly who I mean. Jamie is quite literally a Jedi Knight when it comes to boiler technology, and if he doesn't have the answer, well, the Rebellion is in big trouble.

The individuals I have mentioned above have been instrumental in shaping my work ethic and fostering a spirit of generosity within me. Their selfless dedication to my personal growth, not only in terms of technical expertise but also in cultivating qualities like kindness, patience, and empathy, has been invaluable. They have served as a constant source of inspiration, fueling my desire to pay it forward and support others on their own journeys.

Now, I'd love to hear about your mentors and the people who inspire you. Please feel free to share.