Registration Open // 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Welcome Reception // 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Registration and Breakfast // 7:30 - 8:00 am

Exhibit Hall Open // 7:30 - 3:30 pm

Description: Join Chris for a look at the big-picture trends driving construction spending and the forces shaping today’s market. You’ll get a forecast for the industry as a whole, plus what’s ahead for New Jersey and the surrounding region. Chris will also dig into exit strategies tailored for mechanical and HVAC contractors—insights you won’t want to miss.

Bio: As the president and chief executive officer of FMI Corporation, Chris Daum oversees the management of all FMI businesses and services and is responsible for the firm’s strategic growth initiatives. In addition to leading the firm, Chris works with boards and executive teams on strategic issues involving industry trends, succession planning, ownership transfer, and mergers and acquisitions. Previously, Chris served as president and senior managing director of FMI Capital Advisors, the firm’s investment banking subsidiary, leading the utility infrastructure practice. He is a contributing author to numerous media outlets, and a sought-after speaker on the economic, technological and competitive trends for the engineering and construction industry. Before FMI, Chris served as a global financial services leader for an industrial company with operations throughout North America, South America and Europe. He began his career in public accounting with KPMG.

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Be Better: Elevate Your Business, Skills, & Mindset // 9:30 - 10:20 am

Description: This powerful presentation will share practices to help you: Build stronger connections, unlock your full potential,  and discover the habits that make you unstoppable—in business and in life

Bios: Carl Ippoliti worked in HVAC for 52 years, 33 years for Peirce Phelps Inc., currently as Director Carrier/Bryant Residential Sales/Marketing, Peirce Phelps, Inc., from credit, plan & spec, Territory Manager, and Dealer Development, and 19 years in a family heating, air conditioning, and oil business. People would say Carl is intense, proactive, and aggressive in driving to reach goals. Strongly innovative and original, and if implemented, he can change an organization.

Michael Culp has been a prominent fixture in the HVAC industry for over 10 years. He currently serves as an HVAC Product Manager for Peirce Phelps Inc., overseeing Mitsubishi Electric and several other manufacturers. Michael’s family history in percussion traces back to the Civil War, where his great-great-grandfather served as a drummer-boy for the Union Army. At one time, Michael would have been seen playing and instructing for the Baltimore Ravens Drumline. He currently has endorsement contracts with several percussion manufacturers, including Bosphorus Cymbals and Pork Pie Percussion. Michael uses his percussion abilities to enhance Carl’s already intense production called “Be Better!”

Description: Learn how to use premium benefits, technology, and HR support as a recruiting and retention advantage, discover tips for small to mid-sized contractors on competing with big-company benefits, and understand how vendor consolidation can save time, enhance employee benefit offerings, and strengthen infrastructure and compliance while giving your company a competitive edge.

Bios: Robert Klaiss is Vice President of NEMR Total HR and a Licensed Insurance Broker with 20+ years of expertise in insurance and professional services. A seasoned Human Resources executive leader and risk management expert, he delivers innovative business solutions, leads benefits administration, and builds strong partnerships that drive organizational success.

Kristine Robinson, SHRM-CP, is Director of Client Experience with 25+ years in client and marketing leadership. She specializes in process improvements that elevate customer satisfaction, strengthen employee commitment, and boost retention, helping organizations achieve lasting engagement and long-term success.

Unlocking Financial Freedom: How to Maximize Cash Flow to Ownership
David R. Fox, Ph.D.

Description: Running a profitable HVAC business isn’t just about the top line—it’s about what’s left over for you. In this eye-opening session, we’ll show owners why "Cash Flow to Ownership" is the most critical number in their financial toolkit. You’ll learn:

• What cash flow to ownership really means—and why it matters more than revenue or profit alone
• How to track it reliably, without getting lost in spreadsheets
• How to interpret your financials to spot opportunities and red flags
• Practical, actionable strategies to increase free cash flow and build real wealth

Whether you're looking to improve margins, prepare for succession, or just sleep better at night, this presentation will give you the tools and confidence to take control of your company’s financial future.

Bio: David has served/is serving as a Chief Executive, VP of Development and Archpriest, and now, at Fox & Partners, he helps other businesses grow through outsourced CFO services by increasing revenues and profits, executive team coaching, and private equity investing. David considers himself the Chief Servant Officer and thrives connecting good people, businesses, and institutions.

Description: Manual J – Load Calculations: A high-level overview on what to do for new systems, as well as retrofit,s will be covered. Manual S – Equipment Selection: A fundamental explanation of equipment selection will be covered in the same time period as Manual J. We will focus on the use of BTU/h over tons. We will address electrification and how to properly select heat pumps for heating in our heating dominated climate.

Bio: Ed is the Manager of HVAC Design Education at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), bringing over 35 years of expertise in the HVAC industry. With a solid foundation of more than 15 years in hands-on fieldwork and over 25 years in the classroom, Ed effectively bridges the gap between practical experience and education. As a recognized subject matter expert, Ed has contributed to the development of several industry standards and certification tests for leading organizations like ACCA, NATE, and BPI. In his current role, he serves as a full-time trainer, develops curriculum, writes technical content, and provides guidance to the HVAC community.

Join us to learn more about:

• Mitsubishi Electric’s strategy and market trends
• R454B and regulatory updates
• Intelli Air updates (4/5 ton),
• Introduction to Ecodan
• IRA and utility incentive updates
• DC program updates

Making the Most out of your Weil McLain Resources this Heating Season
Rob Dunn, Weil-McLain

• Overview of the different ways to access technical assistance
• Review of Weil McLain’s Warranty Process
• Demonstration of the Weil McLain Pro Tools Technicians App…Troubleshooting, Parts Searches, and retrieving technical information for installs and service
• Understanding the importance of being a Member of the Advantage Program, Weil McLain’s Contractor Loyalty Rewards Program

Press Tools & the Growing Trend
Trevor Reinwald, Milwaukee Tool

Description: Over the past 15 years, the pipe connection industry has experienced a significant shift toward the use of press fittings. Numerous fitting manufacturers have entered the market, a trend that is expected to continue well into the future. Milwaukee has made substantial investments in this rapidly growing sector, partnering with some of the world’s leading fitting manufacturers, including Viega, Mueller, ZoomLock, RLS, and NIBCO. These strategic partnerships have enabled us to deliver groundbreaking solutions that are transforming the industry.

Bio: Trevor is a Territory Manager, JSS Mechanical/:Plumbing. He is originally from Northern California, where he spent the last 2 years working with Milwaukee Tool on the West Coast. As of recent, he accepted a new role on the JSS Mechanical team covering the state of New Jersey. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, watching sports, and spending time with his friends/family.

From SEO to GEO: How HVAC Contractors Stay Visible in the AI Search Era
Brandon Rost, beMarketing

Description: Search has changed. Homeowners aren’t just Googling “AC repair near me” anymore. They’re asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews for recommendations. This shift from Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) means your HVAC business needs to be recognized as a trusted authority that AI cites, not just a website that ranks. What You’ll Learn:

• From Rankings to Referrals – Why AI-driven answers are the new word-of-mouth, and how to make sure your company gets recommended.
• Think Like a Homeowner – How to optimize for natural, conversational questions like “What’s the best HVAC company near me?” instead of just keywords.
• Content That Builds Trust – The types of blogs, videos, and FAQs HVAC contractors should publish so AI assistants pick them up.
• Reputation = Visibility – How reviews, testimonials, and local mentions fuel both trust with homeowners and citations in AI-driven search results.
• Future-Proofing Your Business – Why contractors who embrace GEO now will dominate local visibility in the years ahead.

Bio: Brandon is the Founder and CEO of beMarketing, a full-service advertising agency he launched in 2010. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Brandon has helped hundreds of businesses, particularly in the home services industry, grow through effective strategies in paid search, SEO, social media, and web development. Under his leadership, beMarketing has become one of the region’s fastest-growing agencies, known for building results-driven campaigns and lasting client relationships, and has been recognized nationally by the US Search Awards for digital marketing campaigns for home services.

Leveraging Residential & Commercial Utility Programs through JCP&L, ACE and RECO

Randy Bak, NEIF

Description: Learn how to take full advantage of the JCP&L, ACE, and RECO Residential & Commercial Programs. This session will walk you through the process, showcase valuable contractor tools, and explain rebate applications and required documents. You’ll also get step-by-step guidance on submitting online applications, with support from CLEAResult to make the process even easier.

Bio: Randy is an experienced contractor and channel development specialist. Most recently, he was an award-winning sales leader for the innovative energy lender, Renew Financial. Randy has extensive experience in building successful regional and national dealer-driven sales teams for technology companies and serves as the main point of contact for NEIF’s residential contractors.

Manual D

Ed Janowiak, ACCA

Description: Manual D – Duct Design: A brief overview of the important principles of duct sizing and how to avoid rules of thumb.

Bio: Ed is the Manager of HVAC Design Education at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), bringing over 35 years of expertise in the HVAC industry. With a solid foundation of more than 15 years in hands-on fieldwork and over 25 years in the classroom, Ed effectively bridges the gap between practical experience and education. As a recognized subject matter expert, Ed has contributed to the development of several industry standards and certification tests for leading organizations like ACCA, NATE, and BPI. In his current role, he serves as a full-time trainer, develops curriculum, writes technical content, and provides guidance to the HVAC community.

Mitsubishi: Win As One

Calling 811 & Safe Digging Practices
Jamal Branch, SJ Gas 

Description: Discussion about what 811 is and when it needs to be used. Understanding what the NJ laws are when it comes to any excavation being completed in the state. How to safely dig around underground utilities and what to do if a damage occurs. 

Description: This presentation will explore the importance of a connected culture throughout the organization, including ways to design a more aligned team, a conducive culture, and a driven team.

Bio: Brian is a seasoned leader in association management and organizational development, known for helping mission-driven teams turn complexity into clarity. As the founder and former CEO of Riggs Enterprise Corp., Brian spent more than a decade guiding trade associations, professional societies, and nonprofits through pivotal transitions—building growth strategies, fostering board engagement, and aligning operations with purpose. With a background in public history and a career that spans research, executive leadership, and strategic consulting, Brian brings a unique blend of curiosity, discipline, and narrative skill to his work.