In 2002, Chris graduated from the State University at New York (SUNY) at Binghamton with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. While in college he worked for an MEP firm doing HVAC design. After graduating, he worked for a mechanical contractor until moving to North Texas and taking a job at a walk-in cooler and freezer manufacturer. During his time at this job, he moved from Inside Sales to Design, then eventually up to team lead over design and sales, servicing major accounts such as Target and Costco. In 2007, he took a job working for Daikin as an applications engineer. He moved up to assistant manager of applications and eventually became the VRF product engineering manager for North America. In 2012, the sales bug bit. Chris moved to Central Texas, became a Sales Engineer for DXS, and has never looked back.
Get to Know Chris
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
I’ve been lucky throughout my career to have found a mentor at just about every stop I’ve made. Every one of them has seen some potential in me and helped me to get where I am today. I still even talk to my boss from my college internship!!
Where can we find you on the weekends?
Hanging out with my family, cooking, doing yoga, running, or strength training. I recently took up mountain biking and during the winter I try to ski as much as possible. Anything that keeps me active. When I’m not with my family, I’m taking part in client events. One of my favorites has been dove hunting!
If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?
I’d say Block 164 is probably my favorite. It’s the largest VRF job I’ve worked on by about double. Specifying and winning that job is a huge feather in my cap. I’ve very proud of it.
Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?
I think the writing is on the wall for electrification and shedding peak load demand. Energy codes are going to push more innovation and efficiency. What we think of today as the most efficient systems will look mediocre in comparison with what is coming. Anything that reduces stress on the grid and works well with solar will be the soup du jour. People are really starting to take climate change seriously. I also see an increased demand for more ventilation, air cleaning, and better filtration, due to what we’ve seen with Coronavirus.
What would your personal motto be?
Always keep learning! No matter how much you know, there is always something more you can learn or improve on. It’s important to realize, just because you’ve been doing something for a long time, does not always mean you are correct or that things haven’t changed.
How do your colleagues describe you?
They would describe me as fun-loving and high-energy. I think they would also mention that I am always willing to sit down and help someone learn new concepts.
Why do you enjoy working at DXS?
It requires the perfect mix of technical skills and people skills. I get to work my brain out on a daily basis and then go and be in front of people entertaining, educating, and presenting. The team we have is filled with super smart and personable people who work together well and genuinely enjoy being around each other. I think I’m a lifer!