Joel Hill graduated from Texas A&M University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering. Ever since he’s been applying his technical know-how to develop innovative HVAC solutions for customers in the Houston area. For the first several years, he was a Sales Engineer for York International, followed by seven years with Heat Transfer Solutions. At HTS, Joel specialized in Daikin products, becoming an in-house expert for variable refrigerant volume (VRV) systems and helping contractors and engineers deliver superior energy efficiency.
In 2012, he brought his expertise in VRV and VRF systems to DXS and today manages the company’s growing business in Houston and East Texas. In addition, Joel oversees DXS’s extensive Houston training program, ensuring that general and mechanical contractors, mechanical engineers, and facilities maintenance managers can become certified in installing, inspecting, and maintaining VRF systems. In 2021, Joel was promoted to Principal of DXS.
Joel has become the “VRV guy” in Houston, giving more than 100 presentations to architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners covering all aspects of VRF technology and application. He’s been invited to speak to the US Navy, US Coast Guard, CEFPI, ACCA, and ASHRAE.
Joel likes to win – both at work and at play. He works hard for his customers, gaining satisfaction from developing never-before-seen product configurations to meet one-of-a-kind customer requirements. Away from the office, if he’s not with his family, you’re likely to find Joel on the lacrosse field. An avid player since high school, he achieved USLIA 1st Team All American Honors in 2001. He coached Houston’s Bellaire High School for five years after college and is currently a member of the PBR Lacrosse Club.
Get to Know Joel
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Mike Donovan and Bill Chalmers were the “head guys” at HTS when I started in 2004. The heavy focus on “knowing the engineering” that HTS hammered into my head as a 20-something year old stuck with me. The hardcore training I had in the first year at HTS really elevated me from being an equipment salesperson to truly understanding building systems and solutions. The system knowledge helped me work with customers in ways that I would never have been able to do if I limited my experience to just the equipment. As I grew in the company, Mike D’s support and coaching for growth initiatives has played a tremendous role in what we have created with DXS.
Where can we find you on the weekends?
Weekends usually revolve around the family. I have 3 kids involved in sports from lacrosse, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I coach lacrosse and flag football teams. When we get a free weekend, I hope to load up the motorhome and hit a new outdoor destination.
If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?
I have lots of favorites but HISD Carnegie Vanguard HS has a special place in my heart. This was the first large K-12 VRV project in this half of the state. I spent 5 years from conception to construction bringing that project to realization. Back then, VRV was a brand new concept and I worked for a very long time with both the engineering firm as well as stakeholders at HISD across both the facilities/maintenance department and planning and construction. To see the project successfully turn over was so satisfying for me and all the people that worked so hard to make that project happen. It also became the pilot project for more than 10 other schools that we would build and/or renovate with VRV in the next several years.
Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?
10 years used to sound like a long time. I think we will see the end of non-inverter compressors in HVAC in less than 10 years. The level of R&D and product development by Daikin and every other manufacturer is clear that inverter heat pump technology is the future of the industry. Being tied to Daikin who has more than 30 years of experience in that technology makes me confident that DXS is well-positioned for the future.
We are also going to see building automation and controls change wildly in the next 10 years. This will greatly enhance the user interface to the building systems (including HVAC). It will also change the maintenance and service side of our business as well. Being able to send system performance information to the cloud is going to revolutionize the research and development process for manufacturers. Product engineers will be able to see real data on how systems are performing in multiple climate zones, multiple building types, etc. The predictive analytics that will come from this information will help boost reliability and I believe will continue to help drive efficiency and sustainable buildings moving forward.
What would your personal motto be?
Git’er done! Just kidding (sort of). If it needs to get done, find a way to get it done. Too many times, I see people reach the edge of what they already know and then stop and wait for someone else to come solve the problem. The truly successful will seek out a way to solve the problem themselves. Might be a bit long for a bumper sticker, but the constant curiosity for learning and personal development is critical for growing a prosperous career (and life in general).
How do your colleagues describe you?
Probably as a 5’ 9” white male, mid-40s, with dark short hair and blue eyes. Ruggedly handsome chiseled specimen of a man…
Besides that, probably very hard working and intense.
Why do you enjoy working at DXS?
How much time ya got? There are several reasons I have chosen DXS to grow my career.
First, I thoroughly enjoy being in sales. HVAC systems and building construction is a very dynamic business. I have found it to be a challenging mix of sales and working with people coupled with the practical application of engineering technology and problem-solving.