With the addition of Scott McGinnis to the DXS management team in 2012, and promotion to Principal in 2021, DXS secured a seasoned expert in Green Building solutions and VRV and DOAS systems to help grow the company’s business in North Texas. The native Texan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science degree in Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. After graduation, Scott was commissioned into the Air Force, where he manned nuclear ICBM silos in the Western U.S. and later managed defense contracts.
Since leaving the Air Force in 1996, Scott has focused on sustainable HVAC solutions. At companies such as Munters/Des Champs Technologies and Engineered Air, he has developed innovative energy-efficient HVAC systems for hundreds of customers. Over the years he’s been active in ASHRAE, currently serving on the National level as the Secretary of T.C. 8.7 the Variable Refrigerant Flow Committee. Scott also served as an advisor for ASHRAE on the committee responsible for publishing the Design Guide for Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems.
Demonstrating his trademark humor, Scott enjoys telling people he is “committed to saving the world, one BTU at a time.” To that end, Scott was part of the team that designed and installed the largest VRV project in North America which is located in Downtown Dallas, TX. Just in case the BTU superhero doesn’t work out, he has a backup plan: his dream is to own and manage a microbrewery. Until then, Scott is content to spend time with his wife and three daughters, cheer on the Texas A&M Aggies, and spread the word about the benefits of VRV technology.
Get to Know Scott
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
I have modeled my career after two Air Force officers that took me under their wing when I was a young 2nd Lt. They both taught me that success comes from being a nerdy expert in your chosen field (at that time it was nuclear missiles; now it’s HVAC). But greater success comes from helping others achieve their goals by sharing that expertise has fun doing it. That is why I will gladly teach anyone psychometrics while sitting at the bar of their choosing.
Where can we find you on the weekends?
Traveling with my wife to visit one of our three grown daughters, watching football in the fall, summer by the pool or boating on the lake, teaching Bible study on Sundays, or evening cigars and bourbon with friends
If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?
I am proud of many projects. The best ones are where we created solutions that had not existed before. My first such project was the Embassy Suites hotel in Downtown Dallas. A retrofit of a historic 18-story building, it is 100% VRV. This includes the 2 large 100% OAUs with energy recovery integrated with VRV, the first of their kind. This project marked the first large project in Dallas that shed the need to burn fossil fuels in their HVAC system.
Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?
I have the experience to remember when building energy consumption was not a design consideration. The best example was the old multizone units. The cold deck makes 55-degree Fahrenheit year-round with chilled water or DX and the hot deck makes 95-degree Fahrenheit air year-round using a gas-fired furnace. Then the dampers would mix the air for each space to achieve a setpoint. I designed and sold those up until about 2001. What a huge energy waste. Only 20 years later those systems are all but outlawed. The acceptance of VRV/F systems shows me that in 10 years’ time, we will be lightyears ahead of today in reducing energy usage. Systems will no longer use fossil fuels and will be powered by solar, wind, and other sustainable energy sources. This will require a new set of HVAC products, design engineers, installing contractors, trades experts as well as salespeople who have the knowledge to make these systems successful. I look forward to seeing DXS grow and be part of that movement.
What would your personal motto be?
Be responsible for your own success.
How do your colleagues describe you?
I will try to make a joke out of everything and I will always take the time to explain or teach you something that I know and that you want/need to know.
Why do you enjoy working at DXS?
My career has gravitated towards custom HVAC solutions. I enjoy starting with a blank sheet of paper and creating a solution. The nature of VRV/F allows me to do that. As part of DXS, we want to push the edge of the envelope in design and operation. DXS allows me to pursue that passion by investing in labs and equipment to test our ideas and ensure we know more about VRV/F operation than any other organization. Also, the people are the best in the industry, always want to do the right thing, and are focused on the customer. It is a great place to be a part of.