Our Team

Thomas McLaughlin is a founding partner of DXS & partner at HTS serving on their board of directors.

A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a degree in International Business. Thomas’ primary responsibility is to manage the DXS business across North America. As a partner in HTS, his secondary responsibility is contributing strategic direction & oversight to the greater organization.

The only things he might enjoy more than helping to grow the business are aviation and boating. On weekends, chances are you can find Thomas somewhere on Lake Travis – Austin’s playground – having fun with friends and family.

Get to Know Thomas

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

On the path that is my career, I had the fortunate experience to walk behind a successive line of managers many became mentors somewhere along our way. From my first job at the roller rink through my time at Lennox and until finally arriving at DXS, I appreciate those key people who taught me about life and career during the time we traveled together.  Conversely, the largest single influence on how to get through life is my father, which unfortunately for him is also why we keep declining his repeated requests to re-retire.

If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?

Well as the saying goes, you never forget your first. That is certainly the case when I think of the Salt Grass Steakhouse on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Together with Daikin, plus Comfort Air (our first client) this restaurant is one of our first VRV jobs in Texas. Since 2007, DXS embarks on an annual pilgrimage to say thanks over one of their many bountiful lunches.

Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?

I see an industry that will be making a huge transformation away from ever heating with combustion in favor of providing heat through electrification.  There will be a great opportunity to apply new technology across the landscape of older gas-burning existing buildings.

Additionally, I believe we will be seeing greater coordination & cooperation amongst those things like HVAC that consume power, with those things that will generate & store power. The reality is, that if we are to effectively achieve net-zero it is going to take the consumption side working in concert with the production & storage side. I believe there is an interesting future being at the point where those three technical issues intersect.

What would your personal motto be?

I have two that are never far from mind. First, “we rise together, we fall together”. Second, “remember to treat others the way you wish to be treated.” These may not be the most creative of sayings, but they do resonate inside my head.

How do your colleagues describe you?

I hope they would say I have vision coupled with integrity. Yet, I suspect they would say I am at my best when buying everyone lunch.

Why do you enjoy working at DXS?

Tell you what…look me up or come by one of our offices and we will show you firsthand why working at DXS is more than a career.

 

Keith McLaughlin enjoys a challenge. As DXS’ branch manager for the Austin area, he pushes the boundaries of traditional applications for VRF technology for his customers. He provided VRF equipment for one of the tallest and largest multi-family buildings in Texas, as well as for the first full complete high school installation in the state.

Before helping found DXS, Keith excelled at Lennox Industries, where he worked for nearly 15 years. He expanded the company’s business and served its customers as both full line territory manager and commercial territory manager in Austin, Houston and New Orleans. Keith had joined Lennox after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University.

A competitor at heart, he follows the Houston Texans football team closely. During football season, you’re likely to find Keith in the crowds during home games. If he’s not there, check the local skeet shooting range in Austin. He has been a skeet shooter for years,a sport that constantly challenges him to improve his skills.

Get to Know Keith

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

 

Where can we find you on the weekends?

 

If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?

 

Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?

 

What would your personal motto be?

 

How do your colleagues describe you?

 

Why do you enjoy working at DXS?

 

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.

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.

Dan Torres started his career with DXS fresh out of Texas A&M as a graduate of the class of 2011, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution. Over the last 10 years, Dan has grown the sales efforts in the central Texas DXS branches, resulting in record year-over-year growth in sales for Dallas/Fort Worth. He also touts accomplishments like expanding the workforce at the DFW offices to support the expanding market and implementing stocking and ordering procedures for warehousing facilities.

Dan serves as the leader of the DXS Process Committee, which was developed to strengthen global communication, implement best practices, and cultivate a culture of leadership and responsibility for the company. This committee is composed of DXS leaders from Ontario, New England, and Texas. Additionally, he has been elected to various chair positions for ASHRAE in both San Antonio and Fort Worth, which helps him continue to further the education of engineers.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, Dakota, restoring his 1986 Toyota MR2, and hitting the links for a round of golf.

Get to Know Dan

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

My older brother Kyle Kramer, manager of the HTS Austin office. He gave me an introduction to the HVAC industry and has been a great mentor for developing sales and relationship management skills.

Where can we find you on the weekends?

If the weather is great, you’ll likely find me out on the golf course with friends or clients. If not there, I am either working on my 1986 MR2 or various projects around the house.

If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?

My favorite DXS project would have to be the Alamo Drafthouse in New York City. I worked with Henderson Engineers out of Dallas for a design on a high efficient water-cooled VRV system for a movie theatre that would be going in multiple stories underground in Manhattan. There were many interesting design challenges we had to overcome for the project. The project is not open yet but will make sure and have a showcase on it later this year.

Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?

The HVAC industry continues to evolve and push toward higher efficiency technologies and away from reliance on fossil fuels. The push for electrification and clean energy will continue to drive electric heat pumps to the forefront of the industry. VRV/VRF technologies will be at the helm of this push, and I am very excited to see how much further they can push the standard for high efficient, high-quality systems.

What would your personal motto be?

Make your own luck. I had heard somewhere that luck is when opportunity meets preparation. I think the ability to create as many opportunities as possible, and then capitalize on those, contributes significantly to the perception of someone being “lucky”.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Passionate, loud, and competitive. You will likely hear me on my phone calls from the other side of the office.

Why do you enjoy working at DXS?

DXS offers a fast-paced work environment with the ability to take full responsibility for your own success. This means that no two workdays will be identical, and you will continue to be challenged to grow past your limits.

 

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!

Mike Noble joined the DXS team as contracting sales in Southwestern Ontario in 2016. Mike got his start in the HVAC industry out of high school with an apprenticeship in refrigeration and air conditioning. After finishing his apprenticeship, this career path has allowed him the opportunity to experience life outside of Ontario. In 2003, Mike resided in San Diego, California, where he designed and installed HVAC systems. In 2005, he relocated to Whistler, British Columbia to further his work experience before joining the DXS team.

Mike works out of the London, Ontario office, where he continues to learn and evolve as technology changes. He knows he must be knowledgeable with the latest advances to ensure customer satisfaction and continue to serve Hamilton – Niagara, and the Southwestern Ontario VRF market. Mike has been growing the VRV market in the area for many years now, growing his business into various vertical markets in Ontario.

Mike is a proud husband and father of two wonderful children. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, running, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Get to Know Mike

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

I have had numerous influences in my career. Working hard and smart is thanks to my Father and Grandfather

Where can we find you on the weekends?

At the baseball diamond watching my son in the summer and at the hockey area watching my son and dance studio waiting for my daughter

If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project? 

Revera – London

Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?

Large improvements in energy efficiency and automation through smart technology

What would your personal motto be?

“The future depends on what you do today.” Mahatma Gandhi

How do your colleagues describe you?

Approachable, positive, driven, fun, caring, diligent

Why do you enjoy working at DXS?

The people and culture

Jean-Samuel (JS) Rancourt is a Principal of DXS Ontario and DXS New England. Originally from Sherbrooke, Quebec, JS is a 2011 graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Waterloo. He amassed a list of academic and athletic awards, including the Engineering Co-op Student of the Year award in 2010. While pursuing his degree, JS used the co-operative program to intern at the HTS-Ottawa office and the HTS-San Antonio, Texas office. After spending some time working with the largest contracting and project management team of HTS in Toronto, JS launched DXS Ontario in partnership with Kartik Singla in June of 2012. After amassing 5 years of experience in cold climate VRF, JS moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 2016 to establish DXS New England. JS’s role currently focuses on working with consulting engineers and building owners in New England, as well as industry advocacy and education on air source heat pumps, VRF, refrigerants, and low carbon HVAC solutions.

Get to Know JS

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

My family in the early days. Always overachieving, thinking differently, and trying to perform at everything we do.

Where can we find you on the weekends?

Summer? At my Golf course (Turner Hill!), out on the boats at Cocktail Cove, or on a patio somewhere! Winter? Hopefully at a ski mountain or maybe golfing down South!

If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?

Sheraton Center Toronto Hotel. This project is close to my heart. The owner did not know what VRF was when they started evaluating options in 2012, so we had to both educate them on VRF and then win the project over other VRF competitors. It is still, to this day, one of the largest VRF projects in North America, and I believe the largest in Canada. We’re still involved in servicing the building, and it has been smooth sailing for many years now. That part, I am very proud of.

Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?

The trend towards decarbonization will continue to dominate. VRF and ASHP will continue to gain traction. There will be a big shift towards focusing on refrigerants, and we will most likely have VRF systems on different refrigerant platforms. I really hope to see the growth of building automation and intelligence, especially integrated with ASHP and VRF, but also integrated and influencing our behavior as building occupants.

What would your personal motto be?

100. It comes from my Burning Man nickname. It refers to always wanting 100%, from myself and from others. A little excessive, usually high energy, and when I go in, I like to go 100% in.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Well, usually it’s “Coach”. I think it defines my role, whether I’m training my own team, or educating a customer or a room full of people on a topic. If we were a professional hockey team, I would sometimes be a player, often a coach, and often a team manager. I enjoy all 3, but my team most often sees my action as a coach!

Why do you enjoy working at DXS?

It’s the combination of all of the things I care about. The team is young, energetic, and dynamic, and I could not go without them. Then, what we do has meaning and is part of what I believe is the most important movement of our generation (decarbonization). Our day-to-day gets technical, and I enjoy having to dig deep and understand topics and technologies to the point where I become the educator. On top of all of that, we get to host multiple unbelievable trips and events, both internal and with customers, which I believe are second to none. It is also a very flexible career, allowing me to fit in all of my hobbies. I honestly don’t think you can find this anywhere else…

Brian Keenan is a Principal of DXS New England. Brian joined the DXS team in 2016 after a tenure with DXS’s sister company, HTS. Prior to HTS, Brian amassed 6 years of experience working in various corporate marketing and sales roles in the electric utility industry.

A lifelong resident of New Hampshire, Brian is a graduate of Plymouth State University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. At DXS, Brian is dedicated to advancing his expertise in VRV and ASHP technology to help his clients deliver successful projects. In his current role, Brian primarily works with consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, and building owners throughout New England to provide innovative energy-efficient HVAC solutions.

Get to Know Brian

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

I have been lucky enough to have a number of mentors throughout my career that has shaped me into who I am today. I would credit most of my core values and work ethic to my family, who have always supported me and instilled a “work hard and be a good person” mentality.

Where can we find you on the weekends?

Summertime: At the lake in the white mountains of NH.

Wintertime: Wherever the snow is deep!

If you had to name one, what is your favorite DXS project and why?

How do you pick just one! There are a handful of projects that hold a special place in my heart, most of which are retrofits of historic buildings in Boston and New Hampshire.

Where do you see the HVAC industry in 10 years?

The goals of decarbonizing our built environments are real…and they are here now. Energy-efficient technologies like VRV and ASHP will continue to grow and dominate. Ventilation and building automation will also play a large role in decarbonization.

What would your personal motto be?

One that has stuck by me since I was a kid: “Treat others how you would want to be treated”, and that’s how I approach almost every situation.  Thanks, Mom.

How do your colleagues describe you?

I believe they would describe me as approachable, positive, hard-working, and honest.

Why do you enjoy working at DXS?

Easy: the people and the culture. We have a young, talented, and dynamic team at DXS-NE, which makes going to work very enjoyably. Most of us prefer to be in the office instead of working remotely due to the great comradery. The culture at DXS is like no other place I have worked in my career. It is the embodiment of “work hard, play hard”.