Rich Medairos, P.E., senior systems engineer and director of commercial training for Taco Comfort Solutions, was presented the 2024 Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort Award at Taco’s press conference at the AHR Expo, by Ben White, program manager, business operations, at Taco Comfort Solutions.

The Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort Award is given annually to an HVAC professional or company that has made a substantial contribution to comfort technology, industry advancement, or training while displaying the exceptional good humor and love of people exhibited by Dan Holohan throughout his long career. Past award winners include Dan Holohan, Robert Bean, Bruce Marshall, Dan Foley and John Barba.

“Over his career, Dan was dedicated, working to educate on and further the value contributions in the HVAC industry,” White said. “Dan loves to teach, mentor and advocate for professionals in our industry. We are thankful for the path he helped pave for many in this room today. From a personal level, to call you a friend Dan, and Erin, and your whole family — the mentorship you have all given to the White family, to my brother in particular, we are forever grateful for what you’ve done and the impact you’ve made on so many people.”

White went on to say Medairos has over 40 years of experience of expertise in engineering, project management and planning.

“Throughout his long career, he’s worked on prjoects with major clients such as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Boston University, First Data Corp., and where it all began, I belive, Taco’s own Innovation and Development Center,” White said.

“Rich you are always the go-to,” he added. “Whenever a local nonprofit, college or university would reach out to us say hey we need some help consulting on our HVAC system, my brother and I always fielded those calls by saying ‘Great, I’ll set up a meeting with Rich.’ And he always came to those meetings with a smile, prepared and ready to help. I apologize for the many, many meetings I’ve dragged you into, but we’re forever grateful for your contribution to this company and to this industry.

Medairos remarks were short, “Thank you so much for this award, it was totally unexpected.”