One of the most coveted association executive position in the industry has opened up with the pending departure of Jack Tester as executive director of Contractors 2000, effective October 31. Tester, who has been the group’s top staff executive since its formation in 1992, is leaving to help form a national service company with four other C–2000 members.

Milwaukee plumbing-heating-cooling contractor Frank Blau, widely credited as the driving force behind the formation of C–2000, is heading up a search committee to look for a successor.

“Jack Tester was the best association executive I’ve ever known,” Blau said. “We will miss him. What made him so effective was that he was not just a ‘yes’ man. He was not afraid to challenge the board when he thought they were wrong, and we are looking for someone just as bold and imaginative to replace him.”

According to Blau, the C–2000 executive position offers compensation and responsibilities that place it among the top association jobs in the industry. While association staff experience is a plus, C–2000 is not insisting upon it as a condition of employment for Tester’s successor. The search committee also will interview people who have strong marketing backgrounds and different types of leadership credentials.

Interested applicants should send a resume to Blau at: Contractors 2000 Executive Director Search Committee, c/o Frank Blau Sudden Services, 12221 W. Fairview Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53226, or via fax, 414/258-3307. Strict confidentially will prevail for all applicants.

Also joining Tester in the new company are 1996–1997 Board Chairman and President Bryan Schroll (ABC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Buffalo Grove, IL); Vice President Jim Hamilton (Bone Sudden Services Inc., Lenexa, KS); Director Robert Bellini (Varsity Plumbing & Heating Co., Flushing, NY) and former Director Steve Andrews (R.S. Andrews Services Inc., Tucker, GA). Schroll, Hamilton and Bellini resigned from the C–2000 board on August 19. Past Chairman Brad Martin (Scottco Service Co., Amarillo, TX) replaced Schroll and Frank Blau was named Vice President on an interim basis, until a new Board was elected at last month’s C–2000 Super Meeting in New Orleans.

“Contractors 2000 consists of the greatest contractors in this industry,” Tester said. “I believe my leaving will in no way diminish its mission or potential. This organization remains in good hands, and I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth, productive transition to the new executive leadership.”

Contractors 2000 is an organization for marketing-oriented plumbing-heating-cooling service firms that has grown to more than 240 members since being formed in late 1992. Its sole concern is business development and improvement for member firms, with memberships allotted by territory.

Members range in size from $30 million to under $500,000 in volume. They span the full gamut of PHC services. Some members also are involved in electrical contracting, appliance repair and related businesses.

For more information on Contractors 2000, contact Marla Coffin, member services director at 612/426-2000.