I was honored and surprised as a recipient of the Rob Falke Servant Leadership Award from National Comfort Institute (NCI) in 2023. This prestigious award, named in honor of my mentor, Rob Falke, was a moment of great personal significance. He had an uncanny ability to provide clarity and calm in our conversations, and his influence on my career is profound.
The recognition for my efforts to give back to the HVAC industry was a tribute to the many lessons I learned from Falke and the broader NCI family.
I didn’t initially identify with the concept of servant leadership. But upon reflection, I realize it encapsulates my approach to the industry. For me, being a servant leader means contributing to the industry that has given me everything. It’s about helping fellow contractors and fostering community and mutual growth.
“How can I help,” is a mantra I live by — for my customers and colleagues.
Why is Servant Leadership So Important?
and Dominick Guarino (right) to present the
inaugural Rob Falke Servant Leadership Award in
honor of her late husband, NCI President Rob Falke.
The winner was Michael Greany (second from right).
To me, servant leadership is crucial. It emphasizes the importance of supporting and developing others, creating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
The sense of pride and obligation drives me to continue helping others succeed faster by sharing my experiences and insights.
This approach has always been at the heart of my work, whether mentoring a young professional at one of NCI’s High-Performance HVAC™ Summits or assisting a peer in troubleshooting a challenging job.
Starting Over Focused on Training and Education
I recently started my own HVAC company, and that process provided me with fresh context for applying these principles. With over 35 years in the industry, I believe learning and training are lifelong pursuits. Regardless of their experience level, everyone has something valuable to offer.
This mindset contrasts with the traditional hierarchical structure of many companies, where employees often feel like numbers. My company focuses on empowering employees, appreciating their contributions, and providing continuous training. This empowerment, in turn, ensures they take care of customers. And that fosters a cycle of mutual growth and success.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career is watching former co-workers and employees start their own successful businesses.
For instance, one former colleague established his own HVAC company nearby. We don’t view each other as competitors but as colleagues, each contributing to the industry’s overall health.
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