Dennis Oland has been with Lafayette, Ind.-based service agent ICU Mechanical Company since its inception in 1999. Having begun his career studying HVAC and refrigeration while serving in the United States Army, Oland has held different positions within the company during his career before settling in his current role as ICU’s hotside foreman.

Service agent Electric Motor Repair Company hired Noah Mathay to serve as operations manager for its Delaware Valley Branch, based in New Castle, Del.

Literally hours after announcing it had received an investment from Vestar Capital to help drive, in part, its acquisition strategy, Tech24 unveiled it had purchased Big Fish, a Texas-based service agent.

In a move to further support its ambitious acquisition and growth strategy in both new and existing markets, service agent Tech24 added Vestar Capital Partners as an investor. Existing Tech24 investors include HCI Capital Partners and the service agent’s management team.

For some people, finding the right career path can be a lifelong exercise. For others, it can be as simple as pursuing your passions. Such is the case with Brennen Schaller, south service manager for Town Center, a Michigan-based service agent specializing in HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, commercial cooking equipment and facility services for the foodservice industry.

Service agent Tech24 acquired Pronto Repairs, a provider of foodservice and commercial HVAC equipment repair and maintenance services for hospitals and medical centers in the New York City area.

Kappus Company tapped Paul Geist to serve as general manager for the Ohio-based foodservice equipment provider and service agent.

Experienced technicians share notes on equipment, service and more

Tech24 acquired Harris Warren Commercial Kitchen Service, a provider of repair services, preventative maintenance and installation for commercial kitchens in the Northeast.

The summer heat and humidity bring added demand on foodservice equipment. While this is most clearly seen in tourist destinations that see a spike in traffic, it’s a fact for basically all operations.

Tech24 has acquired Total Mechanical Repair Services.

Sometimes a chance meeting can completely change someone’s career trajectory. Take for example, Chip Norwood, owner and CFESA master technician for Norwood’s Commercial Appliances in Boone, N.C.

Thomas “TJ” Coker, director of operations with Villa Park, Ill.-based Coker Service, has a lifelong connection to the foodservice equipment industry. His uncle, Mike Coker, founded Coker Service in 1984 and TJ started his career with the firm straight out of high school.

Electric Motor Repair Co. hired Dan Gaffney in a service manager’s role for the company’s Delaware Valley branch.

Service agent Tech24 has bought Commercial Kitchen Repairs, a provider of repair services, preventative maintenance and installation for commercial cooking equipment.

Some people spend their entire professional lives trying to find the right challenge. For others finding the right career can be as simple as following your interests. Such is the case with Anthony Strobl, lead refrigeration and HVAC technician with DRD Repair, a Lexington, Ky., service agent.

Operator error can lead to expensive service calls. Service agents share the mistakes they see and how to avoid them.

By his own admission, F. Michael Hess started “toting tools” at 14 years old. “I was fortunate to connect with a man who does the same thing in the residential heating and cooling field. I loved it,” Hess recalls. “I was working in sheet metal trailers and reading ductwork before I could drive a car. I just enjoyed what I did.”

Blake Kuhlenschmidt has joined Tech24 as vice president, corporate development for the fast-growing service agent.

Tech24 acquired TEK Express, a service agent serving the New York City market working on commercial cooking and refrigeration equipment.

Another week, another service agent is acquired. Private equity-backed Tech24 has purchased 1^st Source Restaurant Services, a Lewisville, Texas-based provider of planned maintenance and installation for foodservice, refrigeration equipment, HVAC and plumbing.

While labor is always an issue for restaurant operators, it has become one of the industry’s biggest challenges in the post-pandemic era. In response, many operators now are taking a hard look at time- and labor-saving kitchen equipment. When it comes to these units, there’s more to consider than the price tag and the full-time employee costs they could save.

The foodservice industry has always been a welcoming place for people with a desire to roll up their sleeves and test their problem-solving skills.

Tech24 acquired AmeriCold and Arrowhead Commercial Equipment. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

PT Holdings LLC has acquired Commercial Kitchen Parts & Service, a San Antonio-based service agent. 

Smart Care has acquired Dutton Food Equipment Repair, a Richmond, Va.-based service agent.

Smart Care Equipment Solutions has acquired Almcoe Refrigeration Company, a Texas-based, family-owned service agency specializing in refrigeration for commercial, retail, and industrial cold storage operations.

Tech24 has purchased Indianapolis-based Facilities Management. This marks the eighth acquisition for Tech24, which is owned by private equity firm HCI. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In an industry of impressive leaders, these five FE&S Top Achievers stand out due to their ability to challenge themselves, their teams and, ultimately, positively influence the foodservice industry at large. Many of this year’s crop of Top Achievers have surprised themselves along the way as their careers and life situations took them on unexpected journeys.

Given Robert Harris’ role as an executive with one of the nation’s largest service agency conglomerates, you might guess his background is in business. In truth, he climbed the ladder through field work, joining what was then Ecolab Equipment Care as a completely green technician in 1995.