• Contractingbusiness 532 Healy
    Contractingbusiness 532 Healy
    Contractingbusiness 532 Healy
    Contractingbusiness 532 Healy
    Contractingbusiness 532 Healy

    James Bud Healy, Longtime Director of Education for HARDI, Soon to Retire

    Aug. 1, 2009
    If you've been around HARDI or its predecessor partners, NHRAW (The Northamerican Heating, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Wholesalers Association)

    If you've been around HARDI or its predecessor partners, NHRAW (The Northamerican Heating, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Wholesalers Association) or ARWI (Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Wholesalers International), for any length of time, you have undoubtedly met, heard of or had the privilege of working with Bud Healy. Bud joined the NHRAW staff in 1971 and never deviated from his personal and professional commitment to provide quality education to the HVACR wholesale distribution industry.

    In his capacity as director of education, he has led the development and growth of the HARDI Home Study Institute, authored numerous courses and texts, and been a constant resource of technical data and information for members, consultants and really anyone who asked the association for assistance. His kind demeanor, helpful and courteous manner, incredible knowledge of HVACR engineering technology and his loyalty to the association is well known.

    He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois. Bud earned both after four years of service in the U.S. Navy.

    He began his career in the industry in 1958 as an instructor and researcher in heating and air conditioning at the University of Illinois. He has been an associate member of ASHRAE and served as a member of their technical committee on air distribution and duct design. In 1963, American Artisan magazine named him to the position of engineering editor, and later he served as associate editor of Heating, Piping and Air Conditioning magazine.

    Bud has always been in demand for his expertise and technical writing ability. He authored an encyclopedia chapter on heating, was a contributor to the Time-Life Books on Heating & Cooling and even wrote test questions for the U.S. Department of Energy and Solar Heating home study course. He was a member of the ACCA Committee on Manuals J and D to achieve ANSI standards recognition, and he is a 35-year participant in DETC (Distance Education and Training Council) educational conferences. He is the editor of HARDI's Counterline, a quarterly newsletter for counter and inside sales- persons. Bud was the driver behind the highly successful “HARDI Certified” for counter professional staff — a “first of its kind” program for the industry.

    Among his many accomplishments is his membership in Phi Tau Sigma, a national scholastic engineering honorary fraternity, and being a recipient of the 2004 Dean of Industry Education Award from Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International.

    Bud enjoyed his stint in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the destroyer USS Irwin in the Korean War. He is involved with the “Tin Can Sailors,” The National Association of Destroyer Veterans, researching and writing numerous articles for their publications.

    Throughout his 38 years with HARDI, Bud has continually developed and enhanced the quality and breadth of all Home Study Institute learning products along with his many outstanding contributions to the HVACR industry.

    James Healy was named HARDI Senior Fellow through Board Resolution on June 27, 2009. His phenomenal expertise and knowledge of the industry have set a watershed mark for other training providers that will be almost impossible to reach.

    Editor's Note: At press time, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of Bud Healy on July 27, 2009. For obituary information please visit www.hardinet.org.