Photos: Blue Collar Goes Black Tie as HVAC Tactical Awards Recognize Craftsmanship Excellence

LAS VEGAS — The HVAC Tactical Awards have become one of the most inspiring celebrations in the skilled trades, recognizing the individuals who go beyond the basics to deliver true craftsmanship. The event was sold out, with 450 attendees representing the HVACR industry.

The HVAC Tactical Award represents something deeper than a trophy—it’s a symbol of the blood, sweat, and relentless commitment it takes to become a master of the HVACR trade. These honors are reserved for those who don’t chase recognition through sales, but earn it through impeccable workmanship, teaching others, and giving back to the industry. 

As one presenter said, "HVAC has always been passed down from generation to generation, with no gatekeeping."

The 2026 HVAC Tactical Award Winners were:

• Hidden Gem Award: Eduardo Espitia, @hvacfooreal;

• Best HVAC YouTube Channel Award: Itzcoatl Aguilar, @ewokdoeshvac;

• Service Tech of the Year Award: Anthony Ulloa, @Ant_DoesHVAC

• Best Social Content Award: Adam Nasser, @wolfofhvac;

• Lady of the Trade Award: Megan McIntosh, @mechanicalenvironments; 

• Podcast of the Year Award: Gary McCreadie, HVACKnowItAll Podcast;

• Hydronic Hot Shot Award: James Blanchett, @canuckmechanical;   

• Mentor of the Year Award: Holden Shamburger, @hvactime;

• Picture Perfect Install Award: Matthew Harmon, @HVAC__Pro_Installs;

• Lifeline Tech Award: Jason Norman, @HVAC_Jay604;

• Influencer of the Year Award: Jessica Bannister, @hvacjess; and

• Lifetime Achievement Award: John Pastorello, Refrigeration Technologies.

Itzcoatl Aguilar, winner of the Best YouTube Channel Award, started in the business at 17 years old. During his acceptance speech, Aguilar said his biggest goal has always been to own his own HVAC business. 

"Just three years into it, I had an opportunity to be the co-founder of my own HVAC company in Southern California," he said." I just want everyone to know, all the young people getting into HVAC, that there's tons of opportunity out there for yourself. You just have to build discipline, hard work, and build value into yourself. I'll leave this off with one quote that really shifted everything for me: 'Generational poverty is not about money, it's about mindset.'"

Bannister, winner of the influencer award, said that she prefers the term "content creator" over influencer, since the latter has a negative connotation to it today. "For somebody like me, it gives me a credible voice in this industry, and this is just going to amplify that even more."

Closing out the night, Ben Poole, founder of the HVAC Tactical Awards, said the evening was especially meaningful to him, dedicating the awards show to his late grandfather, a first-generation HVAC craftsman and master fabricator.

Poole reflected on the pride his grandfather took in doing things the right way and the quiet consistency behind true excellence. He noted that today’s industry was built by hardworking men and women like him, whose legacy continues to inspire the trade. Poole also celebrated the event’s return to Las Vegas for another sold-out show.