National Comfort Institute Summit Unites HVAC Leaders on Path to High Performance
High-Performance HVAC contractors from across North America gathered in Austin, Texas, from Sept. 9–12, for the 22nd Annual High-Performance HVAC Summit hosted by the National Comfort Institute (NCI). This year’s theme, “Navigating Your Way to High Performance,” emphasized practical strategies to help contractors overcome today’s industry challenges and drive measurable results.
For more than two decades, the NCI Summit has served as a premier event for contractors committed to improving HVAC system performance, customer satisfaction, and business growth. The 2025 program featured hands-on training, technical sessions, and leadership workshops designed to strengthen diagnostic skills and operational efficiency.
A highlight of the event was PerformanceTown, NCI’s interactive training environment where attendees tested and diagnosed real HVAC systems under expert supervision. This year’s sessions focused on Airflow Testing and Diagnostics, led by Instructor Andrew Smith, and Total System Performance, led by Instructor Jeff Sturgeon. Both sessions demonstrated advanced measurement techniques using NCI’s ComfortMaxx application on the measureQuick platform.
Contractor and keynote speaker Chuck Worley of Worley Home Services shared insights on building strong brand identities, encouraging contractors to differentiate through customer trust and value rather than price competition.
Two expert panel discussions added to the program’s depth. The first explored system redesign challenges, while the second focused on integrating HVAC and building science principles for better whole-building performance.
Attendees also participated in the annual Contractors-Only Idea Meeting, where peers exchanged lead generation and sales innovations. Will Horner of Canco ClimateCare and Mitch Bailey of Air Heroes received top honors for their winning ideas.
The Summit continued its focus on collaboration through podcasts and live-streamed discussions with HVAC industry influencers, including representatives from the GRIT Foundation, Kwik Model, TrueTech Tools, HVAC School, and The HVAC Grapevine.
Breakout sessions throughout the week covered a range of technical and business topics, from static pressure testing and duct renovation to electrification and performance-based maintenance agreements. Instructors and industry leaders guided participants through proven practices for improving system efficiency and profitability.
The event concluded with the annual Awards Banquet, where NCI recognized contractors and partners for excellence in technical performance, leadership, and customer service.
2025 Award Winners:
- Small Contractor of the Year — Climatisasion ACG, Laval, Quebec, Canada;
- Medium Contractor of the Year — Baggett Heating & Cooling, Clarksville, Tennessee;
- Large Contractor of the Year — Simpson Salute, New Philadelphia, Ohio;
- John Garofalo Implementation Excellence Award — Hearn Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, Madison, Ohio;
- Jim Davis Technical Excellence Award — Mitch Bailey, Comfort Heroes, Modesto, California;
- Rob Falke Servant Leadership Award — Bryan Orr, Kalos Services, Clermont, Florida;
- Scott Johnson Training Excellence Award — Greg Wallace, Progressive Heating and Air, Newnan, Georgia;
- Spirit of Excellence Award — Jim Bergmann, measureQuick;
- Sales Excellence Award — Darren McDonald, Progressive Heating & Air, Newnan, Georgia;
- Vendor Partner of the Year Award — Bill Spohn, TruTech Tools; and
- The NCI 2024 Chairman's Award — Brian Wright, Crossway Mechanical, Tromball, Texas.
According to NCI CEO Dominick Guarino, the Summit serves as “a roadmap for contractors to navigate their way to high performance,” helping businesses grow while delivering comfort, safety, and efficiency to customers.
The 2026 High-Performance HVAC Summit will be held Sept. 1-3 in Tennessee. More information will be available soon at gotosummit.com.
About the Author
Nicole Krawcke
Nicole Krawcke is the Editor-in-Chief of Contracting Business magazine. With over 10 years of B2B media experience across HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical markets, she has expertise in content creation, digital strategies, and project management. Nicole has more than 15 years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.