ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) named Steve Schmidt the recipient of its 2026 Distinguished Service Award, recognizing more than three decades of volunteer leadership and contributions to the HVAC industry.

Schmidt, founder of Frederick Air, has been active with ACCA since starting his company in 1992. During that time, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including board member, Executive Committee member, board chair, and Partners Committee member.

According to ACCA, Schmidt has focused his volunteer efforts on strengthening the association and supporting the long-term success of HVAC contractors.

"For my business to succeed, the industry must be healthy and growing," Schmidt said. "It's mutually beneficial for me to continue serving."

Schmidt noted many of the association's most important contributions happen behind the scenes through research, collaboration, and long-term planning rather than in highly visible leadership positions. He pointed to decisions made by ACCA's Executive Committee in 2018 as an example of work intended to strengthen the association's future.

He also credited fellow Executive Committee members Eric Knaak, Wade Mayfield, Dan Weis, Lanny Huffman, and Don Langston for helping position the association for future success.

Following his term as board chair, Schmidt remained active on ACCA's Partners Committee, where he continues working to strengthen relationships with industry partners and support the association's mission.

Schmidt also identified workforce development as one of the HVAC industry's most pressing challenges. He cited the ongoing shortage of qualified technicians and emphasized the need for greater support for career and technical education programs and contractor-led training initiatives.

"No matter how good our products and services are, lacking the qualified workforce to perform the work means we cannot serve our customers," Schmidt said.

According to ACCA, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes volunteers whose sustained service has made a lasting impact on the association and the HVAC industry. Schmidt said he views that service as a responsibility to help ensure the industry's continued growth and success.

"Performing any sort of service for ACCA or the industry is an honor and a privilege," Schmidt said. "I did not start my business or place myself in a position to have available time simply to serve my own needs."

Schmidt has spent more than 30 years showing up for this industry — committee meetings, conference tables, hard votes, and everything in between. He’s not done yet. 

“It’s basically a lifestyle,” he says of service. “When I see someone or something that needs help or could benefit my team or the industry, I tend to jump right in.”