LAUREL, Md. - Aireco Supply Inc. has adopted the Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International’s (HARDI’s) Certified Counter Specialist (CCS) program as a way to offer counter personnel a formal, structured program that encourages training and continued education with a focus on customer service, product knowledge, people skills, and attitude. Dan Hinchman, Aireco’s president, explained that giving customers excellent service, along with relevant information about products in a timely manner, has become essential in the distribution business.

“Keeping up with technological changes, customer service challenges, and supply chain efficiencies require higher levels of learning than ever before,” he said. “The CCS program allows our employees to become effective sales and customer service personnel rapidly.”

The program was developed by HARDI to recognize the professionalism of the men and women at the wholesale counter and give them the opportunity to obtain credentials recognized in the field of HVACR distribution. Once enrolled, employees must meet a series of benchmarks in order to successfully attain one of the four levels of counter expertise as defined by the CCS program - assistant, associate, senior, and certified. Various certifications, competencies, and training hours advance employees until they eventually become HARDI certified.

John Berry and Allison Huber, Aireco’s training and marketing coordinators, implemented the CCS program. Berry believes it supports Aireco’s elite customer service philosophy.

For more information, visit www.aireco.com.

Publication date: 06/15/2009