NASHVILLE, Tenn. - New International Leadership Service (ISL) leaders Milt Baum and Bob Wilkins received some good-natured jabs for wearing suits to the association's first conference under their direction. Both contractors are rarely seen in such attire.

However, the two really received some friendly barbs from members after each captured one of ISL's 2004 Contractor of the Year awards. Even presenter - and former ISL president - Bill Efird had to throw a left jab at Baum before the vice president of Keil Heating and Air Conditioning, Riverdale, N.J., stepped up to receive the top award in the $1.5 million-$2.5 million category.

"Now we know the way to get an award is to buy the company," joked Efird.

Wilkins, owner of Wilkins Mechanical Services, Bedford, N.H., was voted the winner in the $2.5 million-$5 million category. Wilkins did admit that he seriously thought about declining the award - as the winners were selected before Wilkins, Baum, and Dave Squires purchased ISL from Service Experts. However, he changed his mind after thinking about his employees.

"They worked hard to earn this," said Wilkins over a lunch. "This award is more about them than me."

Earning the 2004 Comeback of the Year award was Bob Woodall, owner of Air Care Systems Inc., Dothan, Ala. Dan Foster, president and owner of Jackson & Foster Heating & Air Conditioning, La Mesa, Calif., was awarded the 2004 Contractor of the Year in the under $1.5 million category.

Finishing runner-up behind Baum in the $1.5 million-$2.5 million category was Frank Harrison, owner of General Air Conditioning and Heating, Thousand Palms, Calif. Named 2004 Mentor of the Year was Jacki Bradbury-Guererro of Coastal Comfort, Ventura, Calif.

Publication date: 05/16/2005