According to friends and associates, Mr. McCart was the first HVAC salesperson to sell $1 million in residential replacement equipment in one year. He also was the first recipient of the "Thomas R. ‘Doc' Rusk Award," and was given a Service Roundtable "Servant Leader Award."

Mr. McCart began his career working four years at Modern Air Conditioning in Fort Myers. He then worked as a salesperson/manager for a few local companies; as vice president of Training and Development for Dwyer Trade Services; and then as an industry consultant, speaker, and sales trainer as president of No Secrets Inc., an HVAC training and consulting firm. Mr. McCart authored numerous articles, seven HVAC-specific books, and a software package.

His wife of nearly 40 years, Diane McCart, is now president of No Secrets. The company's seminars and consulting business have been turned over to long-time friend and colleague Mack Heaton.

"Just as Tom made a tremendous contribution to our industry, his passing is a greater loss," said long-time friend and associate Charlie Greer. "With Tom, it was always about the needs and wants of others. This industry may never see another individual who gave so freely of himself to the industry and the people he loved."

According to Greer, Mr. McCart accepted his medical condition with courage. "What makes my situation easy to accept is that we were born to die," said Tom McCart. "Life, to me, has been one challenge after another. You've got to meet it head-on. You accept life for what it is, but you don't have to suffer from it. Be the best you can be. For me, survival is not an option. I want to win. I feel very fortunate. I feel like a winner."

Publication date: 06/14/2004