Knowledge is power. And the time has come to recognize some of the strongest sources of wisdom in the HVACR industry.

The NEWS, in conjunction with hilmor and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), is proud to announce the winners of this year’s Best Instructor and Best Trainer contests.

For 2013, D. Brian Baker, founder of Westech Energy Training Centre, and president of Custom Vac Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, has been named the Best Instructor. Pat O’Neill, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, Harwich, Mass., is the runner-up.

Sonny Hampton, director of training, WaterFurnace Intl. Inc., is this year’s Best Trainer award winner. Rusty Walker, Hillphoenix, earned runner-up honors.

This is the 14th year that The NEWS has facilitated the contest, inviting industry members to nominate instructors they believe are the best in the business. This year also marks the second annual Best Trainer contest, a tradition The NEWS hopes to continue for many years.

“HVACR instructors are instrumental in developing skills for up-and-coming techs and ensuring the industry’s future is in good hands,” said Andrea Halpin, hilmor’s senior manager of brand marketing. “Hilmor supports programs like the Best Instructor contest because it recognizes and rewards instructors who are dedicated to enriching the lives of their students.”

Learn more about the 2013 Best Instructor and Trainer contest winners:

Best Instructor: D. Brian Baker

Best Trainer: Sonny Hampton

Best Instructor Runner-up: Patrick O'Neill

Best Trainer Runner-up: Rusty Walker

Publication date: 11/25/2013 

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