His passion for quality was recognized when the company was awarded ACCA Quality Contractor of the Year in 1995 ACCA Commercial Excellence Award in 2006, and Best Contractor to Work for by The NEWS in 2003. He encouraged his team to be the best, and strive for excellence in HVAC.

“He loved, and had a passion for, training and lifelong learning, reaching out to service technicians and trade professionals alike,” said son, Thomas J. Winstel. “His evening technical training sessions with his technicians were a mainstay throughout his career — teaching both ongoing technical and soft skills to encourage lifelong commitment to the trade and personal growth and achievement. He encouraged technicians to be industry professionals, stressing the basics of customer service to treat customers well, and leave each job site better than when you arrived. His belief in and dedication to customer service worked well as many customers sought out Engineering Excellence to maintain service and retrofit their HVAC equipment.”

Since its inception in 1986, the company flourished, providing both regional services in the Midwest, and national services through its service provider network of more than 650 service contractors across the U.S. and Canada. Winstel enjoyed participating in the industry and giving back. He taught many training sessions at industry trade group meetings. He also encouraged and actively participated in ACCA MIX Groups. The next generation, including his son, Tom, and daughters, Ann Moran and Mary Seaman, are all actively working with the Engineering Excellence team.

Publication date: 6/23/2014