This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Subscribe
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Edition
    • Archives
    • HVACR Directory
    • Subscribe
    • Submit a Letter
  • Market Sectors
    • Residential Market
    • Light Commercial Market
    • Commercial Market
    • Refrigeration
    • Indoor Air Quality
    • Ventilation
    • Components & Accessories
    • Residential Controls
    • Commercial Controls
    • Testing, Monitoring, Tools
    • Services, Apps & Software
    • Standards & Legislation
    • Internet of Things
  • Extra Edition
    • Service & Maintenance
    • Technical
    • Business Management
    • Web Exclusive
  • News
    • Breaking News
    • FYI
    • Newsline
    • Green Building
    • Service Market
    • New Construction Market
    • Training & Education
  • Products
    • HVACR Directory
    • What's New
    • Dealer Design Awards
  • Columns
    • Opinions
    • Guest Blog
    • Guest Column
    • Duct Dynasty
    • Hydronics Zone
    • The Coach’s Blog
  • Exclusives
    • Energy Management
    • Calendar of Events
    • Manufacturer Reports
    • Regional Reports
    • Training Track
    • Continuing Education
    • Dot Comment
    • Online Poll
    • The NEWS HVACR Quiz
  • More
    • HVACR Directory
    • The NEWS eNewsletter
    • FROSTlines
    • Classifieds
    • Market Research
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • HVACR Industry Store
    • eProduct Info
    • Editorial Calendar & Editor Assignments
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Marijuana Market
  • Multimedia
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Photo Gallery
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Webinars
    • eBooks
    • NEWS app
  • Distribution Trends
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Advertise
Home » Distribution Trends Top 40 Under 40: Tommy Reeves
HVAC Distribution NewsDistribution Trends

Distribution Trends Top 40 Under 40: Tommy Reeves

Reeves, 39, currently serves as a regional director for Lennox Industries

Reeves-Tommy.jpg
November 21, 2018
Herb Woerpel
KEYWORDS distribution feature stories / Distribution Trends Top 40 Under 40 / HVAC distribution sales / HVAC distributors
Reprints
No Comments

Tommy Reeves does not lack an educational foundation. The 39-year-old, who currently serves as regional director for Lennox Industries, holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Texas Tech University, an MBA from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a master’s degree in sales leadership from William Patterson University of New Jersey.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Reeves found employment with Rexel Inc., an electrical supply company. While working the counter, he received some sage advice.

“I remember this guy saying, ‘Tommy, you seem like a smart kid. If I could give you any advice, it’d be to get into HVAC. There are greater opportunities in HVAC,’” Reeves said. “Of course, I had no idea even what HVAC meant, but his words stuck with me. Five years later, when I was looking to make a career move, I applied at Lennox. I’ve been here ever since.”

He hired into Lennox as a marketing analyst in 2005 before being promoted to territory manager (2007-2011), regional business manager (2011-2012), and district manager (2012-2017). Today, he serves as regional director, a job he’s held for the last year.

“No matter what position you hold, you must always treat people right,” he said. “People are a resource. Serve your fellow man/woman to the best of your ability, and the service will always be returned.”

A natural salesman, Reeves truly enjoys selling the industry to up-and-coming prospects.

“I do a lot of college recruiting, working to bring young professionals into HVACR,” he said. “The most rewarding aspect of my job is educating the next generation on why they should invest in a career in HVACR, hiring them, and seeing them become the future leaders in our industry.”

Once those prospects are hired, Reeves insists, in a sales capacity, that all people are important, regardless if they work in the same building or not.  

“Internal customers are just as important as your buyers,” he said. “Treat your fellow employees the same as you would your largest account. Be of service from the moment you wake up and your coworkers will want to be of service for you and your customers. Happy employees will make happy customers.”

He also believes the next generation of HVACR employees boasts skills far beyond those his generation possess.

“The new kids are way smarter than I ever was,” Reeves said. “It took me six years after graduating college to master the sales trade. Kids today have advanced selling programs in college. I’m fortunate enough to participate in collegiate sales competitions as both a buyer and a judge. The new sales generation is way ahead of the curve regarding sales processes and sales cycles; however, relationships are still pivotal in the sales process. The HVACR world is a close knit community. Those entering the industry need to make sure they know how to build these relationships. Once accomplished, the sky is the limit.”

Such internal and external relationships are built by being honest and forthcoming about upfront contracts.

“Employees and customers must know the expectations from day one,” he said. “If circumstances cause deviation to the original prospects, it is critical to reset expectations. That requires clear and constant communication. Also, celebrate wins in public every chance you get. People need praise, and it moves everyone toward the common goal. Last, you must be of service to your team to accomplish their goals and your expectations. Making yourself available provides safe two-way communications. It’s not just about top-down direction but listening from the bottom up to assist everyone in hitting their goals.”

When not closing sales, Reeves enjoys dabbling in horticulture.

“I really like to garden and work in the yard,” he said. “It’s great meditation, and my kids love to help. This allows us time together, and there is nothing better than fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Reeves stressed that HVACR must be recognized and appreciated as a life necessity.

“Our industry offers applied products that are critical in making life comfortable,” he said. “What is cooler, no pun intended, than working in an industry that provides such assets? And, it’s icing on the cake that I work for Lennox. Lennox creates a culture that makes me even more enthusiastic about working in HVACR.”

Publication date: 11/21/18

Subscribe to The NEWS

Recent Articles by Herb Woerpel

2019: The Year of Wholesale Progression or Recession?

AC Pro Turns California Dreams Into Digital Distribution Dominance

HVAC Contractors Key in Connection

Meet the Wholesaler: Troy Meachum

Bold Predictions for the New Year

Tn-herb-2017

Herb Woerpel is editor-in-chief of Distribution Trends magazine. He joined BNP Media in 2011 and most recently served as managing editor of The ACHR NEWS. In addition to his duties with Distribution Trends, Herb also functions as the editor-in-chief of Engineered Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in news editorial journalism from Central Michigan University and boasts 12 years of professional journalism experience. Contact him at 248-786-1583 or woerpelh@bnpmedia.com.

Related Articles

Distribution Trends Top 40 Under 40: Greg Johnson

Distribution Trends Top 40 Under 40: Steve Raimondi

Distribution Trends Top 40 Under 40: Claire Munch

Distribution Trends Top 40 Under 40: Philip Guy Jr.

Related Events

2019 HARDI Annual Conference

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscription Center
  • Subscribe
  • Online Registration
  • E-Newsletters
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Mobile App

More Videos
NEWS HVACR Quiz

Events

September 26, 2018

Opportunities and Challenges with Handling Flammable Refrigerants

On Demand Refrigerant Safety Classes A2L and A3 have a very low GWP, making them a strong, long-term solution for many HVACR applications. However, these refrigerants are classified as mildly flammable and highly flammable respectively. This flammability class raises safety and compliance concerns. This webinar will help you understand these classes, along with the opportunities these refrigerants can offer.

February 19, 2019

Heatcraft Certified Contractor Program Training - Beacon II, QRC & SMART II

Heatcraft Contractor Certification Training
Beacon II Technician Certification Workshop
QRC Technician Certification Workshop
SMART II Technician Certification Workshop
(includes hands-on exercises with wiring simulators)

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Ductless Products

Do you install ductless products?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

"More & New" HVAC Spells Wealth - book

"More & New" HVAC Spells Wealth - book

See More Products
The NEWS - ACHR - Logo The NEWS - ACHR - Digital Edition
Digital Edition

ACHRNEWS

The ACHR News - February 11, 2019

2019 February 11

Learn more about hydronic and radiant heat products in this issue of The NEWS, and find out why contractors should consider adding wet heat to their suite of solutions.

View More Subscribe
  • Resources
    • Submit a Letter
    • Submit a Press Release
    • Mechanical Group
    • List Rental
    • Reprints
    • eProduct Info
    • Survey And Sample
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More?
    • Subscribe
    • Connect

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing