The winners were selected through a blind panel.  Those serving on the panel included American Standard leaders and the four 2018 award winners.

• B&W Plumbing & Heating has been in Speedway, Indiana, for nearly 60 years. Owned by Beth Rovazzini, Dave Mejean and Chris Ambrose, B&W has taken a “pay it forward” approach to growing and maintaining the business by investing in the people behind it. B&W acted proactively to a forecasted skilled labor shortage by working hand-in-hand with the local high school level to provide training and establish a robust pipeline of future HVAC specialists. In addition, they support school projects that teach all aspects of home building — including HVAC installation — through the construction of affordable housing. Once part of the B&W team, new employees benefit from the owners’ passion for finding and developing each team member’s individual talents. 

• Classic Heating & Air in McKinney, Texas, was created by brothers Seth and Dane McGinnis and founded on family values, determination, faith, and hard work. They let their moral compass guide everything they do. The brothers intentionally put their employees, and their employees’ families, at the forefront of every business decision.  For example, their entire team is salaried to assure a steady income and avoid fluctuating paychecks dictated by the outside temperature and season. The same care and attention go into Classic’s community involvement, whether they are funding a kindergarten field trip or installing a heating system for a struggling young family. When asked why they give back, Seth and Dane say they are only stewards of what they have been given and want to share it with others.

• Hospitality Heating and Air Conditioning is based in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Founded 11 years ago by Gene Lucas, a former athlete and sports fan, Hospitality embraces a sports team mindset both in and out of the office — whether Gene’s motivating his work team or supporting the local high school. For example, employees who meet and exceed expectations are considered for employee of the year honors, which comes with a custom championship-style ring featuring Hospitality’s green and gold colors. Of the dealer’s numerous charitable initiatives, the largest emphasis is on those that provide students access to extracurricular activities, including sports programs. Lucas believes that these programs are necessary to keep youth active, teach them teamwork skills, and put them on a positive life trajectory.

• Keith Lawson Services in Tallahassee, Florida, is a multi-generational business. From teaching new job skills to broadening life skills like personal money management, Keith Lawson Services represents the thoughtfulness and dedication crucial to sustaining a loyal team. Those technicians, in turn, pride themselves in their customer service, maintaining the mindset that the most important customer is the one standing in front of them and that they are there to offer, not sell, products. 

The four winners of American Standard’s 2019 Building a Higher Standard awards will be honored with custom trophies, challenge coins and lapel pins; a year of Customer Care membership; and will have their names printed on the Hall of Fame trophy — which will be on display in Tyler, Texas. In addition, they will be the focus of a local media campaign with professional assets for their own use, receive earned and paid public relations in trade and regional media, and receive copies of print magazines with advertisements.

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