Zonex Systems can manage up to 400 zones through IoT, and their new VRF-VAV controls package brings variable air volume to variable refrigerant flow systems. Their SAMOD system consists of a thermostat, modulating damper and duct sensor. The SAMOD is an efficient and effective option to control over-conditioned areas with floating or pincher zone solutions, in addition to offering several easy-to-install and cost-saving zoning products.

“The parallel paths of both companies; their histories, one being on the east coast, the other on the west, one being residentially focused, the other being commercial, both started by our fathers and the complimentary product offerings makes this a great fit,” Dick said.

In the ‘50s, Dick’s father, Richard Foster Sr., developed the first automatic motorized dampers, registers, and thermostatically controlled diffusers, which resulted in the founding of Trolex in 1964.

Trolex and the newly acquired Zonex Systems, with a history that also goes back to the ‘60s, continue to manufacture zone dampers for original equipment manufacturers. Trolex founded ZONEFIRST in 2004 to bring zone dampers to HVAC contractors and ductwork after selling their Trol-A-Temp brand to Honeywell in 1999.

“Our success has come from listening to what the contractor has to deal with, what he needs, and how we can make things better?” Dick asked, adding that contractors have taught him, that with so many moving parts in HVAC, “simpler is better.”

Dick has been a pillar of this industry for nearly 50 of Trolex’s 60 years. “The first job I had with Trolex was marketing. I would come home from HARDI shows with my parents and stuff flyers into envelopes to send to the people we just met at the show. I think I was 12.”

Dick sits on the board of the AHR Expo and recently celebrated his 50^th show. “I’m a big associations guy. That’s one of my favorite things to still do. Go to shows, meet new people, reconnect with old friends and share how we’re working to get zoning into every building.”

Simplifying Installation and Increasing Adoption

ZONEFIRST wants to zone every house. To help them do that, they have delivered two newer products that have received a positive reception in the industry.

ZONEFIRST’s zoning boards feature Plug-In-Play boards and damper motors. Damper wiring is simplified by using RJ11 phone jacks. Joe Benedetto, Owner Benedetto Heating and AC, LLC in Essex, CT shared, “Our favorite part of ZoningFirst is the plug and play control wiring and the bypassing of dampers with static pressure.”

The second product Joe mentions is ZONEFIRST’s Bypass Eliminator. The product more frequently referred to as the BPE is a modulating damper that senses pressure in ductwork, and if that pressure exceeds the pressure limit, it will gradually open the dampers for the zone or zones to bleed the excess air and bring the static back down to the appropriate level. As the name suggests, this eliminates the need for a bypass. 

 “Those are the two products that we've done that have really changed the game for zoning, with the goal to get into more homes.” Dick said. “Did I mention they come with a lifetime warranty?” he made sure to repeat on a few occasions.

Ryan Alexander from Long Heating & Air out of Greenville, South Carolina, is a fan of the BPE. “I just installed one of those bypass eliminator boards today, and those things are awesome. The installers and the builders loved it.” 

As Dick spoke about what’s next for ZONEFIRST and their industry leading zoning products, he mentioned that their new combination light switch and thermostat is on schedule to hit the market this summer.

“This product will help builders and homeowners better see how zoning can save them money and make them more comfortable,” he added.

In addition to new and upcoming products, Dick was happy to share that his son James joined the business in August 2023 as their marketing manager. “We’re are excited to have James on board. I told him I didn’t think it would take this long. 13 years, but who’s counting?”

“When I was graduating college, he gave me some great advice. ‘If you want to join me in the family business, I would love that. But I think you should go out and try something else first. If you find a passion for it, then do that. If eventually you want to come back, I’d love to have you,” James shared while getting a little emotional. “I’m thankful for the experience I gained, the companies I’ve worked for, but nothing more than the people I met along the way.”

James left a career driving digital marketing channels for online retailers. Most recently, James was the marketing automation manager at 5.11 Tactical.

He is working to modernize ZONEFIRST for the next 60 years. “We’re fortunate to have a great team,” James said. “Annie, Gary, Joe, Napo, Rohaan, Steve and Tom are great. Not only them, but our team at Zonex is great too; Tadd, Barbara, Rick, Jeff Marcos and Mark have all set a high bar for our companies.”  

He will be modernizing Trolex’s processes from customer service, order management, and (spoiler alert) marketing.

“There is a lot of opportunity in front of us, but I’m confident in our future primarily because of our people. I can’t do it all by myself. My dad has done a great job putting outstanding people around him,” James concluded, “and with talented people working hard to be better than we were yesterday, I like our chances.”

As Trolex continues to plan for the future, hopefully, another lucky writer will get the opportunity to share their next chapter.