Eventually, the road led him back to Ferguson, where HVAC has become more to him than just a job or a career.

“It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving field that presents constant challenges and opportunities to grow,” Smidl said. “Most importantly, it’s given me the chance to build meaningful relationships with genuine people — whether it’s colleagues, dealer partners, or vendor reps.”

One thing Smidl’s definitely learned during his career is that nobody succeeds alone.

“The trust I have earned from each dealer partner I’ve had the opportunity to work with is something I take great pride in,” Smidl said. “Being able to support their growth and contribute to their success is one of the accomplishments I value most.”

In 2024, Smidl was recognized as Mitsubishi’s CBU Distributor of the Year — an award that reflects strong sales performance, strategic alignment, and outstanding dealer support. He’s also driven significant growth across key product categories by tailoring sales strategies to evolving market conditions and the needs of dealer partners, with notable success in Mitsubishi systems and indoor air quality solutions.

Now Smidl is focused on advancing into a strategic leadership role that aligns with Ferguson’s long-term growth initiatives, allowing him to contribute to a broader organizational impact.

He also aims to “drive continued sales and expand market presence for Rheem and Mitsubishi, by delivering value to partners and staying focused on evolving market needs” while developing and empowering “coworkers and partners, fostering a high-performing team culture built on shared success, professional development, and collaboration,” Smidl said.