However, the two really received some friendly barbs from members after each captured one of ISL's 2004 Contractor of the Year awards. Even presenter - and former ISL president - Bill Efird had to throw a left jab at Baum before the vice president of Keil Heating and Air Conditioning, Riverdale, N.J., stepped up to receive the top award in the $1.5 million-$2.5 million category.
Wilkins, owner of Wilkins Mechanical Services, Bedford, N.H., was voted the winner in the $2.5 million-$5 million category. Wilkins did admit that he seriously thought about declining the award - as the winners were selected before Wilkins, Baum, and Dave Squires purchased ISL from Service Experts. However, he changed his mind after thinking about his employees.