HARDI and Texas A&M Master of Industrial Distribution Announce Daniel Jennings Memorial Scholarship Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Greene, Marketing Director

Email: agreene@hardinet.org

Direct: 614.345.4328

HARDI and Texas A&M Master of Industrial Distribution Announce Daniel Jennings Memorial Scholarship Recipients

COLUMBUS, OH – June 27, 2025 — Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 HARDI x MID $5,000 Daniel Jennings Memorial Scholarship. This year’s recipients exemplify the kind of forward-thinking leadership that will shape the future of the HVACR industry for years to come.

Congratulations to Our Scholarship Recipients:

• Katie Blaufuss is a Strategic Sales Executive at Trane Technologies with over 15 years of experience across finance, banking, and HVAC. She supports national distribution strategies and dealer networks, working closely with private equity-backed consolidators. Katie serves as Chair of HARDI’s Supplier Council and is a member of the HARDI Emerging Leaders program and Women in HVACR.

• Joni Lora, LSSBB, is a Territory Manager for Marcone Plumbing, overseeing strategic growth across Washington State in military, facility, and residential plumbing markets. With 25+ years of experience in sales, manufacturing, and government consulting, she brings a strong focus on efficiency and supply chain optimization. Joni is also a long-time educator and mentor within the industry.

Both recipients will soon begin their graduate studies in the renowned Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) program at Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering. The scholarship, established to honor the legacy of Dr. Daniel F. Jennings, the founding Director of the Master of Industrial Distribution Program, supports professionals who are committed to strengthening the HVACR channel through education and leadership.

“This industry thrives when we invest in its people,” said Stella Gary-Keane, VP of Talent Development at HARDI. “Joni and Katie represent the kind of talent and drive that will carry HVACR into its next era. We’re proud to support their development and help accelerate their impact.”

Each recipient will receive $5,000 in scholarship funds, distributed across four semesters, to support their studies in the MID program. The program equips industry professionals with advanced skills in distribution strategy, supply chain management, and business leadership—critical competencies for the evolving HVACR landscape.

HARDI remains deeply committed to the long-term health and growth of the HVACR industry. Investing in our current and emerging leaders is one of the most powerful ways we can ensure a resilient, innovative, and high-performing future for all.

To learn more about the Daniel Jennings Memorial Scholarship and other HARDI talent initiatives, please visit www.hardinet.org.

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ABOUT HARDI

HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International) is the single voice of wholesale distribution within the North American and Latin American HVACR markets.

A non-profit association, HARDI serves its members through government affairs and advocacy efforts, market intelligence and benchmarking, training programs, and world class events. HARDI proudly represents more than 490 distributor members and their 5,000 + branch locations, and close to 500 suppliers, manufacturer representatives and service vendors. HARDI Distributor members serve installation and service/replacement contractors in residential and commercial markets, as well as commercial/industrial and institutional maintenance staffs. HARDI Affiliate members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts and supplies.

About Master of Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University

The Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) at Texas A&M University is designed for the working professional. The 4-semester online graduate program is structured with online courses. The content is designed for B2B professionals in the industrial and construction channels. The program includes high impact experiences such as residency week, an optional global experience trip and capstone project. Through a cohort, lock-step approach to learning, you and your peers will interact in a way that provides new insights and broadens your personal and professional experiences. The MID Program is part of the Top 10 Colleges of Engineering in the U.S. Learn more at http://mid.tamu.edu