HARDI Welcomes Don Gillis to Lead Expansion of Technical Training Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Greene, HARDI Marketing Director

Email: agreene@hardinet.org

Direct: 614.345.4328

HARDI Welcomes Don Gillis to Lead Expansion of Technical Training Initiatives

COLUMBUS, OH – Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is proud to announce that Don Gillis, a respected HVACR trainer and longtime industry professional, has joined the organization as HVACR Technical Trainer. Gillis will play a key role in expanding HARDI’s technical training offerings and furthering its mission to strengthen the capabilities of HVACR wholesale distributors.

With more than 30 years of hands-on experience in HVAC—ranging from service technician and business owner to territory manager and national training leader—Gillis brings a rare combination of field expertise and training excellence. He has worked across nearly every facet of the trade and has spent the last several years applying that deep, practical knowledge to high-impact training roles at Emerson and, most recently, The Chemours Company, where he delivered technical education across North America.

Gillis’s technical credibility and experience working with contractors and distributors alike will also strengthen HARDI’s growing state affairs efforts, particularly in advocating for practical, industry-informed state and local code adoption.

At HARDI, Gillis will help lead several new and revitalized programs within the association’s Talent Development portfolio, including:

• The Enhanced Counter Specialist Role, which identifies and delivers essential product knowledge and soft skills to counter teams, tailored to distributor-specific needs.

• The Inside Sales Program, which focuses on structured, consultative selling to support stronger customer relationships and business growth.

• The Product/Technical Manager Certification, a role-specific program designed to evaluate and grow technical and interpersonal competencies that deliver added value to contractors.

“Don’s depth of experience is matched only by his passion for empowering others in this industry,” said Stella Keane, Vice President of Talent Development at HARDI. “He understands the realities of the field, the pressures of distribution, and the power of training to create real business impact. Bringing someone like Don on board is a huge value-add not only for our team, but for our entire membership.”

In addition to leading training development and delivery, Gillis will work directly with HARDI members to identify emerging needs and ensure programs stay aligned with market and workforce demands.

“HARDI’s mission deeply resonates with me,” said Gillis. “After decades in this trade, I’ve seen firsthand how training can elevate careers, companies, and the entire channel. I’m thrilled to help build something that makes that kind of impact at scale.”

For more information about HARDI’s technical training programs, 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 550 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 staff. HARDI Affiliate members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts, and supplies.