Ron Smith, a renowned figure in the HVAC industry, passed away on December 21, 2023. His career, which began in 1961, was marked by significant contributions to the industry, including launching and selling various innovative enterprises. Smith was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, starting with Modern Air Conditioning Inc. in 1965 in Florida, which he grew into a major firm with substantial annual revenues. He also founded Service America in 1985, the first national HVAC franchiser, and later established Ron Smith & Associates, a leading HVAC training and consulting firm.
Smith’s impact on the industry was profound. He introduced effective operational systems, marketing, and sales programs that are widely used across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and beyond. His leadership in Service Experts, an HVAC consolidator, saw the company expand significantly under his tenure. A true innovator, Smith was involved in 24 businesses throughout his career and served on The ACHR NEWS contractor advisory board. His legacy includes not only his business successes but also his generosity in sharing knowledge and strategies, greatly influencing the HVAC industry and its contractors.
