Winner of NATE's Certified Technician Competition 2003

The 2003 competition was co-sponsored by ISL, Lennox Industries, and Penton Media. ISL and Lennox paid travel and hotel room expenses for the contestants, and supplied technician tool kits and other prizes. Penton provided free entry into the exhibits, seminars, and classes.

Victor Jendzrey of Comfort Air Engineering, San Antonio, TX, in a close-run competition completed six events correctly and with the best time to win over six other semi-finalists: Louis Abruzze, United Refrigeration Inc., Philadelphia, PA; Erin T. Welti, Northpoint Heating & A/C, Columbia, SC; Harold J. Simpson, Jr., Schaal Heating & Cooling, Des Moines, IA; James J. Hunter, Air-Tro, Inc. Rialto, CA; Chris P. Poole, Riteway Ventilating Co. Tucson, AZ; and Joseph Pellechia, Superior Mech, Stratford, CT. These seven technicians were the high scorers on NATE tests given between June 2002 and May 2003 in their respective areas of the United States and were invited to come to Dallas to compete. In addition to other gifts, Victor was awarded a $500 check from Eastern Heating and Cooling Council (EHCC).

Comfort Air Engineering is affiliated with ACCA. Victor believes that a service technician should constantly improve his skills and knowledge to stay on the cutting edge of the HVACR business. NATE certification is important now, and will only become more so in the future. He encourages contractors and the technicians they employ to earn NATE certification: "I feel NATE certification will continue to carry more credence in the future as more and more equipment manufacturers align themselves with NATE," he stated.