Conference Exhibitors
Conference Speakers
Justin Bates, Senior Program Manager, Abode Energy Management
- Session: Rebate Program Updates
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Justin Bates graduated from UMass Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in geology, where he developed a deep appreciation for natural systems and geologic history. He went on to complete an additional year of study, earning a master’s degree in Education.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Justin spent two years as an environmental science teacher and later served as a campaign manager for a state politician. A lifelong advocate for a cleaner, greener future, he ultimately joined our industry to focus his career on implementing practical, real-world solutions for positive change. Outside of work, Justin enjoys cycling, kayaking, and cooking |
Don Chaisson, Senior Field Representative, APA LLC
- Session: Massachusetts Legislative Update—Proposal to Create an HVAC License
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Don Chaisson holds both a refrigeration contractor’s license and a master sheet metal license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. With more than 30 years of experience as a mechanical contractor across Greater Boston and throughout New England, Don has built a reputation for deep technical expertise and practical, hands-on knowledge in the HVAC and sheet metal industries.
He currently serves with APA HVAC Technologies, where he represents manufacturers of a broad spectrum of HVAC equipment and controls, helping contractors identify solutions that improve efficiency, performance, and reliability. A longtime advocate for the industry, Don is an emeritus member of the ACA/NE Board of Directors and an active participant on the ACA/NE Government Affairs Committee, where he contributes to policy and advocacy efforts that benefit contractors regionally. He also serves on the ICC Mechanical Code Committee, currently as Chairman, representing ACA/NE and providing critical input on the development and revision of mechanical codes that shape the future of the industry. Throughout his career, Don has been committed to advancing contractor professionalism, supporting industry innovation, and ensuring that mechanical codes and standards remain practical, safe, and forward-thinking. |
Manny Chaves, Former Owner, Chaves Heating and AC, Inc.
- Session: Massachusetts Legislative Update—Proposal to Create an HVAC LicensE
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Manny Chaves is the former Owner of Chaves Heating and AC, Inc., where he led the company’s residential and commercial HVAC operations with a strong focus on quality workmanship, customer service, and long-term reliability.
With hands-on industry experience and a commitment to staying current with evolving technologies and best practices, Manny has built a reputation for delivering dependable heating and cooling solutions. He is dedicated to supporting both his customers and the broader HVAC industry through professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement. Manny is a past chairman and currently serves on the ACA/NE Government Affairs Committee. During his tenure, he has devoted countless hours to protecting and advancing the legislative interests of HVAC contractors, including leading the effort to file and pass legislation establishing an HVAC license. |
Mark Delaney and Scott Delaney, ACA/NE’s Lobbyists, Delaney & Associates
- Session: Massachusetts Legislative Update—Proposal to Create an HVAC License
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After graduating from Suffolk University, Mark Delaney began his career as an aide to Massachusetts State Representative Angelo Cataldo of Revere. He started lobbying in 1985 and earned his law degree from New England School of Law in 1996, passing the bar the following year. Since then,Mark has continued to advocate on behalf of a wide range of interests at the state level.
Mark works alongside his brother, Scott Delaney, who began his lobbying career in 1993. In 1981, Scott was attending classes while serving as a page in the MA Senate. He then spent nearly a decade with the Massachusetts Transportation Authority. Together, they represent clients in issues related to real estate, telecommunications, construction, energy, licensing, gaming, and structural steel, among others. |
Dan Hitman, Account Executive - Northeast Region Federated Insurance
- Session: A Lasting Legacy
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Dan Hitman is an Account Executive in the Association Risk Management Services department of Federated Insurance. Dan is responsible for managing Federated’s association and buying group partners in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Dan began his Federated career in 2020 as a Marketing Development Trainee. He was promoted to Marketing Representative in October of 2020 where he was a successful marketing representative in Los Angeles, California. Dan earned the trust of hundreds of business owners in the areas of safety, risk, and business management, focusing on value, service, and relationships. Dan is originally from New Jersey and attended Kansas University where he competed in Track and Field. Dan is an avid motorcyclist, enjoys working out, staying active and shooting his bow and arrow. Dan is located in Albany, New York. |
Colleen Keyworth, Director of Sales and Marketing, Online-Access Inc.
- Session: Navigating SEO Updates & AI-Driven Changes Impacting Business Visibility
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Colleen Keyworth is a prominent figure in the HVAC industry, serving as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Online-Access Inc., a Michigan-based web marketing company specializing in HVAC. With deep roots in the industry through her family’s HVAC and plumbing business, she possesses a profound understanding of the contracting landscape and the realities contractors face in running a profitable business.
Keyworth regularly teaches and trains contractors around the country on how to better use the web to generate business. In addition, she develops strategic partnerships with OEMs, industry organizations, distributors, and wholesalers to increase product awareness and create online marketing solutions. Her dedication to enhancing digital marketing strategies for HVAC contractors has established her as a recognized figure in the field. |
Samir Pendse, Co-Founder and CEO, Coral
- Session: Mastering the Evolving Rebate Landscape
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Coral helps leading contractors deliver instant utility rebates - significantly lowering upfront costs and increasing sales conversion and ticket size. Their easy-to-use software platform guarantees rebate eligibility, streamlines incentive filings, and delivers rebate funds immediately after installation. Coral works directly with incentive programs like Mass Save and Energize CT as a Rebate Processing Organization and is now the largest rebate processor in the Northeast.
Samir Pendse is the co-founder and CEO at Coral. He previously led product development at a national small business lender, leveraging technology to make it easier and faster to receive loans, before leading operations at a VC-backed startup. He's now applying his lending and technology experience at Coral to make energy-efficient building upgrades more affordable and accessible. |
Leo Sharkey, President, ACA/NE Board of Directors and Owner & Engineer, Jay Moody HVAC
- Session: Opening and Closing Remarks
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Leo Sharkey is the owner and lead engineer of Jay Moody HVAC, a respected mechanical contracting firm known for its technical expertise and commitment to high-quality HVAC solutions. With a strong background in engineering and hands-on field experience, Leo brings a practical, performance-driven approach to system design, installation, and optimization.
Throughout his career, Leo has worked extensively with complex HVAC systems, focusing on energy efficiency, system reliability, and real-world application of engineering principles. As an owner-operator, he bridges the gap between design and execution, ensuring that systems perform as intended long after installation. Leo is passionate about advancing industry knowledge and sharing insights drawn from the field. He is a strong advocate for proper system design, continuous education, and elevating standards across the HVAC industry. Leo was recently elected president of the ACA/NE Board of Directors and is an active member of the association’s Government Affairs Committee. |
Todd Titus, Director of State and Public Affairs, Hardi
- Session: From Statehouse to Warehouse: How Local Policy Threatens Your Business
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Todd Titus is the Director of State & Public Affairs at HARDI, where he leads state advocacy efforts across all 50 states. As the first to hold this role, he monitors legislative and regulatory developments using advanced tracking tools and actively engages in grassroots initiatives.
Todd advocates before legislators and regulators, traveling as needed to meet with elected officials, state department heads, and industry partners to advance policies that support the industry. His expertise in state affairs and strategic advocacy helps shape policy decisions that impact the HVACR industry nationwide. |
Sam Wakefield, Founder, Close It Now
- Session: Guerrilla Growth: How Door-To-Door Dominates in a Digital World
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Sam Wakefield is an international best-selling author, nationally recognized sales strategist, and founder of Close It Now, a sales training and performance company focused on the HVAC and home services industry.
With nearly two decades of hands-on HVAC experience, Sam has helped contractors across North America increase close rates, build scalable sales systems, and drive predictable growth without high-pressure tactics. He is a frequent industry speaker and the host of the Close It Now Podcast, listened to in over 70 countries worldwide, where he teaches psychology-driven sales strategies that create clarity, urgency, and trust—helping sales professionals become someone worth buying from. |