Getting Real with A2L Refrigerants: Equipment Changes, Training, Certifications and More

Paul Willmus is a Regional Technical Service Manager supporting several Johnson Controls brands. Paul has formal education in Agricultural Business and Commercial Refrigeration Service/HVAC. With more than 35 years in the HVAC industry including Contractor/Dealer ownership, Inside Sales/HVAC Technical Manager for a multi-national distributor, and now more than 11 years with Johnson Controls Ducted System Technical Services. Strong background in HVAC controls, airside and hydronic systems, including solar thermal, water heating, and steam boiler license.

Zac Wempe is a Regional Technical Service Manager, North America, Johnson Controls Ducted Systems. Having been with Johnson Controls for the last 8 years, Zac has moved from the Engineering Lab Tech, Dealer Technical Support, Distributor Technical Support then to his current role as an RTSM. Prior to JCI, he worked for multiple service companies in the Kansas City Metro area. Zac is a graduate of North Central Kansas Technical College and holds a Master Mechanical License in the State of Kansas (Johnson County). Today, Zac manages a group of Independent and Factory Direct distribution partners in the southern region providing both Technical Support and Technical training on Ducted Systems equipment. Zac also sits on the board of directors for the Ducted Systems TSM Program designed to impower distribution service managers to better serve their mutual customers.

Clifton is a highly skilled and experienced HVACR professional with a passion for learning and embracing new technologies in the industry. He began his journey as an apprentice in a typical Mom&Pop service shop that specialized in commercial refrigeration and unique refrigeration equipment. It was there that he developed a strong foundation in the trade and a curiosity for exploring new technologies and innovations. Throughout his career, Clifton continued to expand his knowledge and skills, attending Electrical Training at Brown County Career Resource Center and obtaining a Master Electrician Unlimited License. This allowed him to venture into commercial automations and building efficiency controls, broadening his expertise even further. Clifton's career also took him into education in the wholesaler environment, where he brought virtual onboarding and education to contractors in 5 states. He also developed industrial training programs for manufacturing and foundry facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the wider community. Currently, Clifton is the manager of Digital Media at the ESCO institute, where he is committed to bringing new technologies and innovations into the classroom and the workforce. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge has made him a respected figure in the HVACR industry, and his expertise has benefited countless individuals and organizations throughout his career.

Warren Johnston is the Canadian and USA Pacific NW Regional Technical Manager for Technical Services, North America, Johnson Controls Ducted Systems. Warren has worked in the HVAC/R industry for 23 years and with Johnson Controls for more than 18 years with previous technical experience across Residential, Light Commercial, Applied and Industrial roles with increasing responsibilities. He is a graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Refrigeration program. Today, Warren supports the DS initiative that supports Customer Service, Escalation, Training and New Product Introductions, along with sitting on the board of directors of the Ducted Systems Technical Service Manager Program.