Speakers

Chuck Abbott

Global Marketing Manager — Refrigerants | Orbia

Chuck Abbott is Global Marketing Manager for Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials (OF&EM). He leads global marketing strategy and customer engagement initiatives for mobile refrigerant technologies, with a focus on the automotive aftermarket and emerging thermal management solutions. Chuck works closely with OEMs, distributors, and service professionals to support adoption of next-generation refrigerants and to communicate the performance, safety, and sustainability benefits of new products.

Aaron Becker

Owner & President | AirSept, Inc.

Aaron has spent over 30 years in the mobile HVAC industry, specializing in developing and manufacturing innovative service solutions for complex automotive repair challenges. Since becoming president of AirSept in 2001, he has led its growth from a small family business to a global Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier for 18 vehicle manufacturers and major aftermarket companies.

A dedicated MACS member for 26 years, Aaron also serves on multiple SAE committees. His extensive experience collaborating with OE engineers, manufacturers, and distributors provides valuable insight to MACS members. As mobile climate control technology evolves, he remains committed to advancing education and innovation in the industry.

Bret Beitler

Coach and C.O.O. | Limitless Leadership

Bret Beitler is an entrepreneurial leader with a track record of building successful teams. As a multi-brand and multi-location business owner/operator, he has extensive experience in team building, change management, and leadership/business coaching.

Bret’s leadership approach is centered on fostering a strong, mission-driven culture within the organizations he coaches.

He is a certified leadership and business coach through the John Maxwell leadership program, completed after following Maxwell’s work for over 15 years. Bret has been professionally speaking to groups small and large, for 10+ years. A private instrument-rated pilot, Bret brings a disciplined, high-performance mentality to his entrepreneurial and coaching/speaking ventures.

Bret has been proudly married to Paige since 2018, and they have an energetic, fun 3-year old son named Jack with 2 pups, Archer and Piper. Paige is a professional branding and family portrait photographer, leading her own woman owned/woman powered brand, Fame Parties Photography. Bret and Paige live a faith forward life, love to travel the world, and work hard to make an impact in any setting they are called to enter.

Roger Bentdahl

Regional Sales Manager | NA Williams

Roger Bentdahl is a Regional Sales Manager at NA Williams, where he has been serving the states of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida for more than 15 years. Starting his career as an automotive technician, Roger received a degree from Mankato Technical College and proceeded to earn his degree in both Engineering & Teaching from the University of Minnesota. He continued his passion for the industry by becoming a collegiate automotive instructor and eventually patented three tools. Roger is an ASE Master Technician in all areas. His teaching experience and technical ability led him to work for several top-tier manufacturers as a Technical Service Engineer/ Instructor (T.R.W, Champion Spark Plugs, Cooper Ind., & Federal-Mogul Corp).

Yevgeniy Beygel

Engineer | Bergstrom, Inc

Yevgeniy Beygel is the Director of Global Engineering Systems and Sustainability for Bergstrom, Inc. of Rockford, Illinois. An accomplished engineering leader with extensive experience in thermal management and mobile vehicle systems, he also held roles as director of test and development, and lead engineer for off-highway products. His expertise spans design, simulation, and research and development, along with a strong focus on leading global engineering processes and systems. His current role also includes overseeing sustainability efforts, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting and emission mitigation. Yevgeniy manages strategic relationships and projects with research institutions to advance innovation and sustainability in our industry.

Yevgeniy is involved in industry organizations, such as SAE where he currently serves as chairman of the Interior Climate and Thermal Management Steering Committee.

You can reach Yevgeniy at ybeygel@bergstrominc.com

John Burnham

Staff Systems Engineer | CNH Industrial

John Burnham is a seasoned engineering professional with over 35 years of experience in mobile air conditioning systems, specializing in solutions for some of the most demanding environments in the transportation industry. His career spans the design, development, and rigorous testing of HVAC systems for heavy-duty and off-road vehicles, commercial trucks, passenger cars, and even locomotives.

John began his journey as a mechanical engineer with J.I. Case and soon focused on climate control systems. Over the decades, he has helped deliver efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible air conditioning solutions that meet the unique challenges of extreme operating conditions. His work focuses on new refrigerant technologies, system integration, and energy optimization, ensuring comfort and reliability.

Megan Capie

Executive Director | MACS

Megan Capie joined the MACS team in February of 2024 and is currently serving as the Executive Director. Megan has 15 years of experience in association management, operations, and project management. Her key expertise lies in organization membership growth, governance, certification programs, and strategic planning. Megan has applied her skillset for multiple models including trade, academic, and professional associations.

Since beginning her association management career, Megan has managed product certification programs for a major juvenile products association, during which she traveled to Hong Kong and mainland China to present requirements to testing facilities. In addition, she has served as project manager in the development of a comprehensive advocacy program and launched a multi-track certificate program for an event planner’s association. She has also led several associations through lengthy strategic planning events from preparation to implementation.

Megan graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in marketing. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Ted, daughter Charlotte, and her pit bull rescue Bailey. When Megan is not helping associations achieve their strategic planning goals, you can find her in the garden.

Aaron Clark

Chief Chemist | Danfoss

Aaron Clark is the Global Director of Materials Science for Danfoss Power Solutions, where he leads global chemistry and technology initiatives that support innovation, product performance, and reliability. With more than 20 years of experience in the mobile air conditioning (MAC) industry, Aaron has built a career spanning new product development, advanced materials, and technology leadership. He is passionate about driving innovation, solving complex engineering challenges, and enabling the development of next-generation solutions for global markets.

Rafael De Leon

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE INSTITUTE & Colegio de Tecnicos y Mecanicos Automotrices

Professor Rafael A. De Leon has 40+ years’ experience teaching automotive technology at secondary and post secondary level and 25+ years as an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician.

Prof. De Leon graduated from University of Phoenix with a masters degree in arts of education with a specialization in
curriculum development and occupational school administration. He also possesses a bachelor’s degree in occupational education from the University of Puerto Rico and four teacher certificates from the department of education in automotive mechanic, automotive electrical/electronic system, curriculum developer and occupational school director.

Prof. De Leon is setting an example of professional development by attending Seminars and Training all over the US. He constantly attends the NACAT annual conference and ASE instructor Conferences. He continues to support technicians in the Industry by providing continuing
education of updates in technology like hybrids, electronics and ASE Certifications.

Prof. De Leon and his wife Myrna reside in the town of Trujillo Alto.

Gary DeLuca

Autel U.S. Founder | Autel

With more than 50 years of experience in automotive training and repair, spanning automotive diagnostics, A/C and commercial HVAC, Gary founded Autel U.S. & has been a driving force in advancing automotive diagnostic technology, transforming real-world service challenges into practical solutions for today’s technicians.

Sherie Dooly-Jones

STEINBAUER Engineering

Sherie Dooly-Jones grew up in Central Victoria, Australia, before spending fifteen years living and working across Europe — an experience that shaped both her global outlook and her deep appreciation for the people who work the land and keep heavy equipment moving. In 2008, she opened the STEINBAUER North America office, spending the next fifteen years travelling between Europe and the US before making the permanent move in 2024.

In her role at STEINBAUER, Sherie travels to approximately twenty states each year, working directly with farmers, contractors, service shops, and independent mobile repair technicians who depend on heavy equipment — giving her a ground-level view of what data access restrictions mean in the real world, not just in policy documents. That same firsthand experience sparked her interest in Right to Repair in 2019, and she has followed the issue closely ever since, delivering talks and presentations on the subject across the industry.

Keith Glasgow

Principal Specialist, Technical Product Training | GM / ACDelco – V2X.com

Keith Glasgow was born and reared in the small town of Rockingham, NC, where he grew up in an automotive family that operated a general repair facility. As a high school senior, he won the North Carolina Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest – Written Skills, in 1978. Post high school, he worked as a transmission technician and builder at a GM Dealership from 1978 – 1982. In 1982 he assumed the operational control of the family business and ran it until 1987. He began teaching automotive classes, part time, at Richmond Technical College in 1986 and soon discovered his calling to teach full time. In 1987, he took the position as automotive department head and instructor at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, NC. In 1990, the opportunity to become a GM ASEP instructor led him to follow his passion to Greenville, SC and teach at Greenville Technical College through 1999. He returned to his roots late in 1999 as a transmission builder until industry came calling in 2001. Keith then took the position as the NC / SC regional Instructor for AC Delco through 2006. Next, he became an AC Delco Market Area Service Manager until 2008. His next assignment was Regional Supervisor managing the AC Delco Southeast Region until 2019. In 2020, Keith completed his bachelor’s degree in business management graduating from Southern Wesleyan University – Magna Cum Laude. In 2020, Keith took the position of Southeast Regional Instructor and serves in that capacity to the present day. Throughout his GM journeys, Keith has acted as project leader, writer, and subject matter expert in many of the courses that he and others have delivered to the nation. Keith is the proud father of four children (all college graduates), four grandsons and three granddaughters.

Kerry Gray

Technical Service Consultant | Chemours

Technical Service Consultant- The Chemours Company- Mobile AC- Engineer

Mike Hurlbut

Burgaflex North America

Mike Hurlbut brings over 20 years of experience delivering innovative HVAC hose and fitting solutions. Beginning in 1998, he helped build one of the first aftermarket A/C fitting and hose repair programs in the United States. Over time, Mike grew the business to more than 15,000 products, serving over 8,000 shops across the U.S. and internationally.

This success served as a pivotal step into securing larger OEM clientele, fueled by the unique solutions Mike was able to deliver—solutions that were unmatched in the industry. This year marks another first at MAC’s, as Mike is excited to share the latest unique products and solutions—designed to help you better serve your customers while increasing revenue

Dennis Husband

Technical Support / Tech Instructor | Omega Santech

Tim Iezzi

ExperTech Automotive Training

Tim Iezzi is co-owner of Iezzi’s Auto Service in Reading, PA, with 23+ years in the field and a Mechanical
Engineering degree from Elizabethtown College. An ASE Master Technician with multiple advanced
certifications, Tim teaches for Carquest, ExperTech, and Eepromicon. He serves on the MACS board and
has presented at leading industry conferences nationwide.

Michael Johannesen

Trans/Air Mfg.

Adam Kimmel

Sr. Manager Business Development | Fluor & Energy Materials | Orbia

Adam Kimmel is Senior Manager, Business Development for Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials (OF&EM), leading business development of next-generation refrigerant solutions in the Americas. He has over 20 years of experience in product marketing, business development, research, and new product development, and leverages his experience as an engineering SME to work with OEMs, distributors, shop owners, and mobile refrigerant technicians to implement the best thermal management solution for their applications.

Paul Krug

Sr Product Manager for Mine Air Systems | Komatsu

I started in heavy mining equipment as a student “work study” engineering intern, worked some years in that field, but then migrated into various other roles in HVAC design and manufacturing. After some years I moved back into heavy mining manufacturing engineering, but as providence would have it, HVAC followed me there. I now am responsible for a line of HVAC machine built especially for mining. Truly the best of all worlds!

Jerry Lemon

Lemco Mobile AC Consulting

Jerry Lemon is owner of Lemco Mobile A/C Consulting of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He’s been working in the mobile A/C industry for more than 30 years, including as a MACS training instructor and EPA Section 609 test proctor. Jerry is a long-time member of MACS, having attended the annual MACS events since 1995. He has been a regular presenter at the annual events for many years, and in 2025 was instrumental in developing the MACS J3126 technician training program, including as lead author of the “MACS J3126 Heavy Duty Air Conditioning Certificate Test Prep Handbook for Service Technicians”.

Jerry is an active member of SAE ICTMS (Interior Climate and Thermal Management Systems) Committees and SAE HFTC6 (Human Factors Technical Committee), where he currently serves as Secretary.

You can reach Jerry at jerry@lemcomobileacconsulting.com

Gary Machiros

Founder of Applied Automotive Technology | Applied Automotive Technology

With more than 40 years of experience in automotive repair, diagnostics and shop ownership, Gary has spent decades training technicians in advanced automotive technologies. An ASE Master Technician, instructor and industry consultant, he combines real-world repair experience with expertise in diagnostics, ADAS, A/C and HVAC.

Tony Martin

Trainer and Content Developer | Delphi

Tony Martin has been working in the automotive and diesel technology fields since 1984. He started his career in Canada as an apprentice mechanic at an International Harvester dealer and graduated as an Interprovincial Journeyman Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic in 1989. Since that time, he has operated his own mobile repair business, worked in Alaska’s Cook Inlet oilfield as a gas turbine technician, and taught automotive and diesel technology at the post-secondary level for 17 years. After leaving the University of Alaska in 2013, he worked as the mobile equipment maintenance trainer at a corporate gold mine near Fairbanks, Alaska. His last full-time day in the mining industry was August 1, 2022, and he now is a freelance consultant, writer and trainer.
Tony has written dozens of articles over the years for Motor Age magazine and the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS). He has also presented seminars at many conferences, including NACAT, MACS, TST, Automechanika and the ASE Instructor Conference. Tony holds 22 ASE certifications, including CMAT (A1-A9), CMTT (T1-T8), F1, H1, L1, L2 and L3.

Peter McArdle

Sales & Technical Instructor/Content Developer | Four Seasons

Peter recently retired after a 30-year career with Standard Motor Products, most recently as a technical instructor and training content developer, at their corporate training center in Irving Texas. There he developed air-conditioning training programs and also conducted hands-on air-conditioning and engine management classes for technicians. He has presented at MACS on a variety of HVAC service topics for many years and continues to be involved in the industry. Early in his career at Standard, he worked as a tech-line diagnostic technician at the company headquarters in Long Island City New York, helping independent repair shops fix challenging drivability problems. Prior to this he worked for as an independent repair technician specializing in drivability and electrical repairs. He holds many certificates in advanced engine performance systems diagnosis on both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
He is an Associate Member of SAE International.

Al McAvoy

Retired | Stellantis

As Technical Training Manager for Stellantis, Mr. McAvoy was responsible for five Technical Training Centers that support technical training to area dealerships, corporate personnel, educational institutions, and fleet accounts. He has over 40 years of automotive industry experience as a dealership service technician, technical training instructor, curriculum developer, training center supervisor, technical advisor, and area training manager.

Dave Miller

NA Williams

Scott Norman

Pittsburg State University

Peter Orlando

Sr. Curriculum Developer – Technicial Instructor | Advance Auto Parts – Carquest Technical Institute

Peter L. Orlando has been in the automotive industry for 45 years. He is an ASE Certified Master
Automobile Technician (CMAT) A1-A9 with additional certifications in C1, G1, L1, L2, L3, T6, and T8. He
owned and operated an automotive repair business for over 15 years in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania.
His current position is Sr. Curriculum Developer and Technical Instructor for Advance Auto Parts/Carquest
Technical Institute in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Prior to his position at Carquest Technical Institute, he owned and operated Automotive Training
Technologies for 20 years which provided technical training to In-Service automotive and truck technicians
nationwide.
Peter has been teaching automotive technologies for 30 years and has designed, developed and delivered
industry training for clients including: Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, United States Postal
Service, United Parcel Service-UPS, FedEx, Ryder Truck, Penske Truck leasing, Foley Caterpillar-NJ, New
Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Transportation, Robert Bosch Corporation-IL, Firestone,
Meineke Car Care Centers, Mobile Air Conditioning Society-PA, Snap-on Tools and Carquest Technical
Institute.
He is a licensed Motor Vehicle Inspector for the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and North
Carolina. Additionally, Peter is a certified Emissions Repair Technician and an Approved Instructor for the
State of New Jersey.
Pete is a member with the Society of Automotive Engineers-SAE, Mobile Air Climate Society – MACS,
Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly American Society for Training & Development-ASTD
and a proud supporter of the SAE Foundation.

Josh Parnell

CEO of Limitless Leadership | Limitless Leadership

Josh Parnell is the Founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership. He is an experienced leadership coach, trainer, and speaker in the automotive repair industry and a United States Air Force veteran with over 20 years of leadership experience.

Josh helps automotive repair shops tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. Or in other words, he helps aspiring leaders learn how to lead, coach, train, and manage people… better, by sharing his proven leadership techniques and resources, most notably his signature “roots to results” coaching method adopted by many of his clients.

Prior to entrepreneurship, he grew and developed his leadership skills as a corporate trainer and coach for Christian Brothers Automotive, where he led a TEAM for nearly a decade that served thousands of employees within the franchise organization.

Josh is the host of the Limitless Leadership Podcast and enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and working out. He’s married to his wife, J’anvieu, and together they are raising leaders in their four children at home in Houston, Texas.

For more information, please visit www.limitlessleadership.co.

Agnes Perez

Ventas | Auto Air Parts of Puerto Rico

Agnes is a distinguished professional with over 20 years of experience in automotive air conditioning systems and electric vehicles. She holds an Automotive Technician license as well as a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA in Marketing. As the founder of Mecanea tu Día, an educational platform providing seminars, workshops, and certifications, Agnes addresses the modern needs of automotive technicians, focusing on electrification, HVAC systems, and operational management. Her leadership at Auto Air Parts of Puerto Rico has positively impacted over 2,500 mechanics and students. She has also served two terms on the MACS board, contributing significantly to the organization’s development. For her dedication, Agnes has been honored with the Leadership Award Robert Belman Memorial and the Ambassador Award.

Joe Ragnanese III

Assistant Professor | Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Joseph Ragnanese, III is an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University. His teaching and research interests include hybrid/electric vehicles as well as advanced drivability and emissions. Previously, Ragnanese worked at Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) as a technical training project manager, primarily as a subject matter expert for Alfa Romeo and oversaw training for all brands in HVAC and automatic transmissions. Growing up and through college, Ragnanese worked as a technician and part owner of his family’s 45-year-old business, Joe’s Auto and Truck Repair in Elmhurst, IL. He currently lives in Herrin, IL with his wife and dog.

Josh Saul

Apllications Engineering Manager | TCCI Manufacturing

Steve Schaeber

Director of Training and Regulatory Affairs | Editor-in-Chief, ACtion Magazine | MACS

Steve Schaeber is Director of Training and Regulatory Affairs at MACS, the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association, where he engages with industry and government stakeholders. Steve’s focus is on refrigerant lifecycle management in the mobile air conditioning and thermal management sector through training and best service practices, including the use of proper tools and equipment to recycle refrigerant and minimize its release into the atmosphere. Steve serves as vice chairman of the SAE Interior Climate Control Steering Committee and sponsor of several SAE Standards, including J3332 (Requirements for Retrofitting Refrigerants in Mobile Thermal Management Systems), J1628 (Technician Procedures for Refrigerant Leak Detection in Service of Mobile Air Conditioning Systems), J2851 (Recovery Equipment for Contaminated R-134a or R-1234yf Refrigerant from Mobile Automotive Air Conditioning Systems), and J3221 (Refrigerant Electronic Leak Detectors, Minimum Performance Criteria).

You can reach Steve at sschaeber@macsmobileairclimate.org

Karl Schneider

Senior Training Instructor | Bosch

Chris Seeton

Owner / Chief Engineer | Seeton C&P LLC

Chris Seeton, Ph.D. is the founder of Seeton C&P LLC, providing consulting in refrigeration, thermal management, gas compression, and lubricant technology. With more than 30 years of experience, he has led the development and commercialization of next-generation refrigerants, including serving as Global Technology Leader for R-1234yf at Honeywell. Chris has held senior technical leadership positions at Honeywell, Shrieve Chemical, and Mexichem/Koura/Orbia (whatever they want to be called), authored numerous technical publications and industry standards, and currently chairs SAE Team Entropy, advancing propane (R-290) technologies for electric vehicle thermal management. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Georgia Tech and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Matt Stoia

Technical Service Senior Specialist | Chemours

Matt Stoia is Technical Service Senior Specialist in Thermal and Specialized Solutions (TSS) at The Chemours Company of Newark, Delaware.

Matt has been working within the Thermal and Specialties Solutions business as the Mobile Aftermarket Technical Services Senior Specialist at Chemours for the past 4 years. Previously, he served as the Technical Service Specialist and North America Product Stewardship Resource in the Titanium Technologies business for the previous 8 years.

Matt has more than 18 years of technical experience with Fortune 500 companies, and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Wilmington University and an A.S. in Biotechnology.

You can reach Matt at Matthew.Stoia@chemours.com

Mike Stoltz

Regional Product Manager | Danfoss

Mike Stoltz is Regional Product Manager at Danfoss Power Solutions in Findlay, Ohio.

MaryJo VandenBrink

Business Development Manager | Solstice

MaryJo VandenBrink, known to many as MJ, is an Engineer currently serving as Business Development Manager for Solstice Advanced Materials (formerly Honeywell). Throughout her career, she has built extensive experience in the automotive compressor industry, holding positions at Denso, Sanden, General Motors, and Stellantis before joining Honeywell.

Solstice has been an active MACS member for nearly many years, and since joining the company, MJ has remained actively involved with MACS and serves on multiple SAE committees. She recognizes that the HVAC industry is evolving rapidly and is dedicated to supporting MACS and its members to the best of her ability.

MaryJo currently serves on the executive committee as Vice-Chair of the MACS board of directors. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the SAE Interior Climate and Thermal Management Systems Fluids Committee and Vice-Chair of the SAE HFTC6 (Human Factors Technical Committee) for off-highway construction and agricultural equipment.

You can reach MJ at maryjo.vandenbrink@solstice.com

Gary Villa

Automotive Technology Instructor | Cuesta College

Gary Villa is an Automotive Technology Instructor at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California.

 

Ira Waldman

Lead Instructor | ExperTech Automotive Training

Ira Waldman is a shop owner, automotive technician, automotive technology instructor, and forensic automotive investigator. He currently co-owns and operates Mallue Automotive in Manasquan, New Jersey.

Mr. Waldman has been providing expert technical consulting, training, diagnostic and programming services for more than thirty years in the automotive field. He is a former trainer for Mechanics Education Association (MEA). He is a master certified automobile technician and his experience in identifying the root cause of failures is second to none. As an automotive technology instructor, Mr. Waldman is always current on the rapidly changing automotive systems used in today’s vehicles. He has taught classes at many of the premier training events around the country.

Josh Weaver

Dorman Products

Josh is a highly driven automotive technician dedicated to continuous learning and sharing his expertise. He earned an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology and holds multiple certifications, including EPA 609 and ASE L1 and L3, along with Pennsylvania emissions and safety inspection credentials. He built his experience working with Ford and Kia dealerships, becoming a Master Technician and lead tech, where he specialized in complex diagnostics. He later served as a service manager for an independent repair and collision center, expanding his experience with drivability, electrical, and programming issues. Today, Josh runs a part-time mobile diagnostic business and teaches training classes, focused on helping technicians grow and advancing the industry.

Denis White

TEXA EDU MANAGER | Texa

40 Year veteran of the automotive industry, focused on training technicians for the last 10 years. Currently still working in the automotive repair industry, bringing years of hands-on experience to today’s problems.