The Spirit of Independence Award is the highest individual honor in the indoor environment profession, bestowed occasionally on an individual who has had a profound impact on the success of the professional contracting industry.

Recipients of this award are the industry’s legends, each of whom has left a mark on our entire community through service, innovation, and personal commitment. 

The Spirit of Independence Award is presented to an individual; company names are included for identification purposes only. 

Nominations for ACCA 2025 awards are now closed. Please check back for 2026 nomination information.

ACCA Spirit of Independence Award Winners

2022
Jack Rise
Jack Rise HVAC Technical Training
Tampa, FL

2019
Phil Forner
Allendale Heating & Cooling
Allendale, MI

2017
Laura DiFilippo
DiFilippo's Service
Paoli, PA

2016
Warren Lupson
Silver Spring, MD

2013
John Sedine
Engineered Heating & Cooling

2012
Stan Johnson
Stan's Heating & Air Conditioning

2008
Hank Rutkowski
HTR Engineering

2006
Skip Snyder
The Snyder Company

2003
Jeff Forker
Penton Media

2002
Larry Taylor
Air Rite Air Conditioning

2001
Aaron York, Sr.
Aaron York's Quality Heating & AC

2000
James P Norris
GroupMAC Corp

1999
Dan Thayer
Thayer Corporation

1998
Dick Shaw
Ferris State University

1997
Walter M. "Pete" Reckinger III
Reckinger Heating & Cooling

1996
Maury Jacobson
Florida Heating & AC

1995
Dr. Emol Fails
Management Institute

1994
Doc Rusk
Rusk Heating & AC

1993
Norman Edelman
Super Service

1992
Wallace Lee
Lee Company

1991
Cliff McCourt
Day & Night Heating & Cooling

1987
James P. McDermott
Contracting Business

1984
Charles E. Wright
Airtron

1983
Dave Gleason
Burns Heating & Cooling Supply

1982
Bob Ritchie
BALCO

1981
Al Keats
Metro Detroit ACCA

• Member Community
• Awards Programs
• Residential Contractor of the Year
• Commercial Contractor of the Year
• Spirit of Independence Award
• Community Leadership Award
• Distinguished Service Award
• Service Manager of the Year
• Super S.T.A.R. Award

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