Meet The Commercial Team
Commercial projects can be overwhelming with a lot to gain or lose. It is important to have support from a team you can trust. With value engineering and reliable contacts with years of experience and knowledge, you can overcome any situation you’re in. Avoid the slow lead times and additional costs with easy quote submissions and clear communication.
When you put your confidence in our team, you will add confidence in yours.
Call us for a job walk (661-747-7459)
Ken Gibbs
30+ years in the HVAC/R industry. Served in a variety of roles including service, construction, national accounts, dispatch and sales. Over the years I have enjoyed delivering solutions for my clients spanning 3 through 50-ton air conditioning, 40 to minus 80 or it makes ice. Currently in my 15th year with Johnstone Supply, I have grown from counter sales into full sales including commercial projects, sales and technical support and growth management. I am fortunate to serve on the Johnstone Commercial Alliance and Johnson Controls Navigator Council. I maintain certifications as an Application Specialist, NATE certified and Fujitsu’s Elite Champion covering both Halcyon and all stages of VRF technologies.
Mark Whitlock
Started working in HVAC/R in 2001. I spent my first year as a Residential & Light Commercial HVAC Installer. When that business closed, I became a Service Technician for MAS Service, an HVAC/R company that specializes in Restaurants. Through my 2 years working there I gained a working knowledge in HVAC, refrigeration, and ice machines. I had a serious car accident in 2004 and after a slow recovery, shifted to working in wholesale at RSD in 2007. As I learned and mastered all aspects of branch operations and counter sales, my responsibilities grew to include various product specialist roles, including Fujitsu, Ruud, Copeland, Belimo, Honeywell, and Johnson Controls. I also spent my last two years doing outside technical sales of these product lines when needed. After 11 years at RSD, I decided in 2018 to leave California to escape the commute traffic and extreme cost of living, and moved to Reno, NV. After visiting all the Wholesalers in Reno during a scouting trip, I found a new opportunity with Johnstone Supply in Sparks. I initially accepted a role at the counter, but shortly after I started, the TM position opened up, and I asked for the opportunity. During my year in the TM position, I learned more about Outside Sales and taking care of the customer on a more personal level. In October 2019, I was offered a recently opened position that more closely aligned with my skill set, Technical Service Advisor. I was extremely excited to get this opportunity, as I have always loved learning new things and teaching what I know. I have been in the TSA role for 2.5 years now, and I am enjoying it even more now than when I accepted it. After extensive factory training from the vendors and constant education, I feel that I have become a true specialist on the Fujitsu and Coleman product lines. Along the way, I have added the additional specialties of Commercial Project Design and Estimation, especially on the Fujitsu Airstage product line. With my field experience, 11 years at the parts counter, outside sales knowledge, and multiple product specialties, it allows me to bring my knowledge to help solve customers and coworkers when issues arise.
David Pryor
20 years in the HVAC/R industry, most of which has been served in Distribution. Worked with a contractor for a year and a half serving as a Comfort Advisor and Commercial Sales. I have a background in both Refrigeration and HVAC but my passion lives with HVAC and the businesses that are entrenched in it. Over the years I have held positions from the very bottom to inside sales, counter sales, outside sales and now Director of Sales and Marketing with Johnstone Supply. I have over 10 years of experience working with the Fujitsu line and am now fully immersed in their VRF products. Finding solutions to problems and redesigning the broken wheel are why I wake up in the morning.
A message from Ryan Kalmbach, CEO Orion Group
Hello!
Our passion at the Johnstone Supply Orion Group is to partner with our employees and our customers to help them to grow. Our mission is to make it easier for HVAC contractors to do business. For decades, we have partnered with growth-oriented and value-minded residential contractors to help them grow their businesses. We pride ourselves on being more than just "another supply house"; we work closely with our partners to help them to make more money, save time and have more control over their business.
Many of our existing partners who enjoy our world-class support on the residential side of the business, have asked us for years to expand our commercial capabilities to better support them. We invested primarily in three key areas to make it easier for the commercial contractor to do business:
1 - Inventory.
We invested heavily in commercial rooftop equipment, accessories, ductless, and VRF product. We now have $300k in stock locally, representing 116 units. In addition, we have access to 28 units in our Las Vegas Distribution Center; all available overnight and ready for 7AM pick up via our famous "First Call" service. I personally invite you to visit our expanded Fresno warehouse for a tour.
2 - Expertise.
Our commercial team has 75 years of combined HVAC experience with specialized factory training in commercial application design and start up. David Pryor is your dedicated Commercial Territory Manager, specialized on the commercial contractor. Ken Gibbs, is your Commercial Project Specialist, focused exclusively on quoting commercial projects. This team of service-minded professionals is driven to help you look like a hero with your customers.
3 - Training.
We have built a large, hands-on training lab that includes a focus on VRF and commercial equipment. HVAC technology, particularly in the commercial space, is rapidly changing. You need the ability for your team to easily access the knowledge they need to stay on the cutting edge. Learn More HERE about our training center.
We are excited to expand our capabilities to serve residential AND commercial contractors.
Sincerely,
Ryan Kalmbach
CEO Johnstone Supply, The Orion Group
