HARDI announced that Don Gillis, a HVACR trainer and longtime industry professional, has joined the organization as HVACR Technical Trainer. Gillis will play a key role in expanding HARDI’s technical training offerings and furthering its mission to strengthen the capabilities of HVACR wholesale distributors.

With more than 30 years of hands-on experience in HVAC—ranging from service technician and business owner to territory manager and national training leader—Gillis brings a combination of field and training experience. He has worked across nearly every facet of the trade and has spent the last several years applying that knowledge to high-impact training roles at Emerson and, most recently, The Chemours Company, where he delivered technical education across North America.

Gillis’s technical credibility and experience working with contractors and distributors alike will also strengthen HARDI’s growing state affairs efforts, particularly in advocating for practical, industry-informed state and local code adoption.

At HARDI, Gillis will help lead several new and revitalized programs within the association’s Talent Development portfolio, including:

• The Enhanced Counter Specialist Role, which identifies and delivers essential product knowledge and soft skills to counter teams, tailored to distributor-specific needs.
• The Inside Sales Program, which focuses on structured, consultative selling to support stronger customer relationships and business growth.
• The Product/Technical Manager Certification, a role-specific program designed to evaluate and grow technical and interpersonal competencies that deliver added value to contractors.

“Don’s depth of experience is matched only by his passion for empowering others in this industry,” said Stella Keane, vice president of talent development at HARDI. “He understands the realities of the field, the pressures of distribution, and the power of training to create real business impact. Bringing someone like Don on board is a huge value-add not only for our team, but for our entire membership.”

In addition to leading training development and delivery, Gillis will work directly with HARDI members to identify emerging needs and ensure programs stay aligned with market and workforce demands.

“HARDI’s mission deeply resonates with me,” said Gillis. “After decades in this trade, I’ve seen firsthand how training can elevate careers, companies, and the entire channel. I’m thrilled to help build something that makes that kind of impact at scale.”