John Lavelle

1. Would you give a brief biographical sketch of your life.
Born 1938, in Philadelphia, PA - 1 of 3 children born to Irish immigrant parents. Usual schooling through highschool - Followed by graduation from Naval Academy, 1960. Commissioning crew of USS Enterprise ( First nuclear powered carrier and first computer based , real-time information and control center.) This was my introduction into the world of cyberspace. This was followed by duty on board a guided missile destroyer. That is the only employment I have had outside the HVAC industry. I am married with two grown sons and 1 grandson.

2./3. What attracted you to the HVAC industry? What was you first job in the HVAC industry and where did it lead?
After resigning my commission in U.S. Navy, settled in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964, and have resided here since then. Needing a job, I found one with Johnson Controls as a sales engineer. In 1972, I became the branch manager.

4. Describe the industry at that time. What were the challenges that you were facing?
The mechanical industry was in many ways similar to today's industry. The equipment was far less efficient (eg. Chillers at 1 KW/ton were about as good as it was). Controls were 85% pneumatic. There were no VFDs, SCRs, Soft starters, etc. Variable speed pumping, variable volume AHUs, variable volume terminal units were unheard of back then. Power was cheap so total focus was on comfort, and precise conditions with no consideration for operating costs.

5. How and when did you get started in ASHRAE?
I first joined ASHRAE approximately 1965. At that time most businesses were very strong supporters including my employer (Johnson Controls). Virtually everybody in the industry was a member.

6. What was your ASHRAE chapter and/or regional and society experience?
For many years I traveled throughout northeast Florida, and was an attending member. After coming to W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor I became more active and went through the process of working up to President of the JAX chapter in 1996-97.

7. What were the major issues facing the industry at that time?
We were getting very serious about refrigerants and things like oxygen depletion and greenhouse effect. We were also just beginning to look at and use BAC NET to its potential. We were on the verge of getting automation onto the internet.

8. How was ASHRAE interacting with the public?
One of the issues ASHRAE was dealing with was to provide professional advice and guidance to federal initiatives regarding the environment. This also included more efficient use of power. ASHRAE had not done a good job during President Carter's administration and worked to bring good engineering practice into the solutions.

9. On what ASHRAE committees did you serve?
None

10. What people stand out as influences on you?
Locally - years ago when I was first getting into our industry two engineers were very influential in my development: Walt Van Wagenen and Frank Wilder. They both designed with a certain philosophy that was practical, efficient, and still cutting edge. Eg. Frank Wilder designed the total energy plant at Regency Square. At that time it was one of the first such in the country. Another big influence was Charlie Brank, who brought that plant online and operated it successfully for a number of years.

11/12. What events changed ASHRAE and the industry?
One event that had a large influence on ASHRAE was the energy crisis of the early 70s (Approx 1972). This created a direction for ASHRAE to point its efforts. Coupled with that was the development of the PC. Prior to IBMs introduction of it, most automation systems resided in a mini-computer. The very large and sophisticated systems used a main frame. Programming was largely in Fortran, and much of it was done in machine language. Programming was costly and difficult. The development of the PC and much more user friendly languages plus drastic decreases in the cost of memory has enabled us to make the systems so user friendly that the programming and hardware have become transparent.

13. What has ASHRAE meant to the industry's growth?
ASHRAE research has promoted the growth through innovation in the way we design systems. Emphasis on more efficient use of power has pushed the envelope to develop better understanding by owners, developers, etc. ASHRAE has also become more involved with governmental agencies. This has provided opportunities to broaden the scope of the HVAC industry, creating new opportunities for expanded business.

14. What advise would you give to a young person entering the HVAC field?
To a new engineer: Learn something new everyday. Make use of technical magazines, ASHRAE handbooks and any other technical literature to stay abreast of new technologies and new techniques. Make sure you do something for yourself in terms of education and get your P.E. Be active in ASHRAE and make good use of the help available from other members.

15. Did any humorous events take place during your association with ASHRAE?
Yes! But too many to go into, and besides, I wouldn't name names.

16. What other interests and/or hobbies do you have?
Scuba diving, fishing.

17. Any other comments you would like to make?
No.

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