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ASHRAE Chapter History Leadership Recall Interview Jacksonville, Florida Chapter (034) Date: June 27, 1997 |
When and where were you born?
I was born in Birmingham, AL on February 1, 1941. I only lived
there for one year prior to my parents' divorce. I then moved to Rome, Georgia and lived
there until I was twelve years old. My Mom then remarried and we moved to Greensboro,
North Carolina where I finished high school. I became interested in engineering during high
school.
Where did you go to school?
I attended Georgia Tech where I received a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering Degree in 1964.
Are you a registered engineer?
I am registered in both Florida and Georgia.
What did you do ear1v in your career?
I worked for the Trane Company in Atlanta from 1964
until 1966. I worked in a Trane satellite office in Albany, Georgia from 1966 until 1971.
I started work with George Israel Company in 1971 in the Albany office and then moved to
Jacksonville in 1972 where I remained until 1977. In 1977, I started my present company,
Florida Hydronics.
I know that you have been very active in both our Chanter. Our Region and in Society. Tell
me a little bit about your participation.
I began my society service serving on the Fenestration Technical Committee TC4.5 from 1983 through 1985. I was attracted to that committee because of a spin-off business called Florida Kool-Shading, Inc. I didn't feel like the committee accomplished very much. It was an intensely political situation.
After serving as Chapter President in 1984/1985, I became Regional Vice-Chair for
Educational Activities for 1985/86, 1986/87, and 1987/88. In 1988/89, I moved into the
Society Nominating Committee where I served for five years until 1992/93.
I also noticed from our Chapter's Archives that you received the Regional Award of Merit in 1988.
Yes, that was an honor. I have been looking at a variety of plaques and trophies in my office, as
we talk, trying to remember some of the actual dates.
Who is one of the most memorable people that you have met within our society?
George Israel, Sr. He was both a great person and a great engineer.
What general comments do you have about the state of our profession?
There have certainly been a lot of changes over the years. The advent of the personal computer and equipment selection programs has had a significant impact on the way that we do business. Our ability
to design has greatly improved. It is unfortunate, but it also seems that we are cheapening
our products more and more every day. The reduction of copper and cast iron in new motors
is a good example. Motors are running hotter every year.
Would you ask young people to consider a career in engineering?
Definitely, but a problem that is becoming more apparent all the time is the lack of respect that engineers receive and their decreasing financial compensation.
Do you have any comments about The ASHRAE Society?
ASHRAE is a great organization. You get out of ASHRAE everything and more than you put into it. Get involved!
Barney. I appreciate you granting me this interview. You have certainly contributed your fair share to ASHRAE since moving to Jacksonville and joining our chapter. Thank you.
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