The National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP), an organization comprising hundreds of dedicated industry professionals in the Northeast, announced the winners of its 2024- 25 industry awards at the annual Eastern Energy Expo in Atlantic City, NJ.
“OESP has the tremendous benefit of countless volunteers who are committed to advancing the association, as well as the entire industry,” said Matt Spink of Platinum Energy Group, East Meadow, NY, chair of the OESP Awards Committee. “These individuals represent the best in our industry this year, and it is our privilege to bestow these national awards for their excellence and dedication.”
“I couldn’t be prouder to be part of an organization that’s home to such dedicated, passionate professionals,” said Bob O’Brien, President of OESP. “Our award winners exemplify the values and spirit of service that define our industry, and it’s an honor to celebrate their outstanding contributions.” The winners include:
• Ralph Adams Memorial Service Manager of the Year: Marty Briganti, Standard Oil, Monroe, CT
• Hugh W. McKee Memorial Award: Steve Schwanger, Schwanger Bros, Lancaster, PA
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Bruce Graham, retired, Joppa, MD
• Instructor of the Year : Alan Wornham, R.W. Beckett Corporation, Auburn, MA
• Lou Ehrich Memorial Associate of the Year Award: Justin Romano, Guaranteed Home Improvement, Plainview, NY
• Manufacturer of the Year: Resideo, accepted by Thomas Melillo, Golden Valley, MN
• Distinguished Service Award: Gary Cooperrider, R.W. Beckett Corporation, Elyria, OH Learn more about OESP at ThinkOESP.org.
The National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) serves the energy needs of Northeast America. Our members , comprising leading energy service professionals, share ideas and information about technical and managerial procedures to improve the quality of customer service. The OESP supports students , instructors, technicians and management level executives, in addition to the small business owner.
Winners of the 2025 Dave Nelsen Scholarship were announced by OESP at the annual Eastern Energy Expo in Atlantic City, NJ.
The scholarship was established in 1999 to remember and recognize the commitment to education made by OESP member Dave Nelsen. It is awarded to students or technicians who are currently or planning to attend a technical college or trade school, pursuing a career in the oil and energy industry.
“We are immensely proud to announce the exceptional individuals who will receive the 2025 Dave Nelsen Scholarship,” OESP President Bob O’Brien said. “We are thrilled to acknowledge these outstanding students and are confident in their abilities to carry forward the distinguished legacy of Dave Nelsen.”
“We would like to recognize our corporate, association and OESP chapter sponsors, who, along with OESP, co-sponsor the scholarships each year,” O’Brien added. “Thank you for all of your continued efforts; this wouldn’t be possible without your support and guidance.” Angel Gonzalez, OESP Dave Nelsen Scholarship Chair, leads the committee responsible for reviewing applications and selecting this year’s scholarship recipients.
“We see a lot of very qualified applicants, and we continue to be
impressed by the quality of their work,” Gonzalez said. “It is encouraging to see such strong interest in our industry from the next generation of professionals.”
“Our company takes pride in offering educational assistance to young people who wish to embark on a career in our industry,” said Rich Lyons, President, C. Cowles & Company, the parent company of Carlin/Hydrolevel, which sponsors a scholarship. “A career in the HVAC industry offers a wealth of opportunities for these outstanding scholarship recipients.”
“We are greatly honored to give back to our industry in the most valuable way,” Fred Hunt, Director of Sales & Marketing of Beckett Corporation, added. “We are proud to support our future by providing students with this opportunity each year.” The 2025 Dave Nelsen Scholarship winners are:
· Austin Debolt – Attends Alfred State College and resides in Berkshire, NY. This scholarship was co-sponsored by the NYC, Long Island and Westchester Chapters of OESP
· Michael Gogliettino – Attends Entech and resides in Guilford, CT. This scholarship was co-sponsored by Carlin/Hydrolevel and the New Haven Chapter of OESP
· Dominick Grunert – Attends Entech and resides in East Haddam, CT. This scholarship was co-sponsored by Carlin/ Hydrolevel and the New Haven Chapter of OESP
· Alyssa Needham – Attends Masters Plumbing & Gas and resides in Rockland, MA. This scholarship was co-sponsored by the Southeast PA Chapter of OESP
· Ubaldo Rodiles – Attends Entech and resides in Meriden, CT. This scholarship was co-sponsored by R.W. Beckett
OESP also honored William Strempski, an HVAC instructor at Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury, Connecticut, who was awarded the Dan Holohan Instructor’s Grant.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) will hold CONNECT 2025 event for plumbing and HVAC professionals October 27–30, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Product & Technology Showcase opens on Tuesday, October 28, moved up one day from previous years, giving attendees time to connect with manufacturers, discover the latest tools and technologies, and explore real-world solutions for their businesses.
The trade show floor will be surrounded by Learning Labs, small, interactive learning spaces featuring presentations by experts on trending topics, best practices and business strategies. Attendees can also stop by two Podcast Pods, where live interviews will highlight industry voices, success stories and conversations shaping the future of the trades.
For more details, including the schedule-at-a-glance, visit phccweb .org/CONNECT. This site offers information on education sessions, speakers, exhibitors, registration and hotel reservations , as well as the many attractions of Grand Rapids, known as America’s best beer city. l FON