John Hazen White Jr., executive chairman and CEO of Taco Family of Companies, presented John Barba, director of training for Taco Comfort Solutions, with the Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort Award at Taco’s AHR Expo press conference on Feb. 3.

Barba – an admired leader in the HVAC industry – is the fifth recipient of the award. Barba is recognized for his decades of passionate (and often funny) work while teaching hydronic installers nationwide. 

Barba has been in the plumbing heating industry most of his life. He grew up in his family’s plumbing and heating business in Harvard, Massachusetts. His practical experience includes everything from ditch digging and drain cleaning to boiler piping and radiant heat installations, as well as business management and sales. Since 1995, Barba has trained more than 30,000 contractors on the fine art of hydronic heating design and installation through highly interactive, entertaining and informative seminars.

Barba was the 2012-2014 recipient of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence, and was named the industry’s Best Trainer for 2015 by ACHR News magazine.

Barba lives in Exeter, New Hampshire, with his wife, Heidi, and dogs, Frankie and Lola. He is father to Genevieve, Sam, Jackie and David.

The Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort Award is given annually to an HVAC professional or company that has made a substantial contribution to comfort technology, advancement, or training while displaying the exceptional good humor and love of people exhibited by Dan Holohan throughout his long career. Past award winners include Dan Holohan, Robert Bean, Bruce Marshall and Dan Foley.