The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association awarded its annual HVAC Contractor of the Year Award to Scott Kellam, owner of Kellam Mechanical. Virginia Beach, Va. Recognizing excellence in the HVACR industry, the award salutes the contractor best demonstrating professionalism, merchandising and management skills, innovative techniques, trade involvement, and community service.

With strong roots in the trades, Kellam gradually converted his business from new construction to full service. Today, the 20-year-old company employs 25 people and provides heating, air conditioning, electrical, and indoor air quality services to the Southside area of Hampton Roads. Dedicated to high-quality customer service and standing by its "Client Courtesy Promise," the company holds weekly training sessions for technicians and, when needed, daily one-on-one coaching sessions. High standards are the cornerstone of the business, which routinely invites manufacturers or reps to present new products or processes at employee meetings, incorporates tool box talks to maintain technician confidence, and adopts what it calls "Red Carpet Service" standards when it comes to respecting a customer's home.

A sports enthusiast and long-time recreational coach, Kellam is personally aware of the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. That translates to the way he runs his business. In an industry with high employee turnover, he is proud of his long-term employees and believes that retention is a result of owner involvement and providing good benefits.

"I am accessible, and I am very strict," he said of his management style. "I really believe both my employees and my clients are my customers, and I try to treat them that way."

Kellam was instrumental in helping the ACCA Hampton Roads Chapter convert its membership to PHCC of Virginia in 2015. Since becoming active with PHCC, he has chaired the golf outing, participated in identifying membership and chapter programs, and helped develop a scholarship program for local HVAC apprentices.

The application form from PHCC of Virginia calls Kellam "an excellent representative of the HVAC industry, a remarkable member of the community in which he lives and works, and an asset to the PHCC of Virginia membership...We are fortunate to have Scott among our members and believe he epitomizes the skills and attitude celebrated through the HVAC Contractor of the Year Award."