N.H. Yates & Co., a manufacturer’s representative and distributor of premier PHVAC and hydronic products in the eastern United States, announced the retirement of former owner and CEO James “JR” Yates Jr., effective March 31, 2024.

JR joined the family business in 1972, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, founder N.H. Yates, his grandmother Mary Yates, and his father and three uncles. JR worked for Yates for almost 60 years, taking a short hiatus to join Taco Inc., now Taco Comfort Systems, from 1978-1987. 

In 1996, JR took on the role of president of N.H. Yates after purchasing the company with his brother Tom and colleague Jon Thomas. JR’s management led to rapid expansion of the business, taking it from $15 million in sales in 1995 to $150 million in 2018 and doubling its sales territory. 

Having steered the company through good times and bad, JR often muttered, “Murphy was an optimist.” In 2018, JR led a successful ownership transition when Jon Thomas and Dan Kelbaugh fully acquired the firm.

"As evidenced by well over 50 years in the business, JR loves our industry and has enjoyed continued customer engagement since selling his portion of the company to us in 2018,” said Thomas, president and co-owner of the Yates Companies. “It is a fitting tribute to JR that we are celebrating his retirement in the same year that we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of N.H. Yates and the 50th anniversary of Hydronic Modules.”  

Thomas added that unlike his father before him, JR actually planned to retire. JR looks forward to spending time gardening, playing golf, traveling with his wife, Nancy, and herding his three grandchildren.