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AIR Control Concepts

Acquires and nurtures HVAC representation firms

Project Manager

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/15/2026
$100k - $135k/yr+ Bonus
Senior
Norfolk, VA, USA
In Person
Architecture & Civil EngineeringConstruction Management

About the job

Requirements
  • At least 5 years of experience in commercial HVAC project management, estimating, construction management, field supervision, or related mechanical experience.
  • Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC equipment and systems, including rooftop units, split systems, variable refrigerant flow systems, chillers, boilers, pumps, hydronics, piping, ductwork, controls, and system integration.
  • Experience developing HVAC estimates and detailed scopes of work.
  • Ability to read mechanical drawings, specifications, piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment schedules, submittals, and sequences of operation.
  • Understanding of subcontracted trades associated with HVAC projects, including electrical, controls, insulation, rigging, structural, plumbing, roofing, and testing, adjusting, and balancing.
  • Strong project financial management, forecasting, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and opportunities simultaneously.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
Responsibilities
  • Partner with Sales to develop commercial HVAC project opportunities.
  • Perform site surveys and evaluate existing conditions, constructability, access, schedule, and project risk.
  • Develop clear scopes of work, assumptions, exclusions, and customer responsibilities.
  • Prepare estimates covering equipment, materials, labor, subcontractors, controls, electrical, rigging, insulation, travel, commissioning, and other project costs.
  • Review drawings, specifications, submittals, and equipment requirements.
  • Develop project schedules, procurement plans, manpower requirements, and execution strategies.
  • Manage awarded projects from Sales turnover through final closeout.
  • Coordinate Field Superintendents, Technicians, subcontractors, vendors, equipment deliveries, startup, testing, adjusting, and balancing, controls, and commissioning.
  • Manage project budgets, labor performance, committed costs, forecasting, change orders, billing support, and cost-to-complete.
  • Maintain customer communication and resolve technical, schedule, and field coordination issues.
  • Ensure projects are executed safely, meet quality expectations, and achieve financial objectives.
Desired Qualifications
  • OSHA 30 certification is preferred.

About the company

Air Control Concepts builds a network by acquiring and integrating HVAC representation firms, then supports them with shared resources and collaboration to drive growth. Its products are the integrated services and community structure created through the acquisitions, plus access to partnerships and an enlarged market presence. The company differentiates itself by focusing on preserving each acquired firm’s unique culture while weaving them into a collaborative network, rather than simply competing on price or products. Based in Norfolk, VA, the goal is to help member firms grow, amplify their brands, and prosper through collective knowledge and opportunities.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Norfolk, Virginia

Founded

2016

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • August 2026 Vertical Systems added California, opening one of HVAC’s largest markets.
  • August 2026 Jess HVAC extended AIR’s Canadian platform into Quebec through O'Dell HVAC Group.
  • September 2026 leadership reshuffle installed Hayden Bland and Aaron Lewis to support scale.

What critics are saying

  • Brad Hobbs leaving CEO duties January 1, 2027 creates transition risk during integration.
  • AIR’s serial acquisitions from Quebec to California raise integration and culture-fracture risk.
  • Blackstone owns AIR’s growth engine; a stalled acquisition pipeline breaks the roll-up story.

What makes AIR Control Concepts unique

  • AIR’s 2026 rollup spans 50-plus operating companies across North America and Europe.
  • It preserves local brands, including Vertical Systems and Jess HVAC, after acquisitions.
  • Blackstone became sole institutional investor in January 2026, funding aggressive buy-and-build expansion.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Training Programs

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

31%

1 year growth

31%

2 year growth

31%
Virginia Business
Oct 13th, 2026
Norfolk company, LG strike deal for data center chillers.

Norfolk company, LG strike deal for data center chillers. Air Control Concepts provides infrastructure for data centers * Norfolk's Air Control Concepts has partnered with LG to provide cooling equipment for AI data centers * The multiyear deal will support North American data centers cooling tech * LG will be producing industrial chillers at Isle of Wight factory South Korean electronics giant LG Electronics will supply cooling equipment for massive artificial intelligence data centers across North America under a new agreement with Norfolk-based Air Control Concepts, the companies announced last week. Under the agreement, LG will supply advanced chillers - large cooling systems that remove heat from buildings and equipment - for data center projects with more than 5 gigawatts of capacity in North America. The companies did not disclose the deal's value or length, or identify the projects involved. Last month, LG announced plans to build a $63.9 million factory in Isle of Wight County to assemble refrigerant-free HVAC systems for industrial clients, including data center developers and operators. Production is expected to start in the first half of 2027, officials said. Air Control Concepts, a Blackstone-owned umbrella company for more than 50 heating, air conditioning, electrical and related businesses, serves commercial and industrial customers through its network of companies. It is now overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects for major data center operators across North America. The business's partnership with LG comes as technology companies race to build larger data centers that require powerful cooling systems to keep from overheating. "LG's high-efficiency chiller technology gives us a proven platform we can deploy with confidence across our AI data center portfolio, and this agreement positions Air to support our customers' growth for years to come," Air CEO Brad Hobbs said in a statement. The agreement is expected to help LG expand its presence in the growing market for cooling equipment used in AI data centers. LG's air-cooled chillers showcase refrigerant-free cooling technology, using cool outdoor air to lower the compressor cooling load and keep data centers from overheating. "Data center cooling represents a key pillar of LG's global growth strategy, and this major supply agreement with Air marks an inflection point for LG's North American chiller business," LG Electronics North America CEO Don Kwack said. "This alliance leverages LG's proven cooling innovations and Air's strong position with U.S. data center developers at a critical time for reliable AI infrastructure expansion." LG, which also manufactures home electronics and appliances, has been expanding its data center cooling business as demand for AI infrastructure grows. The company reported more than $428 million in orders for data center cooling equipment in the first half of 2026 and expects orders to reach several billion dollars by year-end. Air has more than 3,500 workers worldwide and operates more than 130 offices, according to its website. Founded in 2024 as a rebranding of Hobbs & Associates, the company is backed by investment giant Blackstone, which became its sole institutional investor in January after buying out fellow private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners' remaining stake. In September, Air Control Concepts announced President and Chief Operating Officer Hayden Bland will take over as CEO in January 2027, while Hobbs will transition to executive chair. LG Electronics is a South Korean appliances and consumer electronics company generates about $60 billion annually in revenue. Its U.S. air conditioning business is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, while its American parent company is based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Associated Press
Oct 8th, 2026
CM Pump Consultants advises Dolphin Equipment in acquisition by Air Control Concepts

CM Pump Consultants has advised on the acquisition of Dolphin Equipment Corporation by Air Control Concepts. The transaction closed on 30 September 2026 after the signing of definitive agreements. Dolphin Equipment is a New York-based fluid handling equipment distributor. Air Control Concepts operates in the HVAC industry. The deal brings together companies with experience in HVAC and fluid handling sectors. Christopher Murtagh, founder and president of CM Pump Consultants, served as strategic business adviser to Dolphin Equipment throughout the transaction. Kane Kessler, a New York City law firm, provided legal support. CM Pump Consultants is a specialised advisory firm serving the pump, water, wastewater, fire protection, HVAC, and fluid handling markets. The firm works with business owners and investors on mergers and acquisitions, strategic growth, and operational strategy.

Today in New York
Oct 8th, 2026
CM Pump Consultants advises Dolphin Equipment Corporation in acquisition by Air Control Concepts.

CM Pump Consultants advises Dolphin Equipment Corporation in acquisition by Air Control Concepts. "Big Apple" HVAC and Pump Industry Transaction Highlights Deep Industry Knowledge and Strategic Growth NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / - CM Pump Consultants LLC announced the successful completion of its advisory role in the acquisition of Dolphin Equipment Corporation, a New York-based fluid handling equipment distributor, by Air Control Concepts. The transaction brings together two companies with strong experience in the HVAC and fluid handling industries and highlights the importance of technical expertise, established relationships and local market knowledge when planning for long-term growth. Led by Founder and President Christopher Murtagh, CM Pump Consultants served as strategic business advisor to Dolphin Equipment throughout the transaction. The firm worked closely with Dolphin Equipment's leadership to evaluate the opportunity, identify the right strategic fit and guide the process through completion. Kane Kessler, a New York City law firm, provided legal and contractual support. "Dolphin Equipment has built an outstanding reputation in the New York market through its technical expertise, strong OEM relationships and understanding of the unique demands of New York City's high-rise HVAC, plumbing and critical infrastructure markets," said Murtagh. "Our goal throughout this process was to help the team determine the right path forward for the business and the people who have helped build it. Air Control Concepts is a strong fit for Dolphin and where the company is headed next." The transaction closed following the signing of definitive agreements on September 30th, 2026. For CM Pump Consultants, the engagement reflects the firm's approach to M&A and strategic advisory work. That starts with understanding what a company does well, where there is room to grow and what type of partner makes sense for the future of the business. "Successful transactions in this industry require a real understanding of the business behind the numbers," Murtagh said. "You have to know the market, the customers, the OEM relationships and where the opportunities actually are. Dolphin knows the New York City market extremely well, and that experience aligns with Air Control Concepts' plans for growth. There is a lot of opportunity in bringing those strengths together." The acquisition comes as companies throughout the HVAC, pump and fluid handling industries continue to look for opportunities to expand capabilities, strengthen partnerships and reach new markets. CM Pump Consultants works with business owners, leadership teams and investors throughout that process, bringing extensive pump and fluid handling industry experience to acquisitions, integrations, strategic planning, new product development and growth initiatives. CM Pump Consultants LLC is a specialized advisory firm serving the pump, water, wastewater, fire protection, HVAC, fluid handling and industrial infrastructure markets. Founded by Christopher Murtagh, the firm works with business owners, executive leadership teams and investors on mergers and acquisitions, strategic growth, platform development, post-transaction integration, new product development and operational strategy. CM Pump Consultants combines industry experience with a strong understanding of the pump and fluid handling markets to help clients evaluate opportunities, navigate transactions and position their businesses for continued growth. Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Today in New York do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

PR Newswire
Oct 5th, 2026
AIR and LG supply agreement aims to advance AI Data Center cooling business in North America.

AIR and LG supply agreement aims to advance AI Data Center cooling business in North America. Oct 05, 2026, 09:00 ET Companies Strengthen Position in Data Center Market Through Long-Term Chiller Partnership Supporting More Than 5GW of AI Data Center Capacity News Summary * LG Electronics has secured a long-term supply agreement with AIR Control Concepts to provide advanced cooling solutions for AI data centers in North America. * The agreement supports a large-scale, multi-year chiller supply program supporting data centers with more than 5GW of capacity. * This milestone reflects AIR's confidence in LG's cooling technologies to meet the demanding standards required for hyperscale data center infrastructure, positioning LG as a key supplier in this market. * For AIR, the partnership reinforces its position as one of North America's fastest-growing AI data center infrastructure platforms. NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - LG Electronics USA has signed a major supply agreement with AIR Control Concepts (AIR), the largest global platform of leading HVAC, electrical, service, and controls companies, to provide advanced chillers for data centers in the United States and Canada. The long-term contract builds on AIR's role as a leading AI data center (AIDC) platform provider and accelerates LG's expansion into the global AIDC cooling market, addressing the rapidly growing demand for high-efficiency thermal management solutions in AI infrastructure. Securing AI Infrastructure Partnership with Leading Data Center Developers Under the agreement, LG will supply advanced chillers supporting large-scale AI data center projects exceeding 5GW of capacity in North America. AIR oversees mega-scale infrastructure projects across major North American data center hubs, serving leading global data center operators as key customers. The LG Air-Cooled Centrifugal Chiller designed for AI data centers incorporates refrigerant free-cooling technology, using cool outdoor air to lower the compressor cooling load. Based on LG's internal simulation, refrigerant free-cooling can consume approximately 30 percent less energy annually than waterside free-cooling.[1] This contract demonstrates that LG's cooling solutions meet AIR's stringent technical and reliability requirements for its hyperscale data center projects. Moving beyond single-project bids, the agreement establishes LG as a core infrastructure partner supporting the growth of AI data centers in North America. For AIR, the partnership reinforces its position as one of North America's fastest-growing AI data center infrastructure platforms. As data center customers race to bring new capacity online, AIR is scaling the operational depth and supplier relationships needed to deliver mission-critical cooling infrastructure on schedule and at the standard the industry now requires. Targeting Rapid Growth in the Global AIDC Market The expansion of LG's AI data center cooling business draws on six decades of HVAC engineering experience in high-reliability environments such as nuclear power plants and large hospitals. Building on recent successes in supplying cooling solutions to hyperscale AI data centers in North America, LG is also expanding its global footprint with key data center projects in the Middle East and Indonesia. By leveraging the integrated capabilities of the broader LG Group to offer comprehensive cooling solutions, the company aims to drive mid- to long-term revenue growth. The global AI data center market presents significant growth opportunities. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market is expected to grow by approximately 26 percent annually, reaching $133.5 billion by 2034. In its second-quarter 2026 earnings report, LG highlighted that first-half orders for data center cooling solutions exceeded $428 million, and the company expects orders to reach several billion dollars by year-end. The company expects to achieve its 2027 chiller business revenue target of approximately $680 million (1 trillion Korean won) ahead of schedule.[2] Leveraging Complementary Capabilities to Address Exploding Demand "This agreement reflects the confidence data center customers place in AIR to deliver mission-critical infrastructure at a scale and pace the industry has never seen before," said Brad Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer of AIR Control Concepts. "LG's high-efficiency chiller technology gives us a proven platform we can deploy with confidence across our AI data center portfolio, and this agreement positions AIR to support our customers' growth for years to come." "As heat management in AI data centers emerges as a major global priority, LG aims to be a major player in the global AIDC cooling market," said James Lee, president of the LG Electronics ES Company. "We will achieve this through our differentiated technology, including our high-efficiency chillers, and our rapidly expanding experience in supplying leading big tech companies." "We're excited to deepen our partnership with LG at exactly the moment our industry needs it most," said Hayden Bland, President of AIR Control Concepts. "Data center operators are looking for partners who can deliver mission-critical reliability, capacity and certainty at scale. Together with LG, we're building the technology, manufacturing capacity and support infrastructure to meet that need. For data center customers planning their next generation of infrastructure, now is the time to engage with us." "Data center cooling represents a key pillar of LG's global growth strategy, and this major supply agreement with AIR marks an inflection point for LG's North American chiller business," said Don Kwack, CEO, LG Electronics North America. "This alliance leverages LG's proven cooling innovations and AIR's strong position with U.S. data center developers at a critical time for reliable AI infrastructure expansion." [1] Based on LG's internal simulation of a single 1,750 kW unit operating at 100 percent cooling capacity under climate conditions in the Seoul metropolitan area. Annual energy consumption was calculated at 1,479,655 kWh for hydronic free-cooling and 1,044,824 kWh for refrigerant free-cooling. Actual energy consumption may vary depending on installation and operating conditions. [2] This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future revenue targets, which are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. LG undertakes no obligation to update these statements. About AIR Control Concepts Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, AIR Control Concepts is a global platform operating across more than 50 operating companies and 3,500+ associates worldwide. AIR supports leading OEM partners and the customers they serve by combining deep local market expertise with the scale, resources, and connectivity of a global organization. Each operating company retains its culture, customer relationships, and regional expertise while gaining access to enterprise collaboration, shared services, and strategic investment. For more information, including partnership opportunities, visit aircontrolconcepts.com. About the LG Electronics Eco Solution Company The LG Eco Solution (ES) Company offers advanced air conditioning solutions, including chillers, for diverse sectors and climates. Committed to exceptional HVAC performance, the ES Company aims to enhance indoor comfort and well-being with innovative air care products. Leveraging deep industry expertise, it offers digitalized HVAC solutions designed for better life. As a trusted partner, the company integrates cutting-edge technology into daily operations while offering ongoing support. For more information, please visit www.LG.com/global/business/hvac. About LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA LG Electronics USA's Air Conditioning Technologies business is based in Alpharetta, Ga. From consumer and individual units to industrial and specialized air conditioning products and equipment, LG provides a wide range of products for heating, ventilating, air conditioning, water heating, and building controls in the United States. Eleven-time ENERGY STAR(R) Partner of the Year, LG Electronics USA (headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.), is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual revenues of over $60 billion. Learn more at lghvac.com. | Media Contacts: | / | | LG Electronics USA | AIR Control Concepts | | John I. Taylor | Kelly Duffy | | +1 847 941 8181 | +1 610 620 3998 | | [email protected] | [email protected] | SOURCE AIR Control Concepts

PR Newswire
Sep 3rd, 2026
AIR Control Concepts founder steps aside as CEO, announces leadership reshuffle

AIR Control Concepts, the largest commercial HVAC, electrical and controls platform globally, has announced leadership changes effective 1 January 2027. Founder Brad Hobbs will transition from president and chief executive officer to executive chair, whilst Hayden Bland, currently president and chief operating officer, will become president and CEO. Hobbs will remain on AIR's board and focus on mergers and acquisitions, strategic growth initiatives, and key relationships. He will continue leading Hobbs & Associates, the original platform business. Additionally, Aaron Lewis will join AIR as chief operating officer on 1 October 2026. Lewis brings extensive experience from Johnson Controls and will oversee the company's Equipment business segment whilst supporting international expansion. The Norfolk, Virginia-based company operates across more than 50 operating companies with over 3,500 associates worldwide.