Dear Partners and Friends,
As you’ll see in today’s announcement, Climate Technologies is entering an exciting new chapter of leadership. After many years at the helm, I will transition into a new role in Business Development, while Jared Dipzinski and Max Sitek assume expanded leadership and ownership responsibilities.
Rather than repeating what’s already included in the press release, I want to use this letter to speak to you directly, not as a formal announcement, but as a personal note of gratitude and confidence.
This company, and this career, have been the most rewarding endeavor of my life.
Climate Technologies was founded more than 55 years ago. I joined the company in 1986, and in 1990 I assumed the role of CEO. That year, we brought together two legacy firms to form what is now Climate Technologies. From there, we experienced a period of tremendous growth. We grew from three employees to more than 30, expanded with offices in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, and evolved into a full-service climate solutions provider, from design and engineering through installation and commissioning.
I truly enjoyed the excitement of building a business, including the accelerated learning curve, the consistent focus on growth and innovation, and the expansion of my own education in business, marketing, and technical expertise. That journey, however, was not without its challenges. Economic uncertainty, including the Great Recession and its impact on the automotive industry, forced hard decisions, while managing a company of expanding complexity added its own demands.
One of the greatest challenges, and greatest rewards, was building the right team. Selecting the right people, leading them, and watching them grow has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career. The employees, customers, strategic partners and vendors I’ve worked with over the years have left me with lasting memories and a deep sense of satisfaction. It is that same spirit of dedication and excellence that will carry Climate Technologies forward.
Passing the leadership torch to Jared and Max is something I do with great confidence. I brought this leadership team together intentionally, based on their unique strengths, capabilities, and 40 years of combined experience and expertise. I truly couldn’t have found two better individuals to lead Climate Technologies into its next chapter.
Although my role is changing, I want to be clear: I’m not going away. I will continue supporting the company in a business development capacity, working closely with key customers, market segments, and projects, and providing guidance wherever it’s helpful to ensure continuity and momentum.
To those who joined me on this adventure: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your partnership over the years. You are the reason this journey has been so meaningful. I’m deeply grateful to everyone I’ve worked with along the way who made this career so rewarding and rich.
Most importantly, I want to reassure you that Climate Technologies remains fully committed to the level of service, technical expertise, and integrity you have come to expect. That commitment will not change.
With sincere appreciation,
Walt Zimmerman
Climate Technologies
