Session Overview
Back by popular demand, the AHR Exhibitor Controller Showdown takes the stage—Vegas style. Leading manufacturers will showcase their latest smart building controllers, demonstrating the features, flexibility, and performance that set them apart. This year’s Elvis-themed edition promises not only great insights but also a bit of Vegas flair. Learn how to evaluate, program, and commission today’s most advanced controllers while enjoying an engaging, head-to-head competition you won’t forget.
SPEAKERS
Gus Bauder, Regional Sales Leader, Cochrane Supply
Gus has been a dedicated member of the HVAC industry since 1981, beginning his career in the family business installing residential systems. By the mid-1980s, he expanded his expertise as a field technician specializing in commercial start-up, testing, balancing, and controls, working with a range of systems from pneumatics to DDC.
In 2002, Gus joined Temperature Controls Systems as the Director of Building Automation, where he established and grew the company’s Building Automation Department. He later became the Director of Building Automation at Control Tech Supply in January 2020. Following the merger of Control Tech Supply with Cochrane Supply and Engineering in November 2022, Gus assumed the role of Regional Sales Leader for Cochrane Supply South.
Gus holds certifications in Niagara R2, Niagara AX, and Niagara N4, among other software platforms from various manufacturers. He has also participated in numerous Voice of Customer (VOC) initiatives and R&D teams, contributing valuable insights to the development of innovative products and solutions.
Abe Monreal, Area Market Leader, Cochrane Supply
Abe’s career in HVAC began in 1997 with an Associate’s Degree from Universal Technical Institute. In 1998, Abe moved to San Francisco, entering commercial HVAC service and discovering building automation and system integration. In 2000, Abe relocated to Dallas, traveling across multiple states installing building automation systems. From 2001 to 2009, Abe worked with commercial mechanical contractors, earned a TACLA Contractor’s License, and launched Monreal Service Company—serving clients with integrity and expertise. In 2009, Abe joined Temperature Control Systems, re-entering building automation full-time. Abe took on roles in sales, technical support, and engineering, earning certifications in Niagara AX/N4, Johnson FX MSTP, and Spyder BACnet Controllers. Abe also became a Johnson FX MSTP Authorized Trainer and completed Webs Security Bootcamp. In 2020, Abe joined Control Tech Supply, assuming the role of Sr. Building Automation Specialist and in 2022 continuing that role when he joined Cochrane Supply. Abe expanded into OT/IT networking and BACnet/IP design, earning Distech Controls, Niagara 4 Level 2, and VYKON Pro certifications. Currently, Abe serves as Area Market Leader for Cochrane Supply in Dallas and Fort Worth, leading with integrity while shaping the next generation of building automation professionals.
Pawel Szarmanski, Solution Product Manager, iSMA Controlli
Paweł is a Senior Product Manager with a deep passion for innovation and technology. At iSMA CONTROLLI, he drives product growth and leads cross-functional teams developing next-generation Building Automation Systems. He is a graduate of Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland, holding a degree in Automation and Controls.
Steve Hoffman, Strategic Account Manager, Honeywell
Hoff holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University. With 39 years of experience in various roles within the Building Automation Industry, he has dedicated his career to promoting energy management and operational efficiency in commercial buildings. Hoff has been an ASHRAE member since 2005, servings as President of the Western Michigan Chapter in 2009.
Scott Shaffer, Sales Director, Distech Controls
Scott joined Distech Controls in 2015 and has over 34 years of building automation system experience in business development and account management capacities. Scott is the Regional Sales Director for the Western half of the US for Distech Controls. Scott is in charge of managing Distech Controls Regional Sales Manager’s in the Western US along with the Specification Sales Manager & Sales Support Engineers in the West. Scott’s sales team is responsible for growing Distech Controls business in the Western half of the US managing over 120 Authorized Controls Systems Integrators and distributors.
Brandon Voyles, Area Sales Manager, ABB
Brandon Voyles is an Area Sales Manager with ABB Building Automation, focused on commercial HVAC controls and automation. He helps stakeholders untangle complex challenges with simple, repeatable solutions that accelerate execution and deliver consistent real-world performance.
Paul Langworthy, Industry Manager – BAS, Phoenix Contact USA
Paul Langworthy is a seasoned sales and business development executive with extensive hands‑on experience delivering advanced solutions across the critical infrastructure landscape. With more than two decades of combined industry, engineering, and military leadership, Paul specializes in technologies that support smart cities, building automation, and other mission‑essential infrastructure domains. As Industry Manager of Building Automation Systems at Phoenix Contact USA, Paul leads business strategy and execution, with a focus on leveraging and expanding the company’s resilient solutions for building automation and data centers. Previously, as U.S. Sales Manager for Critical Infrastructure at EtherWAN Systems, he directed a high‑performing technical sales team responsible for deploying fiber, Ethernet, and wireless networks that enable citywide communications for smart city applications. Paul’s earlier roles span global semiconductor and networking sales, senior engineering positions, and international military service, giving him a unique operational perspective on secure and highly reliable technology ecosystems. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and remains actively engaged in industry organizations and leadership development.
