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Famous University

Famous University delivers industry-leading education in HVAC, plumbing, and hydronics education. Hands-on training, certifications, and leadership development are available through flexible memberships built for real-world success.

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Contractor Training

Hands-on labs, instructor-led classes, Build-A-Tech sessions, certifications, and Zoom training.

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J-TEC Events

Specialty labs, expert-led speaker series, and industry-focused symposium experiences.

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Vendor Partnerships

Sponsorship opportunities and vendor-led training designed to drive visibility and growth.

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Associate Training

Structured learning paths built to develop skills and advance Famous associates.

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Jay Blaushild Training & Education Center (J-TEC)

J-TEC is the hands-on training facility for Famous University, designed to build real skills that show up on the jobsite. Attached to Famous Supply’s Cleveland, Ohio distribution center, this 25,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility delivers immersive, real-world education for contractors, technicians, and future trade professionals.

Train with real equipment through CEU-accredited and NATE-recognized courses, specialty hands-on labs, Build-A-Tech programs, expert-led sessions, and large-scale symposiums. Whether you’re advancing your skills or training an entire team, J-TEC is where the industry comes to learn.

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What Makes Famous University Different

Famous University is built for contractors and industry professionals who want training that delivers real results, not just certificates. Our industry-leading HVAC, plumbing, and hydronics education combines hands-on labs, live virtual classes, and real equipment training, so you and your team are ready for the job, not just the exam.

Earn required CEUs faster with state-approved courses that simplify license renewal and count towards State of Ohio certification. Train your way with flexible specialty lab hands-on, in-person, Zoom, expo, and symposium options that fit your schedule and minimize downtime.

Famous University Membership helps you train more while spending less, unlocking unlimited or discounted training, free 608 Refrigerant Certification seats, Build-A-Tech discounts, speaker series access, and on-site training options. With right-sized membership tiers, you get practical education, real savings, and a smarter way to keep your business competitive.

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Meet the Famous University Training Team

Behind every class, lab, and training experience is a team of seasoned industry professionals committed to your success. The Famous University team brings decades of real-world experience across HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, and building systems, delivering hands-on education, expert guidance, and practical solutions you can apply immediately on the job.

From instructors and technical specialists to training coordinators and support staff, our team is here to help you build skills, earn certifications, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Famous University Team

Tim Kiley
Tim Kiley
Director of Famous University & J-TEC
36 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Emily Black
Emily Black
J-TEC Customer Experience Manager
9 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Alexandra Hay
Alexandra Hay
Famous University Training Coordinator
8 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Beth Williams
Beth Williams
Training and Development Manager
20 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]

Famous University Trainers

Joe Arra
Joe Arra
Water Heater Specialist
47 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Joe Arra is an industry expert in water heating systems and training. He has helped expand major product lines and focuses on supporting contractors through education and trusted technical guidance.
Mark Breier
Mark Breier
Director of Water Heating
26 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Mark Breier is a recognized expert in water heating systems with decades of industry experience. He focuses on product application, troubleshooting, and building long-term professional relationships.
Steve Dlesk
Steve Dlesk
HVAC Specialist & Training & Technical Support
32 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Steve Dlesk brings deep experience in residential and commercial HVAC installation, service, and sales. He is known for managing projects from initial sale through installation with a strong practical focus.
Ken Flesher
Ken Flesher
Allied Product Specialist
41 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Ken Flesher specializes in Allied HVAC equipment, retrofit solutions, and technical training. His instruction focuses on real-world challenges, best practices, and supporting dealers in the field.
Mark Ham
Mark Ham
HVAC Specialist, Training & Technical Support
46 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Mark Ham supports HVAC training initiatives with a focus on consistent instruction and practical application. He contributes to program development and helps ensure successful learning outcomes.
Greg Kinkopf
Greg Kinkopf
Director of Hydronics
26 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Greg Kinkopf specializes in hydronic systems including design, radiant heating, and snow melt applications. He delivers hands-on training grounded in real projects and focuses on practical system understanding.
Matt Long
Matt Long
Breeze33 Specialist, Training & Technical Support
29 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Matt Long specializes in ductless systems, heat pumps, and residential split applications. He brings experience in product training and service instruction with a focus on practical installation success.
Bill Molica
Bill Molica
HVAC Specialist Training & Technical Support
34 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Bill Molica focuses on HVAC zoning systems, controls, and residential and commercial applications. His background includes service, technical support, and management roles with an emphasis on real-world training.
Matt Penn
Matt Penn
VP of HVAC, Hydronics, & Water Heating Products
20 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Matt Penn specializes in technical support and contractor training with expertise in unitary heat pumps and hydronic systems. His instruction emphasizes product application, compliance, and real jobsite use.
Eric Pratt
Eric Pratt
Water Heater Specialist
35 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Eric Pratt specializes in residential and commercial water heating systems. His training focuses on product knowledge, proper sizing, and troubleshooting to support effective real-world installation success.
Bob Sattler
Bob Sattler
Armstrong Air, Concord, Magic-Pak Product Specialist
19 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Bob Sattler specializes in residential HVAC service, inventory management, and technical troubleshooting. He teaches industry updates and best practices while supporting both technical and sales-focused teams.
Cory Thompson
Cory Thompson
HVAC Training
18 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Cory Thompson brings experience in manufacturing, military HVAC systems, and technical education. He has taught over one thousand students and focuses on practical instruction using real equipment examples.
Rick Virgili
Rick Virgili
Breeze33 Specialist, Training & Technical Support
21 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Rick Virgili specializes in ductless mini splits, inverter systems, residential unitary service and installation, ductwork design, and new construction layouts. 
David Vrobel
David Vrobel
HVAC Specialist, Training & Technical Support
30 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Dave Vrobel brings experience across all areas of HVAC, including work on major commercial projects. His background includes large-scale installations and a passion for sharing hands-on trade knowledge.
Jeff Zofchak
Jeff Zofchak
Training & Technical Support
43 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Jeff Zofchak specializes in hydronic and radiant floor systems, high-velocity HVAC, and residential system design. A licensed HVAC professional with experience across contracting and wholesale.
Collin Murphy
Collin Murphy
Director of Branded HVAC Sales
29 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Collin Murphy specializes in heat pumps, communicating systems, and refrigeration, including Comfort Sync products. With a career spanning installation, service, distribution, and technical leadership at Famous since 2011.
Victor Wagner
Victor Wagner
Plumbing Training
8 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Victor Wagner specializes in residential and commercial plumbing. A state-licensed plumber with union apprenticeship and self-employed experience, he brings a practical, open-minded approach to the trade.
Steve Largent
Steve Largent
HVAC Specialist, Training & Technical Support
18 Years Industry Experience
[email protected]
Steve Largent specializes in residential and commercial HVAC service. A former Navy electrician with over a decade of service technician experience and current Allied DSR./div>