Challenge
In early August, a leading public university in Maryland faced a major facilities crisis. A mechanical explosion in the campus central plant triggered the sprinkler system, compromising the plant’s cooling capacity. With outdoor temperatures soaring and the fall semester approaching, the university had lost nearly half its chilled water output—putting comfort, research environments, and operational continuity at risk.
Due to the emergency nature of the situation and ACI’s established vendor relationship, the university turned to us to design and execute a temporary cooling solution that could restore building conditions quickly and reliably.
Solution
ACI proposed a rapid-response plan to relieve the load on the impaired central plant by carving out two of the largest buildings from the system and providing them with temporary cooling. This would allow the remaining plant capacity to serve the rest of campus more effectively.
Our team deployed five temporary chillers totaling 1,830 tons of cooling, sourced from multiple locations including Texas, Maryland, and Tennessee. Scope highlights included:
More than 4,000 inches of welding and extensive power infrastructure were completed in under five days. ACI’s union-trained fitters, welders, apprentices, and project managers worked around the clock, supported by subcontractors and logistics personnel to deliver the solution at extraordinary speed.
Results
Within five days of notice to proceed, chilled water was restored to both buildings, enabling the central plant to stabilize operations and support the wider campus. The installation met all performance and safety requirements, and the university experienced no further disruption to academic or research functions.
This project showcased ACI’s deep expertise in emergency mechanical response, complex field coordination, and union craftsmanship. We are proud of the 29 ACI team members who made this rapid deployment possible.
Fitter/Welders:
Clint Zundel, Michael Sneden, Pirce Bates, Clay Farrell, Donivan Terrell, Kurt Stanford, Berick Jones, Korey Hamlet, Shane Harris
Apprentices:
Colby Ireland, Austin Lathroum, Ashton Siegal, Gavin Luckett, Danel Capela, Josh Oliver, Ben Crosby, Kyle Bowie, Nathan Heilig
Sunday Relief Crew:
Bryce Lehan, Justin Grimm, Dominic Crisp
Support/Drivers/Delivery:
Tony Hammond, Tom Hill, Rich Jones
Project Leaders:
Charlie Gragg (Sales), Jeff Oliver (Superintendent), Andrew Liler (Foreman), Ricky Kuhn (PM), Donnie Stickels (Startup Tech)
Subs:
Miller Electric, LA Insulation, Herc Rentals, Extreme Crane
You made the impossible happen—fast, safe, and mission-ready. Projects like this are exactly why customers call ACI when failure isn’t an option.
Exigent’s second Leadership Development Cohort has officially wrapped up — marking another milestone in our ongoing investment in the people who lead our platform forward.
This year’s program built directly on what we learned from the inaugural cohort. After gathering feedback, we made intentional changes to deepen relationships, strengthen collaboration, and make space for real, candid leadership growth.
Here’s what was added from the first cohort’s feedback:
“These changes weren’t just cosmetic — they were foundational,” said Kevin Colbert, Exigent’s Chief Operating Officer. “Leadership isn’t built in a lecture. It’s built in conversation, connection, and shared experience. This cohort walked away with all of that and more.”
The results spoke for themselves. Participants consistently pointed to the trust and openness that developed within the group. David Ryder, EASI summed it up best:
“I’ve been to several leadership development classes throughout my career. This course with Rich and Sarah is by far the best I have ever attended. The structure provides for nonstop engagement. We become comfortable being vulnerable with our peers and have the opportunity to practice coaching in all of these real-life situations.”
Congratulations to the graduates of our 2025 Leadership Development Cohort:
Scott Long (TSI), Matt Hewett (TSI), Matt Graff (ACI/JPG/GFS), Brandon Mullins (EMC), Dave Ryder (EASI), Tim Waterfield (EASI), Michael Sciortino (Exigent), Jeff Groth (ATCO), Zach Smithey (SBM), Dave Sudhoff (SBM), Jeff Oliver (ACI), Chris Boutilier (JPG), Pete Geiling (Exigent), Jordan Pinzone (ATCO), and Chris Wilcox (TSI).
This program continues to shape how leaders across Exigent and its Operating Companies grow, connect, and collaborate. As Kevin put it:
“I’m proud of this group, grateful to the first cohort for helping shape the path, and excited to keep investing in the leaders who will carry Exigent forward.”
EASI Controls is expanding its reach — and bringing its proven model of technical excellence to a new market.
The team has officially opened a new office in Jacksonville, Florida, located in the ThermaServe building, marking the next chapter in EASI’s growth story.
This move represents more than a new address. It’s a strategic opportunity to extend EASI’s core strengths — engineering, programming, and leadership — into new territories, while fostering greater collaboration across Exigent’s network.
“EASI’s success in Maryland came from its ability to partner with mechanical contractors and end users to deliver smart, efficient building automation and controls solutions,” said Jeff Ashe, President of EASI Services, Inc. “Now, we’re taking that same formula and expanding it — both to serve the Jacksonville region and to help our sister companies grow their controls capabilities.”
The Jacksonville location will operate as a fully functional business while staying closely connected to other Exigent operating companies. The goal is to replicate EASI’s proven model — combining deep technical expertise with strong customer relationships — to support both independent clients and cross-company opportunities.
Leading the charge in Florida is Joey Shepard, who brings nearly 30 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of the Jacksonville market. A steamfitter by trade with extensive experience in DVC and controls systems, Joey embodies EASI’s growth mindset and commitment to excellence. His leadership, backed by the full EASI team, will help accelerate expansion across Florida and beyond.
“Joey knows the market, he knows the opportunities, and he knows how to execute,” Jeff added. “With his leadership and EASI’s support, this office sets the roadmap for how we’ll bring advanced controls and automation solutions to all Exigent markets.”
From building automation and electrical installation to energy management and system programming, EASI’s Jacksonville expansion is a blueprint for scalable growth — one that strengthens both EASI and the Exigent platform.
You never know where opportunity will strike — sometimes it’s on a job site, sometimes in a meeting… and sometimes on a treadmill.
That’s where ATCO technician Steve Verge found himself when a casual conversation at his local gym led to a brand-new client relationship. While working out, Steve struck up a conversation with the person next to him, who mentioned ongoing issues with his company’s HVAC system. When Steve said he worked in HVAC as a union fitter, the man — who turned out to be with Bradford & Bigelow, a major printing and binding company — asked if he could help.
Steve didn’t hesitate. He connected the potential client with Russ Stiles and Terry O’Brien from the ATCO leadership team, who quickly followed up. Their responsiveness and expertise led to a temporary chiller rental and full chiller replacement, with more work expected as the relationship continues to grow.
Steve’s responsiveness hasn’t gone unnoticed by other clients, either. One customer shared, “He works hard, I trust him, our new time logging system has taken a lot of burden off the customer, and he’s gotten the city out of a lot of issues.”
To recognize his initiative and professionalism, Steve received a bonus and recognition at ATCO’s recent technician meeting.
“Steve’s story is a great reminder that every interaction is a chance to represent who we are,” said ATCO President Jeff Groth. “You never know who you’ll meet — but if you lead with integrity and a willingness to help, good things follow.”
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