Steve Hamby is the Vice President of Sales and Retail Solutions America at Facilio. With over 25 years of experience at companies like Emerson and Honeywell, he is a recognized leader in digital transformation and product innovation within the Smart Buildings sectors. Steve specializes in AI digitization, IoT connectivity, and Deep Learning, providing strategic guidance on technology disruptions. He holds an MBA from Bluffton University and an undergraduate degree from Urbana University.

At the helm of OSCRE International as Executive Director, Richard's leadership is rooted in the principles of leading change amidst disruption. With a competency for digital strategy honed over his time at ConnexFM, he drive initiatives that harness technology's potential to optimize customer experiences and deliver robust business growth.

His team excels in the application of innovative digital strategies, achieving transformative business outcomes. With a commitment to excellence in board relations and international business governance, they navigate the complex digital landscape to set new benchmarks in the facilities management industry.

Alicia Levy graduated from Queen’s University Smith School of Business in 2019 with a Bachelor of Commerce with distinction and a Certificate in Law specializing in Corporate Law and a Certificate in Social Impact. Her time at Queen’s provided opportunities for both academic and personal growth. As the captain of the Queen’s Women’s Varsity Soccer Team, Alicia developed invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, which continue to influence her approach to challenges. In 2023, she completed her Accelerated MBA at Ivey Business School, where she was awarded the Gold Medal for achieving the top rank in her AMBA class. This experience further deepened her passion for strategy and innovation while preparing her for greater leadership responsibilities.

Professionally, Alicia gained corporate experience in sales and marketing with Coca-Cola and Mondelēz International, where she honed her skills in strategy, client engagement, and business development. She has brought this expertise to her current role as an Executive and the Manager of Transformation and Corporate Strategy at her family business, Facility Plus. In this position, Alicia oversees operations across both the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on structuring, building efficiencies, and driving growth while maintaining a customer-first approach.

Alicia’s passion for giving back is reflected in her involvement with organizations such as CMHA’s Ride Don’t Hide, DHK Rally for Kids, and Facility Plus’s annual Holiday Hamper Program, among others. She also brings a global perspective, gained during her international exchange at the University of Western Australia Business School. Most recently, Facility Plus was honoured as the 2024 Connex Canadian Supplier of the Year, a testament to the company’s growth, commitment to service excellence, and the innovation and strategic vision that Alicia has helped shape

David Levy is the proud Owner, Founder, and President of Facility Plus, a prominent family-owned and operated facility maintenance and services provider across North America. Since 1987, David has grown Facility Plus into a leading facility services company, creating and offering a "one-stop shop" concept that enables clients to focus on their core operations while entrusting Facility Plus with their comprehensive facility requirements.

David’s leadership philosophy is grounded in understanding each client’s unique needs. His pledge to clients is to not only meet but exceed their expectations. Under his leadership, David ensures that Facility Plus delivers personalized, flexible, and responsive service, backed by over 38 years of industry experience. David's commitment to excellence is evident in his promise to personally address and resolve any customer concerns.

Facility Plus is built on key values that David upholds, such as prioritizing customers, fostering teamwork, empowering staff and technicians, and recognizing their contributions to build confidence and innovation. These values have helped establish a culture of excellence and dedication, which has made Facility Plus a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.

David also holds several industry certifications, including Water Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD), Commercial Dry Specialist (CDS), Advanced Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), Health and Safety Technician (HST), Fire Restoration Technician (FRT), Odor Control Technician (OCT), and Certified Commercial Maintenance Technician (CCMT).

Under David’s leadership, Facility Plus not only strives for customer service excellence but also emphasizes corporate citizenship by continuously making a positive impact in the community. His hands-on approach and entrepreneurial vision continue to drive the company’s growth and solidify its reputation as a leader in facility services.

Nicholas Zoppi is a seasoned insurance professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in construction-related insurance risk management. He currently serves as the Director of Specialty Risk Services (SRS) at Docutrax, a leading third-party insurance compliance management firm.  In this role, Zoppi oversees the SRS division, which assists general contractors, property owners, and insurers in identifying and addressing subcontractor insurance issues to minimize risk exposure.

Prior to his current position, Zoppi spent three years as the Senior Manager of Docutrax’s construction practice. His career also includes roles as an Account Manager at ADP, where he specialized in workers’ compensation policies, and as a Sales Agent with Liberty Mutual, focusing on personal lines insurance. 

Ryan joined Trane in 2008 and participated in the Graduate Training Program 2008-II after earning a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree at Auburn University. Ryan attained his LEED AP accreditation in 2009. Ryan has been in the HVAC industry for 15 years serving as an Applications Specialist, Account Manager, Regional Development Manager, and Project Engineer at a VA Hospital. His considerable experience with unitary and applied equipment gives him a unique perspective on how such applications affect the overall building systems in restaurant, grocery, healthcare and retail applications. Ryan is currently a Senior Account Manager with the Trane National Accounts Team working within several industries including QSR, Grocery/Supermarket, Small Box, Big Box, and many other Light Commercial Applications.

From his earliest memories, fascinated by clouds and storm systems in the calm weather climate of the western San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Gary Lezak's passion for meteorology ignited at the tender age of five. This profound interest led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, where a fortuitous break transformed an internship at a local Oklahoma City station into the launchpad for a distinguished 38-year career in television meteorology. Gary's career took a pivotal turn when he developed a groundbreaking scientific technology now utilized by businesses worldwide to harness accurate weather data for strategic planning and profitable decision-making. Weather 20/20, the enterprise Gary founded, stands at the forefront of this innovation, offering predictions that enable businesses to prepare for weather impacts weeks to months in advance, rather than just a few days. Over the past year, his technology notably predicted major hurricanes affecting the southeastern United States up to six months in advance, affirming its precision and reliability. Beyond his professional endeavors, Gary's life is rich with personal passions. An avid sports enthusiast, he fervently supports the Kansas City Chiefs. He is also an outdoor aficionado, frequently found enjoying nature with his two dogs. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, Gary dedicates time to working out and eating well, maintaining a balance that fuels both his professional productivity and personal fulfillment.

Sherry Darden is owner and CEO of CIRSBY, LLC, a keynote speaking, training, and consulting firm helping companies connect their people, processes, and profit to a sustainable work culture.

Sherry, a Kansas City native, is a pioneering force in the ever-evolving culture quotient world. With over 21 years of experience as a coach and trainer, she brings 'Common Sense thinking' and applications to her client's solutions.

Sherry believes that you cannot nurture your profit without encouraging your people with professional development. For this very reason, this is why her focus has been on diversity, equity, and inclusion to create an impactful culture quotient.

Curt Picard is a 40 year veteran in the HVAC industry and Vice President of Strategic Asset Management at Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc. He is a past PRSM Charter Member, formerly served on the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, and was the 2013 Vendor of the Year and 2019 Service Excellence Award winner. Curt has presented many educational sessions throughout his 25 years of active membership with the organization.

Ron Prager is a mechanical engineer and a certified HVAC technician, and is currently the Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer of Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc. He is an industry expert with over 40 years of experience in the area of commercial HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement. During Ron’s career, he has been responsible for the supervision of thousands of replacement projects and repairs. He has authored numerous published magazine articles and has developed more than 15 technical presentations for ConnexFM over the past 24 years. Ron is a past PRSM board member and past co-chair of the education and awards committees. He was also the recipient of the 2009 PRSM Vendor of the Year Award, the 2008 Service Excellence Award, and the 2024 ConnexFM Lawrence Whelan Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ken Pantin has more than 55 years in the refrigeration and HVAC industry. His knowledge and work have been from small window units to large 600-ton centrifugal chillers. After serving in the Air Force Ken worked as a technician for different companies in the greater Houston area, while teaching HVAC at the local community college at night.

In 1983 Ken and his Wife Sharon opened Blue Northern Air Conditioning, Inc., during this time operating the company Ken has multiple design build projects and assisted MEP’s on equipment design.
Ken and Sharon retired in 2002 and their Son Thomas Pantin has taken over the operation and management of Blue Northern. Ken has retired, but he is still assisting and consulting with Architects and Engineers on current projects.

Ken was diligent in teaching hands on training classes to Facility Managers for ConnexFM in many states over the years.

Thomas Pantin is the owner of Blue Northern Services LLC, with over 33 years of experience in the HVAC industry. Thomas is recognized on the national level with Facility Managers of his overall knowledge of HVAC, controls, air and water balancing, along with the ability to troubleshoot and solve the most difficult challenges.

Thomas started out as a helper, then a Service Technician, Service Manager and is now the Owner of Blue Northern Services LLC, holding a class A license in the State of Texas.

Thomas has factory training and is certified by the top HVAC manufacturers. He continues to enjoy educating Facility Managers with a hands-on approach in his presentations.
In 2002 Blue Northern was awarded Vendor and Educator of the year at the ConnexFM's National Convention.