Jason Nefs
President & CEO
Jason is responsible for all LONG businesses in the Colorado region. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in engineering and began his career as a sales engineer for Trane before coming to LONG in 2004. With expertise in all major building system technologies, Jason actively engages with major Rocky Mountain area owners, developers, property managers, general contractors, mechanical contractors and engineers in the application of building mechanical and control systems, plumbing systems, and security systems as well as the professional service of each.
Pandora Dyer
Chief Financial Officer
Pandora leads the LONG Accounting Team from the company’s headquarters in Littleton, CO. Over the last ten years she has made significant contributions in the planning and implementation of corporate wide standards and processes that help make LONG run more efficiently as a whole. Pandora has her Bachelor’s in Accounting and Information Systems from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is also a CPA and carries a CGMA designation. She started her career with LONG in December of 2007, after moving to Denver from Virginia. Her role with the company began as a Senior Accountant and quickly evolved through the ranks of Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, Controller, and now - Vice President of Finance. In her spare time, Pandora enjoys warm sunny days with friends and family and participates in several sprint triathlons throughout the summer to stay active.
Jennifer Beckman
HR Director
Jennifer leads the Human Resources team at LONG and feels honored to work with a team that enjoys their work and takes pride in the service they provide both internal and external customers. Jennifer has had the pleasure of serving in people and culture roles and enjoys interacting with individuals and teams in ways that ultimately impact their own well-being, as well as organizational success. Her experience as human resources director, conflict mediator, and executive coach allow for expertise in working through daily HR, operational, leadership development, and organizational change initiatives. Jennifer holds a BSBA in Management, is a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), a Conflict Mediator, an Integral Coach, a Certified Organizational Development Professional, and a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer has called Colorado home for the past 20 years. In pure ambivert fashion, she enjoys spending quality time with family, friends or simply solo. Hiking, gardening, live music on a patio and the enjoyment of each moment top her list.
Valarie Daniels
Director, E-Commerce and Marketing
Valarie oversees the e-commerce and marketing efforts for LONG. She began her journey with LONG in 1994 as an administrative assistant and was promoted to Office Manager in 1998. After 10 years of overseeing the administrative needs of the corporate headquarters, she joined the equipment sales team to further her growth and learning. The knowledge Valarie has gained over the past 20 years has enabled her to identify and manage LONG's marketing needs as well as handle the responsibilities associated with development and implementation of LONG's e-commerce site supporting our OEM and aftermarket parts sales efforts (longpartspros.com). Valarie has been married for over 20 years and has a household of furry friends. She enjoys working out, going to the movies, and walking her dogs.
Vanessa Collette
Safety Coordinator
Vanessa is responsible for administering safety at LONG. After obtaining her degree from Fort Hays State University, Vanessa entered the Dept. of Corrections and Education field prior to joining LONG. Vanessa is passionate about training, developing action plans, and executing change. She is excited to assist LONG in establishing and analyzing safety performance, and identifying growth opportunities. She believes persistence and consistency is the key to long term success in all aspects of life. She is currently working towards her Safety Professional Certification (CSP). Vanessa resides in Brighton, CO with her spouse and three children. Away from work, she enjoys anything active, cooking, traveling, crafts, and family activities. She has been a cycling instructor for the last 15 years and enjoys leading bike groups through the beautiful Colorado scenery and pushing her students to their limits.
Jason Johnson
Director of IT Operations
Jason manages LONG’s IT infrastructure and helpdesk. He received his Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems from the Metropolitan State College of Denver. Jason started his career with LONG right out of high school and has dedicated more than 20 years to the company. When he’s not taking care of the LONG team, he enjoys spending time outdoors (specifically hunting) and spending time with his family.
Chris Bracken
Vice President
Chris is responsible for all LONG business units in Alaska. Chris spent the first 10 years of his career in the military, learning what it takes to accomplish tasks no matter the difficulty level. Since, he’s gained 20 years of experience in the service industry. His training and experience outside the military began with field work and quickly progressed to sales, large project management, and eventually managing business units for his region. He found a home at LONG in 2015 and has since spread his wings to learn more about LONG’s BI and MS businesses. Chris is a dad to three energetic boys, and enjoys taking on the role of an artist in his studio whenever he can.
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Wayne Peterson
Service Manager
Wayne manages the Alaska Mechanical Solutions business unit and has been employed at LONG since 2017. With 30 years in the HVAC industry, he received his degree at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minnesota. When not at work, Wayne enjoys hunting, spending time at his cabin, and snowmobiling.
Archie Warthen
Vice President
Archie supports and directs our very talented HVAC equipment sales group for Colorado. He earned an Engineering Degree from New Mexico State University, while simultaneously owning and operating a small business. Archie began his HVAC career with Trane as a new equipment sales engineer in the late 1990's. He joined LONG in 2011, tasked with developing our hydronics and plumbing division. In 2018, Archie was selected to lead and continue to expand the Colorado HVAC equipment sales group. He is dedicated to strong relationships, improved processes, and doing whatever it takes to provide excellent customer experiences. In an effort to lead a well-balanced life, Archie likes snowmobiling, hunting, problem solving games, community involvement, building hot rods, and spending time with his family and friends.
Eric Nelson
Operations Manager, HVAC Equipment
Eric manages inside sales support and operations for LONG’s equipment sales group in Colorado as well as air distribution warehouse sales and inventory. He has a background in mechanical engineering and has more than 30 years of combined experience in industrial engineering, HVAC sales and consulting engineering. Eric held various positions including lead engineer and owner’s representative at Abeyta Engineering Consultants, Inc. and Lockheed Martin before joining LONG in 2003. In his spare time, Eric likes to golf, swim, hike, bike and restore older cars and motorcycles.
Lawrence Trifiletti
Senior Operations Manager, Building Automation
Lawrence has been responsible for leading, managing, and developing the Building Automation Team in Littleton since 2012. In close coordination with sales, he leads all aspects of both LONG’s Contracting and Service Team. He manages all aspects of LONG’s contracting and retrofit work as well as the service of customer buildings postproduction. Lawrence has over 30 years of leadership experience in leading both high-level teams and support organizations. In his drive for providing an extraordinary experience, he implemented an Impact Drive Service offering to add superior value to clients. Before joining LONG, Lawrence spent 21 years in information technology, working with high profile clients such as the U.S. House of Representatives, Sprint, and Lockheed Martin. Lawrence enjoys hiking, skiing, running, camping, and fences competitively. He also enjoys giving back to the community and is a member of the Estes Park Rotary Club and the a member of the Glen Haven Fire Department Board.
Scott Papay
Sales Manager, Building Automation
Scott is responsible for leading all sales efforts for the controls business unit at LONG headquarters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and served in the United States Navy as an Engineering Watch Supervisor before moving on to management positions at Bailco Service Corporation, Johnson Controls, Tiernam & Patrylo and Trane. He has been with LONG since 2009 and is LEED AP-NC, FE and Six Sigma Black Belt certified. In his free time, Scott enjoys CrossFit, spending time with his family and outdoor activities including hiking, camping, hunting and golfing.
Brenda Herrick
Senior Business Manager, Building Automation
Brenda is responsible for the business side of LONG’s controls group in Colorado including job cost accounting, contract review, subcontracting, purchasing, budgeting, reporting, and material handling. She earned an MBA from the University of Kansas in 1984 and since then has worked continuously in the controls industry. Brenda started at LONG in 1992, coming over with the acquisition of Winner & Associates. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and hanging out with her family.
Mike Sailor
Construction Manager, Building Automation
Mike oversees the day to day operations of the Colorado controls team. In addition, he manages staffing and recruiting for the controls installation group and the project manager teams in the mountain and Denver regions. In his role as Construction Manager, he also supervises the Colorado building automation fleet. Mike is a member of the safety committee and works with his fellow committee members to provide the safest work environment possible. Mike joined LONG in 1996 as a Controls Installer/Panel Fabrication Specialist. In 2000, he was promoted to Controls Installation Supervisor, and in 2007, he was again promoted to his current position as Construction Manager. Mike enjoys spending time with his family, camping, fishing and cheering on the Denver Broncos.
J.J. Vesely
Application Engineer Manager, Building Automation
J.J. is the Application Engineer Manager for the Building Automation business unit in Littleton, Colorado. While his primary responsibility is to oversee the development of control drawings in Colorado, he works closely with operations in other states to establish standards for all LONG controls groups. J.J. began his career at LONG as the Delivery Driver in the summer of 1994 but quickly moved into the warehouse supporting customers' parts needs. He joined the controls team as an Application Engineer in 1999 and transitioned to a leadership role in 2005. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Metropolitan State College of Denver. When he's not in the office, J.J. enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Cheri Lingk
Business Manager, Mechanical Solutions
Cheri manages all the internal administrative operations for LONG’s mechanical services group in Colorado. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Western State Colorado University in 1982 and began her career as a receptionist for CLIMATEngineering in 1983. She later became the accounting manager when part of CLIMATEngineering became Winner & Associates. Cheri also worked for Beardslee Holland and started her own accounting business before coming to work for LONG in 1999. She enjoys golfing, skiing, Zumba, scrapbooking and spending time with her husband, Wayne, their three children and friends.
Dewey Schlag
Service Manager, Mechanical Solutions
Dewey manages the Denver and Colorado Springs mechanical service technicians. He started in the HVAC trade in 1987 while attending Los Angeles Trade Technical College. Dewey moved to the great state of Colorado with his family in 1999 and started working for LONG as a service technician. He has since been promoted to the service manager role. In the 30 years that Dewey has been in the trade, he feels extremely fortunate to have been able to work with what he considers to be the hardest working and smartest people in the industry. When he's not working, he spends his spare time competing in ATA trap shooting events and hunting with family and friends.
Richard Coleman
General Manager, Security Solutions
Richard oversees the sales and operations aspects of LONG’s security solutions team. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and has an extensive background in electronic security. Prior to that, he owned a computer networking company that designed, installed and maintained computer networks for businesses. Richard is always looking for new ways to provide customers with cutting edge security solutions that help streamline their businesses and improve safety and profitability. He also enjoys ice hockey, collecting guitars, writing and performing music and working on his vintage car collection.
Jake Gash
Director of Warehouse Operations
Jake is responsible for managing the daily Colorado warehouse operations including HVAC, Building Automation and Security parts sales as well as overseeing the Air Distribution and Hydronics operations. During his career at LONG which began in 1994, Jake has been an integral member of, and has lead the parts team to excel with both his extensive knowledge of the industry and his exemplary customer service.
Alison Vik
Corporate Services & Support Manager
Alison oversees the administrative support team at the corporate headquarters in Littleton, Colorado. She began her career at LONG in 1994, originally hired to assist one of the company’s business units and later joined the corporate administrative team. She was then promoted to Office Manager in 2008. Alison’s years of experience with LONG have established her as the “go to” woman for both internal and external customers. She is a proud Mom, spending time outside of work with her son, family and her lovable, sometimes crazy, pets.
Daren Nelson
Vice President
Daren provides oversight and leadership for all of LONG's Montana business units. After obtaining his degree from the University of Montana, Daren entered the security and fire protection industry. After nearly 20 years of field work, sales, project management, and general management, Daren join the LONG team as our Montana Security Manager in 2019, coinciding with the opening of our Helena office. In 2021, Daren was promoted to Branch Manager. As Branch Manager, Daren is excited to lead the growth of our Montana business units while assembling an exceptional team displaying LONG's core values and business philosophy. Daren resides in Helena, MT with his wife and their two children. During time off, you probably won't see the Nelson family unless you're on a hiking trail, jeep trail, or in the middle of one of Montana's lakes or rivers.
Josh Goll
Operations Manager, Building Automation
Josh is responsible for the daily operations of the Building Automation team. He completed a five-year apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and went on to obtain his Electrical Master's License in Montana and Wyoming. He is experienced in a variety of electrical systems including power, lighting, fire alarm, security, and controls. Josh joined Team LONG in 2016, but he has worked in the controls industry since 2002, picking up strong skills in control systems and project management along the way. When not working, Josh and his family enjoy many of Montana's outdoor activities, especially camping and skiing.
Erik Schenck
Vice President
Erik leads Oregon’s Building Automation, Security, and Mechanical Service businesses. As the Branch Manager he is responsible for growth and for delivering on LONG’s customer focused values. A degree from Portland State University and twenty years of construction experience have prepared him well for this role. Erik is a lifelong Oregonian, raising three boys with his wife in the suburbs of Portland. He enjoys hiking, camping, and playing guitar.
Paul Christiansen
Vice President
Paul is responsible for mechanical equipment sales in the UT market. He achieved his undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico, followed by a MBA from the American Graduate School of Intl. Mgmt. (Thunderbird) in Glendale, AZ in 2004. Paul began his career with Envirco Corp., promoting HEPA filtration systems for cleanrooms in Asia, and later managed the Krueger organization in the North American Air Distribution market for 6 years. Before joining LONG in January, 2017, Paul led the PennBarry and Lau Sales, Product Development, Engineering, Customer Service and Marketing teams. As General Manager of LONG Utah, Paul will be implementing growth strategies to strengthen LONG’s market position, as well as enhance the group’s portfolio of Mechanical Products in the Intermountain region.
Brandon Jones
Operations Manager, HVAC Equipment
Brandon manages operations for LONG’s Utah branch, which focuses primarily on HVAC equipment and parts sales. He has been in the industry for over two decades, seventeen years of which have been spent with LONG. Brandon began his LONG journey as an Inside Sales Rep before advancing to a Project Manager/Bid Coordinator and finally, Operations Manager. When he’s not working hard for LONG and our customers, he enjoys spending time with his family and doing just about anything athletic.
Craig Engelbrecht
Vice President
Craig Engelbrecht drives the vision of the LONG Seattle branch. He oversees all functions, operations and company culture for the branch, ensuring a positive environment, poised for growth. Before joining LONG’s Seattle team, Craig worked for Siemens as the Director of Smart Services and Technology. He has over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience within the building automation industry and has even pioneered energy information software solutions.
Melissa Gelowitz
Sales Manager, Building Automation
Melissa Gelowitz is the Sales Manager for Building Automation in Washington. She is passionate about "open systems" and utilizing technology to save money and enhance the user experience. Melissa uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to coach teammates to work hard and achieve their goals. Melissa graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts. In her free time, she enjoys sailing and adventures with her son, Mitch.
Shelby Brooks
Vice President
Shelby is responsible for LONG’s Wyoming Business units. Shelby has been with LONG since 2007 and has served as a salesman for our Equipment and DDC Controls groups. Shelby has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming and holds a Professional Engineering License. Prior to joining LONG, Shelby worked for Mechanical Design Build Contractors in the Seattle and Denver metro areas. Shelby maintains close relationships with engineers, owners, and contractors, and works to share LONG’s message of Company, Customers, Co-workers and Safety throughout the great State of Wyoming.
Jeremiah "JJ" Kidd
Operations Manager, HVAC Service
JJ is responsible for LONG’s Wyoming HVAC Service department. JJ has been with LONG since 2011 and has served as a service controls technician and supervisor prior to assuming his current role leading the service department. JJ holds an Associates degree in HVAC from the Red Wing, Minnesota technical college. Prior to joining LONG, he worked in the HVAC industry holding a multitude of positions since 2004. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children, as well as spending time outdoors hunting and fishing.
Todd Kuhl
Operations Manager, Building Automation
Todd is responsible for leading, managing, and developing the Wyoming Building Automation Team. In close coordination with sales and service, he manages all aspects of LONG’s contracting and retrofit work to ensure successful completion of building automation projects while building and maintaining relationships with owners, general contractors, mechanical contractors, and engineers. After earning a Bachelor’s in Construction Management from South Dakota State University, Todd completed an extended internship with Kiewit as an Industrial Field Engineer before starting a career in the upstream petroleum industry. Choosing to leave the petroleum industry in 2015, Todd began his journey with LONG as a Building Automation Controls Technician. During his tenure with LONG, Todd has worked his way through various positions including Lead Building Automation Controls Technician and Building Automation Account Executive. Todd is a proud father to two wonderful children in his growing family who he enjoys traveling and spending time with in the great outdoors. In his free time, Todd enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, hiking, skiing, camping, mountain biking, four wheeling, kayaking, shooting, gardening, and working on project vehicles.