President
As President of Coolray and Mr. Plumber, Ken is focused on creating a “customer-centered” culture that takes advantage of the company’s 44 year heritage serving families and businesses in the Atlanta area. He is committed to 100% customer satisfaction while expanding the products and services offered by Coolray to meet the increasing consumer demand for quality heating, cooling, plumbing, septic and indoor air quality products and services.
Since joining Coolray in 1998, Ken has been active in all aspects of developing a world-class service organization committed to 100% customer satisfaction. Ken's been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years and prior to joining Coolray, held the position of Regional Vice President of Operations for a leading national provider of heating, cooling and plumbing services in the United States.
Ken remains active in the heating, cooling and plumbing industries through his affiliations with Atlanta Gas Light, Georgia Power, Conditioned Air Association of Georgia and the Cobb Heating and Air Association. He gives back to the community by helping those in need through programs such as Habitat for Humanity and Neighbor in Need.
Ken currently resides in Marietta with his family. He is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and enjoys flying and playing golf in his spare time.
khaines@coolray.com
678-784-2208
Larry Marks
General Manager
Jonesboro Location
Through Coolray’s acquisition of Shell Home Comfort, Larry joins our team of top notch professionals.
Larry began his career with All Weather Heating and Air in 1998 after completing an HVAC training program at Clayton State College. He has held several positions over the years: Service Technician, Service Dispatcher, Service Coordinator and Warehouse Manager.
He is dedicated to customer satisfaction and improved efficiency within the Jonesboro operation. He has completed technical training courses with Trane, Amana and Water Furnace. He is Universally Certified in Refrigerant Handling and is NATE Certified.
With his technical background, Larry stresses education and training as keys to success. In his spare time, Larry enjoys gardening and home improvement projects.
lmarks@coolray.com
678-784-2313
Jim Rutherford
General Manager
Suwanee Location
As a graduate from West Georgia University with a degree in Business Management, Jim co-founded Total Comfort in 1993. As President, he worked hard to build a successful organization with the philosophy of providing exceptional customer service and 100% customer satisfaction. Jim looks forward to continuing this tradition at Coolray.
Jim resides in Lawrenceville with his wife and two teenage daughters and enjoys his passion of Porsche cars and traveling with his family whenever possible.
jrutherford@coolray.com
678-784-2293
Ken Buwalda
Marietta Installation Production Manager
Company Conditioned Air License Qualifier
As Production Manager for Coolray's north-side Residential Replacement Division, Ken is fully committed to excellence and 100% customer satisfaction. He has assembled a team of Installers who are hard working, well-trained, customer friendly, and committed to providing the highest quality installations.
Ken has worked in nearly all phases of the heating & air industry since 1977. He began his career as an apprentice during summer break in high school. His background ranges from residential to industrial; his previous positions and responsibilities include Service & Installation Technician, Sales & Design Engineer: Retail Manager, Construction Manager, and Vice President of a family-owned heating & air company.
Awards, Education & Certifications:
- State of Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor, Unrestricted
- Graduated top of the class, 4 year Apprenticeship, LU630, West Palm Beach FL
- SBCCI Certified Mechanical Inspector & Mechanical Plan Reviewer
- 1995 National Residential Contractor of the Year
- Ferris State University - Universal Certification
On a personal note, Ken has been happily married to his high school sweetheart since 1986; they have 3 great teenagers. Ken has volunteered as a leader and counselor in high school youth ministry since 1983. Ken enjoys restoring antique cars, sports, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, and spending time with his family.
kbuwalda@coolray.com
678-784-2239
Eric Evans
Heating & Cooling
Service Manager
As Service Manager, Eric is focused on improving customer relations and streamlining our communications to better respond to customer needs while ensuring we exceed their expectations on every service visit. With over 50 air conditioning service technicians serving the greater Atlanta area, Eric understands that value and doing the job right the first time is a high priority for our customers.
Eric has been in the HVAC industry since 1990 and at various times has held the positions of Installer, Residential Service Technician, Commercial Service Technician and Field Supervisor. Eric's broad experience makes him an asset to the team.
Eric holds the following certifications:
- ICS - Control Certification (Trane Corporation)
- Heat Pump Troubleshooting and Installation Certification
- Georgia Power training accreditation for Technician Excellence
- Universally Certified in Refrigerant Handling
- N.A.T.E Certified (North American Technician Excellence)
- Member of the Indoor Air Quality Association
Eric is a native of Atlanta. He has been blessed with two beautiful daughters ages 14 and 8. When he is not spending his time at Coolray or with his family, Eric enjoys riding his Harley, playing golf, basketball and whatever else he can do to stay in shape.
eevans@coolray.com
678-784-2224
Eric Ehlenbach
Inside Operations Manager
As Inside Operations Manager for Coolray and Mr. Plumber, Eric's focus is on supporting our six operating divisions and four facilities. His area of responsibility is broad based. Some key duties include ensuring our personnel have the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment needed to get the job done right. Fleet and facility management, inventory management, material procurement and outside communications.
Eric holds both BBA and MBA degrees with a marketing concentration. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors, golf, and Wisconsin football and basketball. Eric and his wife have two children and reside in the Smyrna area.
eehlenbach@coolray.com
678-784-2310
Joe Hayes
Plumbing Service Manager
Company Master Plumber Qualifier
With over 35 years of experience in the plumbing industry, Joe joined our team of leaders as the Plumbing Service Manager. He is dedicated to providing 100% satisfaction to every customer on all projects. Joe expects this same standard of excellence from his staff of plumbers.
Joe began his plumbing career as a Navy SeaBee, serving for six years. He then moved to Atlanta and has advanced his career to his current position of Plumbing Service Manager.
For over 34 years, Joe has developed a broad plumbing background in residential and commercial service, new construction, septic systems and plumbing remodeling. He holds a Master Plumbers License with the State of Georgia. Joe and his wife have been married for 19 years and have been blessed with five sons. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and treasure hunting.
jhayes@coolray.com
678-784-2231
Lisa Barnard
Chief Financial Officer
Lisa Barnard began working at Coolray in 2004 as the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Coolray, Lisa held the controller position for a national plumbing organization. Her experience makes her an essential asset to the company. She is helpful to customers and co-workers and is a team player. Lisa holds a bachelors degree in Accounting and a Masters degree in Finance from Florida State and Kennesaw State Universities.
Lisa enjoys being a part of the Coolray team because of the fast paced atmosphere. There's always plenty to do and something new to learn. She also enjoys being part of a locally owned and operated organization that is focused on customers and team members. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, being outside, and watching the Seminoles.
lbarnard@coolray.com
678-784-2210
Judi Befort
Call Center Manager
Judi joined the management team at Coolray in March of 2007. Prior to becoming a member of the Coolray team, she was a manufacturer’s rep and worked closely with Coolray. Judi has over 18 years of experience in the HVAC industry.
Judi’s knowledge of the industry, leadership and teamwork skills make her the perfect fit for managing the call center team. She oversees the customer service representatives along with the dispatchers and ensures that the first contact a customer has with Coolray and Mr. Plumber is a positive one. Judi and her team make it their goal to provide 100% customer satisfaction to every customer, every time.
In her free time, Judi enjoys spending time with her son, Matt. She also enjoys riding her Harley, taking trips with her friends, and cheering on the Atlanta Falcons as a “die hard” fan!
jbefort@coolray.com
678-784-2217
Amanda Cooper
Human Resources Manager
Communications Director
Amanda joined Coolray in April of 2009. She is an energetic leader who has been in the Human Resources profession for over 13 years. With her proven knowledge of employee relations, labor laws, risk management, and benefit development and administration, she is a strong asset to the management team.
Amanda is originally from Miami, FL. where she graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She later moved to Atlanta, where she continued to grow in her career and education. She obtained her SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certification and recently completed the Human Resources Management Certificate Program at Kennesaw State University. Amanda is a member of SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management) as well as the local chapter, SHRM-Atlanta.
With her diverse job experiences and education, Amanda is able to support Coolray’s mission of 100% customer satisfaction by promoting a positive work environment in which employees can thrive and grow.
Amanda and her husband have a son and daughter. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts and live sporting events, outdoor activities, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
acooper@coolray.com
678-784-2238
Tracy Burdette
Quality Assurance Manager
Tracy Burdette joined Coolray’s Quality Assurance Division in January 2010 to assist in the company’s ongoing efforts for continual improvement in the products and services delivered to its customers, and to ensure that the quality HVAC systems installed by Coolray continue to provide comfort for many years to come.
A native of the Atlanta area, Tracy has over 23 years experience in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry and holds an unrestricted Georgia Conditioned Air License. After graduating from the two-year HVAC program at Atlanta Area Tech he spent eight years working as a service technician repairing and installing numerous types and brands of air conditioning equipment before moving into various management, sales, and technical training roles. He enjoys working closely with Coolray’s experienced staff of technicians identifying ways to maintain the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
When not at work Tracy enjoys spending family time with his wife and daughter, and can likely be found outdoors, boating, kayaking, or fishing.
tburdette@coolray.com
678-784-2304
Find Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter