We’re proud to announce that our own Sean Kelleher has been honored by The ACHR NEWS, one of the HVAC/R industry’s leading publications, in its ninth annual Top 40 Under 40 List.

The individuals chosen for the list represent every aspect of the HVAC and refrigeration industry, including the manufacturing, distribution, and contracting sectors. The publication received hundreds of submissions for this year’s list, but only the 40 most deserving individuals – with demonstrated accomplishments in the HVAC/R industry – can be selected.

Sean Kelleher was an obvious choice to receive this prestigious honor. With more than a decade of experience, he currently serves as the director of engineering for RLS. After joining Cerro Flow Products in 2012 as a research and development engineer, Sean began work on an entirely new product concept which had never been successfully accomplished before: press-to-connect fittings that would withstand the high pressures of HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Sean was responsible for designing and testing the very first HVAC/R press fittings and jaws. Based on his success, a new company (RLS) was formed to focus exclusively on HVAC/R press products. RLS fittings were launched in 2015 and immediately changed the industry. Over the years, the usage of RLS fittings has continued to grow, and Sean has continued to work to expand the product line, including leading the development of “RLS XL”, our 1-5/8” and 2-1/8” press fittings – another industry first!

Today, Sean continues to oversee all product research, development and testing, as well as the development of training materials. Due in large part to his dedication to HVAC/R innovation, more than 15 million RLS press fittings have now been installed successfully around the world, including in notable facilities such as Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Smithsonian Libraries.

All of us at RLS congratulate Sean on this impressive honor, and thank him for everything he has done for our company and the HVAC/R industry. Stay tuned to see what he comes up with next!