Meet The Team
![Brent Bauer - Owner & Vice President](/media/brent-bauer.jpg)
As Allied Air Conditioning & Heating’s first full-time employee, I’ve been with the company for 42 years and counting. You might call me a real self-starter: I installed my first air conditioner in my first house in 1968. By the time I’d installed systems for several of my neighbors, I realized I’d found my calling. Above all else, I enjoy the challenge of solving HVAC problems for our customers that have stumped our competitors—it’s both personally and professionally fulfilling.
My credentials include a bachelor’s degree in math and physics from North Park University and an MBA from Loyola University. When not in the office, I enjoy snow skiing and have also obtained my certification as a professional ski instructor. I have also been with the Mt. Prospect Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter for over 25 years, and I enjoy tinkering in my workshop during my free time.
![Chris Blanchard - Indoor Climate Consultant](/media/DSC_0021.jpg)
After graduating from the Environmental Technical Institute, I started my career in the HVAC industry. That was 13 satisfying years ago now, and I’ve held roles in both service and sales. I enjoy getting to meet new people on a daily basis—and helping them with their HVAC needs is tremendously satisfying.
When not at work with Allied Air Conditioning & Heating, I enjoy playing hockey on a team in Crystal Lake. I also enjoy cooking as well as spending time with my family: my wife, three children, and our German Shepherd.
![Kevin Budinger - Owner & Install Manager](/media/Kevin-Budinger_reduced.jpg)
A Palatine native, I’m a proud member of one of the communities Allied Air Conditioning & Heating serves. I graduated from St. Viator High School and earned my bachelor’s from Northern Illinois University. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me spending time—preferably outside—with my wife and children. I’m an avid runner, hiker, and traveler and I truly enjoy the hands-on effort of building something. I’m also an active leader of Boy Scout Troop 29 in Barrington.
![Chuck Condon - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0003.jpg)
One of the reasons I chose this profession was that I knew there would always be a need for my skills. I’ve spent 19 years in the field, the last 12 with the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team. I find enjoyment in solving day-to-day problems, laying out ductwork, and working with different builders.
I love spending time with my wife, Tammy, and my boys, Charlie and Andrew. I coach them in football, baseball, and lacrosse. My other hobbies include racing my two cars—a Camaro and a Cutlass—and working out.
![Tina Dutton - Office Manager](/media/team-placeholder.jpg)
My career includes 15 years’ experience as an office manager, the last five of which I’ve spent with the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team. When not at work, I enjoy attending my kids’ activities, spending time with my family, and traveling to new places.
![Kevin Fitzgerald - Sales Manager](/media/Kevin-Fitzgerald_reduced.jpg)
My career in the HVAC industry spans 25 years. At Allied Air Conditioning & Heating, I have been proud to assist our clients in selecting the best systems for their homes—and families—for over six years. When I’m not on the job, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, and listening to Jimmy Buffett.
![Jamie Flores - Customer Service](/media/Jamie-Flores_reduced.jpg)
As a customer service professional, I’ve worked in HVAC for over seven years. I’ve been with Allied Air Conditioning & Heating for four years.
I spend my time outside of work with my friends and family. I’m especially passionate about spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and training for triathlons.
![Billy Hammer - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0010.jpg)
As part of the Allied team for the past eight years, I enjoy the opportunity to serve my community with 24/7 comfort. I hold an EPA certification as well as have a certificate with the Community Emergency Response Team. During my time off, I enjoy being with my family and spending time with my dog.
![Bob Job - Service Technician](/media/DSC_0028.jpg)
I have built a career on helping people. During the first part of my career, I processed insurance claims as part of Allstate’s National Catastrophe Team. I then transitioned to Sears, where I designed, installed, and maintained air compressor systems for all Sears Automotive locations nationwide. In 2016, I joined the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team. I chose HVAC because I love working with both my hands and my head.
When I’m not at work, I spend time with my family. We are a family of car enthusiasts and love drag racing—even our daughters do!
![Steve Kauffman - Service Technician](/media/DSC_0004.jpg)
The HVAC industry offers a wide range of opportunities, which is why it appealed to me as a career. I joined the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team in 2017 after attending the College of Lake County for my HVAC training and working for two years in the field.
In addition to being an HVAC technician, I am also a musician, an avid sports fan, and an outdoorsman. I especially enjoy kayaking and fishing. I am also newly engaged and looking forward to marrying my fiancée, Michelle.
![Maureen Lacni - Accounts Receivable](/media/team-placeholder.jpg)
Working for Allied Air Conditioning & Heating has been a wonderful experience. Although my background is in teaching mathematics at the high school level, I transitioned to my current role in accounts receivable just a few years ago. I enjoy Allied’s office environment, appreciate being able to help customers over the phone, and relish the chance to expand my business knowledge on a daily basis. When I’m not here, I spend my free time with my family of three teenagers. I volunteer at and attend their school and sports activities. I also love working on craft projects.
![Kevin Learch - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0006.jpg)
As a full-time paramedic and firefighter, I work at Allied part-time. I chose to learn the HVAC trade to follow in my father’s footsteps. When I’m not working—at either job—I love to be outside fishing and kayaking. I also enjoy playing golf, cooking, doing DIY projects around the house, and spending time with my family and friends.
![Craig Lee - Service Technician](/media/Craig-Lee_reduced.jpg)
Growing up, I sweated all summer and froze all winter long. When it came time to choose a career, I vowed “never again!” I’ve happily spent the last 16 years in the HVAC industry and the last seven as part of the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team.
Outside of my family, my two greatest passions are motorcycles and BBQ. I love spending time with my wife and my two boys, whom I coach in youth football. I also enjoy obstacle course racing with my sons.
![Pat Lee - Indoor Climate Consultant](/media/DSC_0027.jpg)
My career in the HVAC industry spans 23 years. I’ve been grateful to spend the last four of those years with Allied Air Conditioning & Heating as an Indoor Climate Consultant. I enjoy working with our customers to solve their HVAC problems.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy playing hockey, fishing, and—most of all—spending time with my family.
![Paul Loeffler - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0017.jpg)
A 13-year veteran of the field, I’ve been part of the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team for the last four years. I focus mainly on boiler systems. I find great joy in working with copper piping and boiler systems because every system is different—and every one presents a challenge to solve.
When I’m not at work, you can find me spending time with my wife and daughter, or playing games and fetch with our dog, Chewy. To stay active, I play fall softball with my friends, cycle, and visit the gym regularly.
![Michael McMahon - Sales Support Coordinator](/media/team-placeholder.jpg)
I have always been passionate about helping others. I enjoy learning new skills and technology to provide an outstanding customer experience. Prior to joining the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team three years ago, I served in a project management and leadership role for an IT Service Desk.
When not at work, I tinker with the latest technologies and tools for home automation, play guitar, and go trap/skeet shooting. I give back to the community as an usher at my church and with charitable work through the Knights of Columbus, and I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
![Matt Monson - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0132.jpg)
I started in the trade at my father’s HVAC shop while I was still in high school. After graduating, my career path took me through a few other jobs, but I ultimately found that I enjoy working in new construction more than anything else. I have been with the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team now for four years. My other interests including playing hockey, fishing, camping, and playing music.
![Pat Monson - Technician Support Specialist](/media/DSC_0019.jpg)
became a sheet metal mechanic, and eventually ran my own successful HVAC business. When I sold my business to a local utility company, I joined the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team. I found at Allied a company with the values I hold, that delivers the very best in HVAC products and services and does right by its customers.
When I’m not here at work, I enjoy fishing, ice hockey, home remodeling projects, and the occasional motorcycle ride. My four grown children live close by, and it’s been my great joy to see them grow, thrive, and move into and through adulthood.
![James Potter - Service Technician](/media/James-Potter_reduced.jpg)
With 15 years in the field and 10 at Allied, I’ve found a world of job satisfaction in working with customers, working with my hands, and working outside. When I’m not on the job, I enjoy taking vacations with my family. I’m also an avid gardener and I enjoy watching and playing sports with my kids.
![Sam Ruiz - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0009.jpg)
I chose the HVAC profession because I knew I’d have variety—I like to tackle a different job every day. Doing so keeps work fun. I also find satisfaction in the day-to-day challenge and the opportunity to help out a customer. I’ve spent 14 happy years in the business, the last 12 of them with the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team.
With a wife and four children, my weekends are busy. I enjoy spending time at the park or taking my kids to play soccer.
![Jason Sikora - Service Technician](/media/DSC_0013.jpg)
After 15 years as part of the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team, I still enjoy interacting with our customers and knowing I can improve their everyday lives. Like many of my colleagues, I also enjoy working different jobs daily—which I find makes work exciting.
After my workday ends, my greatest joy is coming home to see my children. I love spending time with them and being a part of their daily lives.
![Donna Wettstein - Office Manager](/media/Donna-Stein_reduced.jpg)
I have spent 23 years of my career as part of the Allied team. During that time, I’ve held a variety of positions, from dispatch to administration, and I’m currently the Libertyville office manager. I enjoy helping our customers solve their heating and cooling problems. The confidence I have in Allied’s products and services makes my job easier.
I enjoy spending time with my husband, kids, and grandson—and I’m eagerly looking forward to the arrival of my new granddaughter. I’m an avid reader and flea market shopper.
![Whittaker Bennet - Indoor Climate Consultant](/media/Whittaker-Bennett_reduced.jpg)
I enjoy meeting new clients, and I take great pride in creating solutions for their HVAC needs and exceeding their expectations. I’ve been part of the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team for five great years, the majority of my HVAC career so far. I studied HVAC at Harper College and bring experience in service, installation, and sales to my role.
Happily married, I have three beautiful daughters. I enjoy playing pool, cooking, and spending my time with family and friends.
![Scott Wilson - Service Technician](/media/DSC_0134.jpg)
I have 7 years experience as a service technician. As a service technician, I diagnose repairs and perform maintenance on the equipment. I love spending my free time with my two kids, playing with them and teaching them how to use tools.
![Jack Ester - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0146.jpg)
I’ve spent 33 excellent years in the HVAC profession. Of all its aspects, I enjoy working with sheet metal the most. Family is very important to me. My wife and I have been married for 30 years, and we have two daughters and two grandsons.
![Bob Hall - Service Technician](/media/Bob-Hall_reduced.jpg)
I have been a Service Technician with Allied Air Conditioning & Heating for 19 years. My experience in the industry also includes experience in installation. This has proven to be a rewarding and enjoyable career for me. When I’m not on the job, I enjoy riding motorcycles, hanging out with my kids, and fishing.
![Zach Hebeda - Warehouse Technician](/media/DSC_0150.jpg)
I have been part of the Allied team for just under two years. In my role in the warehouse, I assist with installations and service calls and run parts. When I’m not here, I love playing and listening to music—I’m a guitarist. I also love playing video games.
![Rob Johnson - Service Technician](/media/Rob-Johnson_reduced.jpg)
In my role as a service technician, I find satisfaction in being able to provide comfort to our customers. I’ve been a part of Allied’s team for three years. In my time outside of work, I enjoy cars—learning about them and driving them—as well as hiking and traveling.
![Nate Koch - Service Technician](/media/Nate-Koch_reduced.jpg)
For the past four years, I’ve enjoyed meeting new customers as an Allied Air Conditioning & Heating Service Technician. I look forward to many more years in the business.
When I’m not here, you can find me spending time with my family and girlfriend—or out playing golf or softball.
![Steve Krause - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0140.jpg)
I have spent twelve terrific years in the business as an HVAC installer. My role combines my passion for working with mechanical equipment with my interest in helping our customers feel comfortable.
My hobbies outside of work including riding motorcycles, boating, mountain biking, and fishing. As someone who likes working with mechanical equipment, I enjoy working on my house and my motorcycle. When I have spare time, I love to travel.
![Mark Logemann - Shop Runner](/media/DSC_0160.jpg)
I’m new here at Allied Air Conditioning & Heating, having only joined the team a few months ago. As Shop Runner, I supply parts to the technicians and organize jobs for installation. Outside of work, you can find me fishing, cooking, and riding my mountain bike.
![Tom Stein - Service Manager](/media/Tom-Stein_reduced.jpg)
I’ve been part of the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team for 25 years. I’m focused on helping our customers find excellent solutions that address their comfort and indoor air quality needs—that’s my favorite part of the job.
A husband and a father of three, I’m happiest outside of work when I’m hiking in the mountains.
![Dave Matovich - Service Technician](/media/Dave-Matovich_reduced.jpg)
I’ve spent the last 11 years as part of the Allied Air Conditioning & Heating team. My role includes doing HVAC repairs and performing routine maintenance. When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me spending my time with my family.
![Ed Piesens - Warehouse Manager](/media/DSC_0155.jpg)
I’ve spent a good number of years working with the Allied team. Here, I’m responsible for ordering and for maintaining accurate inventory records. Keeping a well-organized warehouse brings me—and the team—a lot of satisfaction.
My hobbies include motorcycles and woodworking, and I’m active with a local Boy Scout Troop.
![John Stonehocker - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0142.jpg)
With 18 years on the Allied team, I’ve enjoyed building a career in the HVAC industry as an installer. When I’m not on the job, my main hobby is woodworking.
![Lon Schulmeister - Indoor Climate Consultant](/media/DSC_0151.jpg)
I have spent my entire career with Allied Air Conditioning & Heating—34 years so far. A few college and technical courses as a student sparked my interest in HVAC and directed me towards a career. I particularly love designing residential and commercial HVAC systems and have training in repair, installation, design, and service.
My free time outside work is very full with family, church, and outdoor activities. I like to hunt and play golf, but I’m happiest fishing. I find it a wonderful way to relax and calm the mind.
![Judy Smith - Customer Service](/media/Judy-Smith_reduced.jpg)
In my role, I enjoy interacting with customers and addressing their service needs while also supporting our staff. I’ve spent four years on the Allied team, with positions as a senior administrative assistant and dispatcher.
When I’m not here, I enjoy cooking, being outdoors, taking motorcycle rides, and spending time with my friends.
![Bill Stein - Service Technician](/media/Bill-Stein_reduced.jpg)
I service high-end equipment and boilers in my role. I’ve been part of the Allied team for 33 years and have held roles as both installer and service technician. I like to spend my free time biking, playing and watching hockey, and riding my motorcycle.
![Charlie Stein - Manager](/media/DSC_0148.jpg)
My career in the HVAC industry has been going strong for nearly 35 years. I originally got into HVAC because one of my brothers was in the industry—and the rest is history. I really enjoy the day-to-day work with my coworkers. Most of all, though, I like it when we as a team are able to solve our customers’ problems.
I have been married to my wife, Michelle, for almost 40 years. Our family now includes two children and three grandchildren—with a fourth expected soon. Outdoor activities are my passion. I enjoy hiking, ice skating, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and biking. Community is also important to me: my family has participated in Grant Township’s Christmas ‘Adopt a Family’ for years. We also do charity work with March of Dimes and The Special Olympics.
![Dave Stein - Installation Technician](/media/DSC_0136.jpg)
As a member of the Allied team for the past 16 years, I install furnaces, air conditioners, and rooftop units. I enjoy fishing, mountain biking, and brewing beer.