Gary Roorda retires from long HVAC industry career

According to an English proverb, “All good things must come to an end.” Gary Roorda, branch manager of American Refrigeration Supplies (ARS) store located in Mesa, experienced this sentiment at his retirement party on Aug. 31, 2010.

Just prior to his retirement, Gary reached a new milestone with the company. On Aug. 28, Gary celebrated his 40th anniversary with ARS.

It was the longest any ARS employee had been with the company.

“Roorda was hired as a counter salesman in 1970, just a few months after the ownership of the company changed and ARS began their long term growth,” said ARS Regional Manager Tim Gilligan.

At that time, ARS had three locations: Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. The Mesa store was opened in 1972 at 42 East 5th Avenue. Roorda was named branch manager of Mesa when it first opened. In 1975, it was moved to 1112 S. Sirrine. In 2002 ARS built and occupied its current 15,000 square foot company-owned facility, which was expanded to 20,000 square feet a few years later.

At the retirement party, Roorda celebrated the closing of his career with his customers, local suppliers and ARS associates. A cookout was held in his honor at the Mesa location. More than 200 friends, co- workers, clients and industry personnel were in attendance to wish Roorda a happy farewell.

“All of us congratulate Gary for his long and successful career with ARS, and wish him the best on his retirement after 40 years of service,” Gilligan said.

Roorda said the reality of his retirement has not fully set in yet, as he has been busy working on his home and taking care of last minute business.

Posted in: General News