In the fall of 1984, Air Masters Corporation (now IFS) was nearing the completion of its 18th year in business. The company had grown significantly during its first 2 decades, having to move twice to accommodate the ever growing workforce. In September of that year, a man named Gary Conrad became a proud employee of Air Masters, bringing with him a level of technical and sales expertise that the company needed to continue to grow.
For over 30 years, Gary Conrad has served Integrated Facility Services with the highest levels of professionalism. While he is one of many faces seen around the St. Louis office, for many in the industry, Gary is THE face of our company, having represented IFS as a member of American Society of Healthcare Engineers (AHSE), American Society of Heating, AC, Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE), Missouri Society of Healthcare Engineers (MOSHE), and many other professional organizations during his tenure. In addition to serving in various organization in the St. Louis area, Gary has also been an AIA Certified presenter, presenting on various topics for engineering firms and contractors alike.
Gary’s accomplishments and recognition in the HVAC community aside, Gary has also served in many key roles for IFS, including Committee Chairman for the Marketing Committee and Vice-President of Contracting. Gary also has lead and presented at countless sales meetings, keeping our work force up to date on what is new and upcoming in HVAC. While he does take his job very serious, his most entertaining role over the years has come in the form of Master of Ceremonies and lead dancer for numerous office parties and annual anniversary banquets.
While Gary is known as an strong member of the IFS team, to those who know him well, he is an even stronger man and friend. A devoted husband to his wife, Ellen. A diehard lover of dogs, especially his prize Smooth Fox Terriers. An avid photographer and traveler. And a valued teacher, who always took the extra few minutes to help a colleague in need.
Mr. Conrad, we wish you the best in your retirement, and hope that you will have the opportunity to visit the world and take photographs of all that you see. Know that we will miss you dearly. Your ever positive attitude, your friendly smile, and your whistling strolls through the office. We will recollect the morning meetings full of your groan worthy one liners, and the evenings when you leave us for the day while offing your traditional two finger Peace Sign and a hearty “later dude.” And we will forever wonder what is in that enormous brown bag you carry with you every day.
Enjoy retirement, Gary. You have earned it. We will miss you.