In 1995, after twenty-five years experience in HVAC systems technology, Al Fudge decided it was time to provide an alternative to the existing TAB agencies in the Pacific Northwest and formed his own company, AIRTEST Co., Inc. His original goal for the company was to become the premier provider of TAB services in the greater Seattle area, and he has come very close to achieving that goal. Currently AIRTEST is one of the two largest TAB agencies in the area and is the only independent union contractor in Washington State.

AIRTEST focuses on providing support to the larger mechanical contractors in the Pacific Northwest, whether the projects are Design Build or Plan and Spec work. AIRTEST's recent projects include SAFECO Field and Boeing Transonic Wind Tunnel.

Al attributes his success to the fact that "we have worked hard to establish and maintain a reputation for reliable and timely service." AIRTEST has recently begun to provide commissioning services to their clients. They also provide start-up and test services of HVAC equipment to selected contractors. "One advantage of performing this work is that we have a much better understanding of job site readiness conditions when we are asked to begin TAB work," according to Al.

AIRTEST currently employs five journeymen TABB Certified Technicians and two third-year apprentices who are actively involved in the TABB training program. The TAB Team includes: Chuck Dowling, Rick Farrington, Brent Wyman, Mike Touchette, Chris Grantham, Dustin Polly and Darrin Williams.

Al believes the greatest strength of the TABB program is training because it can be done in a controlled environment with qualified people. He praises JATC instructor Jim Harper for tailoring installations to present specific test and balance problems. "Reputation and integrity are very important to me," he explains. "That's why I want my team to get the best training possible and TABB provides it."

Contractors can be TABB Certified if they employ at least one full-time TABB Certified supervisor and at least one TABB Certified technician (which can be the same person), if they possess the proper tools and equipment, and if they are signatory to a collective bargaining agreement that provides for contributions to NEMIC. For more information on TABB's Certification of contractors, visit www.TABBCertified.org.