Lost Job Led to Creation of Highland Heights Company

Phil Yannacio’s decision to go into business for himself came easily. It was 1975, and his employer of 11 years, American Standard, had just cut him loose. The company had decided to drop all sales representatives from staff.

"So I went on my own," he said with satisfaction. He parlayed his experience and his degree and license in mechanical engineering to found to represent commercial and industrial products. He’s been located at 6151 Wilson Mills Rd., Highland Heights, since 1975.

He chose sales over office work right out of college, he said, "because I like to get out and meet people. An office is too dry for me." Also, with an office job, pay levels can plateau. "When you’re selling," he said, "the sky’s the limit."

Among his five or so heating, venting, air conditioning and dehumidification products are geothermal water source heat pumps, "very expensive"; efficient heating systems for large warehouses, "no ductwork necessary"; and dehumidifiers for indoor swimming pools. The latter, he said, are “like a Swiss Army knife” in that a unit dehumidifies as well as heats the pool water and air conditions the natatorium air. It’s been a very popular product the last 18 or so years.

Yannacio’s territory covers the northeast quadrant of the state.

He makes his sales calls to the mechanical engineers of large projects, but he never feels he has to slide into salesman mode. "I’m treated more like a fellow engineer and not a peddler," he said.

Although he has considered retirement, he’s decided he might just slow down.

"My wife would kill me if I just sat around," Yannacio said, smiling.