President and CEO of AireMasters Air Conditioning will be SMACNA SoCal’s next president.
Michael Dean started at AireMasters Air Conditioning in 1986 as a sheet metal journeyperson, but he quickly rose through the ranks. Working hard and learning all he could, Dean soon became a foreman/detailer before moving into AutoCAD (BIM) detailing. Over the years, he continued to take on new responsibilities, eventually serving as general superintendent, project manager, and vice president of operations.
In 2011, he began buying into AireMasters as a minority owner, and in 2024, he became the majority owner and President/CEO.
“My vision for AireMasters is to continue doing the things that have made us successful for 50 years while developing the next generation of leaders who will carry the company forward long after I leave,” he says.
AireMasters is a full-service commercial contractor that designs and installs HVAC, refrigerant piping, and direct digital control systems. They also provide general contracting, specializing in public and private works, schools, and industrial projects. “We thrive on fast-paced, challenging modernization projects,” Dean says. “Those are the types of jobs where our experience, teamwork, and ability to solve problems really shine.”
An example of the company’s stellar work is the recently completed Lifetime Gym in Brea, a large project for the AireMasters team. It is a large, two-story gym with pools, saunas, yoga rooms, kitchen, and a lounge area.
“We are very proud of the finished product and the HVAC system we delivered for the client,” Dean says. “We also had the opportunity to work with Superior Duct, which fabricated all of the ductwork for the project.”
Another project in which AireMasters’ expertise shone was the air-conditioning system installation at Anaheim Union High School District’s main office. This was a challenging project because the existing roof structure wasn’t designed to support the new air handlers. “We had to build large wood platforms and install all-new ductwork, controls, roofing, structural steel, plumbing, new electrical system, along with patching and painting walls and ceilings,” Dean expands.
What made the project even more challenging was that all this work had to be completed while the site remained opened and operational. In the end, AireMasters finished the project on time and within budget.
In October, Dean will step into the role of president of SMACNA SoCal—an organization and role he is excited to be involved with. “SMACNA is an amazing organization,” he says. “It brings contractors together to learn from one another, strengthen our businesses, and make us better and more competitive within the industry.”
He says that being part of SMACNA SoCal is a privilege, and serving on the board of directors is an honor. “My mentor and business partner, Chuck Thompson, had a tremendous impact on SMACNA SoCal,” Dean says. “He served on the board for many years and served as president. To now become president of SMACNA SoCal is very humbling.”
Dean will use his time in the position to help move the industry forward, while also recognizing that he is following in the footsteps of many great leaders. As an association, he says, SMACNA SoCal’s greatest strength is its unity and the respect its members have for the industry and for one another. “We may compete in business, but we also recognize that we are stronger when we work together to improve our industry.”
The biggest challenge is getting more members involved in the association’s activities and governance. “We have so many talented people within our membership who aren’t currently participating and may not realize how valuable their experience and perspective are to the organization,” he says. “One of my goals is to get those people excited about SoCal SMACNA, encourage them to participate, and help them recognize that their involvement matters.”
That sentiment sums up Michael Dean’s primary message to the membership: Get involved.
“Come to SMACNA events,” he says. “Learn everything you can about our industry and then pass that knowledge on. Share your experience with the next generation and give them the same opportunities that others gave us.
“Our young people are our future—and our future is bright.” ▪
