Foundation Recipient

Rob Cummings

Rob Cummings (center, in blue) with some customer friends at a September, 2013 appreciation day fundraiser

Rob's Story

When you talk with contractors in the HVAC community around Nashville, they will tell you that Rob Cummings was one of the most technically knowledgeable individuals they dealt with anywhere. Rob began his career in 1976, working at the welding counter of a refrigeration supply company. He went to as many classes as he could and studied nights to learn the technical side of the HVAC industry. In 1985 he went to work for Dale Supply in Nashville, middle Tennessee's oldest independently owned HVAC distributor. He hired in as a counterman but his talents for greater responsibility were quickly recognized. He became the company's technical troubleshooter and technical trainer. His boss at Dale Supply said that manufacturers were always trying to hire him, and he served on advisory boards for both York and Nordine.

In 2003, Rob developed liver disease and had to discontinue employment for one year.

During that year he served as a technical consultant for Dale Supply and resumed active employment in 2004. After his return Rob became vice president of technical and customer service. The additional responsibilities included managing commercial quotations while continuing to handle technical troubleshooting and training. His disease progressed however and in February of 2010 he had to quit full-time employment.

In September, 2013 Rob was told he had about six months to live.

One of the things Rob was concerned about was the roof of their home as he was trying to make sure everything was taken care of. A contractor he had served as a mentor to had just attended Comfort Tech, a national industry seminar and product showcase. She recommended Rob contact the Joseph Groh foundation.

Thanks to all of your donations, the foundation was able to hire a roofing contractor who repaired and replaced the roof.

On October 29 I received an e-mail from Rob's wife Tammy. She said "My sweet Rob passed away Sunday morning, (October 27) but at least he knew I would have a roof over my head before he went home to the Lord. Thanks so much for helping us out. The HVAC industry lost a very smart man."

Rob in his early days with Dale Supply