Employee Spotlight: Dave Hartney, Install Team Manager
Dave Hartney, Install Team Manager
Dave Hartney has been with T.M. Bier & Associates since May 15, 2000, but his roots in the HVAC world go even further back. Growing up in a family full of HVAC professionals, it was almost inevitable he’d land in the same industry. At his father’s suggestion, Dave pursued building automation—something that required more problem-solving and less physical strain—and never looked back. He started his career running conduit, pulling wire, and hanging panels as a technician’s helper. Over time, his curiosity, drive, and commitment to quality helped him rise through the ranks, eventually becoming Install Team Manager.
In his current role, Dave is the go-to person for problem sites—the places where projects are behind schedule or technical issues have everyone stumped. He’s constantly on the move, supporting his own job site while fielding calls from other teams and clients who need help troubleshooting. For Dave, no two days are the same, but every day is an opportunity to fix what’s broken, guide others through challenges, and see a project through from start to finish. “If everything worked, I wouldn’t have a job,” he jokes. “You get used to things not working.”
What he enjoys most about his work is the troubleshooting itself—digging into a problem, getting to the root of it, and making it right. He approaches every issue with a calm, methodical mindset, cutting the problem in half again and again until the answer reveals itself. That process, and the satisfaction of getting something working, is what keeps him engaged after all these years. He also finds real reward in mentoring others. Watching newer technicians have that “ah-ha” moment when something finally clicks is one of the most gratifying parts of his job.
Dave takes immense pride in the projects he’s helped bring to life—particularly those with tight deadlines and big stakes, like 55 Water Street and White Plains Hospital. In each case, his ability to stay focused and push forward helped ensure success, even under pressure. It’s this same level of commitment that he brings to every site, and it’s part of what he believes sets TMBA apart. “We’re large enough to handle it, but small enough to care,” he says. “Unlike some companies where everything is prepackaged, we build everything from scratch. It’s custom. And we make it work.”
Throughout his career, Dave has been guided and supported by mentors at TMBA, including Churchill Enoma, who he credits with helping him grow professionally. That growth continues today, not only in his own development, but in the influence he has on others coming up behind him.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys cooking, camping, playing outdoor games, and spending time with his family. He admits that people probably know everything about him already—“I talk a lot,” he says with a grin—but his openness, humor, and hands-on leadership have made him a standout presence at TMBA.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone just starting out, Dave keeps it simple: “Take an interest, and it becomes more fun than work. When you see something new, take the time to learn it—even if it doesn’t seem important. You learn a lot through curiosity.”
After more than two decades with TMBA, Dave Hartney continues to be a cornerstone of the installation team—a leader who solves problems, lifts up others, and helps ensure that every project gets done the right way.
