In 1996, it would have been hard to predict the course of a burgeoning geothermal heat pump distributor located in the fertile farmland of South Central Illinois. But Steve Smith, along with his wife Karen, was uncompromisingly determined to provide the best products and service in the industry to their customers while creating the best possible workplace for their employees. Looking back at the last 28 years, it can be said that their success has been nothing less than exceptional. Their long legacy of loyal Enertech dealers, installers, distributors, and employees would be enviable to any business leader.
It was Steve’s visionary leadership that led him to expand Enertech from distributing heat pumps to manufacturing heat pumps. That vision made Enertech a leader in manufacturing the highest quality products, pioneering practices such as utilizing aluminum micro-channel air coils, which increased product life. Following Steve’s drive and passion, Enertech went on to develop class-leading products, such as the VS and VT heat pump models, which won gold, silver, and bronze in 2015’s ACHR Dealer Design Awards. The innovation and acclaim that he brought to Enertech would fill many pages.
Beyond Steve’s leadership locally at Enertech, he has been a leading supporter of the GSHP industry in the US. From 2014-2016 and again from 2018-2020, he was president of the GEO Exchange Organization and has remained active in advocating incentives and the benefit of geothermal heat pumps to law makers in Washington D.C. and beyond. In 2022, Steve was awarded the Geothermal Ambassador Award from the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) for his significant contributions to the geothermal industry.
Steve has always lived out the ethos that “People Come First”, both in business and in his daily life. From his open door policy for any of his employees to his service first approach with customers, it’s impossible to be around him without catching some of his enthusiasm and humility. Steve’s outgoing nature, kindness, and loyalty all leave a strong impression on anyone he meets. In their local community, both Steve and Karen have always been loved and admired for their generous support of Greenville. From Karen’s involvement with the local children’s development center and humane society boards to the countless quiet selfless acts that positively affected those around them, the Smiths have the eternal gratitude of all those they have supported.
As Steve steps away from Enertech to enjoy a well-earned retirement, we at Enertech want to convey a heartfelt and enthusiastic, “Thank you!” For not seeing us as employees or customers who are just more numbers to be crunched but treating us as a family. For your unwavering confidence and trust in us. Thank you, Steve. Know that we will continue to forge ahead on the path you set us on, taking the same care and pride that you have in the work and the relationships. Godspeed.
