Taco University

Taco University is Taco’s training platform for hydronic professionals, offering hands-on factory training, online learning, and live industry discussions designed to help contractors, engineers, and technicians improve system performance in the field.

Factory Training Programs

Factory training takes place at Taco’s Innovation and Development Center at Taco World Headquarters in Cranston, Rhode Island. These in-person programs provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences across both residential and commercial hydronic systems, including system design principles, product application, troubleshooting techniques, and an in-depth tour of Taco’s manufacturing facility.

Residential factory training in 2026 features the Taco Efficiency Workshop, focused on improving hydronic system efficiency across modern residential systems.

The Taco Innovation and Development Center (IDC)

The Taco Innovation and Development Center is a state-of-the-art learning and training environment, complete with classroom spaces, conference rooms, and functional labs for testing and teaching. The IDC was designed to showcase the latest in energy-saving and sustainable products from Taco Comfort Solutions and provide “Living Laboratories” of installed and operational products for hands-on demonstrations and teaching purposes.

The IDC is a destination for architects, mechanical engineers, HVAC contractors, plumbers and other industry professionals from all over the world. It’s a place where they can learn about and experience first-hand the latest heating and cooling technologies from Taco Comfort Solutions. This powerful combination of technology and education makes the Taco IDC a truly unique and innovative facility, and was awarded LEED Gold for its green technology and sustainable features.

Commercial Training

The Taco Commercial training team will be offering a two-day hydronic-focused training class.  The class will be held at Taco World Headquarters located in Cranston, RI.

The program features highly interactive very informative instruction including an in-depth tour of our state-of-the-art factory in Cranston, Rhode Island, meals, hotel accommodations, and plenty of takeaway materials to ensure the learning sticks.

TOPICS COVERED:

John Barba

Director of Training, Taco, Inc.

John Barba has been in the plumbing heating industry most of his life, growing up in his family’s plumbing and heating business in Harvard, MA. John’s practical experience includes everything from ditch digging and drain cleaning to boiler piping and PEX slinging, as well as business management and contractor sales. Since 1995, John has trained over 30,000 contractors on the fine art and subtle science of hydronic heating design and installation through highly interactive, entertaining and informative seminars.

John is Director of Training for Taco Comfort Solutions, the leading manufacturer of commercial and residential circulators, controls and accessories for plumbing and heating systems. He is the 2012-2014 recipient of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence, and was recently named the industry’s Best Trainer for 2015 by AHRI News Magazine.

David Holdorf

Residential Trainer, Eastern Region, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Holdorf has been in the hydronic industry for 25 years, specifically in the radiant heating side of the business for the better part of his career. Starting out in the technical support/design role and then took over as Engineering Manager overseeing the Technical Support and Design Department. Later he took a position as a Field Technician; supporting training, designing, installing and troubleshooting.

Jason Kockx

Western Product and Application Instructor, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Kockx is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the wholesale distribution sector, specializing in Plumbing and Hydronics. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in managing supply chain operations, building strong relationships with both manufacturers and clients, and delivering top-tier hydronic and plumbing solutions. Having worked for prominent companies in the industry, Jason spent a significant portion of his career with Cal-Steam, a well-established regional distributor in California known for its excellence in plumbing and mechanical hydronics. Most recently, Jason served as a Product Specialist within the Hydronics department at Ferguson Enterprises, where he continues to leverage his in-depth knowledge to offer specialized solutions.

Richard Medairos

Director of Engineered Products and Systems Training

Mr. Medairos is a Senior Systems Engineer and Director of Commercial Training at Taco Comfort Solutions. He has over forty years of experience with demonstrated expertise in engineering, project management and planning. Throughout his career, he has worked on projects with major clients such as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Boston University, Rhode Island School of Design, First Data Corporation, and Taco’s Innovation & Development Center.

Brett Zerba

Applications Engineer, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Zerba is an Application Engineer at Taco Comfort Solutions with over twenty years of experience at the company. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 1981, and in 2003 he earned his Master of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales. Mr. Zerba has demonstrated his skill and expertise in the field of hydronic systems as an ASHRAE and Hydraulic Institute member.

Tony Furst, MSEd, CPD, LEED AP

Sr. Systems Engineer, Commercial Training

Mr. Furst is a Senior Systems Engineer – Commercial Training at Taco Comfort Solutions. He brings over 40 years of experience in the commercial HVAC and Plumbing fields. Throughout his career he has been actively involved in the design and start-up of large central utility plants for Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, and John Deere along with numerous hospitals and educational facilities around the country. Mr. Furst holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Education. He is also an active member of ASHRAE and ASPE.