Taco After Dark

LIVE Show Details:

Featuring Taco Trainers:

• • • John Barba
    • Dave Holdorf
    • Jason Kockx

On the Agenda:

• • • Pix From the Field sneak peek
    • Real-time Q&A + audience chat
    • Insightful slides—served with stories and humor
    • Giveaways (👀 we’re looking at you, 007e)

Can’t make it live?

• • • Catch the podcast version after the show

 Behind the scenes:

• • • Taco’s own Christina Cagliotti-Diglio will be running production and keeping the social stream on point.

Episode 8: Zone Valves vs. Zone Circs

Discussion Topic: Zone Valves vs. Zone Circs

We’re putting zoning to the test. Do you lean toward zone circulators, or are zone valves your go-to? Every contractor has a story and a strong opinion—now it’s time to share yours. In this episode, we’ll review real projects from the field and break down how you address zoning for your customers. And by the end, you’ll see why tonight’s training reveals the absolute best way to zone your systems.

Special Guest: Lesley McGlenen, The Pipe Wench

Lesley, known in the trades as The Pipe Wench, brings a fresh and fearless perspective to the hydronic industry. With years of hands-on experience in the field, she’s built a reputation for tackling tough jobs, challenging conventions, and sharing her knowledge with honesty and humor. Her no-nonsense approach and dedication to the craft have made her a respected voice in plumbing and heating circles — and a guest you won’t want to miss on Taco After Dark.

John Barba

Director of Training, Taco, Inc.

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, Taco, Inc.

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.