www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I September 2025 3
News
A LEGACY OF COOL: CELEBRATING DAVE NICHOLLS ' ILLUSTRIOUS 60-YEAR CAREER IN HVAC & R
By Eamonn Ryan
After a career spanning nearly six decades, Dave Nicholls, a respected figure in the HVAC & R industry, is set to retire from Afcon Industrial Equipment on September 30, 2025. His departure marks the end of an era.
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My journey began 59 years ago, embarking on an apprenticeship with Barlows. I recall a vastly different industry landscape, where refrigerants like methyl chloride and SO2 were giving way to the‘ so easy’ trio of Freon 12, 22 and R502. This early exposure to fundamental shifts in technology set the stage for a career defined by adaptability,” says Nicholls.
His career trajectory saw him move from the technical trenches into sales, where he became a successful representative.“ A key moment arrived when I was offered a counter sales position by the late, great, Lynn Thompson, who became a wonderful mentor. I later took the helm of JLC Durban Heating ' s division, navigating the challenges of the 1970s oil crisis by pivoting from diesel to electric hot water boilers. We even sold coal fired boilers with underfeed stokers.”
For various reasons the management at JLC broke away to cofound Independent Refrigeration Supplies( IRS).“ I clearly remember the personal risk involved, having to sign personal sureties that put my home on the line. Fortunately, IRS flourished and was later successfully sold – a milestone as this was only the second contract I ever signed. The first was for my apprenticeship and the second to stay on after we sold IRS. The subsequent merger of IRS and Reco, where staff had to re-apply for their jobs, was the most stressful period in my life as having to choose who stayed.
“ Almost as stressful was the disastrous fire that destroyed our building. But our staff were wonderful- everyone rose to the occasion, and we found suitable premises nearby and carried on trading,” says Nicholls.
Before joining Afcon in 2004, he served as regional manager for Reco. Thereafter, his colleagues describe his two decades at Afcon as having been marked by unwavering professionalism and invaluable knowledge, greatly benefiting the company. Afcon credits him particularly for fostering excellent relationships with an extensive customer base and, notably, with Cubicool, a key refrigeration supplier. The team at Afcon will miss his readiness with a joke and a laugh, a testament to his positive impact on the workplace culture.
“ At 78, I have concluded it ' s time to embrace full-time retirement, a transition I ' ve eased into by working half-day and from home since COVID-19. I look forward to dedicating more time to my hobbies: clock repair and metalworking. I have made two model stationary steam engines from imported castings. Seeing them actually work for the first time is thrilling.
“ I have been blessed with my wife Janis, and our two children, Dave Nicholls and Neil Golten at FRIGAIR. including one son who has followed in my footsteps into the HVAC & R trade, now residing in Brisbane.”
Reflecting on his long career, he says: " It has been a good trade and I have never regretted my choice in trade. I recall a memorable incident during my career: unfortunately a significant refrigerant wastage occurred when a service valve was ripped off a R22 ton tank during offloading a container from ICI UK, causing the side of the container to ice up and resulting in huge damage in the atmosphere, alongside a frostbite injury to a labourer. Such anecdotes underscore the tangible impacts and evolving safety considerations within the industry throughout my tenure.”
Dave Nicholls ' retirement will undoubtedly leave a void, but as he says there are plenty of good people out there ready to fill the void. The staff at Afcon Industrial Equipment extend their heartfelt best wishes to Dave and Janis for a well-deserved retirement. His legacy of expertise, professionalism, and enduring spirit will continue to inspire.
Kerry Golten of Afcon adds:“ I myself joined Afcon( the family business) only eight months before Dave. At the time there was only my father and Neil( the upstairs staff) and Craig Krog and myself on the counter – today we have 14 members of staff. When Dave first arrived Afcon was a small fledgling business and Dave the‘ Great Manager from Reco’! I always remember how as we all took turns to make coffee – Craig and I marvelled at having our coffee made by DAVE NICHOLLS. Dave fitted into Afcon like he had always been there and what a privilege it has been to work with himI” RACA
Supplied by Afcon Industrial Equipment.
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I September 2025 3