Learn more about our NATE certified Tampa AC repair technicians.

Meet Gulf Coast Air System’s incredible Tampa AC repair staff!

bio-image-bob-cochell

Bob Cochell

Owner/President

Bob was born in Michigan and is a graduate of Western Michigan University. He has degrees in both marketing and mechanical engineering.

In the 1970’s, he worked for the General Electric Co. central AC department in application engineering, product planning, and equipment sales.

In 1981, he became a co-founder of Gulf Coast Air Systems, eventually becoming the sole owner in 1985. Gulf Coast Air has grown a lot since then, installing more than 74,000 Tampa AC systems and performing over 260,000 service calls. The company performs both residential and commercial work. Additionally, they specialize in undertaking the “hard to air condition” job.

Bob’s professional accomplishments include:
  • Past President of RACCA (Refrigeration Air Conditioning Contractors Association)
  • RACCA presents a yearly award for the “Outstanding Contractor of the Year”, the C. J. Dillard award. Bob has been the recipient four times: in 1992, 1996, 2001, and 2005
  • President of FRACCA (Florida RACCA) the state contractor’s association for two terms
  • In conjunction with FRACCA, Bob teaches CEU (Continuing Education Units) courses statewide on all subjects concerning air conditioning, code compliance, and application of equipment
  • Conducts CEU classes for FAPMGI (Florida Association of Plumbing, Gas and Mechanical Inspectors) to various inspector groups statewide
  • Teaches CEU classes at the BOAF (Building Officials Association of Florida) convention. Topics include the nuances of the energy code and the application of mechanical systems while effectively dehumidifying in Florida’s humid environment
  • Appointed as a voting member of the Florida Building Commission (FBC) Energy Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) since 2000. He evaluates and recommends changes to the Florida Building Code to the FBC Commissioners on matters concerning energy, heating, cooling, ventilation, efficiencies, and building practices
  • Contributing author of the Florida Contractors Exam. He composes new questions for the test and critiques existing questions to make sure all info is up to date
  • Hillsborough County – City of Tampa Mechanical Board voting member, since 1990. He currently serves as Chairman. This board hears cases concerning contractors, inspections, and code interpretations throughout Hillsborough County
  • HVAC Insider – Since 2001, Bob has written a monthly article for this publication. Its topics range from contractor’s business practice, technical energy code questions, refrigerant supply issues, and mechanical installation
Outside Interests

Bob’s outside interests include work as a missionary in Africa, and he has served in Uganda, Zambia, Kenya and Botswana. He conducts pastor’s conferences to bring Christian training to local pastors who may not have the opportunity to travel for education elsewhere.

He is uniquely qualified to help with any Tampa AC problem from a small residence to large commercial installations. For reliable AC Repair Tampa services, Bob has you covered.

air conditioning company secretary renee-cochell

Renee Cochell

Office Manager

Renee became the secretary/treasurer and office manager in 1988, after a ten year banking career in Tampa. She is responsible for maintaining an efficient communication between departmental duties and customer relationships. We have a motto: “We are a family, and we treat you like family.” Renee appreciates all of our company’s customers and knows many by name and phone number. She will be happy to assist you!

Jason-Hofman

Jason Hofmann

Director of Operations

Jason joined the Gulf Coast Air Systems team in January of 2011 and started as a commercial estimator. He has worked his way up to the Director of Operations. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, coordinating field service teams, and ensuring efficient scheduling of HVAC installations and maintenance projects.

The Director of Operations plays a key role in resource allocation, cost control, and quality assurance to meet industry standards. He collaborates with all departments, such as sales and customer service, to streamline processes and enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, this role involves staying abreast of technological advancements in HVAC systems, implementing best practices, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Strategic planning, leadership, and a comprehensive understanding of HVAC operations are vital for the Director of Operations to contribute to the company’s growth and success.

Jason volunteers as a director on the board for RACCA to help the HVAC industry stay on the right course.

Before joining the team at Gulf Coast Air Systems, Jason was an effective department sales manager with a proven track record. He is a self-motivator with high energy and excellent problem-solving skills. Jason was a student at Hillsborough Community College with studies in building materials and construction. Under the guidance of Bob Cochell, Jason is gaining knowledge in all areas of the HVAC industry. This has helped him become a effective leader for Gulf Coast Air Systems.

In his spare time Jason loves spending time with his family, friends, working on his farm and enjoying life to its fullest.

Eliana

Eliana

Senior Comfort Design Specialist

Eliana, graduated from the University of los Andes in Bogoto, Columbia where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. She moved to the USA 20 years ago and met Bob and joined Gulf Coast Air Systems. With Bob’s guidance and instruction, Eliana has learned and gained experience in the HVAC industry.

This has enabled her to design and prepare Residential/Commercial permit packages. Eliana uses her experience with AutoCAD, manual J Calculations, and energy calculations to help with the creation of design-build project for HVAC. She also plays a vital role with the estimating of projects.

Eliana is passionate about participating in mission trips and serving in the Technical Area of her church.

Carson P

Carson Pitt

Procurement Specialist

Carson started his career with Gulf Coast Air Systems in 2016 as an installer/Helper and after graduating HVAC schooling from Florida Career College moved to becoming an EPA & N.A.T.E certified HVAC service Technician.

After 5 years of exceptional work as a service technician, Carson wanted to push himself to learn all aspects of the HVAC business by moving into the Design department to help estimate and coordinate the logistics of all our Residential new construction projects.

Carson is responsible for keeping an up-to-date price book for the sales team and engineering department, as well as estimating, purchasing, procuring materials and equipment for residential new construction projects. By having a great working relationship with our builders and vendors Carson can accurately and effectively bid on projects in a timely and cost-effective manner along with negotiating for the best possible pricing. Carson also provides technical knowledge and support to our field technicians, office staff and sales team.

Navy veteran, Loving husband and father. On his off-time Carson enjoys the great outdoors camping, hiking, fishing and kayaking.

Shanna

Shanna

Quality Control Coordinator/Admin Assistant

As Quality Control Coordinator, Shanna plays a crucial role in ensures that our team lives up to our company brand “Do what’s right, not what is easy”.  Her responsibilities include developing and implementing quality control procedures, conducting inspections and audits, and collaborating with various departments to identify areas for improvement.

She will often analyze data and feedback to assess the effectiveness of existing processes, recommending adjustments or enhancements to uphold quality standards. She may also be involved in training staff on quality protocols, investigating non-conformances, and maintaining documentation to track and report quality metrics. Overall, the role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement in order to uphold and enhance the overall quality of a company’s output.

As an administrative assistant she serves as the backbone of an organization, providing vital support to ensure smooth operations. 

Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence.

Shanna was born and raise right here in Tampa Florida; she has worked in the HVAC industry since 2000 and for Gulf Coast Air Systems since 2013. Recently she has joined the Board of Directors for RACCA and seeks out any opportunity for training and education about the HVAC industry and her roles. 

In her free time, she enjoys coaching and helping with youth sports, reading, freehand drawing and spending time with her family including the 4-legged furry ones.

Service Department

Michael H

Michael H.

Service Manager

Michael has been in the HVAC industry since 1999; six years in duct and equipment installation and 20 years in service, including 15 years at GCAS. Michael is Nate and NCI certified/Master Technician and has many other certifications.

 As the service manager he plays a crucial role in overseeing the operational aspects of the service department. Responsible for coordinating and dispatching service technicians, the manager ensures timely response to customer inquiries and service requests. They schedule maintenance appointments, manage work orders, and allocate resources efficiently. Additionally, service managers often handle customer complaints, ensuring effective resolution and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. Budgeting, inventory control, and staff training also fall within their purview, contributing to the overall success and smooth functioning of the HVAC service department.

He was born and raised in Plant City, Florida and enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his three kids.

  • Service Manager
  • Certifications: Nate Cert, NCI Air Balance, EPA and Master Technician
  • 20 Years and 15 Years and Gulf Coast Air Systems
Brandon

 Brandon T. Griggs

 Service Technician

Brandon has been part of the team since 2018. He is a fun-loving person that loves spending time with family and playing video games when he has the chance. When he is not filling his time with his family, he continues to grow his knowledge about the HVAC industry by studying and researching new HVAC technology.

  • Service Tech
  • Certifications: HVAC, HVACR, OSHA, EPA Universal
  • Working for GCAS since 2018
Garvin

 Garvin Washington

 Lead Service Technician

Garvin joined Gulf Coast Air Systems in January of 2019.  Has elevated his profile to a senior Technician. He has over 15 years of experience in HVAC business. As a lead technician, Garvin ensures our goals as a company are reached. By helping with the training of our other technicians. 

  • Service Tech
  • Certifications: EPA
  • 13 Years and 2 Years with Gulf Coast Air Systems
Peter

 Peter

 Service Technician

Peter enjoys coaching children’s soccer and partake in the adult competitive leagues, along with my accomplishments he is constantly seeking new avenues and areas to improve in his precession to provide quality services and a role model for the younger and least experienced technicians.

  • Refrigeration and Airconditioning Certified
  • NATE Certified
  • Service Tech
  • EPA Certified
  • 15 Year
  • Safety Handling of Hydrocarbons
  • Good Refrigeration Practices
  • MVAC Certified
Ronny

 Ronny

 Service Technician

Ronny has been working for Gulf Coast Air Systems since 2022. He has been praised by every customer/coworker and management. He has become a very valuable part of our Team. He is NATE and EPA certified and always eager to learn more about the HVAC trade.

Yoan

 Yoan

 Service Technician

Yoan has been in the HVAC service arena since 2018, he has become a customer favorite right out of the box. HVAC, EPA and OSHA certified, he is always on the search for more knowledge. In his spare time, he is an avid fisher, really enjoys the ocean, travel, and spending time with his children.

Rodney Hicks

 Rodney Hicks

 Service Technician

Rondey has been working in the AC since 2022. He has his EPA-U and OSHA certifications. He spends his free time hanging out with his family, working on his car, playing video games and is preparing to become a father. He has been a great addition to our team and has already received numerous compliments from our customers.

John

John

 Parts Runner

John joined us in 2022 and has been a valued part of our Service department. Most of his roles are as a parts runner. However, he is always into something extra helping around the shop. John is a retired Baptist minister. With experience in various service-based industries and metal fabrication.

Installation Department

Ted

 Installation Manager

With over 30 years with Gulf Coast Air Systems, he started out as an installer and worked his way up to current role. Ted enjoys leading his large crew of installers, by guiding every project to completion. With Ted’s vast knowledge of the HVAC industry, he is teaching our younger techs the proper way of HVAC construction. On top of all of Ted years of experience he is also NATE, EPA and NCI Air Balance certified.

When Ted is not leading his crews, he enjoys the outdoors, sports, his family, and friends.