Meet The Team

Meet Our Executive Team

Qualifications include: - Refrigeration Trades Certificate - Fair Trading Licence – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - Extensive commercial kitchen design and catering equipment selection skills - ARC Refrigerant Licence - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 34+ years Rodney is married with two (2) children and enjoys catching up with friends and family, going to music concerts and anything mechanical (cars, motor bikes, etc.) Rodney Crittenden DIRECTOR Born in Scone, Rodney Crittenden commenced a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship with Maitland Abattoirs in 1985.

Two years into his trade Rodney had his indentures transferred to Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. After completing his trade Rodney moved into technical refrigeration / commercial kitchen equipment sales, engineering and project management. Under the tutorage of Engineering Director Ian Wattus, Rodney was trained "hands on" in the fields of refrigeration and catering equipment design, application and engineering.

Rodney has delivered many millions of dollars in successful HVAC+R and commercial kitchen projects. Rodney is well known for his skill, knowledge and abilities in the HVAC+R industry and catering equipment fields. This has additionally included numerous NSW Public Works / Department of Commerce projects. In 2010 Rodney Crittenden became a Company Director. His current position is Company Director / Technical Sales Manager - Refrigeration & Catering Equipment.

Rodney Crittenden DIRECTOR Qualifications include: - Refrigeration Trades Certificate - Fair Trading Licence – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - Extensive commercial kitchen design and catering equipment selection skills - ARC Refrigerant Licence - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 34+ years Rodney is married with two (2) children and enjoys catching up with friends and family, going to music concerts and anything mechanical (cars, motor bikes, etc.) Rodney Crittenden DIRECTOR Born in Scone, Rodney Crittenden commenced a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship with Maitland Abattoirs in 1985.

Two years into his trade Rodney had his indentures transferred to Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. After completing his trade Rodney moved into technical refrigeration / commercial kitchen equipment sales, engineering and project management. Under the tutorage of Engineering Director Ian Wattus, Rodney was trained "hands on" in the fields of refrigeration and catering equipment design, application and engineering.

Rodney has delivered many millions of dollars in successful HVAC+R and commercial kitchen projects. Rodney is well known for his skill, knowledge and abilities in the HVAC+R industry and catering equipment fields. This has additionally included numerous NSW Public Works / Department of Commerce projects. In 2010 Rodney Crittenden became a Company Director. His current position is Company Director / Technical Sales Manager - Refrigeration & Catering Equipment.

Rodney Crittenden DIRECTOR Qualifications include: - Refrigeration Trades Certificate - Certificate Electrical Engineering - Certificate Mechanical Engineering - Certificate of Fan Engineering - Certificate of VRF design - Mechanical Ventilation Halton Hood Design & Commissioning - Certification for Small Duct Work Design & Commissioning - Compliance with Section J Training - Member AIRAH - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 18+ years Mitchell is married with three (3) children and enjoys catching up with friends and family, surfing, snow boarding & occasionally travelling.

Mitchell Cousins DIRECTOR Born in Newcastle, Mitchell Cousins commenced a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship with the Nova Skills group apprenticeship scheme hosted by Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning in 2001. Mitchell additionally enrolled in certificate and diploma engineering courses at night, whilst completing his apprenticeship to further his learning, knowledge and skill base. After completing his trade, Mitchell formally transferred employment to Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.

At this time Mitchell advanced into technical air conditioning sales, engineering and project management. Under the tutorage of the Late Norman Clifton (Dip. Eng.), and Engineering Director Ian Wattus, Mitchell was trained "hands on" in the fields of air conditioning and mechanical services design, application, and engineering. In 2011 Mitchell Cousins became a Company Director. His current position is Company Director / Technical Sales Manager, Project Manager - Air Conditioning Systems and Mechanical

Services

. Mitchell Cousins DIRECTOR Qualifications include: - Refrigeration Trades Certificate - Certificate Electrical Engineering - Certificate Mechanical Engineering - Certificate of Fan Engineering - Certificate of VRF design - Mechanical Ventilation Halton Hood Design & Commissioning - Certification for Small Duct Work Design & Commissioning - Compliance with Section J Training - Member AIRAH - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 18+ years Mitchell is married with three (3) children and enjoys catching up with friends and family, surfing, snow boarding & occasionally travelling.

Mitchell Cousins DIRECTOR Born in Newcastle, Mitchell Cousins commenced a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship with the Nova Skills group apprenticeship scheme hosted by Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning in 2001. Mitchell additionally enrolled in certificate and diploma engineering courses at night, whilst completing his apprenticeship to further his learning, knowledge and skill base. After completing his trade, Mitchell formally transferred employment to Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.

At this time Mitchell advanced into technical air conditioning sales, engineering and project management. Under the tutorage of the Late Norman Clifton (Dip. Eng.), and Engineering Director Ian Wattus, Mitchell was trained "hands on" in the fields of air conditioning and mechanical services design, application, and engineering. In 2011 Mitchell Cousins became a Company Director. His current position is Company Director / Technical Sales Manager, Project Manager - Air Conditioning Systems and Mechanical Services.

Mitchell Cousins DIRECTOR Qualifications include: - Chartered Accountant (C.A.) - Bachelor of Commerce Degree (B.Com.) - Registered Tax Agent - Justice of the Peace (NSW) - Fair Trading Licence – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 35+ years Ian is married with two (2) children and enjoys catching up with friends and family, movies, bike riding, snow skiing and occasionally travelling.

Ian Carney DIRECTOR Born in Newcastle, Ian Carney is second generation of the Carney family to work at Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. [Ian's late father, Mr Jim Carney, was the company's Managing Director for 40+ years. Jim originally trained with our founder, the late Sidney Cole. Thus providing an unbroken skills link spanning 85+ years.] Ian formerly commenced employment with Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning in 1984.

(Prior experience included working with service technicians and coolroom erectors during school holidays). While undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Newcastle University, Ian was employed by 'Forsythes Chartered Accountants'. This firm subsequently became 'Deloitte Haskins & Sells’ (an international accountancy firm) where Ian completed his 'CA Australia & New Zealand' Professional Year (PY). In 1986 Ian Carney became a Company Director.

His current position is Company Director / Company Secretary. Roles includes company compliance, administration, WH&S+E, marketing and accounting responsibilities. Ian Carney DIRECTOR Qualifications include: - Chartered Accountant (C.A.) - Bachelor of Commerce Degree (B.Com.) - Registered Tax Agent - Justice of the Peace (NSW) - Fair Trading Licence – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 35+ years Ian is married with two (2) children and enjoys catching up with friends and family, movies, bike riding, snow skiing and occasionally travelling.

Ian Carney DIRECTOR Born in Newcastle, Ian Carney is second generation of the Carney family to work at Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. [Ian's late father, Mr Jim Carney, was the company's Managing Director for 40+ years. Jim originally trained with our founder, the late Sidney Cole. Thus providing an unbroken skills link spanning 85+ years.] Ian formerly commenced employment with Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning in 1984.

(Prior experience included working with service technicians and coolroom erectors during school holidays). While undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Newcastle University, Ian was employed by 'Forsythes Chartered Accountants'. This firm subsequently became 'Deloitte Haskins & Sells’ (an international accountancy firm) where Ian completed his 'CA Australia & New Zealand' Professional Year (PY). In 1986 Ian Carney became a Company Director.

His current position is Company Director / Company Secretary. Roles includes company compliance, administration, WH&S+E, marketing and accounting responsibilities. Ian Carney DIRECTOR Qualifications include: - Bachelor of Property Economics - Delivering +$180m retail development Isaac Distefano CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Born in Newcastle, Isaac Distefano commenced with Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning in September 2023.

Isaac started his adult working life in Sydney as an Investment Analyst and later moved onto a Business Advisory role in his hometown of Newcastle. Isaac’s role in the business is to create effective systems and processes to allow the Coles team to work at their optimum levels and create a working environment where people are happy to come to work. Our 5 year goal is to become the best company in Newcastle and we plan on achieving this through a great working culture, having the right people on board, and providing an efficient and smooth product and service to our customers.

Isaac is soon to be married this year and enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing and watching sport, snowboarding and travelling. Isaac Distefano CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Qualifications include: - Bachelor of Property Economics - Delivering +$180m retail development Isaac Distefano CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Born in Newcastle, Isaac Distefano commenced with Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning in September 2023.

Isaac started his adult working life in Sydney as an Investment Analyst and later moved onto a Business Advisory role in his hometown of Newcastle. Isaac’s role in the business is to create effective systems and processes to allow the Coles team to work at their optimum levels and create a working environment where people are happy to come to work. Our 5 year goal is to become the best company in Newcastle and we plan on achieving this through a great working culture, having the right people on board, and providing an efficient and smooth product and service to our customers.

Isaac is soon to be married this year and enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing and watching sport, snowboarding and travelling. Isaac Distefano CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Qualifications include: - Qualified Chef - Qualified CAD Designer, specialising in commercial kitchens and cooking equipment - 3D CAD Designer - Extensive skills in commercial kitchen design and cost-effective/efficient catering equipment selection - Considerable, senior level, hospitality industry experience and knowledge spanning 20+ years Sean Taylor TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR CATERING EQUIPMENT/KITCHEN MANAGER Sean Taylor is originally a qualified Chef.

Seeking to improve the hospitality industry and commercial kitchens for the benefit of all, Sean pursued a passion for hospitality kitchen designs and value-added catering equipment selection. Sean Taylor has successfully delivered millions of dollars in successful commercial kitchen & catering equipment projects. Sean is well known for his skill, knowledge and abilities in the commercial kitchen and catering equipment industry.

Sean Taylor TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR CATERING EQUIPMENT/KITCHEN MANAGER Qualifications include: - Qualified Chef - Qualified CAD Designer, specialising in commercial kitchens and cooking equipment - 3D CAD Designer - Extensive skills in commercial kitchen design and cost-effective/efficient catering equipment selection - Considerable, senior level, hospitality industry experience and knowledge spanning 20+ years Sean Taylor TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR CATERING EQUIPMENT/KITCHEN MANAGER Sean Taylor is originally a qualified Chef.

Seeking to improve the hospitality industry and commercial kitchens for the benefit of all, Sean pursued a passion for hospitality kitchen designs and value-added catering equipment selection. Sean Taylor has successfully delivered millions of dollars in successful commercial kitchen & catering equipment projects. Sean is well known for his skill, knowledge and abilities in the commercial kitchen and catering equipment industry.

Sean Taylor TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR CATERING EQUIPMENT/KITCHEN MANAGER Qualifications include: - Refrigeration Trades Certificate - Certificate IV in Management - Certificate of VRF Design - Fair Trading Licence – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - ARC Refrigerant Licence - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 38+ Years Wayne Purdon TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Born in Newcastle, Wayne Purdon commenced a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship with Voyzey & Green in 1981.

Since this time Wayne has greatly furthered his career and experience. Wayne has delivered millions of dollars in successful HVAC+R projects. Wayne is well known for his skill, knowledge and abilities in the HVAC+R industry. This has additionally included numerous NSW Public Works / Department of Commerce School projects. Wayne Purdon TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Qualifications include: - Refrigeration Trades Certificate - Certificate IV in Management - Certificate of VRF Design - Fair Trading Licence – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - ARC Refrigerant Licence - Considerable, senior level, HVAC+R industry knowledge and experience spanning 38+ Years Wayne Purdon TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Born in Newcastle, Wayne Purdon commenced a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship with Voyzey & Green in 1981.

Since this time Wayne has greatly furthered his career and experience. Wayne has delivered millions of dollars in successful HVAC+R projects. Wayne is well known for his skill, knowledge and abilities in the HVAC+R industry. This has additionally included numerous NSW Public Works / Department of Commerce School projects. Wayne Purdon TECHNICAL SALES - SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Born in Newcastle, Craig Underwood commenced with Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning in 1998.

Craig started his adult working life with the Australian Defence Force - RAAF, as a Communications Officer. On leaving the Defence Force Craig further trained in accountancy, studying at Newcastle TAFE. Craig Underwood has extensive HVAC+R industry experience spanning 21+ years, especially with regards to logistics, organisational and administration skills. Craig is married with two (2) adult children and enjoys catching up with friends and family, spending time with his grandchildren, house projects, NRL (National Rugby League) and camping.