From the Field to the Front Office: Standard’s Legacy of Leadership

Marcy, NY & Albany, NY — As one respected leader closes his chapter, a new generation of leaders is stepping up to shape Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating’s next era. With deep roots in the company and a shared commitment to quality, service, and innovation, these future leaders — many of whom have grown from within — are ready to lead the way forward.

Standard recently celebrated the retirement of Chief Operating Officer and co-owner Rich Waite after 34 years of extraordinary service. Rich’s journey from laborer to executive exemplifies the core values that have defined Standard’s success: hard work, leadership, and unwavering commitment.

From his earliest days in the field to his tenure as a successful salesman and eventually COO, Rich has mentored countless team members and helped shape Standard into the respected organization it is today.

“Rich’s influence goes far beyond his professional accomplishments; he’s been the heart of our team, a mentor to many, and a symbol of what’s possible when you lead with passion and purpose,” said Jennifer Keida, CEO of Standard. “We wish him the very best as he enters this well-deserved next chapter of life surrounded by family and friends.”

As the company honors Rich’s legacy, it also looks to the future with a strong and experienced leadership team that reflects the same values he championed.

Jeffrey Belisle has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

Since joining Standard in 2020, Jeff has proven to be a dynamic and strategic leader. With prior experience as Controller and CFO at Standard, and past roles at Par Technology, Jeff brings financial acumen and operational expertise to his new role. As COO, he oversees budgeting, forecasting, risk mitigation, and process improvement, ensuring the company continues to deliver exceptional, customer-centric service. A CPA with a master’s degree in accounting, Jeff is poised to lead Standard into its next phase of growth.

Jason Porter has been promoted to Vice President of Marcy.

Jason’s journey began in the field, where he joined Standard in 2007 after a decade in construction. From installer to crew foreman, and eventually to BPI Certified Energy Auditor, Jason has spent years mastering Standard’s products and services. In his new role as Vice President of Marcy, Jason is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, enhancing field productivity, supporting team development, and ensuring consistent service quality across the region. He also plays a key role in strategic planning, safety initiatives, and operational innovation. His deep technical knowledge and leadership will continue to elevate the Marcy branch and its performance.

James Rella has been promoted to General Manager for the Capital Region.

James, who joined Standard in 2024, quickly made his mark as Sales Director, helping to grow market share and drive customer success. With a strong background in sales leadership across industries including HVAC, finance, and transportation, James brings a results-driven approach and a people-first mindset to his new role, where he leads strategic growth, operations, and team development. This past month, James was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Albany Business Review.

Logan Belfield has been promoted to Vice President of Design.

Logan’s career began in the trades as a propane truck helper working alongside his father. His hands-on experience in installation and large-scale project management, combined with certifications from Vanderbilt University, BPI, ACCA, and more, make him uniquely qualified to lead Standard’s design division. As VP of Design, Logan leads a team focused on evaluating data, creating tailored solutions, and optimizing systems for efficiency and performance across residential and commercial projects. He also honors the legacies of the late Conner Jipson and Ryan Corcuera, fellow Standard team members whose lasting impact helped shape his path.

Jason Cook has been promoted to HVAC Department Manager of Marcy.

In his new role, Jason oversees the entire HVAC division, including service techs, installers, dispatch, scheduling, quoting, parts ordering, and quality control. He plays a key role in team building, communication, and overall department performance.

Jason joined Standard as HVAC Service Department Manager and has over 26 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC service, sales, and installation. He completed a 5-year apprenticeship through the NYS Department of Labor and ALPA and holds numerous certifications, including OSHA 40, Universal EPA, Lennox, Beckett, and Riello. He is also an ESCO test proctor and is nearing completion of his BPI Technician Certification. Jason’s leadership and hands-on expertise continue to drive excellence across Standard’s HVAC operations.

Leading with Purpose

These leadership transitions mark not only a continuation of Standard’s proud tradition of promoting from within but also a renewed focus on innovation, excellence, and growth. Each new leader brings years of hands-on experience, deep industry insight, and a shared commitment to Standard’s mission.

“This moment is about more than a transition; it’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and the incredible people who’ve shaped our journey,” said Jennifer Keida, CEO of Standard. “As we look ahead, our leadership team is ready to embrace new technology, expand our capabilities, and continue delivering smart, energy-saving solutions that keep our customers comfortable all year long. We’re excited for what’s next — and we’re just getting started.”