Our Team

From our project managers and engineers to our technicians, each member of our team possesses the expertise and qualifications necessary to deliver exceptional results and exceed client expectations. Learn more about the leadership team who make it all happen and understand why they’re at the heart of our success.

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James Lowder, President at ATS

Following his father’s passing, he assumed the mantle of leadership, continuing the legacy of excellence that ATS represents. James has been an integral part of ATS since its inception, transitioning to a full-time role in 2004.

“Carrying forward my father’s legacy, I’ve learned that success is not just about how we start, but about how we adapt, grow, and lead with purpose. At ATS, we embody the true spirit of leadership, guiding our team to new heights while honoring our legacy of excellence” — James Lowder

James gained valuable insights into project management and HVAC systems during his tenure as a Project Manager at Air Systems from 2002 to 2004. James’s commitment to industry excellence extends beyond ATS; he was elected to the National MCAA Board in 2023 and chairs the MCAA’s “Management Methods Committee.” His dedication to collaboration and teamwork ensures that ATS continues to thrive and provide unmatched service and quality in HVAC and plumbing services under his guidance as President.

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Stephen Lowder, Vice President of Field Operations

Stephen Lowder, our Vice President of Field Operations, has been an integral part of ATS since 2001, amassing 22 years of industry experience. Stephen’s career has been marked by his instrumental role in managing operations for prominent companies such as Zoox, Amazon, WeWork, Rakuten, Google, Uber, and Facebook. Within ATS, he’s held various key positions, including Warehouse and Fleet Manager, Operations Manager, and Safety Director. Stephen’s commitment to excellence extends to his educational background, which includes degrees and certifications pertinent to the industry. Throughout his career, he has achieved remarkable milestones and contributed significantly to elevating operational and safety standards. In his current role, Stephen plays a critical part in optimizing field operations, ensuring efficiency and safety, and driving excellence. His expertise spans a wide spectrum relevant to his role, making him a vital asset to the ATS team. Stephen’s contributions have garnered him respect and recognition in the industry, and he actively participates in professional associations and industry affiliations to continuously enhance his knowledge and network.

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Ben Long, Vice President of Service

Benjamin Long, Vice President of Service at ATS, has been a pivotal member of our team since 2004, bringing with him an impressive 20 years of experience in HVAC Service, HVAC Construction, and Building Automation. Ben’s journey at ATS began as a Service Technician and evolved into roles such as Startup Superintendent and Controls Foreman. Armed with degrees from San Jose City College in Climate Technologies and Building Maintenance, he holds certifications including UA Star Certification, Carrier Controls Expert, and Mitsubishi VRF Factory Certified Technician. Ben’s remarkable contributions include initiating and developing the controls department from the ground up, resulting in 20% year-over-year growth in the service department for 8 consecutive years. In his role as Vice President of Service, he oversees, develops, and refines all aspects of our current service offerings, consistently striving to provide a positive experience for our clients. Ben’s expertise and commitment have earned him well-deserved recognition and affiliations with professional associations in the industry.

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Brandon Martinez, Vice President of HVAC Construction

Bringing a remarkable 32 years of industry expertise to the table, Brandon’s journey began as a Project Executive, and he later honed his skills through the Local 104 Sheet Metal Apprenticeship program. He expanded his knowledge by completing the San Jose State Project Management Certificate Course. Throughout his illustrious career, Brandon has been instrumental in managing the HVAC Sales and Project Management teams, demonstrating his exceptional leadership abilities. With a focus on HVAC Dryside, Brandon has consistently delivered outstanding results. While his contributions speak volumes, Brandon remains a humble professional, and his remarkable career has garnered him well-deserved respect in the industry.

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Frank Portera, Vice President of Plumbing Construction

Joining our team in 2019 with an impressive 40 years in the industry, Frank has been submerged in the heart of Silicon Valley, contributing his expertise to projects for tech giants such as Apple, Intel, IBM, Google, and others. His journey started in the field, and he’s held virtually every position in the trade, from General Foreman to Superintendent, Project Manager, Project Executive, Division Manager, and now Vice President of Plumbing. Frank’s educational background includes trade school, Superintendent and Leadership training, as well as Project Management training through SMCNA. In his current role, he’s responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Plumbing division and plays a vital part in ATS’s management team, with a focus on growth and achieving company milestones. Frank specializes in commercial and industrial plumbing systems, as well as process piping systems for clean environments. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, making him a respected figure in plumbing and construction circles.