29 Years.
Still
The
Standard.

George Kief Jr. is the Managing Partner of Western Component Sales (WCS), where he provides strategic leadership for the agency while fostering strong partnerships with manufacturers, HVACR wholesalers, and contractors throughout the Western United States. Based at the company’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, George helped found what is now WCS in 1997 and has played an instrumental role in the company’s growth and reputation as one of the premier HVACR manufacturers’ representative agencies in the region.

A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in Business and a concentration in Marketing, George brings more than 31 years of HVACR industry experience. Prior to helping establish WCS, he worked for Buche & Associates in both Denver, Colorado, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he gained valuable experience representing leading HVACR manufacturers and developing strong relationships within the distribution channel.

Throughout his career, George has remained committed to delivering exceptional customer support while helping manufacturers and distributors achieve sustainable growth. One of his guiding philosophies has been to represent the industry’s premier brands while intentionally maintaining a focused product portfolio. This strategy allows WCS to dedicate the time, resources, and expertise necessary to successfully execute each manufacturer’s business plan and provide meaningful value to wholesale partners throughout the territory.

His favorite part of leading Western Component Sales is building a culture where every team member understands their role, supports one another, and shares in the company’s success. He believes in a “work hard, play hard” philosophy that encourages collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. George also values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with wholesalers, contractors, and manufacturer partners, and he especially treasures the opportunity to work alongside his father every day—an experience he describes as rewarding for both of them.

Outside of work, George enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, attending concerts, golfing, and playing tennis. He and his wife have been married for 28 years and live in the Phoenix area. They are proud parents of a daughter who graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Illustration.

George’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence continue to drive Western Component Sales forward, ensuring the company remains a trusted partner for manufacturers and HVACR distributors across the Western United States.

Corey joined the WCS team as a partner in January of 2010. Corey has a BA and MBA from Azusa Pacific University. Corey has a diverse industry background working 4 years as a branch manager for an HVACR wholesale distributor and 10 years in Corporate America for large HVACR manufacturers. Corey spent 5 years with Johnson Controls in various sales and sales management roles. While at JCI he was responsible for the Refrigeration Controls and the Metasys Building Automation product offerings. In 2004 he was named “Master of Sales” for Sales Excellence. Prior to WCS, he was the Western Regional Sales Manager for Emerson Climate Technologies. Corey was known for his Strategic Business Planning and twice received the “President’s Award” for Sales Excellence. Corey managed several of the most important lines for a wholesaler; Copeland, Emerson Motors, Emerson Flow Controls and Browning. Corey has built some of the strongest relationships in the industry with the premier refrigeration wholesalers in the Western U.S. His customers have come to rely on him for his industry and market knowledge.

Tyson joined WCS in 2000 and quickly became an integral part of the team due to his unwavering work ethic. Tyson has developed phenomenal relationships throughout his California territory with HVACR wholesale branches, purchasing agents and contractors. Tyson is relied upon by his customers for his HVACR product knowledge and expertise. Tyson coordinates over 80 training events and counter days throughout the year for our valued customers ensuring their exposure to core products and new products alike. Tyson works with several influential managers and their branches in the Southern California market, south of Los Angeles. RSD, ARS, Allied Refrigeration, United Refrigeration, and Johnstone Supply, are his focus.

With a career spanning three decades, Rick has made his mark in the industry through his diverse roles and wealth of experience.

Starting off as an inside sales representative with a refrigeration equipment wholesaler, Rick quickly grasped the complexities of the business and honed his skills. He then moved on to become a territory sales manager for an industrial refrigeration contractor, where he mastered the art of building lasting customer relationships.

But Rick’s ambitions didn’t stop there. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured into starting his own business as a commercial refrigeration contractor in his beloved home state of Alabama. For over 13 years, he successfully operated his business, leaving a trail of satisfied clients in his wake.

Hungry for new challenges, Rick spread his wings and spent seven remarkable years with Johnstone Supply in Arizona. During this time, he showcased his exceptional sales and management abilities, earning accolades and exceeding targets.

Rick’s unique blend of technical expertise, sales acumen, and leadership skills make him the go-to guy for any HVAC or refrigeration needs.

George Senior worked for Melchior Armstrong, Dessau (Melco) for 3 years and was Director of Purchasing at ARS in Phoenix, Arizona for 35 years. George is very detail oriented and prides himself in thoroughly handling all customer orders and inquiries in a flawless manner. Additionally, George brings a unique purchasing perspective to our organization and helps WCS analyze customer programs and how they will benefit large multi-branch organizations. This includes preseason orders, payments, freight terms, warranties and packaging. Once a customer has been exposed to George Senior’s level of customer support, they are a customer for life. George truly sets the standard for customer service.

Jack Alessi serves as an Inside Sales Representative at Western Component Sales (WCS), where he provides inside sales support and exceptional customer service to HVACR wholesalers and manufacturer partners throughout the Western United States. Based at the company’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, Jack joined WCS in 2024 and has quickly become a valued member of the team.

Jack attended the University of Arizona, where he studied Business, providing him with a strong foundation in customer relations and sales. As a motivated professional with a passion for learning, he is committed to continually expanding his industry knowledge while delivering outstanding service to customers.

In his role, Jack combines sales expertise with a customer-first approach, helping customers find the right solutions while ensuring a smooth and positive experience. He is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to understand customer needs. Whether assisting with product inquiries, processing orders, or supporting the WCS sales team, Jack is dedicated to providing responsive, reliable service with every interaction.

Jack’s favorite part of working at Western Component Sales is being part of the WCS team. He enjoys collaborating with his coworkers and contributing to an environment focused on supporting customers and delivering value throughout the HVACR industry.

Outside of the office, Jack enjoys an active lifestyle. An avid golfer, he spends much of his free time on the course and also enjoys camping, skiing, and traveling. With his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and commitment to personal and professional growth, Jack continues to build a strong future in the HVACR industry while making a meaningful contribution to the WCS team.

We’re excited to introduce Luke Weldon, our newest team member at the Western Component Sales Phoenix Headquarters!

Luke joins us as Resale Operations Manager, bringing fresh energy and perspective to the role. He’s a recent graduate of Arizona State University, where he earned a B.A. in Business Sustainability with a minor in Economics from Barrett, The Honors College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.

We’re thrilled to have Luke on board and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make!

Melissa joined the Western Component Sales team in 2012 and handles our marketing campaigns and special projects.  She is extremely organized and takes all of our contractor relationships and leads and integrates them into reports and libraries so that we can utilize to promote our product lines.  Melissa creates our fliers for counter days and promotions and ensures that we maximize the turnouts at our events.

Melissa has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Azusa Pacific University and a Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of LaVerne.

Tim brings a vast amount of commercial refrigeration experience to the Western Component Sales Team. With over 35 years of hands-on experience, Tim has held refrigeration positions as a service manager, install foreman, corporate officer and owner and operator. He has an extensive understanding of refrigeration in food service, ice machines, medium cold storage and storage for produce packaging facilities.

Tim will be responsible for leading the WCS refrigeration business. He will size refrigerant equipment for specific applications, perform box load calculations, assist customers in making product selections, provide product quotes and training and even aid contractors in commissioning and troubleshooting systems.

Mark comes to WCS with extensive HVAC and refrigeration experience. Mark worked alongside his father as a contractor from 1982-2001 at which time his father decided to retire.

Mark decided to pursue the wholesale distribution business and joined a major refrigeration wholesaler in the Southern California market. Mark was with them for 7 years and decided to work for Carrier distribution. Mark stayed in the wholesale distribution business for a total of 21 years and ended up the technical support advisor for American Standard equipment in Southern California.

Mark enjoys working on vintage automobiles, fishing, hunting, and generally just loves to keep busy with whatever he’s immersed in. Most importantly, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and his younggrandchildren.

Andy graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a BA in Business Administration. Andy is a hardworking sales representative with excellent communication skills and an emphasis on customer service. Andy primarily focuses on new product growth initiatives within our wholesaler customer base. Andy devotes the majority of his time to new product launches, training, merchandising and promotional programs. Andy’s diverse product knowledge has made him a valuable asset to his customers.

Jake Stahl is an energetic and ambitious sales person with a passion for learning how things mechanically operate. He has 8 years of experience in the HVAC industry and is motivated to introduce new products to our wholesale channel and support their contractor base.

Prior to joining Western Component Sales, Jake worked his way up the ranks of a major HVAC wholesaler in Northern California where he held multiple positions. Jake covers the bay area of Northern California and cities extending north of Sacramento.

Randy Powgnas serves as Territory Manager for Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico at Western Component Sales (WCS), where he partners with HVACR wholesalers, contractors, and manufacturer partners to drive business growth and provide exceptional customer support throughout the Southwest. Randy joined WCS in 2026 and brings more than 30 years of HVACR industry experience, along with EPA Certification and a well-rounded background in field service, wholesale distribution, sales, and branch management.

Randy’s HVACR career began in 1994, working alongside his uncle in service and installation. Spending countless hours on service calls, he learned the trade from the ground up, gaining valuable hands-on experience and developing a deep appreciation for the technical side of the industry.

In 2001, Randy transitioned into wholesale distribution, beginning his career in the warehouse before quickly discovering a passion for customer service and product knowledge. His dedication and work ethic led him into inside sales, where he built strong relationships with contractors and wholesale customers. From 2008 to 2014, Randy worked in parts counter sales for an Arizona-based HVACR wholesaler, further expanding his technical expertise and industry network. In 2017, he was promoted to Branch Manager, where he successfully led business growth initiatives, developed high-performing teams, and focused on delivering exceptional value and service to customers.

Randy’s favorite part of working at WCS is the people. He appreciates being part of a team where employees are supportive, collaborative, and genuinely make one another feel comfortable and valued. He believes that this positive culture enables everyone to better serve customers and achieve success together.

Outside of work, Randy enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking, and walking. He and his wife, Janell, have been married for 24 years and are proud parents of their daughter, Alaina, and son, Landis.

With decades of experience, a customer-first mindset, and a passion for building strong relationships, Randy continues to make a meaningful impact on customers and partners throughout the Southwest as a valued member of the Western Component Sales team.

Zack graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. Degree. With over 19 years of direct sales experience, Zack is results oriented. He is a sales professional who is always exceeding sales plan goals. Zack is an active listener and can quickly overcome sales objections by creating win/win situations for both the wholesaler and manufacturer. Zack is diligent, hard working and trustworthy and has developed flourishing relationships with the key decision makers within his wholesalers. Zack resides in Vancouver, WA and covers the states of Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Zack’s top wholesale customers are RSD, Thermal Supply, Johnstone Supply and Gensco.

Josh Wallgren joined Western Component Sales in 2022 and serves HVACR wholesale distributors throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Based in the Seattle, Washington area, Josh is dedicated to helping customers grow their businesses through product knowledge, responsive service, and strong relationships built on trust.

Before entering the HVACR industry, Josh built a diverse background in technical service, sales, and customer support. He served four years in the United States Coast Guard as a Machinery Technician, where he maintained and repaired diesel and outboard engines. The experience developed his problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to service—qualities that continue to benefit his customers today.

Prior to joining Western Component Sales, Josh was the North American Distribution Account Manager for RAM Mounts, a leading manufacturer of premium technology and display mounting solutions. In that role, he managed key distribution accounts and gained extensive experience in outside sales and customer relationship management.

With four years of HVACR industry experience, Josh enjoys working closely with wholesalers and contractors to provide solutions that help them succeed. One of the things he values most about Western Component Sales is the company’s family-oriented culture and the support shared among the entire team.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys golfing, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. His combination of technical expertise, sales experience, and dedication to customer service makes him a trusted resource for customers throughout the Pacific Northwest.