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Blueduct: Maximize Efficiency and Create Amazing Spaces

At our most recent Coffee Break webinar, we caught up with Vishal Sookhai of AQC Industries to discuss BlueDuct, their energy-saving, maintenance-free underground duct system.

You don’t want to miss these bimonthly sessions with HVAC experts sharing their latest innovations. Ask your SVL sales engineer for an invite to our future webinars.

There are many kinds of underground duct systems, ones made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) or PVC-coated duct. Why would an architect or engineer specify BlueDuct?

  • The insulation is built in. The material won’t break down over time and will last the life of the building. Building owners can expect a consistent insulation value with no degradation over time. The thick integrated foam material in BlueDuct provides excellent thermal resistance. To protect themselves and their clients, engineers can specify that their system should be leak-tested, composed of one product all the way to the finished floor, with a thermal rating certified to the standards of NSF P374.
  • It’s leak testable. Similar to underground plumbing, BlueDuct is designed to be easily tested in the field for leaks. Be sure to use AQC’s guide specifications to ensure your underground duct system is installed correctly.
  • It’s a complete system. From an engineering standpoint, you don’t want to mix systems. BlueDuct supplies all the necessary components, from the main trunk line to the finished floor, designed to seal together completely. With FRP duct, often only the duct mains are provided (no runouts, boots, or diffusers), and it’s not sealed, leaving contractors to field-fabricate “something” to complete the system of dissimilar materials.
  • Minimal lead time and fast installation. When you need a complete duct system installed immediately, BlueDuct is in stock and ready to ship to your job site.

What are some typical applications for BlueDuct?

BlueDuct is applicable to many new or retrofit constructions. It may be specified for several reasons, including its energy efficiency, IAQ standards, ease of ordering and installation, design aesthetics, or acoustics, based on the customer’s demands for the project and the space.

However, some common threads in BlueDuct installations include:

  • Net-zero designs: Architects and engineers are now designing buildings around products that help them achieve a net-zero or otherwiseaqc-blueduct2 sustainable design. BlueDuct meets all code standards for underground ductwork and helps qualify for LEED® and other green building credits.
  • Houses of worship: BlueDuct frees up space for tall, vaulted ceilings and severely dampens noise from HVAC systems, so the occupied space remains quiet.
  • Pools and natatoriums: This is a perfect system for supplying air to pool areas and tying it to the evacuation system to exhaust the chloramines from the pool surface.
  • Historic buildings and retrofits: BlueDuct is not just for new construction. Historic buildings may not have room for ceiling ductwork, or doing so would destroy the integrity or historical value of the building. Often, the best (or only) choice is to put new ductwork underground. AQC recently supplied BlueDuct to a project in the Minnesota State Capitol building, which was not designed for ductwork when built over 120 years ago.
  • Glass walls and large windows: BlueDuct is used frequently in the design of every new store for one of the US’s largest computer manufacturers. Their design has diffusers positioned to keep their signature bank of glass windows below the dew point. This ensures that no condensation forms on the glass and makes the store look clean, sleek, and inviting.
  • Automotive dealerships and maintenance facilities: Many dealerships use floor-to-ceiling glass, which is best to supply air from the floor. In addition, BlueDuct works well in the maintenance bays for underground vehicle exhaust systems.
  • Auditoriums: Sound is a serious concern in many BlueDuct applications, including auditoriums, theaters, and museums. BlueDuct conditions a space while making sure the hum of that air movement is not heard. It uses the earth as a damper, and the pre-insulated material in BlueDuct dampens the sound even further.

Interested in More?

Learn More About AQC Blue Duct
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                      Jim Lubratt

                      President & Chief Executive Officer

                      Jim Lubratt has been president of SVL since 2006. He first joined the company as a sales engineer in 1992 and was made a partner in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University and first entered the HVAC industry as a marketing engineer for a heat pump manufacturer in Texas.

                      In addition to his role at SVL, Jim is vice president of AQC Industries, LLC, a manufacturer of specialized underground ductwork systems. He is also an investor and board member for Hydromx, Inc., a manufacturer of heat transfer nanofluids, and Crotega, Inc., creators of personal and building security solutions.

                      Jim and his wife, Tracy, met in college and married in 1993. They have three children, two of whom have graduated college in Texas, while their youngest is attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

                      Outside of work, Jim places a priority on his faith, family, friends, and fitness. He enjoys helping people-supporting charities, time with his wife and kids, road-biking with friends and efforts to stay physically fit.

                      A message from Jim on the achievements of SVL

                      SVL started in February 1967 by Charlie Schwab and Craig Vollhaber. Schwab-Vollhaber, Inc. (as it was named at the time) steadily grew and, in 1985, welcomed Paul Lubratt as another partner, becoming Schwab-Vollhaber-Lubratt, Inc. SVL’s founders had the determination to build the most talented, customer-focused HVAC representative in the Midwest. Our original drive and passion still shape the company and culture to this day. The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual. From humble beginnings, SVL founders paved the way to industry success with hard work and determination. “Today, SVL is strongly organized with great people to lead our industry forward as we are challenged with fast-paced changes to reduce our environmental impact,” says Jim. Now, 55+ years later, SVL is under the leadership of two new principals who share the same vision and drive that has propelled SVL throughout the years. Built on a foundation of integrity, Jim Lubratt, and Charlie Vollhaber strive to ensure opportunities for personal growth, improved work environment, and shared life enrichment. The achievements of our organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual.

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                      Charlie Vollhaber

                      Executive Vice President & Officer

                      Charlie Vollhaber is a third-generation employee at SVL, as a grandson of company co-founder Craig Vollhaber and son of former CEO Todd Vollhaber. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Minnesota. He became an outside salesman for SVL in 2013, was made a partner in 2019, and then executive vice president and officer in 2022.

                      He grew up playing sports, including football, basketball, golf, and track, and enjoys the competitive nature of the HVAC industry. “I like that no two days are ever the same as there are always questions to answer and problems to solve,” he says. “Most of all, I enjoy working with great people and coordinating together on challenging projects to achieve positive results together.”

                      Outside of work, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley, and their three boys. He’s also fond of golfing, traveling, and attending concerts and sporting events. One of his favorite quotes is from the book of Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Because HVAC and construction is such a team effort, he says, “this mindset helps to create positive results in a vast majority of situations.”

                      A message from Charlie on the culture of SVL

                      “At SVL, we strive to cultivate a unique culture that revolves around finding and empowering exceptional individuals. We believe in equipping our team members with the right tools and resources to succeed.

                      As we’ve grown the business, we have deliberately maintained a small firm culture, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. We encourage open dialogue and promote a sense of comfort among our employees, allowing anyone to ask questions and seek guidance from anyone else, regardless of their level within the organization.

                      We foster a workshop-like atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued. Presenting your work to another individual or a group of teammates provides a platform for collaboration, where ideas are shared, dissected, and improved collectively. We firmly believe in the power of mentoring and provide various avenues for both formal and informal guidance. Whether it’s through structured training programs or casual conversations, we encourage team members to discuss a wide range of topics, from work-related successes or issues to everyday personal life topics.

                      In summary, our culture is built on the foundation of attracting exceptional individuals, empowering them with the necessary tools, and fostering a collaborative environment where mentorship and growth thrive. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where every team member feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”

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                      Al Gramse

                      Vice President of SVL Service Corporation

                      Al Gramse has been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years. He began as a service technician.  Then over his career worked in technical support, building automation, then service manager prior to his current role.

                      How did Al end up in the HVAC industry?  “After high school, I took a couple years to figure out what I wanted to do.   Where I was working at the time, a grumpy old coworker, who I didn’t get along with, walked up to me and said ‘What are you doing here?  Go back to school.’”  I said, “For what?”  He said “There’s a tech school down the street.  Go down there and pick something that interests you”. Then he walked away.  That weird interaction, with someone I didn’t get along with, sent me down a 30-year path in the HVAC industry.   Never underestimate the potential of a little encouragement.   Even if it is from a strange source.

                      Al has been with SVL for 15 years and is the head of our SVL Service division. “The people here are some of the best in the industry,” Al says. “A bunch of team-oriented, knowledgeable, go-getters.” His personal mantra is “figure it out,” “Do a little fact-finding on your own. Use your own brain before you use someone else’s. But know when to ask for help.” he prescribes. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish on your own if you dig in a little bit.”

                      Outside of work, Al has lots of outdoor hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and motorcycling, though his favorite pastime is simply hanging out with family.

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                      Jennifer Roach

                      Director of Marketing, Events & Administration

                      More than just a creative director, Jen brings 30 years of marketing and leadership magic to SVL. Her journey began in the trenches of graphic design, quickly evolving into crafting eye-catching campaigns for iconic brands like Target, Gabberts, Gander Mountain and Camping World. As a seasoned director and agency veteran, she honed her skills with recreational vehicle giant Parts Unlimited before leading creative teams at HOM Furniture and, ultimately, landing at SVL during a crucial growth phase.

                      Jen thrives on "servant-leadership," empowering her team and fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. "It unlocks their potential, fuels creativity, and leads to work we're all proud of," she says. "I want my team to care, collaborate, and push boundaries together."

                      When not shaping impactful campaigns, Jen enjoys weekend adventures with her husband, Scott, and son, Crew. Their lives are a tapestry of shared passions, from bike rides and baking experiments to cheering on Simley High School wrestlers. And with her recently built forever home in Cottage Grove, her free time now includes a new, thrilling chapter: weekend renovation warrior!

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                      Mike Ruff

                      Vice President of Information Technology

                      Mike Ruff, the Vice President of Information Technology at SVL Inc., is a seasoned professional with an impressive 24-year tenure in the IT industry. His journey in the field is marked by extensive experience and expertise in various domains, including serving as a Cloud Architect focusing on Azure Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and both B2B and B2C solutions. Mike’s skills extend to being a Security Architect, where he has honed his knowledge in safeguarding digital assets, and he is also proficient in the Microsoft 365 stack, virtualization, routing, switching, and wireless technologies.

                      Beyond his professional roles, Mike is deeply passionate about technology in all its forms, which is evident in his career and personal hobbies. His love for technology is not just limited to his work but also spills over into his leisure activities. In the summertime, Mike enjoys the thrill of riding his motorcycle, embracing the freedom and adventure it brings. When winter arrives, he switches gears to snowboarding, seeking the excitement and challenge of the snowy slopes. These hobbies reflect Mike’s dynamic personality and continuous pursuit of technically engaging and physically exhilarating activities.

                      Mike Ruff's blend of professional expertise and personal passions make him a unique and valuable asset to SVL Inc., embodying a perfect synergy of technical acumen and a zest for life's adventurous aspects.

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