SVL News

CookSelect Software Coffee Break Recap With Jim Meats

The New Fan Selection Software From Loren Cook Co. Exports Fan Schedules In Minutes

Our Coffee Break webinars feature inside advice and product knowledge from the most prominent manufacturers in the HVAC industry. Ask your SVL Sales Engineer for an invite to the upcoming Coffee Breaks – each 45-minute session is worth 1 PDH.

For our most recent Coffee Break website, we welcomed Jim Meats, a licensed professional engineer and current AMCA president, to walk us through CookSelect.

Cook developed their new selection software to help you quickly export fan schedules. They know that preliminary selections on a job can take time. This program intuitively helps consider the various design conditions when selecting a fan, so you can export schedules and start your electrical and structural designers on their work.

Using CookSelect

Because of cybersecurity concerns, Cook wanted to make sure this software would be a browser-based selection tool (soCook Select Logo you don’t have downloads to deal with.) You can access CookSelect straight from the company homepage.

Start by selecting “Add Job,” give it a name, and input any necessary corrections for altitude and airstream temperature.

Next, you’ll “Add Mark” and select an individual fan. On the model selection screen, you’ll have access to all Cook fans and narrow them down with the product filters: product family, drive type, airflow type, installation location, impeller type, and certifications.

Each product thumbnail gives you information at-a-glance: a short description of the fan, with stats on max airflow and static pressure. Icons provide you with information about various certifications/testing that the model has achieved (e.g., AMCA)

Once you select a model, it will be added to the information panel on the right side of the screen, under “selected models.” Click next after all the correct models are selected.

You’ll then progress to the design condition screen, where you input your job conditions: cfm, static pressure, altitude, and airstream temp. Advanced inputs can be adjusted for wheel reduction, drive loss, and max motor load. All conditions are confirmed in the information panel.

Then the fan unit selections will pop up. Like a Microsoft Excel sheet, you can organize and filter the data by clicking the header on any input column. All the data points for the fans run horizontally and contain all the data points for each fan. You can freeze columns in view by dragging them to the left side of the screen.

Once you select a specific fan, it will confirm all the performance data (along with curve graphs and links to the product data pages) in the information panel. When that selection is approved, it will take you to a unit specification page, where you can adjust any motor voltage, horsepower, or enclosure specs. Then you can export your schedule.

If you want to add additional notes about your selection, you can do so on that final screen. The program will give you prompts with several pre-populated typical notes that can be added to the fan selection (e.g., bird screen or roof curb) and a place for custom notes as well.

Learn More About Loren Cook Selection Software or Contact Our Sales Engineers

loren-cook-AW

Contact Us


    Reason for Contacting

    Get in TouchBillingEventsTraining/SeminarLiterature/Graphics/LogosEngineering ProjectsOther

    Please prove you are human by selecting the star.

    This will close in 0 seconds

    Parts Inquiry


      Please prove you are human by selecting the tree.

      This will close in 0 seconds

      Equipment Inquiry


        Please prove you are human by selecting the star.

        This will close in 0 seconds

        Shipping Date/IOM Manuals/Wiring Diagrams Request


          Please prove you are human by selecting the flag.

          Please prove you are human by selecting the tree.

          This will close in 0 seconds

          Question for Sales Engineers


            Please prove you are human by selecting the key.

            This will close in 0 seconds

            Service Contact


              Please prove you are human by selecting the house.

              This will close in 0 seconds

              Aftermarket Parts


                Please prove you are human by selecting the plane.

                This will close in 0 seconds

                General Job Application


                  Please prove you are human by selecting the truck.


                  This will close in 0 seconds

                  Hydronics Contact Form


                    Please prove you are human by selecting the key.

                    This will close in 0 seconds

                    Viral Mitigation Contact Form


                      Please prove you are human by selecting the star.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      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.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      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.”

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      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.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      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!

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      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.

                      This will close in 0 seconds