Michael Wetzel is President and CEO of Air Innovations, a firm specializing in the design and manufacture of environmental control system. Wetzel is a graduate of Clarkson University where he received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and is the holder of seven US patents.
Prior to Air Innovations, Wetzel was based in Strasbourg, France for four years working for a multinational company building cleanrooms in Europe and the Mideast. Previously he worked stateside as an engineering manager in the HVAC construction industry.
Since joining the company as president and CEO in 1996, and after he and his father Larry acquired controlling interest in Floratech Industries, Wetzel has grown Air Innovations from a company focused solely on floral coolers to one that addresses wide variety of refrigeration, air conditioning and filtration needs. During this time, revenue and employment have increased dramatically.
Wetzel serves on the board of directors for MACNY (Manufacturers Association of Central NY), is a member of the District Export Council, and is VP of the CNYIBA (Central NY International Business Alliance). He also serves on the Air Conditioning Heating Refrigeration International Leadership Council.
District Export Council members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and serve as resources for the local export community by providing guidance and advice for other companies new to or less experienced with the process.
He is also a past member of the board of directors for the Erie Canal and Skaneateles Ski Hill.
Wetzel participates in many outdoor sports and activities, including skiing, biking, hiking, sailing, SCUBA diving and HPDE (High Performance driving events on road courses). He has been a certified level 200 Alpine ski coach and official for over 20 years. Married for more than 20 years, with two sons that all enjoy the same passion for outdoor activities. He is also a self proclaimed oenophile, even before we were in the wine cooling business!