Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is proud to present the latest edition of our quarterly giving series, highlighting the remarkable work in 2025 that helped drive our mission to empower young athletes and ensure sports are accessible to all.

In fiscal year 2025, we:

  • Launched the Sports Matter Impact League, a multi-year partnership program in nine cities across the U.S. to support youth sports and drive long-term community impact.
     
  • Partnered with The Josh Gibson Foundation to build a new state-of-the-art youth sports facility in the Pittsburgh area called the Josh Gibson Champions Club & SportsMatter Center.
     
  • Debuted “Play It Forward: Game On”, a six-episode sport-themed renovation show on Nickelodeon that delivered incredible makeovers for under-resourced youth sports teams.

Play if Forward, Game On

Play It Forward: Game On

On the field AND the TV screen! The DICK’S Sporting Goods’ Sports Matter Program and DICK’S’ in-house content and production studio, Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios, partnered with Nickelodeon for “Play It Forward: Game On”, a six episode sport-themed renovation show that pulled off jaw-dropping makeovers for under-resourced youth sports teams in the Atlanta area.

Each episode of the show, which premiered on Nov. 19, 2025, featured CBS Sports Analyst and two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery, two-time Emmy-nominated actor and Nickelodeon alum Kel Mitchell, YouTube star Jesser and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s very own Director of Sports Matter and Community Relations Kristen Garmey!

Kristen Garmey filming with Renee Montgomery and Kel Mitchell.

Kristen Garmey filming with Renee Montgomery and Kel Mitchell.

“I am honored to have been a part of this project and see the kids’ reactions first-hand,” said Garmey. “One of my favorite moments was when I overheard a young athlete tell his friend ‘This is the best day of my life.’”

Want to see some fun behind-the-scenes content? Check out The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter Program on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, and be sure to give us a follow!

Sports Matter Surprises on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Sports Matter Surprises on The Kelly Clarkson Show

The Sports Matter Program got two shoutouts on The Kelly Clarkson Show! The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation partnered with the show to surprise LUCHA Wrestling Club, New York City’s first and only all-girls freestyle wrestling program, and Team IMPACT, a nonprofit recruiting children with serious illnesses and disabilities to become part of college sports teams, each with a $10,000 Sports Matter Grant.

We’re proud to support organizations like LUCHA Wrestling Club and Team IMPACT that are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for all kids in sports!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

For the second year in a row, DICK’S Sporting Goods teammates (employees) had the opportunity to nominate youth sports programs or organizations in need for a chance to receive a $5,000 – $25,000 Sports Matter Grant.

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation approved 113 teammate submissions in 2025, with at least one submission from each store region, the Customer Support Center, our distribution centers and our field marketing managers. In total, The Foundation will commit over $1.7 million in Sports Matter Grants to these organizations.

Making moves before the draft.

Making Moves Before the Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is coming to Pittsburgh in April, and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is excited to make a positive impact in our communities ahead of it. Through our work with GENYOUth and other partners, we’re tackling food insecurity and expanding access to physical activity across Western Pennsylvania.

Sports Matter is supporting GENYOUth’s signature culinary and gridiron fundraising event, Taste of the Draft, with a $50,000 contribution in advance of the NFL Draft. The contribution will support flag football programming at 91 schools across Western Pennsylvania to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the NFL Draft.

To kick things off, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation presented Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8 with a $10,000 Sports Matter Grant to support access to sports and play for students.

Working Together Toward One Goal

Working Together Toward One Goal

The mission of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is to inspire youth athletes and enable participation in youth sports, but we can’t do it alone! We’re grateful to support fellow partners with a shared belief in the power of sport to build character, increase confidence and teach life lessons.

In 2025 we granted:

  • $1.25 million to Good Sports and $1.25 million to LISC for equipment and infrastructure work to organizations in nine critical markets
  • $1.25 million to Every Kid Sports to help cover youth sport registration fees nationwide

    All Aboard the Sports Matter Express

All Aboard the Sports Matter Express

A snowstorm couldn’t stop the Sports Matter Express! Corporate teammates celebrated Giving Tuesday at DICK’S Sporting Goods headquarters and raised more than $13,000 for The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation!

Teammates also voted on which deserving Pittsburgh organization should receive a Sports Matter grant: Pittsburgh Youth Cricket or Pittsburgh Sailing League. In the spirit of giving, The Foundation announced $12,500 grants to BOTH organizations!

A Sports Matter Celebration on the Ice

A Sports Matter Celebration on the Ice

Sports Matter green filled PPG Paints Arena for the 8th annual Sports Matter Game with the Pittsburgh Penguins! More than $20,000 was raised for our Sports Matter Program through our Sports Matter Auction and our special ticket offer. We were joined by local corporate and field teammates who are passionate about making a difference through Sports Matter.

During the game, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation surprised both Woodland Hills Athletics and Pittsburgh I.C.E. with $25,000 Sports Matter Grants to help keep their youth athletes in the game.

THESE MOMENTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORTS MATTER FUND. IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE, VISIT WWW.SPORTSMATTER.ORG.

Written by Hilary Totin

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The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Sikes at the 2026 Texas Realtors Winter Meeting

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At its 2026 Winter Meeting, Texas Realtors presented Lubbock-based Realtor Winn Sikes with its Distinguished Service Award for her lifelong commitment to the real estate industry and her community. The award recognizes outstanding Realtors with a record of at least 25 years of service and civic participation in the state.

“For decades, Winn has embodied what it is to truly serve the Realtor profession with class, honor, grace, and unwavering passion,” said Jennifer Wauhob, Chairman of Texas Realtors. “She has given her time, leadership, and wisdom to strengthen our profession, advocate for property rights, and mentor generations of Realtors. Her impact is both lasting and far-reaching.”

Since her real estate career began in 1977, Sikes has dedicated countless hours to committees and task forces, progressing through every level of local association leadership. During her time as president of the Lubbock association, she helped introduce the organization’s first lockbox system, a bold and forward-thinking innovation that permanently changed how real estate business is conducted.

A passionate advocate for political investment, Sikes is a member of the RPAC Hall of Fame at the $25,000 level and is well known for her belief that protecting the profession requires active engagement in the political process. She continues to serve faithfully on the Governmental Affairs/TREPAC Committee and leads the annual phone bank, remaining a trusted and familiar presence to leaders at the local, state, and national levels.

Sikes commented, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Texas Realtors. The real estate industry has given me so much over the years, and I have always believed that the best way to give back is to stay involved, serve others, and help strengthen our profession for the future.”

About Texas REALTORS®
With more than 145,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocate for REALTORS® and private property rights in Texas.

CONTACT
David Gibbs
Hahn Agency
david.gibbs@hahn.agency

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/realtor-winn-sikes-honored-for-lifetime-of-texas-service-302693174.html

SOURCE Texas Realtors

Building on its relationship with the Washington Spirit, CVS expands its commitment to soccer through a new multi-year sponsorship with the league and federation, which includes a national community field investment and partnering with the Kansas City Current and Seattle Reign FC

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy® has furthered its commitment to improving community health by becoming an Official Health and Wellness Partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and is backing that sponsorship with a multi-year investment to develop community multi use soccer fields in select markets across the country.

“CVS Pharmacy is uniquely positioned to strengthen health at the community level,” said Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. “As an Official Health and Wellness Partner of U.S. Soccer and the NWSL, we have a valuable opportunity to deepen our ties in the neighborhoods we serve. Soccer positively impacts health and community connection,1 making this sponsorship a natural fit. We’re proud to partner with the NWSL, as well as the U.S. Soccer Men’s and Women’s National Teams to help expand access to opportunities that will support wellness for generations of athletes to come.”

Building on its long-term support of women’s soccer, including partnering with the Washington Spirit since 2020, CVS will also sponsor the Seattle Reign FC and Kansas City Current. Together, these club-specific sponsorships will help bring resources, revitalized spaces and meaningful community impact to additional markets – reflecting a shared belief that access to sports, safe places to play and community connection are essential drivers of lifelong wellbeing.

“This partnership reflects the NWSL’s continued growth and our belief that the professional women’s game is a powerful catalyst for impact far beyond the pitch,” said Matt Soloff, SVP of Partnerships, National Women’s Soccer League. “Together with CVS and our clubs, we’re translating that growth into real investment in healthier communities and expanding access and opportunity for the next generation of players and fans.”

Community soccer field revitalization initiative

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to develop community multiuse soccer fields in select markets through 2028, creating welcoming, accessible spaces where families, kids and neighbors can gather, play and connect. To support this work, CVS Pharmacy is teaming up with Alex Morgan, an NWSL icon and two-time Women’s World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and mom, along with U.S. Soccer ambassadors and NWSL clubs to help amplify the stories of soccer’s positive impact on communities, on and off the field.

“Soccer has shaped my life in countless ways, and I’ve seen firsthand how access to the game can build confidence, health and community,” said Alex Morgan. “I’m excited to work with CVS to help ensure more kids and families can experience the joy and wellbeing soccer brings—starting with the fields where it all begins.”

Supporting soccer and community health

“At U.S. Soccer, we believe the game can make a real difference beyond the field,” said David Wright, Chief Commercial Officer of U.S. Soccer. “By working with CVS, a brand trusted by millions of families across the country, we have an opportunity to meet fans and families where they are and connect the game they love with everyday wellness.”

Beyond field improvements and to coincide with its club sponsorships, CVS Pharmacy will also amplify local causes and community programs that matter most to fans in Washington, D.C., Seattle and Kansas City. Through club-led initiatives, matchday experiences and community investments with the Washington Spirit, Seattle Reign FC and Kansas City Current, CVS will help foster more inclusive, welcoming environments that encourage movement, connection and everyday wellbeing, while supporting local economic development.

To learn more about how CVS is supporting U.S. soccer, visit www.cvs.com/content/soccer.

About CVS Health

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

About U.S. Soccer Federation

Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused on three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and Pro Leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.

About National Women’s Soccer League

The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Boston Legacy FC, Chicago Stars FC, Denver Summit FC, Gotham FC, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, North Carolina Courage, NWSL Atlanta, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

  • Milano Cortina 2026 is designed around existing infrastructure, with around 85% of competition venues existing or temporary
  • A low-carbon transport plan prioritises trains and shuttles and targets 20% fewer cars compared to Torino 2006.
  • Snow production is being kept to the minimum required for safe competition, supported by updated technology designed to improve efficiency in both energy and water use.
  • Certified renewable electricity is powering almost all competition and non-competition venues. Temporary generators are limited, with most running on the renewable biofuel HVO.

As climate change reshapes sport and the Olympic Games, the IOC has made sustainability a strategic priority — reducing the footprint of the Games, protecting winter sport for future generations and helping host regions build long-term resilience. Milano Cortina 2026 reflects this evolution through a more flexible, regionally distributed model that maximises existing venues, reduces environmental impact and strengthens community resilience.

“Sustainability is not a word. It’s actions that translate into results,” said Christophe Dubi, IOC Executive Director of the Olympic Games, speaking at a press conference dedicated to sustainability at the Milano Cortina 2026 Main Press Centre. “For the IOC, for sport in general, sustainability is a priority. We don’t have the choice.”

That approach is reflected in the way Milano Cortina 2026 has been designed: tailored to Northern Italy’s specific context, and focused on delivering excellent sporting conditions while minimising environmental impact in a changing climate.

© IOC

© IOC

© IOC

© IOC

Games designed around existing venues

Making the most of what already exists remains one of the strongest ways to reduce impact.

Eleven out of thirteen competition venues are existing or temporary, including iconic locations such as Bormio, Val di Fiemme and Anterselva, which regularly host international winter sport events.

Cleaner energy and lower-carbon mobility

Across the venues, certified renewable electricity is powering almost all competition and non competition sites. Temporary generators are being kept to a minimum and used only in emergency situations, most run on the renewable biofuel HVO.

With events spread across multiple regions, Milano Cortina 2026 is prioritising public and collective transport in between the clusters by using trains and shuttles, reducing reliance on private cars for spectators and workforce.

Games-time mobility measures also include a smaller official fleet. The fleet has been reduced by around 20% compared to Torino 2006, encourages carpooling, and includes around 20% electric vehicles. Where possible, vehicles are running on HVO.

© IOC/Ubald Rutar

© IOC/Ubald Rutar

© IOC/Tom Dulat

© IOC/Tom Dulat

More responsible snowmaking kept to the minimum required

Milano Cortina 2026 is keeping snowmaking to the minimum required to ensure safe competition, supported by updated technology designed to improve efficiency in both energy and water use.

At ski venues, renewable electricity powers snowmaking systems, and the Games are using IT tools — including GPS and snow-depth systems — to help avoid overproduction. No chemicals are used in the process with food-grade dyes used for course marking.

© IOC/Kohjiro Kinno

© IOC/Kohjiro Kinno

© IOC

© IOC

Circular economy and social responsibility

Circular economy measures and social responsibility are also shaping Games delivery. Food leftovers are being recovered across venues and redistributed. Around 24,000 items from Paris 2024, including furniture and logistical equipment, are also being reused, reducing demand for new materials and supporting a more circular delivery model.

“The focus is on practical measures that last throughout the Games, from venue reuse to circular economy solutions and social responsibility,” said Gloria Zavatta, Sustainability & Impact Director of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

© IOC/Alisha Lovrich

© IOC/Alisha Lovrich

© IOC/Alisha Lovrich

© IOC/Alisha Lovrich

At the same time, the Games are strengthening community resilience in the host regions by accelerating upgrades to electricity, IT fiber connections and medical services.

“Our focus is on reducing the footprint of the Games while helping host regions adapt to the changing climate and strengthen long-term resilience.” said Julie Duffus, IOC Head of Sustainability.

Recognising climate action across sport

The IOC’s sustainability work goes beyond Games-time delivery. The IOC is on track to reduce its own carbon footprint by 50 per cent by 2030, and works across the Olympic Movement – with International Federations, National Olympic Committees and partners, including the United Nations – to drive action on climate and nature in sport.

The IOC Climate Action Award winners, announced last week, highlight efforts across the Olympic Movement to address climate change through sport.

Continued Deterioration of JACK’s Share Price and Operating Metrics Further Warrants Voting Against
the Election of David Goebel

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Biglari Capital Corp. (“Biglari Capital”), the largest shareholder of Jack in the Box Inc. (NasdaqGS: JACK) with a 9.86% ownership stake, today issued the following statement:

Disastrous Quarterly Results Confirm the Need for Urgent Action 

For any shareholder still weighing whether Chairman Goebel’s continued presence poses a real risk, JACK’s first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings provide the answer — in case the last 17 years were not convincing enough. The results are terrible by any measure:

  • Same-store sales declined 6.7% systemwide, a sharp deterioration from the 0.4% gain in the same period last year;
  • Adjusted EBITDA declined approx. 23% year over year; and the adjusted EBITDA margin fell to 19.5%, down 400 bps from the comparable period last year;
  • EPS from continuing operations fell to $0.75 — a decline of 54% from the same period last year.

JACK’s share price fell another 18% following the earnings announcement1.

We Believe JACK’s Board Is Incapable of Shifting Direction as Long as David Goebel Maintains Board Influence

We firmly believe these latest results are a direct consequence of the Board’s continued reliance on Mr. Goebel, whose tenure has already led to massive shareholder value destruction, declining profitability, and an increased risk of financial insolvency.  

Since Mr. Goebel joined JACK’s board in 20092:

  • Shareholders have lost over $800 million in market value;
  • Meanwhile, Mr. Goebel has collected over $3.7 million in total compensation.

The value destruction is even higher since Mr. Goebel became chairman of the board in June 20203:

  • Shareholders have lost over $1.2 billion in market value;
  • Meanwhile, Mr. Goebel has collected over $1.8 million in total compensation.

Given Mr. Goebel’s disastrous performance, no true owner would approve of spending $5 million4 to defend his failed leadership and directorship. 

One more year of Mr. Goebel’s leadership could cause irreparable harm. 

The latest earnings report is an ominous warning sign for JACK and compelling proof of why JACK needs to move away from Mr. Goebel’s influence now. 

Today’s share price is all the evidence that shareholders need to vote AGAINST Mr. Goebel, as waiting another year might just be too late. 

We urge ALL shareholders to vote AGAINST the re-election of 
David Goebel at the upcoming annual meeting.

If you have already voted your shares, you can still change your vote. Only your last dated vote counts.

Contact: info@saratogaproxy.com
                www.saratogaproxy.com/JACK

1Source: FactSet. Based on change in share price from Feb. 18, 2026 to Feb. 19, 2026
2Source: Company SEC filings. FactSet, Change in market value from Dec. 16, 2008 to Feb. 18, 2026
3Source: Company SEC filings. FactSet, Change in market value from Jun. 15, 2020 to Feb. 18, 2026
4Source: Cost of proxy solicitation by JACK according to the Company’s SEC filings

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biglari-capital-18-decline-in-jack-in-the-box-share-price-after-q1-earnings-302693540.html

SOURCE Biglari Capital Corp.

When Robert Collins walked into Trane Technologies’ Charlotte office for the first time in 1992, he had no idea what a centrifugal chiller was. Coming from a residential HVAC background, he quickly realized he had a lot to catch up on. “I thought I was pretty savvy with HVAC,” he recalls, “but when I got here, I realized how much more I had to learn.”

More than three decades later, Robert is now one of the expert technical trainers at Trane Technologies’ new state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC) in Davidson, North Carolina – a 45,199 square foot training center that’s capable of accommodating up to 4,500 students and delivering 108,000 training hours annually.

“It’s a great time to be at Trane Technologies. I love my job. I love doing what I do. For the past 33 years, I’ve worked with a lot of good people who helped me throughout my career, and now I’m looking forward to helping others in theirs.”

VIDEO: Building Careers and Community: Robert Collins on 30+ Years with Trane

A career built on mentorship

Like many of our technicians, Robert doesn’t see his career as having been built alone. In fact, he credits much of his success to his mentors and teachers. “There were some great people who were willing to teach me. We became personal friends.”

Those early experiences shaped how Robert viewed his work. “I’m a servant of people,” he says simply. “I just love helping people.” As he advanced to a team leader role in the Charlotte office, Robert oversaw a growing team of service technicians from just nine to over 60. But for him, leadership was never about hierarchy; it was about helping others grow. That belief is what ultimately led him to the new training center. “When I found out this facility was being built, I felt like it was my next natural step. It just seemed like where I needed to be,” he says. 

Teaching the next generation of HVAC technicians 

Robert started as an apprentice, literally sweeping the floors in Trane‘s Charlotte Sales and Service office. Today, he’s a technical trainer at the world’s most advanced HVAC training facility, a place where apprentices and seasoned technicians alike gain hands-on experience with both legacy and cutting-edge systems. “In this center, we’ll be teaching basic refrigeration and electricity, all the way up to working on a Centravac system,” Robert explains. “Technicians will be taught everything they need to know now along with new technology they’ll see more of in the future.”

But more than teaching talent about compressors and wiring diagrams, Robert is hoping to continue Trane Technologies’ culture of people-first leadership. “The biggest things I’ve learned here haven’t been to do with equipment. It’s to do with people,” he says. “I’ve learned to listen to others, understand their point of view and put myself in their shoes.”

Life beyond the technician job

This belief that people are the foundation of every successful system is what drives both Robert’s teaching and Trane Technologies’ continued investment in mentorship. As Holly Paeper, Trane Technologies’ president of Commercial HVAC Americas says, “The ATTC embodies what has always set Trane Technologies apart: the belief that systems are only as strong as the people behind them, and people are only as strong as the knowledge they share.”

Outside of work, Robert finds balance in family and the outdoors. He and his wife are proud new grandparents, and he often spends weekends fishing, boating or volunteering with organizations that introduce children and people with disabilities to nature. “I spend time with a lot of children, getting them into the outdoors and helping them understand what it’s like to be out in the woods, hunting and fishing.” he says.

The company’s commitment to work-life balance and community engagement helps make that possible. “Trane Technologies promotes that life-work balance,” Robert says.

Passing knowledge forward

Looking back, Robert can trace his career through the people who guided him — the mentors who became friends, the colleagues who became family. Now, standing at the entrance of the ATTC, he’s ready to do the same for others. “I had great people who taught me and helped me,” he says. “Now it’s my turn.”

Ready to make an impact? Explore careers with great potential at Trane Technologies.

When Robert Collins walked into Trane Technologies’ Charlotte office for the first time in 1992, he had no idea what a centrifugal chiller was. Coming from a residential HVAC background, he quickly realized he had a lot to catch up on. “I thought I was pretty savvy with HVAC,” he recalls, “but when I got here, I realized how much more I had to learn.”

More than three decades later, Robert is now one of the expert technical trainers at Trane Technologies’ new state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC) in Davidson, North Carolina – a 45,199 square foot training center that’s capable of accommodating up to 4,500 students and delivering 108,000 training hours annually.

“It’s a great time to be at Trane Technologies. I love my job. I love doing what I do. For the past 33 years, I’ve worked with a lot of good people who helped me throughout my career, and now I’m looking forward to helping others in theirs.”

VIDEO: Building Careers and Community: Robert Collins on 30+ Years with Trane

A career built on mentorship

Like many of our technicians, Robert doesn’t see his career as having been built alone. In fact, he credits much of his success to his mentors and teachers. “There were some great people who were willing to teach me. We became personal friends.”

Those early experiences shaped how Robert viewed his work. “I’m a servant of people,” he says simply. “I just love helping people.” As he advanced to a team leader role in the Charlotte office, Robert oversaw a growing team of service technicians from just nine to over 60. But for him, leadership was never about hierarchy; it was about helping others grow. That belief is what ultimately led him to the new training center. “When I found out this facility was being built, I felt like it was my next natural step. It just seemed like where I needed to be,” he says. 

Teaching the next generation of HVAC technicians 

Robert started as an apprentice, literally sweeping the floors in Trane‘s Charlotte Sales and Service office. Today, he’s a technical trainer at the world’s most advanced HVAC training facility, a place where apprentices and seasoned technicians alike gain hands-on experience with both legacy and cutting-edge systems. “In this center, we’ll be teaching basic refrigeration and electricity, all the way up to working on a Centravac system,” Robert explains. “Technicians will be taught everything they need to know now along with new technology they’ll see more of in the future.”

But more than teaching talent about compressors and wiring diagrams, Robert is hoping to continue Trane Technologies’ culture of people-first leadership. “The biggest things I’ve learned here haven’t been to do with equipment. It’s to do with people,” he says. “I’ve learned to listen to others, understand their point of view and put myself in their shoes.”

Life beyond the technician job

This belief that people are the foundation of every successful system is what drives both Robert’s teaching and Trane Technologies’ continued investment in mentorship. As Holly Paeper, Trane Technologies’ president of Commercial HVAC Americas says, “The ATTC embodies what has always set Trane Technologies apart: the belief that systems are only as strong as the people behind them, and people are only as strong as the knowledge they share.”

Outside of work, Robert finds balance in family and the outdoors. He and his wife are proud new grandparents, and he often spends weekends fishing, boating or volunteering with organizations that introduce children and people with disabilities to nature. “I spend time with a lot of children, getting them into the outdoors and helping them understand what it’s like to be out in the woods, hunting and fishing.” he says.

The company’s commitment to work-life balance and community engagement helps make that possible. “Trane Technologies promotes that life-work balance,” Robert says.

Passing knowledge forward

Looking back, Robert can trace his career through the people who guided him — the mentors who became friends, the colleagues who became family. Now, standing at the entrance of the ATTC, he’s ready to do the same for others. “I had great people who taught me and helped me,” he says. “Now it’s my turn.”

Ready to make an impact? Explore careers with great potential at Trane Technologies.

When Robert Collins walked into Trane Technologies’ Charlotte office for the first time in 1992, he had no idea what a centrifugal chiller was. Coming from a residential HVAC background, he quickly realized he had a lot to catch up on. “I thought I was pretty savvy with HVAC,” he recalls, “but when I got here, I realized how much more I had to learn.”

More than three decades later, Robert is now one of the expert technical trainers at Trane Technologies’ new state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC) in Davidson, North Carolina – a 45,199 square foot training center that’s capable of accommodating up to 4,500 students and delivering 108,000 training hours annually.

“It’s a great time to be at Trane Technologies. I love my job. I love doing what I do. For the past 33 years, I’ve worked with a lot of good people who helped me throughout my career, and now I’m looking forward to helping others in theirs.”

VIDEO: Building Careers and Community: Robert Collins on 30+ Years with Trane

A career built on mentorship

Like many of our technicians, Robert doesn’t see his career as having been built alone. In fact, he credits much of his success to his mentors and teachers. “There were some great people who were willing to teach me. We became personal friends.”

Those early experiences shaped how Robert viewed his work. “I’m a servant of people,” he says simply. “I just love helping people.” As he advanced to a team leader role in the Charlotte office, Robert oversaw a growing team of service technicians from just nine to over 60. But for him, leadership was never about hierarchy; it was about helping others grow. That belief is what ultimately led him to the new training center. “When I found out this facility was being built, I felt like it was my next natural step. It just seemed like where I needed to be,” he says. 

Teaching the next generation of HVAC technicians 

Robert started as an apprentice, literally sweeping the floors in Trane‘s Charlotte Sales and Service office. Today, he’s a technical trainer at the world’s most advanced HVAC training facility, a place where apprentices and seasoned technicians alike gain hands-on experience with both legacy and cutting-edge systems. “In this center, we’ll be teaching basic refrigeration and electricity, all the way up to working on a Centravac system,” Robert explains. “Technicians will be taught everything they need to know now along with new technology they’ll see more of in the future.”

But more than teaching talent about compressors and wiring diagrams, Robert is hoping to continue Trane Technologies’ culture of people-first leadership. “The biggest things I’ve learned here haven’t been to do with equipment. It’s to do with people,” he says. “I’ve learned to listen to others, understand their point of view and put myself in their shoes.”

Life beyond the technician job

This belief that people are the foundation of every successful system is what drives both Robert’s teaching and Trane Technologies’ continued investment in mentorship. As Holly Paeper, Trane Technologies’ president of Commercial HVAC Americas says, “The ATTC embodies what has always set Trane Technologies apart: the belief that systems are only as strong as the people behind them, and people are only as strong as the knowledge they share.”

Outside of work, Robert finds balance in family and the outdoors. He and his wife are proud new grandparents, and he often spends weekends fishing, boating or volunteering with organizations that introduce children and people with disabilities to nature. “I spend time with a lot of children, getting them into the outdoors and helping them understand what it’s like to be out in the woods, hunting and fishing.” he says.

The company’s commitment to work-life balance and community engagement helps make that possible. “Trane Technologies promotes that life-work balance,” Robert says.

Passing knowledge forward

Looking back, Robert can trace his career through the people who guided him — the mentors who became friends, the colleagues who became family. Now, standing at the entrance of the ATTC, he’s ready to do the same for others. “I had great people who taught me and helped me,” he says. “Now it’s my turn.”

Ready to make an impact? Explore careers with great potential at Trane Technologies.

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Approved Oil Company of Brooklyn, Inc. today reported the successful performance of renewable diesel (RD) supplied to New York City agencies throughout one of the most severe winter periods the region has experienced in more than 65 years, including RD-powered operations of the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

The update follows Approved’s initial announcement several years ago supporting New York City’s adoption of renewable diesel as a lower-carbon alternative to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) under City procurement and climate initiatives. This winter’s sustained sub-freezing temperatures provided an unprecedented real-world operational test of RD-powered municipal fleets and equipment at scale.

Despite prolonged cold weather, elevated demand, and challenging logistics conditions, renewable diesel supplied by Approved powered DSNY snow response, collection vehicles, and critical sanitation equipment without interruption, with no weather-related fuel disruptions reported.

“This winter was a real-world validation of renewable diesel under extreme conditions,” said Vincent Theurer, CEO & President of Approved Oil. “From both a procurement and operations standpoint, RD performed exactly as required — delivering emissions reductions while maintaining the reliability and resiliency essential to City operations.”

Approved’s performance was supported by dedicated staff working around the clock, more than 75 drivers and operations personnel, and an exceptional terminal management team maintaining continuous supply across three states.

In addition to supplying renewable diesel, Approved successfully managed significantly increased demand driven by natural gas supply constraints and power interruptions, supporting some of New York City’s largest and most critical facilities — including major hospitals, universities, and large-scale residential complexes, as well as other mission-critical residential and commercial properties.

Approved Oil continues to support New York City and other public-sector customers with renewable diesel, ULSD, and blended fuel solutions, while expanding infrastructure and supply capabilities to meet growing demand across municipal, transportation, and industrial sectors.

About Approved Oil Company of Brooklyn, Inc.

Approved Oil Company of Brooklyn, Inc. is a leading supplier of transportation and heating fuels serving New York City and the Northeast. With decades of experience supporting municipal and commercial customers, Approved provides ULSD, biodiesel blends, and renewable diesel solutions designed to meet stringent performance, procurement, and sustainability requirements.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/approved-oil-confirms-renewable-diesel-reliability-during-one-of-nycs-coldest-winters-in-over-six-decades-302692992.html

SOURCE Approved Oil Company

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