About 5-Star Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Founded by Joseph E. Matthews, 5-Star Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. was incorporated in September 2007 in the State of Florida. Joseph E. Matthews represents 5-Star Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. as Registered Agent, President & CEO.

Our installation team is comprised of experienced, highly skilled tradesmen who will make sure the job is done right.

From the smallest cooler door repair to the largest construction projects, we provide turnkey installations.

With our 10,000 Sq. Ft. Warehouse, we will receive, stage and ship your store equipment in coordination of your project.

Meet Our Management Team

Joseph E. Matthews, III
Owner/President & CEO
Certified Mechanical Contractor

Prior to establishing 5-Star, Joe began working in 1976 as an apprentice in the refrigeration field performing new store and remodel projects. Within (8) eight-years, he became VP/Owner of Sun Belt Refrigeration. After (14) fourteen-years, he and his partner sold Sun Belt Refrigeration to Ingersoll Rand Hussmann where Joe agreed to stay on as Florida Territory General Manager and later as Operations Sales Manager.

Joe founded 5-Star to partner with a few, select customers to assist them with Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Water Filtration Service and Equipment needs. Along with his top-notch personnel team, he continuously provides commercial customers with organizational and operational services beyond their expectations. Corporate clients appreciate the excellent service and customized billing detail he and his team are known to provide.

With more than (30) thirty-years of specific Supermarket, Convenience Store and Restaurant experience, Joe promotes employee, customer and supplier relationships. He understands corporate needs and strives to offer sound, timely solutions.

His expertise in the field includes:

Refrigeration Equipment and Fixtures Sales
New and Remodel Refrigeration Installation
Design and Construction Management
HVAC
Installation and Water Quality Sales and Service
Preventative Maintenance Programs

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Gwen Lahera
Office Manager

Gwen Lahera started her career in 1984 working for a grocery supply wholesaler. In 1994, Gwen began working in the Commercial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry as Office Manager for Sun Belt Equipment Sales/NRS. In April of 2002, Ingersoll Rand purchased Sun Belt/NRS and merged with Hussmann Tampa where she held the position of Senior Installation and Payroll Coordinator. Today, she enjoys the position of Office Manager for 5-Star Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. She is responsible for the support, coordination and implementation of all administrative functions; including customer service, dispatch, accounting and human resources.

The blend of Gwen’s background and expertise combined with that of her fellow 5-Star associates makes for a team of highly qualified and top notch individuals. Together they strive to achieve and maintain the highest levels of integrity and respect in this industry; thus providing services to our valued customers that are second to none.

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Gary Read
Sales & Marketing Manager

Gary Read is a seasoned commercial refrigeration professional providing over (30) thirty-years of customer service excellence.

The son of a refrigeration technician, Gary was raised in the industry and began his grocery career early as a “bag boy” and produce clerk in a local grocery store. Advancing into supermarket store planning and design, his career lead into retail store site selection responsibilities, refrigeration design, store construction management, equipment and store fixture sourcing and sales. His background embraces the industrial refrigeration, supermarket, convenience store and food service industries.

This experience enables Gary to understand and provide solutions for all facets of refrigeration and store fixture applications.

Gary is known for his resourcefulness and innovation and has a proven talent to adapt quickly to challenges. As a member of the management team of 5-Star Refrigeration, he serves as Sales and Marketing Manager.

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Ed Kelly
Installation Project Manager

Ed Kelly is Installation Project Manager for 5-Star Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc., bringing to us over (29) twenty-nine-years of experience and service in the grocery and supermarket industry. He is responsible for bidding, layout and management of both new and remodel refrigeration and equipment installation projects.

From 1984 through 2002, Ed served as Construction Manager for Sun Belt Equipment Sales/NRS, overseeing all refrigeration installation projects throughout the Florida, Georgia and Alabama regions. In 2002, Sun Belt/NRS was purchased by Ingersoll Rand and merged in with Hussmann Tampa where he served as Construction Manager through 2004.

Ed’s vast experience includes working on projects for multiple supermarket chains and many independently owned supermarkets and convenience stores. He is an extremely motivated and knowledgeable team player with 5-Star and is one of the highest qualified individuals in his field of expertise.

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Mike Aussendorf
Service Manager

Mike Aussendorf is Service Manager for 5-Star Refrigeration with over (27) twenty-seven-years of technical expertise in the industry. In this capacity, he is responsible for all service operations from Ocala to Naples, Engineers quotes and supervises installation projects.

Mike has also served as Project Manager, Account Manager and Service Manager with Ingersoll Rand/Hussmann Florida. He engineered, planned projects and supervised maintenance for several supermarket chains.

Before being purchased by Ingersoll Rand, he was an area supervisor and start up technician for Sun Belt Equipment Sales, involved in the installation and start up of some of the most notable supermarkets.

Mike’s credo is:
“The ideal start up is a combination of good engineering, equipment, installation and start up, which will result in no warranty calls.”

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