HomeWork features AHAM members’ and partners’ insights into careers, success, life outside of work, and AHAM membership. This month, we spoke with Tony Colaneri Vice President, Research & Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Medify Air.

You took an unconventional path into the appliance industry. How did you come into your current role?

My career change into the appliance industry building portable air cleaners at Medify Air was guided by a desire to help people stay healthy and avoid preventable airborne diseases, along with the types of devastating impacts they had on my family and countless families around the world. It was exactly 5 years ago to the day that I lost my younger brother to medical complications from COVID and, less than a year prior, COVID prevented me from traveling home when my mother passed away. The pandemic began as I was completing graduate school and preparing for a career in research and leadership consulting. My daughters were 2 and 3 at the time, and there were medical concerns about their respiratory health. These experiences had a profound impact and I felt I might be able to use my research training and background in environmental, health, and safety management to help others. For a long time, this was volunteer work while I paused my career and cared for my daughters.

I learned about relevant topics (aerosol transmission, air cleaning, best practices, etc.), and co-founded Illinois Stakeholders for Air Quality in Schools, a grassroots advocacy group of about 400 members promoting indoor air quality in Illinois schools through legislation, outreach, and education. Our team assembled an expert panel and worked with Illinois state representatives and senators to develop school indoor air quality legislation. I served as technical director for the group and needed to help determine specifications for the air cleaning equipment related to noise, performance, safety, and more. This work involved contacting many air cleaner companies for product information, test results, and more, so I could be sure the state law had high quality and realistic requirements rooted in independent testing using consensus methodologies. The team at Medify Air consistently impressed me with their transparency and commitment to best practice product testing. To my surprise, they later offered me a position, which I accepted after my work with the legislative development was complete.

What drives your passion for indoor air quality?

I feel good about building portable air cleaners that help keep others safer, healthier, and more comfortable, and directing Medify Air’s Healthy Air Program, where we’ve donated about $5 million in air quality equipment in collaboration with FEMA, leading nonprofit and disaster relief organizations, and university research teams. In addition, the amazing people in the tight-knit global indoor air quality community are a constant source of inspiration and motivation. I recently attended the inaugural “Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action” event at the United Nations General Assembly and left completely energized at the fantastic work being done all around the world.

How does your company benefit from AHAM membership?

Our team at Medify Air benefits tremendously from AHAM’s work and expertise in numerous ways, from their advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, regulatory guidance, staying informed about current and upcoming events, and an association with the industry leading home appliance organization for establishing trust in our products. We prioritize following the best science and standardized test methods available, and those are the AHAM air cleaner tests for noise, performance, and more. Our membership emphasizes this commitment, and gives us the opportunity to collaborate with the AHAM team members that are constantly updating these test methods.

What advice would you give someone who would like to work in the home appliance industry? 

Prioritize building relationships with AHAM staff and volunteering your service. Seek to capitalize on any strengths you either have, or would like to develop, in order to contribute to the industry. In my case, this has meant collaborating with and learning from the expert AHAM staff members involved with air cleaners. They’ve quickly become valued mentors, and this has presented opportunities and experience, including chairing the AHAM Air Cleaner Council Steering Committee and the working group updating the ANSI/AHAM AC-2 acoustic test method.

What early experiences and mentors had the biggest impact on your career path?

I’ve discussed some of the experiences that brought me to the appliance industry, but this move would not have been possible without the guidance and encouragement from so many. In particular, I’d acknowledge the years of invaluable help from Bill Bahnfleth, a past ASHRAE president and all-around great person. When I was learning about indoor air quality I was determined to connect with whoever was considered the world’s top expert, to get the best information I could, to protect my family from COVID. I learned about ASHRAE, and Bill’s work as chair of their Epidemic Task Force, and saw that he was on Twitter helping people understand aerosol transmission, air cleaning, etc. I privately contacted him and he spent years patiently helping me. I’m so fortunate to have such a role model and friend, and I am grateful for his generosity not only to me, but anyone who asks for his assistance and expertise.

Besides air cleaners, what home appliance can you not live without?

Things grind to a halt without coffee.

Outside of work, what hobbies or activities help you recharge?

My greatest joy is spending time with my wife and 8- and 9-year-old daughters. Whether it's supporting their activities, traveling together, or simply enjoying time as a family, that's what keeps me grounded and helps me recharge. I also enjoy building and playing electric guitars, concerts, exploring new cuisines, and heading over to the local beaches as much as possible.