HAYWARD, CA — On June 1, Andrew “Andy” Caridis, founder of Heat and Control, celebrated his 100th birthday. Known as a family-oriented business owner, creative problem solver and trailblazer in the industrial food production community, Caridis was able to celebrate share this milestone with his Heat and Control family, as the Hayward, CA team gathered for the first time in more than 15 months to wish him a happy birthday.
“The first 100 years was practice; the next 100 years is the real thing,” said Andy Caridis, founder of Heat and Control.
Caridis began his engineering career in the early 1950s when industrial consumer goods manufacturers began investing in food production automation technology to make better products, increase volume, improve efficiencies, create new product categories and reach new markets. Credited with or supervising more than 130 patents over the course of 70 years, Caridis has been integral in advancing the food sector of the global manufacturing industry by helping companies grow, adapt and improve.
Caridis’ innovation has directly contributed to advancements in areas such as French fries, snack foods and prepared foods production. Today, he still has a passion for solving problems, staying involved in R&D projects and supporting various Heat and Control engineering teams.
“Andy was born 100 years ago in San Francisco during the Great Depression,” said Tony Caridis, Heat and Control president. “He joined the military and represented his country in World War II. At the age of 30, he joined with his buddies to create Heat and Control. That was 70 years ago, and today there are almost 1,700 people contributing to the success of the company. This success is based on Andy’s hard work and ability to see the future and do the right thing.”
When it comes to celebrating his achievements, Caridis applies his characteristic boldness and humor. “The first 100 years was practice,” he said. “The next 100 years is the real thing.”