Johnstone Supply names Shields new Syracuse branch manager

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Johnstone Supply announced it has appointed George Shields as manager of its Syracuse branch office on Canal Street.

Shields, who is responsible for all day-to-day operations for the facility, had managed the firm’s Rochester branch since 2013.

Before joining Johnstone, Shields managed a Goodman-owned wholesale distribution center in Maryland. Goodman is Johnstone’s major furnace and air conditioning brand. Before turning to wholesaling, Shields spent 20 years in retail management with a number of national big-box chains. He also owned his own flooring company for five years, according to a news release from Johnstone Supply.

Shields began transitioning to his new position when longtime manager Bob Spanfelner announced his retirement. He had managed the Syracuse branch since it opened in 2002. Shields notes that Spanfelner found out quickly that full-time retirement wasn’t for him and he now works for the branch a few days a week as an outside sales representative.

Shields earned an associate degree from American International University and is currently working toward his bachelor’s degree.

Johnstone Supply is a nationwide, member-owned buying cooperative for HVACR equipment and supplies. Johnstone distributes parts and equipment to HVACR contractors and to facilities maintenance staffs. Each member store is independently owned and operated. Ken Livingston owns the stores at 95 Halstead St. in Rochester and 835 Canal St. in Syracuse, according to the release.

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Photo credit: Johnstone Supply