May 12, 2023

Tom Van Wyhe, former owner of JSI Trane and community volunteer, has been named the 2023 South Dakota Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year.

The award is given by SME Sioux Falls to an individual in the South Dakota business community who has contributed extensively, demonstrated leadership legacy, and is looked up to in the community. It will be presented at the Sioux Falls Leadership Summit on June 27 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

“On behalf of SME members, our organization is honored to present this prestigious award every year to uplift and spotlight those who have dedicated their career to elevating the sales and marketing industry and our community,” said Mindy Kroll, SME president, in a statement. “Tom has given so much of his time to enhance the organizations in Sioux Falls and we are thrilled to recognize his talent and service. Congratulations to Mr. Van Wyhe on this well-deserved achievement.”

A civil engineer graduate, Van Wyhe arrived in Sioux Falls in 1973 as a sales engineer for JSI Trane, representing Trane Commercial HVAC systems and service. He became the owner of JSI Trane with Sioux Falls and Rapid City locations. Later, he sold JSI Trane to corporate Trane and worked as a regional corporate executive for Trane in the upper Midwest.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award,” VanWyhe said. “I’ve had the good fortune in my career and in my community involvement to build life long relationships. These partnerships and friendships are the foundation for my journey. I’m grateful for all who have been beside me embracing the vision and achieving our goals. Thank you SME for this recognition!”

Van Wyhe has served as chairman of the board of 13 organizations: Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau (Experience Sioux Falls), Sales and Marketing Executives of Sioux Falls (SME), Sioux Empire Housing Partnership, Rotary West, Westward Ho Country Club (The Country Club of Sioux Falls), Sanford Health Foundation, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers – South Dakota Chapter, Sioux Falls Arena/Convention/Entertainment Center Public Facility Board, Sioux Empire Junior Achievement, Sioux Empire Farm Show, Orpheum Theater, and Good Samaritan Society Foundation National Board. He has also served on numerous community fund drives, civic projects and has volunteered or been a member of dozens of area organizations.