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Mark Fogarty Joins Thermo-Kool
Mark Fogarty has joined the Thermo-Kool team as National Sales Manager. Fogarty will be responsible for managing and leading the inside and outside...
At Thermo-Kool, we believe that every business has the power to change lives — it just takes the courage to start the conversation. Last month, our team had the honor of taking that message to a national stage at the 2025 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Rx Summit is the largest, most influential event addressing the opioid and addiction crisis in America, bringing together leaders from every corner of the country — healthcare professionals, law enforcement, government officials, and business leaders — to share knowledge, solutions, and hope. With all 50 states represented and a powerful lineup of speakers, the event was a testament to just how deeply this issue touches every community.
A National Spotlight
Kimberly McRoy, our Human Resources Director, represented Thermo-Kool during the Closing Plenary panel on Recovery-Friendly Workplaces (RFWs), sharing the stage with leaders from Oracle and Fors Marsh. Speaking alongside Dana Piscapo, Director of Employee Experience at Oracle, and other workplace advocates, Kimberly discussed how businesses can empower employees on their recovery journey by creating safe, supportive environments where people can thrive.
“Every business has the ability and potential to change lives, if they are just willing to have the courage to talk about this openly, and listen to what their people need,” Kimberly said.
Backstage, Kimberly described the experience as exhilarating — the anticipation, the energy, and the bright stage lights that made it impossible to see the audience. Yet, even without seeing the crowd, the connection was palpable. Thermo-Kool’s message about compassion in the workplace found a powerful platform.
Rand McLaughlin, our President and CEO, also attended the summit and was equally moved by the experience. He spoke highly of Kimberly’s presentation, noting how proud he was to see Thermo-Kool’s commitment to recovery support shining at a national level.
A Summit of Firsts and Unforgettable Moments
This year’s summit brought several notable firsts, including the presence of key members of the new administration: Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Kimberly shared how inspiring it was to be part of an event where such prominent leaders not only attended, but spoke candidly about their own experiences with addiction and recovery.
Rand reflected on how powerful Kennedy’s story was — a personal testament to perseverance and hope. In one particularly sobering moment, Kennedy reminded the audience that more Americans die each year from a drug overdose than died during the entire Vietnam War. It was a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue and the importance of offering meaningful support to those in recovery.
Kimberly also praised the summit’s thoughtful organization. Each session was grouped into “tracks,” allowing attendees to choose sessions that aligned with their profession and interests, creating a highly tailored and impactful experience.
The Rising Need for Recovery-Friendly Workplaces
Throughout the event, a clear theme emerged: the fight against substance misuse is far from over. The summit shared data showing an alarming rise in addiction among younger Americans, emphasizing that now, more than ever, people need a safe place to recover, rebuild, and rejoin society.
Thermo-Kool is proud to be part of the growing movement to create those safe places. Our commitment to becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace is not just about policies — it’s about people. It’s about listening, offering support, and meeting individuals where they are in their journey.
“The strength of a company isn't just in its products — it's in its people. And we’re proud to be building a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” said Rand McLaughlin.
Continuing the Conversation: Meeting with Senator Juan Barnett
Following the summit, our commitment to fostering Recovery-Friendly Workplaces caught the attention of local leaders. Chris Tullos, with the Economic Development Authority of Jones County, reached out to arrange a meeting with Mississippi State Senator Juan Barnett to gain more insight into the RFW program.
Senator Barnett, who has represented District 34 since 2016, is a dedicated public servant with a strong focus on criminal justice reform and workforce development. As Chair of the Senate Corrections Committee, he has been instrumental in advancing policies that support rehabilitation and reentry programs .
During our meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss the importance of creating supportive environments for individuals in recovery and how businesses can play a pivotal role in this effort. Senator Barnett's insights and support further reinforce the significance of our mission and the positive impact it can have on our community.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our experiences at the Rx Summit and our ongoing conversations with leaders like Senator Barnett, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering Recovery-Friendly Workplaces. We believe that by creating supportive environments and encouraging open dialogue, we can help individuals on their journey to recovery and inspire other companies to join us in this vital effort.
At Thermo-Kool, we're not just building walk-ins. We're building futures.
