Archives: News Items

Guess What? We’re Back! The 2021 GreatFutures Forum Will Be In-Person & In Scottsdale, Arizona!

We heard you. We know you’re eager to get together with other students and with contractors from around the country. And, honestly, we can’t wait to see you, too!

So, we thought, let’s not wait. Let’s all come together. And what better place than in conjunction with the highly anticipated, in-person MSCA21 Conference this October. Students and contractors can meet, inspire, hire, share ideas, and generally have a great time. 

Here’s where we’ll meet:

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
October 17-19, 2021

Here’s what you’ll get to do:

  • Meet with contractors at general sessions, receptions, and pretty much everywhere you go.
  • Get to know the industry and its people, and start forging relationships.
  • Let the industry know you and your talents at the GreatFutures Forum Job Fair.
  • Gain further insight and direction regarding this year’s Student Chapter Competition. (Don’t worry, the project will be announced virtually in September!)

As schools reopen, the country reconnects, and the mechanical contracting industry reunites, you can get the jump on building your great future.

Registration will open next month, so keep an eye out for more information. For now, though, start looking ahead…It’ll be great to be together, at last! 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Walsh.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Endless Opportunities of Mechanical Contracting

As we wrap up our Beyond the Classroom series, we wanted to highlight the endless opportunities the mechanical contracting industry has to offer. Scott Hinton, Vice President of Harrell-Fish, Inc. and a member of MCAA’s Career Development Committee and MCAA’s Board of Directors, describes the unique nature of mechanical contracting saying, “People do not seem to get stuck in roles. They get more opportunity to advance and continue advancing throughout their careers.”

A part of advancing within this industry is in surrounding yourself with other professionals. Scott credits MCAA for helping him establish relationships with contractors across the country. These are people he can call with questions, share information and ideas with, and lean on for support. They’re the same type of people, who look forward to welcoming you into this industry and helping you grow.

Take advantage of all MCAA offerings, whether in-person or virtual. Sit next to a contractor at the next in-person MCAA event you attend or send a question directly to a contractor during the next virtual presentation you watch. In short: reach out and get involved! 

Scott, and other MCAA members are ready to help introduce you to the endless opportunities within the industry!

Our New Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide Is Available Online

The full-featured digital version of MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide enhances the look and feel of our printed directory. Download your copy for digital-only benefits that help you stay connected throughout the year. Printed copies are in the mail. Whichever version you choose to use, the directory is free as a benefit of membership.

The digital version of the directory helps you:

  • Network from anywhere with linked email addresses.
  • Connect with the companies, products and services that interest you using linked web addresses.
  • Get where you’re going…fast…with bookmarks and a linked table of contents.
  • Find advertisers instantly with a linked advertiser index.

Download Your Copy

Have updates? Please share! Contact Jan Grillo for assistance updating your member record at any time.

Sponsor Spotlight 20 Welcomes Greg Lowman from Baltimore Aircoil Company

In the twentieth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Robert Beck, MCAA’s Senior Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Greg Lowman, Vice President and Managing Director, North America for Baltimore Aircoil Company. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Greg Lowman is the Vice President and Managing Director, North America for Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC). Greg started his career with BAC in 1997 as a Manufacturing Engineer after completing his undergraduate degree. Throughout the past 24 years Greg has held various roles within the organization across several disciplines. This includes Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Plant Management, Product Development, Product Engineering & Operations. Prior to Greg’s current role, he was Vice President, Global Engineering and responsible for development of BAC’s technology and product roadmaps. Greg has been active with MCAA since 2014. Greg has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Finance from Loyola University. In his current role, Greg is responsible for BAC’s business in the Americas.

Hailey Brennan Remains Josam Endowed Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Hailey Brennan, the outstanding recipient of the annual Josam Endowed Scholarship. Josam Company has established an annual scholarship to a sophomore in a MCAA Student Chapter, pursuing a degree in construction management, mechanical engineering or a similar field. Provided that all qualifications are met each year, the yearly recipient will continue to receive the scholarship in their sophomore, junior and senior year.

Hailey is now a junior studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. Hailey joined her MCAA student chapter in the Fall of 2019, attended the 2019 GreatFutures Forum and then helped to lead her chapter to the final four of MCAA’s 2019-2020 Student Chapter Competition.

Hailey has had an interest in the industry since middle school and began taking engineering courses in high school. “It was my choice to pursue HVAC as well, which is what really drew me toward a career in the mechanical contracting industry.”

While in high school Hailey was active in SkillsUSA, a career and technical student organization. The organization helped Hailey grow confidence in HVAC courses, and led to her interning with a mechanical contractor her senior year in high school.

She has continued to pursue her industry interests while at the University of Maryland, and wants to continue to pursue a career in mechanical contracting throughout her educational and internship choices as an undergraduate.

Hailey has recently completed an internship working alongside project engineers and says she has given thought to completing an HVAC apprenticeship after graduation. “With my experience in mechanical engineering and business, completing an HVAC apprenticeship would put me on my way to becoming a business owner in the mechanical contracting industry.”

The John R. Gentille Foundation congratulates Hailey on continuing to uphold this prestigious scholarship and would like to thank Josam Company’s CEO, Scott Holloway Sr., for the commitment to supporting younger students to keep them invested in the mechanical contracting industry. 

Sarah Galan Receives Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship

Sarah Galan, a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology, has been awarded one of the two Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarships. Ferguson underwrites these scholarships, which recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.

Sarah landed a winter internship with EMCOR Services Northeast, where she assisted the sales engineers in conducting work on their projects, including estimating, takeoffs, bids, purchase orders, graphics, and controls. Sarah’s experience with EMCOR confirmed her interest in the mechanical contracting industry. “I love how I feel challenged every day. I am constantly learning something, and wake up every day excited to go to work. Everyone at EMCOR treats me as a valuable employee and trusts me with a large variety of responsibilities,” she said.

Acknowledging this field is extremely male dominated, which may intimidate many, Sarah uses it as motivation. Sarah shared, “I take it is a challenge. It challenges me as an individual to prove to myself and to those around me that I know what I am capable of achieving and I can be a valuable asset. I think it is incredible to see more and more women entering into professions such as this one and I hope that I can take this opportunity to inspire more women to enter this field. The notion that this is a job only for men is such a fleeting idea in people’s minds and I hope more women realize this and see that there is a place for them in this industry.”  

Women in the Mechanical Industry and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Sarah on this prestigious scholarship and thank Ferguson for their commitment to encouraging young women to be engaged in the industry.

Kimberly Sikkema Receives Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship

Kimberly Sikkema, a junior at Ferris State University, has been awarded one of the two Ferguson-Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarships. Ferguson underwrites these scholarships, which recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.

Kimberly, who is earning her degree in HVAC/R, is the President of her student chapter, and will continue as the President throughout 2021. She has found herself on the dean’s list every semester and has maintained an impressive 3.95 GPA. Upon graduation, Kimberly looks forward to pursuing her career that she has worked so hard for, stating, “I look forward to seeing the wide variety of opportunities that are out there in the world for myself, as a woman in the HVAC/R industry. I look forward to making connections and networking with people from all around the world in the mechanical industry. Most of all, I look forward to expanding my knowledge by facing new obstacles every day, receiving more hands-on learning out in the field, as well as learning more from experienced, skilled veterans.”

Women in the Mechanical Industry and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kimberly on this prestigious scholarship and thank Ferguson for their commitment to encouraging young women to be engaged in the industry.

Parker Filius Receives Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Parker Filius, one of the two recipients of the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship. The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established the scholarships to honor the memory of Alan P. O’Shea, its former Executive Director, and memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Parker, a Junior studying Construction Management Technology at Purdue University, has served in the position of Secretary in his student chapter for the past year and will continue to serve in his student chapter throughout the Spring and Fall of 2021. In addition to his involvement with his chapter, Parker has maintained academic excellence, stayed committed to athletic obligations, and completed several internships.

Through his internship experiences, Parker stated, “the mechanical contracting industry is more complicated than many other areas of construction. I am passionate about learning and look forward to a career filled with learning opportunities. My time with MCA has taught me that there is so much to learn that is specific to the mechanical industry.”

This summer, Parker will be interning with MCAA member company, BMWC in Indiana and hopes to continue to absorb everything he can.

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Parker on this distinguished scholarship! We thank the MCA of Omaha, Inc. for its commitment to supporting younger students keeping them invested in the mechanical contracting industry.

Jakob Cimino Receives Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Jakob Cimino, one of the two recipients of the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship. The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established the scholarships to honor the memory of Alan P. O’Shea, its former Executive Director, and memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Jakob, a freshman studying Construction Management, is a recent addition to the student chapter at the University of Nebraska. In the midst of the pandemic, he switched majors, universities, and came out of the gate looking for a group to help him get a foot in the door for his future career.

Luckily, the chapter was still able to hold their annual Internship Day and Jakob was the first to sign up to participate. Internship day is a special event where all of the MCA-Omaha companies offering summer internships gather around the board table and have the students come in one by one for a short interview. Not only is Jakob set to intern with MCAA member company, Control Services, this summer, but he actually already started as of December 1, 2020!

After quickly realizing he enjoyed being a part of his student chapter, Jakob explained, “I decided that I wanted to surround myself in that environment and start my career path. Once I did that, I never looked back and it has done nothing but benefit myself and help me learn to become a better person. It has helped me get into a place that I never thought that I would be in at this point in my life and now I already have my foot in the door of the mechanical industry because of it.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Jakob on this distinguished scholarship and thank the MCA of Omaha, Inc. for its commitment to supporting younger students keeping them invested in the mechanical contracting industry.

Masen Dinklage Receives Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Masen Dinklage, this year’s recipient of the annual Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship. John W. Danforth Company, an MCAA member company, established the scholarship to commemorate the memory of its leadership, the Reilly Family. Kevin “Duke” Reilly served as Danforth’s Chairman/CEO. Wayne, Patrick and Emmett Reilly contributed a combined 128 years of commitment and loyalty to their company and the industry. This national scholarship symbolizes the Reillys’ many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Masen, a senior studying Mechanical Engineering at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has found himself on the College of Engineering dean’s list for the past four years. In addition to his academic achievements, Masen has held three separate student chair positions within his student chapter in which he has organized and coordinated student volunteer work for chapter fundraisers. Masen served as the Golf Chair in 2019, Wine Tasting Chair in 2020, and is currently the Beer Tasting Chair for 2021.

Masen has interned at MCAA member company, The Waldinger Corporation, for the past three years and has absolutely loved his experience. When asked what has drawn him towards a career in the mechanical contracting industry, Masen shared, “I want to be confronted with consistent challenges during my career and it is very evident to me that the mechanical contracting industry will provide new challenges every day. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of meeting many quality people within the mechanical industry. I have a strong desire to continue working with these people and build new relationships throughout my career.”

Masen, MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate you on receiving this prestigious scholarship and look forward to seeing the impact you make within our industry!

Thank you John W. Danforth Company and CEO, Robert Beck, for your commitment to keeping future industry leaders invested in the mechanical contracting industry.