Archives: News Items

John W. Danforth Company Contributes to MCERF

MCERF Logo The John W. Danforth Company (Tonawanda, NY) has donated $50,000 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) for a memorial scholarship established to honor the Reilly Family.

The Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in $5,000 annual increments to a worthy student for the next 10 years.

The MCERF Board of Trustees is very grateful for the generous gift in support of future industry professionals. Find out more about the MCERF program, its activities and the support it continues to provide to advance the industry through education and research.

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MCAA Leads Industry Group Seeking Industry Exemption from Paid Sick Leave Executive Order

An MCAA-led industry group provided analyses to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Analysis (OIRA), and the Department of Labor’s (DoL) Wage and Hour Division as part of its efforts to obtain an industry exemption from President Obama’s Executive Order 13706—requiring paid sick leave accrual for those working on federal contracts—for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement who are working on direct federal construction and federal facility HVAC service contracts.

MCAA representatives Adam Snavely of The Poole & Kent Co. (Baltimore, MD), Chip Mitchell of the Kirlin Group (Rockville, MD), Steve Weissenberger of MCA-Maryland, Bob Battista representing the MCA-MD and MCA Detroit and MCAA General Counsel John McNerney met with OMB/OIRA/DoL officials on February 11 to discuss the rationale for providing a collective bargaining exemption in the upcoming EO 13706 regulatory proposal.

MCAA’s position, also supported by the Construction Employers of America, laid out an analysis of ways to implement EO 13706 that are consistent with federal procurement, labor, and regulatory implementation policies. MCAA’s effort is aimed at gaining a favorable regulatory approach before a proposed regulation is published, rather than waiting for a proposed rule to be issued with less favorable options.

EO 13706 proposed regulations may be issued within the next month. MCAA’s initial letter to OMB and an outline of MCAA’s February 11 oral presentation are available by clicking on the links below.

Written Comments

Oral Presentation Outline

2016 NCPWB Technical Committee Meeting Focused on New Technologies, Practices

NCPWB logo The 2016 NCPWB Technical Committee Meeting (April 24-25, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, FL) featured presentations about the latest developments in welding technologies, materials, equipment and processes.

Brandon Boyd and Josh Wilson of Mathey Dearman, Inc., a manufacturer of pipe fabrication tools, explained how modern technology is affecting the productivity, quality and safety of projects. Real-world examples of success and challenges and the development of new materials and alloys and their effects on processes and equipment were aso covered. Tim Gittens of Liburdi Dimetrics Corporation led a session about “Optimized” Orbital Welding, a process that can be used to isolate and manage welding process variables to produce defect-free—or optimized—welds.

Plan on attending next year, April 23-26, in San Antonio, Texas.

New Comprehensive Inventory of Construction Industry Multiemployer Pension Plans Released

MCAA, in conjunction with Horizon Actuarial Services, LLC, has released the Fourth Edition (February 2016) of its comprehensive inventory and analysis of construction industry multiemployer defined benefit pension plans for all 790 construction industry plans covering the 2004 through the 2013 plan years.

In releasing the report, MCAA President Steve Dawson said, “MCAA is extremely proud to partner with one of the premier actuarial firms in the industry, Horizon Actuarial Services, LLC to bring this ground-breaking work forward and maintain it on a periodic basis for the benefit of the industry… Before MCAA and Horizon began this collaboration, this type of comprehensive in-depth analysis of the Form 5500 database was not available….”

The report examines trends in plan demographics, cash flows, investment returns, funding status, and other plan costs and expenses over the plan years, which represent the most current Form 5500 data completely available for compilation and analysis.

The Inventory shows continuing steep challenges to the sustainability of the multiemployer system with long-term adverse demographic challenges remaining intractable, with fewer than seven active contributing employees for every 10 participants in the median plan data.

The Inventory data document the continuing need for Congressional action to enact reforms—such as the Solutions Not Bailouts legislative reform proposal. The proposal allows trustees to choose alternate plan designs—composite plans—that will build greater resilience and sustainability into the future of the valuable multiemployer defined benefit plan system for the industry workforce, sponsoring employers, and participants and beneficiaries of the plans. The Solutions Not Bailouts alternate plan design proposal option is strongly backed by MCAA and the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans’ (NCCMP) legislative coalition.

Read the full news release about the Inventory at the link below. The Inventory is available as a free download to MCAA and MSCA members.

Download the Inventory

Read the News Release

Mechanical Inc. Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently receives a $5,000 contribution from Mechanical Inc. (Freeport, IL), raising its total contributions to $12,500.

The MCERF Board of Trustees is very grateful for the support which enables the Foundation to continue its education and research activities that help our industry grow and thrive. For more information about MCERF, please click on the link below. And, while you’re considering a donation, please think about designating up to 50% to the MCERF Scholarship Fund to encourage and help our industry’s future professionals fund their education.

Learn more and donate

Next Green Building Webinar Takes on Water Conservation for Buildings

If the building your company is helping construct may face a water crisis, plan to participate in the next Green Webinar—Water Crisis: Pushing the Limits of Building Water Conservation on April 14, 1:00 p.m.

Whether water resources are unreliable, contaminated, too expensive, or a readily available luxury, our buildings will continue to face increased demand for water conservation while serving increased occupant loads. During this webinar, Courtney France of France Sustainable Solutions will explain how green buildings are responding and performing under this challenge. You will come away with a better understanding about some of the most progressive sustainable water strategies and the role they play in our built environment. You will also learn how those strategies will impact contractors. This webinar is free as a benefit of MCAA and MSCA membership.

Play Now

Missed the January 14 Construction Apps Webinar?

No worries! You can view it by clicking on the link below.

You will want to learn from Ron McKinney (Atlanta, GA) about how mobile technology and apps have changed the five major construction workflows—plan management; daily reporting; progress photos; time entry; and safety documentation. This webinar is free as a MCAA/MSCA membership benefit.

View the Webinar

Labor Department Releases New Guidance Affecting Misclassification of Employees

Labor Department Wage and Hour Administrator Dr. David Weil released a new Administrator’s Interpretation 2016-1: Joint Employer under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA).

This interpretive guidance, with less significance than a regulation, has primary significance to the construction industry as a way to stem rampant misclassification of employees as independent contractors, an unfair competitive advantage that some non-signatory firms have over signatory employers. This guidance also affects only wage-and-hour compliance and is separate from the controversy surrounding the new National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) joint employer ruling that is roiling unorganized firms in the context of union organizing efforts. In either case, the NLRB or Labor Department’s single employer policies have very limited application to union-signatory Section 8(f) contractors or prime contractors in the ordinary course of construction industry construction prime contract and subcontract commercial contract performance. Following is an example from the DoL Guidance derived from the air conditioning service industry:

A mechanic is employed by Airy AC & Heating Company. The Company has a short-term contract to test and, if necessary, replace the HVAC systems at Condor Condos. The Company hired and pays the mechanic and directs the work, including setting the mechanic’s hours and timeline for completion of the project. For the duration of the project, the mechanic works at the Condos and checks in with the property manager there every morning, but the Company supervises his work. The Company provides the mechanic’s benefits, including workers’ compensation insurance. The Company also provides the mechanic with all the tools and materials needed to complete the project. The mechanic brings this equipment to the project site. These facts are not indicative of joint employment of the mechanic by the Condos.

Click on the link below for the entire DoL release. Within that material is an example of a DoL enforcement action against a drywall firm for misclassification in that industry. Some comments indicate that construction prime and subcontract commercial contracts can be revised to address or defend against adverse application of these rules in the commercial contracting business. An initial analysis of those comments shows that regulators (see example above) are focused on the workforce realities of worker conduct and supervision, and boilerplate contract or subcontract terms will not be an effective defense against an adverse determination finding on a factual application of the single employer rules in either a union election process or a wage-and-hour misclassification context.

DoL Release

Latest MCA of Chicago Pledge Pushes MCERF Contributions to $500,000

The MCA of Chicago has recently completed its $375,000 pledge to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) with a final $10,000 contribution. But the association’s generosity isn’t stopping there. Recently, the MCA Board of Directors decided to renew its pledge for another ten years, beginning in 2017…in the amount of $125,000, raising its total contributions to $500,000!

MCA of Chicago’s Steve Lamb noted, “MCA of Chicago is firmly committed to the guiding concepts of the Foundation, and we are pleased to be the first local affiliate to attain the half-million-dollar mark in helping to pursue these goals. We hope that in doing so, we encourage other affiliate organizations to participate financially in this most worthwhile enterprise.”

The MCERF Board of Trustees is very grateful for the association’s commitment to and support of the Foundation, which will ensure the continuation of its education and research programs that help our industry grow and thrive.

Read On

Help Us Help You…Contribute to MCAA PAC

MCAA’s 2016 advocacy efforts need your help. Donate to the MCAA PAC, a critical factor to our success in moving forward legislation that positively affects your business.

MCAA PAC needs your contributions to help us gain the support we need in Congress for multiemployer pension reform Phase 2, procurement policy, immigration reform, energy policy, apprentice training and much more. Make a real difference for your company’s future by contributing to MCAA PAC. Click on the link below for information and donation instructions.

Contribute

UA and MCAA Submit Joint Comments on New Apprenticeship Regulations

UA General President Bill Hite and MCAA President Steve Dawson submitted joint UA/MCAA comments on the Department of Labor’s new broad non-discrimination and affirmative action requirements for federal and state registered joint apprenticeship and training programs.

Marking yet another positive and constructive advance in joint UA/MCAA public policy advocacy during the Hite Administration, the joint comments advise the Department of Labor (DoL):

“The UA and the MCAA share the Department’s commitment to ensuring that apprenticeship and training and job sites where UA apprentices and journeypersons’ work are free from discrimination. The UA/MCAA further believe that all applicants for admission to the UA/MCAA apprenticeship program should be treated fairly and evaluated on their ability, skill, and potential to successfully complete an apprenticeship program, and not on their race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, or disability.”

The comments then present a detailed analysis of the many potentially severe unintended consequences that the proposed rules’ assumptions may present for the sustainability of the registered apprenticeship training model; for instance, the broad assumption that any program that doesn’t perfectly match the racial, ethnic, and sexual identity of the Census data for the corresponding recruitment area is then suspected of tolerating discrimination or other barriers to the entry of “underutilized” populations of potential recruits.

The comments rebut that assumption with a number of factual statements and a test case showing that an applicant’s interest in the employment opportunity, the nature of the work and the skills, training and certifications required are the primary influences on whether individuals in a particular Census category choose to seek entry into apprenticeship programs.

The comments also contest the underestimated paperwork costs and the fiduciary questions trustees may face if the compliance costs outweigh the benefits to the program in particular areas.

The UA/MCAA comments ask the DoL to suspend the rulemaking or withdraw the proposed rules and engage in further fact-finding to avoid the potentially severe unintended consequences that seem to have been overlooked in the initial proposal.

Comments

MCA of Houston Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently received a $5,000 contribution from the MCA of Houston, raising its total contributions to $102,000.

The MCERF Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the support which enables the Foundation to continue its education and research programs that help our industry grow and thrive. While you consider your donations for great causes this year, be sure to include MCERF on your list. Click on the link below to find out why.

Find Out More About MCERF

MCA of Eastern PA Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern PA (MCA of EPA), Blue Bell, PA, has contributed an additional $10,000 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) bringing its total contribution to $160,000. mca-eastern-pa Tim Brink, Executive Vice President of the MCA of EPA, praised his association membership for its perennial support of MCERF’s efforts to fund education programs and activities for the mechanical contracting industry. Brink, who also serves as Treasurer for MCERF, said he particularly appreciates the Foundation’s support of student chapter activities and internships for his contractor members.

President of MCERF Mark Rogers, himself a member of the MCA of EPA, thanked the leadership and members of his association for their years of support of the Foundation.

For more information on MCERF, contact Dennis Langley (dlangley@mcaa.org).

Mueller Industries Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently received a $50,000 contribution from Mueller Industries, Inc. (Memphis, TN), the final payment on its $100,000 pledge.

Mueller is MCERF’s latest Partnership Enterprise member (those who have contributed at least $100,000)!

The MCERF Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the generous support which will allow the Foundation to continue funding programs that help our industry grow and thrive. Still thinking about making a donation? Click on the link below for more reasons to write the check.

Donate to MCERF.

MCAA Student Chapter Summit Makes BuiltWorlds’ Top 10 Videos

MCAA’s 2015 Student Chapter Summit, which brought together more than 200 future industry professionals, faculty advisors, MCAA contractor members and local association executives in Cleveland, OH last October, made BuiltWorlds’ top 10 videos of the year. BuiltWorlds, a Chicago-based organization that promotes companies that develop technologies for the construction industry, organized an exhibit of vendors that displayed a variety of technologies that contractors are …or will…use on the jobsite and in the office. MCAA student chapter members were filmed testing the new technologies and discussing their features and applications with the vendors.

View the Video

MCAA Takes Action on Paid Sick Leave Executive Order

MCAA filed comments on the Administration’s Paid Sick Leave Executive Order (EO) 13706, which also is under an expedited path for final publication for mid-2016 and implementation in 2017. The EO would require direct federal prime contractors and subcontractors to provide paid sick leave (one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked) on a covered federal contract or subcontract of $2,000 or more. The minimum annual amount of leave is 56 hours, which can be carried over on an annual basis and reinstated after breaks in service of less than a year.

MCAA filed comments on its own behalf and on behalf of the Construction Employers of America after the draft proposed regulations were sent to the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Information and Regulatory Analysis (OIRA) for pre-clearance before the expected early release of a regulatory proposal in February 2016.

MCAA’s comments raised a number of questions about the statutory authority for the EO and the specific implementation issues under the federal Acquisition Regulations. MCAA also requested an in-person discussion on the comments at OIRA in the review process. OIRA is expected to grant that request and provide a hearing with MCAA and coalition representatives in late January. MCAA is assembling a team of select federal contractors, prime and subcontractors that perform covered federal new construction and service contracts to discuss the EO issues with OIRA in late January.

Read the Comments

MCAA Seeks Delay on Affirmative Action and Non-Discrimination Regs

As the last year of the Obama Administration begins, regulatory activity is intensifying to get long-delayed initiatives off the regulatory docket and into regulations before the end of the legislative year to avoid Congressional suspension and review of midnight regulations. One issue concerns new and much more comprehensive affirmative action and non-discrimination regulations proposed for registered apprenticeship programs.

MCAA filed comments in late December seeking an extension of the comment period, slated to close January 5, until March 6, 2016 or later. The delay would allow more comprehensive and constructive analyses of sweeping new rules that set goals for disabled apprenticeship applicants and written affirmative action plans, comprised of specific labor market workforce availability analyses for minority and female candidates, and utilization analyses and specific goals and timetables for affirmative action goal compliance.

The proposed regulations also add age and gender identity/sexual preference as categories for non-discrimination safeguards in program administration. Penalties for non-compliance range up to program de-registration.

MCAA is working with the UA and the International Training Fund and an outside consultant on program compliance guidance. The Department of Labor granted the extension, with the comment period now due to expire on January 20, 2016.

Braconier Plumbing & Heating Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently received a $250 contribution from the Braconier Plumbing & Heating Company (Englewood, CO).

The MCERF Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the support which helps the Foundation continue its education and research programs that keep our industry thriving and advancing.

Congratulations to Joani Lico, Recipient of the 2023 Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship

The Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship was developed to recognize a student not only interested in mechanical contracting, but specifically for a student with an interest in being a mechanical estimator upon graduation.

For the past few years Trimble has donated complimentary use of the Trimble Estimation MEP software for our student chapter competition teams. Likewise, this new scholarship was awarded to a student chapter competition Final Four team member and future estimator, Joani Lico.

Joani is the President of his student chapter at Fairleigh Dickinson University and will be graduating in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Previously, Joani interned with MCAA Member, Industrial Cooling Corporation (Metuchen, NJ) where he assisted the senior estimator in calculating labor hours, created proposals, and performed take-off bids for mechanical projects ranging from $50,000 – $2,000,000.

“Looking to the future, I hope to work as a Project Manager / Estimator for a mechanical contractor. The more involved I get with MCAA, the more confident I am in joining the business and becoming a valuable asset to whichever company I work for. I led the estimating group for the MCAA Competition Team at Fairleigh Dickinson University for the past three years. Trimble showed me how fascinating and diverse the estimating profession is. I plan to continue this road further in the future and I will build on the experience I gained during my time as a student member in MCAA.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Joani on this prestigious scholarship and thank Trimble for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry Sit Down to Talk About Their Careers & Opportunities for Women in Construction Week

MCAA is proud to have the opportunity to spotlight so many women in our industry this week in celebration of Women in Construction Week. Cheers to just some of the amazing talent that we have within MCAA!

SUSAN AVALYAN, ARDEN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTORS

What brought you to this industry?

A friend of mine referred me as an Assistant to the Accounting Department at a construction company and that’s how I fell in love with Construction Accounting. I was able to grasp the concept pretty quicky and was promoted to Bookkeeping within 6 months.

What do you love about this industry?

I love the fact that its different with every project from the size of the project to job cost to billing. With that it also brings a constant learning curve.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

I would say going paperless. It has been so great evolving with the times and making certain procedures less time consuming, which opened up time to take on more advanced tasks.

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

Construction Accounting is so different. You need to have an open mind and give yourself time to grasp the concept of Job Cost and how it affects and ties to all other aspects, it being Payroll, GL, AP and AR. Try to learn from others as much as you can, from estimating to PM’s. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If in doubt, ask. Also, know that your voice counts. Do not let anyone intimidate you or let you think that you are a lesser employee. Stand your ground.

KATINA BLODGETT, JPG PLUMBING & MECHANICAL SERVICES INC.

What brought you to this industry?

I initially came to this industry in 1999 as an administrative assistant for a General Contracting Company. My daughter had just been born and being a single mom, I was looking for a stable position where I would be able to learn and grow. Over the past 24 years, there have been new opportunities both professionally and personally that I have experienced because of this industry such as being a member of WiMI and (what is the name of the event that happens in October where they prepare homeowners plumbing for winter?). In my current role as Service Director, I have found that service is incredibly rewarding. I love how fast-paced service is and that I still learn new things every day.

What do you love about this industry?

One of the many things that I love about this industry is that Service allows me to genuinely help others. Each day my team collaborates to create innovative and creative solutions to our customer’s problems. It gives me an incredible sense of pride when my team pulls together and supports each other to create a sense of calm within the chaos that service entails.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

Being a member of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America is probably the coolest thing that I have been involved in within this industry. Both the MSCA and the MCAA host events throughout the year that allow for networking opportunities where members who are typically competitors in the industry can come together and share ideas and learning opportunities with an emphasis on collaboration and growth.

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

My advice for a female entering this industry would be to ask lots of questions and always be on the quest for knowledge. Each day is a new opportunity to learn something new. As your knowledge of this industry grows, so will your confidence. As you create your own path in this industry, make sure to take the time to empower other women to grow and succeed as well.

KELLEY BLOUNT, JOHN W. DANFORTH COMPANY

 What brought you to this industry?

I wanted a full-time career with good pay, health benefits and retirement. I had members of my family in the carpenter and sheet metal unions and came from a very pro-union background. 

What do you love about this industry?

I love that I am constantly learning and doing new tasks. We often face challenges to get a job accomplished and have to come up with ideas for a solution. 

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

I have helped build two hospitals that I’m very proud of, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the OSU Wexner medical cancer center. It feels great going to work and knowing I get to be a small part of building something that will save lives. 

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

I would tell females to have faith in themselves and try to have thick skin. We face a lot of adversity in the day to day just being female in a male dominated industry. Look for your sisters in the trade for support and encouragement. 

ELLEN GEILING, JPG PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL SERVICES 

What brought you to this industry? 

My brother John started working for a plumbing company in the 80’s.  In 2006, I followed him into the industry and joined him in starting JPG. 

 What do you love about this industry? 

I love that this industry focuses on helping the customer and the MCA member companies treat each other with respect as friendly competitors. 

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry? 

The coolest thing I’ve been involved with in the industry is the Women in Mechanical initiative.  It’s great to see how excited women are to be part of a group that champions for their success.               

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry? 

I would advise females entering the industry to not take things personally, opportunities are endless, and they have the support of WiMI to help reach their goals. 

MEGHANN HENNRIKUS, ARC MECHANICAL

What brought you to this industry?

I went to school for Architectural Engineering in Vermont, and only ended up on the industrial mechanical side after I moved to Massachusetts. There seemed to be a bigger need for Mechanical and Industrial CAD engineers, so I made the switch and was able to put my spatial design and CAD skills right to work. I settled into Industrial Refrigeration, a niche business that has always kept me wanting to learn more.

What do you love about this industry?

I love the community that comes along with the Mechanical industry. There are always lots of learning opportunities whether you attend a conference, vendor night, have a chat with a savvy technician or by trial and error. It’s a fast-paced, keep-you-on-your-toes type of industry with lots of problem solving.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

I love the travel that comes along with this job. I am always amazed by the beautiful places in New England, and I find it very cool to see it from an industrial standpoint. One day I could be on a roof in Gloucester looking out at the fishing boats on the Atlantic, or in Maine watching a fresh blueberry harvest, or even standing on the ice at TD Garden. I also find it pretty cool to have started a New England WiMI committee with a great group of like-minded ladies!

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

Stay confident, you work hard. Do your research. Always approach each task hoping to learn something!

KELSEY IMHOF, STEAMFITTERS AND PLUMBERS LU 464

What brought you to this industry?

Starting out I didn’t know much about the industry, other than I wanted to work with my hands, and hopefully weld. But I was determined, and I wanted a career that I could be proud of.

What do you love about this industry?

I love the wide variety of skills utilized, it’s an industry you can never stop learning in. The people are amazing, and the constant change in work keeps things interesting. But what I love most is the satisfaction of completing a project knowing majority of the jobs I work on will still be functioning and benefiting society long after I’m gone.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

Every job is exciting, but I’ve had the opportunity to work on a few large scale projects that involved a lot of really cool work. If I’m working with a crane, or working in the air, odds are it’s a memorable day.

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

Show up on time, be confident in yourself, and be willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to fail, some of the best learning lessons come from acknowledging and addressing a mistake.

JAMIE JULIAN, JOHN W. DANFORTH COMPANY

What brought you to this industry?

I started my career in the public accounting field. One of my first large clients was a construction company. I leaned about the construction industry through the eyes of an auditor and after 5 years, I grew to love the industry. I approached leadership at Danforth regarding joining the company and I have been here ever since.

What do you love about this industry?

I love the collaboration process of successfully completing a construction project. While being on the Finance side of the industry, I collaborate with the Acquisitions and Operations teams continuously to ensure the success of our projects.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

I was involved in the collaboration of one of Danforth’s most unique projects, a Gigafactory located in South Buffalo, NY. The project was built on 88 acres of remediated land once occupied by a steel manufacturing facility. The building itself was 1.2 million square feet and took a little over 3 years to build. We used a helicopter to bring in large pieces of equipment due to the size and weight.

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas and stand up for what you believe. Develop strong relationships with the other women and collaborate with them whenever possible.

SAM KING, AUBURN MECHANICAL 

What brought you to this industry?

Transitioning from the Military to Civilian life, I knew I needed a career that offered stability, job security and career advancement openings. The HVAC field is exhilarating, in high demand and very extensive—from boilers and chillers to large air-conditioning systems and many different heating systems. The trade is constantly evolving and adapting to the future of the industry. I like that this craft includes understanding blueprints, schematics, ductwork, electrical and plumbing to complete an installation. You are constantly learning.

What do you love about this industry?

Working in the construction industry has been inspiring and empowering.  I am encircled with people who push me to be thrive every day. The industry is full of knowledgeable tradespeople who are happy to give insight into their particular craft. It has given me the chance to become a part of something bigger than myself.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

Using construction-based technology and software to take a conceptual design and turn it into 2D & 3D models, then to visually see the building being built has been the coolest way to take part in the construction industry. Experiencing the creation of a hospital, a school, a hotel or even a small business from the blueprints to the ended result has been motivating. 

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

It takes several professional tradesmen’s skills & expertise combined to achieve a successful project. Don’t be intimidated. Be confident in yourself and your trade. Find a mentor. Network and build a support system of strong leaders who can help you shape your career. 

COURTNEY MARTIN, AUBURN MECHANICAL

What brought you to this industry?

After having my child I knew I needed a career, not a job that didn’t make me happy. I went through the ANEW program (a pre-apprenticeship program) and was introduced to all the trades in western Washington. What really drew me to plumbing was the opportunity for community outreach through non-profits like Plumbers Without Boarders. My goal is to be able to volunteer in under privileged communities when I obtain my 01 plumbing license.

What do you love about this industry?

I love so many things about our industry, but the one thing I appreciate the most is that this field employs a group of people that seem excited to have women in the work force. From companies to journeyman I am grateful to be surrounded by people who want to see me succeed.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

At work with Auburn Mechanical I was able to travel to the peninsula and assist my team with a boiler replacement job consisting of 4 boilers and a complete re-pipe of their water system surrounding those boilers. Not only was it an incredible learning experience but I loved that our field has the ability to work in remote and different areas of the state.

Outside of work I am part of a steering committee in the union that is putting together an event happening twice a year to promote women and minorities inside our union. It is fulfilling being able to be a part of something like that.

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

Find a support system you can rely on. Even in a trade you are passionate about, surrounded by people who want to see you excel, you will have bad days where you question if this is right for you. Find someone that can remind you how incredible you are. One last thing I would say is just go for it, you’ll be happy you did.

NICOLA SCHANNATH, OVENTROP CORPORATION

What brought you to this industry?

Actually, it was just a coincidence. I have a background in sales and business, and Oventrop, a family-owned global leader in the manufacturing of balancing valves and thermostatic radiator valves for the building industries, was hiring a Sales Manager for their international markets, something that perfectly matched my skill set. That was 17 years ago, and I decided to stay in this industry.

What do you love about this industry?

I love this industry because it is a relationship industry, and participating in different industry events, it is always great to see so many familiar faces. We can be successful and thrive professionally and personally by networking and supporting each other.

Also, it is a great time to be working in this industry because one of the biggest challenges our industry is facing right now is digitization and providing solutions that help fight against climate change. Digitization changes the whole industry. This development requires new skills from manufacturers and contractors, and we also see an increasing demand in products that are suited for the digitization of homes and buildings. But the ultimate challenge is climate change: Around one-third of our energy consumption is used for heating, cooling and potable hot water. With rising energy prices and the need to reduce CO2-emissions on a massive scale, topics such as energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies will further rise in importance.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

It’s hard to think of just one thing. I really enjoy meeting all these wonderful people at the different industry events and conventions. But being able to see our products being installed in any type of project – and sometimes some high-profile jobs – is something very exciting and rewarding.

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

Our industry is still very male-dominated, but the good thing is that this has been changing in the past few years with more female employees entering this industry . I would tell any female to be self-confident and trust in herself and in her skill set and not to be afraid to enter this industry. It is very rewarding to be gaining the respect of our male colleagues, no matter if it’s in construction, as an engineer, or in any other position such as sales or procurement. We can really make a huge difference by adding a “female touch” to an industry that has been male-dominated for so many decades.

AMBER-ROSE SOUSA, ARDEN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTORS

What brought you to this industry?

I grew up on Construction sites with my dad, and learned to use hand tools probably earlier than I am allowed to admit out loud (child labor laws). I had started College very earlier, (15yrs yikes) and after graduating I knew I wanted to hang up my tool belt and instead of being in the field I wanted to run projects. I have two older brothers both in Construction, one in the Carpenters Union and one a Project Manager, and then my dad is a Master Electrician and my step dad is a Master Pipe Fitter, I think you can say its in my blood.

What do you love about this industry?

What I love the most about the industry is that no projects are ever the same. From a university to an Intermediate School (kind of wish I could go back and repeat their pretty glamorous) Hospitals, Youth Buildings, Science Labs to even prisons (not very glamourous but they need maintaining too). The scenery is always different. Not only is my scenery different every day, but I have always truly felt this is the best use of my leadership and organizational skills, which I find very fulfilling. I have always been very detail and process oriented. Lists and planners had been my academic and professional tools of choice since grade school and as a Senior Project Manager, I know I am using my talents to the best of my ability.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve been involved in within the industry?

Everyday is pretty cool being a Senior project manager. (Being a women in a predominately male industry its definitely the coolest) But mostly being able to say something along the lines of, are you familiar with Hasbro Children’s Hospital Renovation, I was part of that project, Or Providence College Shanley Hall Dorm rooms or their Science Building Renovation I am part of that project too. Last year I was able to travel to Texas and be part of a WiMI Convention, and I think its pretty cool that a group of us ladies came back and started a local New England WiMI Committee.

What advice do you have for a female entering the industry?

Be confident, ask questions, don’t hesitate, be assertive, but not rude. Learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to get out in the field. It is not glamorous, but it is the best way to learn all aspects of your industry. Women who work and to the best of their abilities will be respected by their peers, and in the field. Work hard and show passion, actions speak louder than words.