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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UMC, an MCAA member, has named Development Director Troy Turpin, CEM, and Manufacturing Director Ryan Hoggatt shareholders of the firm. Both Turpin and Hoggatt have been with UMC for many years and play critical roles in the current operations and future growth of UMC.
Turpin has more than 23 years of experience working in mechanical design and construction for the building industry with various roles in energy consulting, project management, and business development. As a certified energy manager (CEM), he has been responsible for development and concept planning of large-scale projects with sustainability goals or requirements. He is UMC’s director of development responsible for leading the project executive and business development teams, as well as overseeing the preconstruction team. He continues to support both external and internal clients.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to become a shareholder at UMC,” said Turpin. “The business has made great strides since 2008 when I officially became a part of the UMC family. During that time, we have seen the strategic parts of the business grow in an ever-changing marketplace. We truly have the best employees and clients. I’m excited to make my contributions to the business as a shareholder, by helping to ensure that we continue to grow the business strategically and continue to offer a great place to work for our employees and offer the best solutions to our many great clients.”
Hoggatt has been with UMC since 2008. He is the director of UMC’s manufacturing division that consists of a system of standardized, streamlined processes that eliminate waste, improve productivity, increase efficiency, and ensure quality and safety. Using cutting-edge technology, Hoggatt is responsible for corporate manufacturing and virtual construction strategy, standards, and operation, as well as construction technology adoption and implementation. He has developed the company’s robust prefabrication business that supports modular construction and drives efficiencies throughout the construction delivery process.
“Although much has changed since I joined UMC in 2008, the one constant has always been our amazing employees and tremendous clients,” said Hoggatt. “I hope to contribute to the legacy of previous generations at UMC by maintaining our longstanding culture and traditions while continuing to pursue innovation that will ensure our competitiveness in the marketplace for the foreseeable future. It’s an honor to become a shareholder at UMC and I am committed to our promise to provide a best-in-class workplace for our employees and experience for our clients.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ryan and Troy to the ownership team at UMC,” said Steve Brooks, president. “With a passion for building and devotion to our clients, their dedication will help to ensure the company’s growth and prosperity. They both bring strong creative ideas on how to make UMC a better place to work and a better partner for our clients. The success of our business relies on new ideas and perspectives. Continuing to grow our ownership group helps us stay competitive and creative in our approach to the market.”
MCAA congratulates Troy and Ryan on their shareholder status. We wish you and the rest of the UMC team continued success.
We hope that you enjoyed the holidays with your families. Together, we made it through 2022 and the challenges it presented. As we jump into 2023, let’s look at all we accomplished together in 2022.
Together we:
MCAA’s volunteer leaders, led by President Bob Bolton and the Executive Committee, remain laser-focused on helping the industry advance and adapt to change. Thanks to the vision, talent and expertise of the MCAA Board of Directors, our contractor members, our manufacturer/supplier members and partners, local affiliates, volunteers who sit on our committees and Foundation and the national staff worked together in 2022 to ensure your businesses remain competitive. As we reflect on the last year, we hope that you – the members of the MCAA family – find value in these resources and achievements.
We look forward to a new year full of challenges and opportunities to help you!
Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA22 … it was a resounding success! We enjoyed the always sunny Huntington Beach, California, with sunset views over the ocean. We heard from inspiring keynote speakers on the topics of organizational and personal growth and making the impossible possible. We celebrated an Everyday Hero, welcomed new leaders, explored the latest products and services, and gave back to the community, all while having a lot of fun.
For the past twelve years, MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope to help local charities in the communities where we have held our annual conferences. On Friday, October 14, numerous MSCA Board and member volunteers delivered a tractor trailer of needed supplies to the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, an organization that provides critically needed food, shelter, clothing, and services to local residents experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Thanks to your generous donations, we raised over $45,000 to assist our friends at Community Action Partnership.
Bonin Bough kicked off our conference with his inspiring success story and taught us about tools to unlock organizational growth and build more direct relationships with consumers. On Tuesday morning, we heard from MCAA President Robert M. Bolton followed by Inky Johnson who touched our hearts as he taught us the importance of personal growth during the process. Later that morning, spouses and students continued the commitment to service by participating in the 12th Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party, packing thousands of hygiene kits to be distributed to those in need worldwide. And to end our conference we learned about five steps to make the impossible possible from Ben Nemtin.
Eight years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award, thanks to the inspiration of D.S. O’Brien Award winner Dick Starr. The award was created to recognize an employee from one of our member companies who, in his or her own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others while seeking no recognition or compensation. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Facility Engineer for P1 Service, Don Pardew! Don was presented with a $2,500 check for his “I HAVE A NAME” charity that brings food and supplies to the homeless community in Kansas City.
We had outstanding educational sessions and peer-led roundtable discussions each day. There was also a special focus on mental health and well being in the office and in your personal life through the first ever MSCA+. And of course, there were plenty of social events to help us enjoy our time together.
Mark Crockett concluded his year as Chair of the MSCA Board of Managers and introduced the new chair, Richard Happel. Rich is Director of Service for EMCOR Services Mesa Energy headquartered in Irvine, CA.
Rich joined the US Navy and learned about HVAC before attended Long Beach City College followed by San Diego City College after getting out of the Navy. He worked for Trane Company for 11 years and Carrier Corporation for 6 years, all before becoming a contractor with University Mechanical Contractors in the Seattle area for almost 20 years. In early 2022, Rich moved to Phoenix to join the EMCOR Services Mesa Energy team.
Rich’s first piece of business as the MSCA Chair was presenting Mark Crockett with a certificate to thank him for his commitment to MSCA and all the time and effort he has devoted to the association over the years. He then introduced the 2022-2023 MSCA Board of Managers members who work tirelessly to provide MSCA members with resources and educational programming to help grow their companies and prepare them for future success.
They are:
Rich Happel, Chair
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Phoenix, AZ
Renee Fiorelli, Vice Chair
Peterson Service Company, Inc.
Medford, NJ
Adam Wallenstein, Treasurer
Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
Cleveland, OH
Mark Crockett, Immediate Past Chair
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc.
Lanham, MD
David Geith
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Irvine, CA
Lindsey Grilec
Southwest Town Mechanical
Frankfort, IL
Drew Harrison
Harrison Energy Partners
Little Rock, AR
Al May
North Mechanical Services, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Michael McHenry
Enginuity, LLC
Mechanicsburg, PA
Michael Rosone
Arista Air Conditioning Corporation
Long Island City, NY
The next MSCA conference is shaping up to be just as exciting, so mark your calendar for October 22 – 25, 2023, and plan to join us at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Florida. Details will be announced on mcaa.org and in the weekly National Update as we get closer to the meeting date.
Congratulations are in order for the students of IPM Classes 81 and 82, who have just become the newest graduates of the MCAA’s Institute for Project Management! They join the ranks of the more than 2,600 project managers who have completed this two-week program designed specifically for the mechanical industry.
Since 1987 the IPM has been teaching best practices in everything from scheduling to job cost control, from contracts to change order negotiation. Taught largely by volunteers who are active leaders of MCAA member companies, this program and its content are constantly evolving to meet the needs of industry project managers as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of mechanical contracting.
Because the program is highly competitive, IPM attendees are ‘best in class’ mid-career project managers – and we certainly saw that this last week, as participants rose to every challenge we placed before them. While we are proud of the IPM curriculum and its practical applicability, what really makes this program is the degree to which students engage – not only with the content and the instructors, but also with each other. After two weeks of working together through intensive training, these grads have built a network of peers and formed friendships that we hope they will maintain for the rest of their careers!
For more information about the program – including the registration date for the next course – click the link below.
The last lecture is over, the last homework assignment submitted, the last quiz completed. So, congratulations are in order for this year’s Pre-IPM graduates! Classes 15-20 of MCAA’s newest national education program have just completed their 12 weeks of online introductory project management training. How did it go? Well, here’s what our recent grads had to say:
“Every class addressed things that affect me on a daily basis as a mechanical contractor PM.”
“I learned so much and can’t wait to continue to apply what I learned.”
“This was a very helpful class that provided a great foundation to my career as a future Project Manager. Thank you!”
“Every speaker was outstanding.”
“Truly great instructors. I felt that everyone was so knowledgeable and had great experience but was also really skilled in communicating their information.”
“The best part of this program was how knowledgeable and personable all of the instructors were. It was obvious that they all have years of project management experience, and they did a great job of teaching the class using their own real-life experiences.”
“The class being on Zoom makes it very accessible to everyone.”
“I really liked the interaction with the class. I felt like if I might get called on to answer a question, I better be paying attention.”
“Super interactive… It was easy to stay focused and the class was never boring.”
“I really liked all the speakers, but my favorite was homework assignments because it forced you to discuss things with upper management. When talking with upper management you usually don’t discuss topics like this, and it was nice to hear what they had to say.”
“The Change Orders class [alone] helped me save $35K on my project.”
“At the beginning of the course it felt like something I had to do [but it] turned into a fun time I looked forward to every week. I am very sad class is over, but I look forward to hopefully seeing [the instructors] again.”
“This class was fun and easy to stay engaged with. I appreciate how [the instructors] came to class each week with enthusiasm and good attitudes.”
“The energy of the teaching… really kept me engaged with the split of humor and seriousness.”
“Lectures would have me looking forward to Mondays!”
That about sums it up! We truly enjoyed spending this summer with the 450 Pre-IPM students of 2022 and look forward to doing it again next year. If you have APMs, PEs, new hires, recent college grads, or anyone else transitioning into a project management role – mark your calendars: registration for the 2023 courses will open at noon EST on February 16, 2023. Visit the Pre-IPM webpage for more details!
As we come together for this year’s MSCA Conference we will celebrate a year of resilience, perseverance, and hope. Our Opening Session speaker J.R. Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded during his service, will remind us that resilience shows up in the world in many ways. His inspiring message of hope, optimism, and resilience will demonstrate that a combination of gratitude for what we have and a commitment to reaching for what we want, despite current circumstances, are the building blocks for a better tomorrow.
MSCA’s Everyday Hero Award recognizes others who are building a better tomorrow…our industry’s unsung heroes. These individuals do extraordinary things every day, simply out of the kindness of their hearts. If this sounds like someone you know, nominate them for the award. Be sure to submit your nomination by August 1, 2021.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
October 14 – 17 | Scottsdale, AZ
MCAA was proud to have the opportunity to spotlight so many women in our industry this week on our social media channels in celebration of Women in Construction Week. Here’s a recap of just some of the amazing talent that we have in our industry, in case you missed it.
Meet Jenyll Allende F+F Mechanical in North Haven, CT. Jenyll fell into the industry 20 years ago when she was working a dead-end job barely making ends meet. She says that it was a lot tougher back then, the older generation were a lot harder on women in the trade but things have definitely improved a lot over the years. “I’d love to see a pre-maternity leave so you can still work through pregnancy.”
Meet Vanessa Conrad with CCI Mechanical, Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT. Vanessa has just joined the CCI team but has been in the trade for 21 years. Vanessa’s favorite project she’s worked on has been Intel in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The project was chaotic, but the teamwork and camaraderie has been unmatched. Vanessa is continuously complimented on her organization skills and work ethic. “I enjoy the stories shared among others in the field and the challenges that come with the trade.”
Meet Ke’La Daniels with U.S. Engineering and Local 533 in Kansas City. Ke’La enjoys working in the industry’s changing environment, working with her hands and doesn’t mind getting a little dirty. She’s always reaching out to women she knows, encouraging them to join the trade. She encourages others to always pay attention, listen and get information from those who have been in the trade for a long time to learn the “tricks”. She’s a strong believer that most of her knowledge has come from talking to everyone and meeting new people. “The more women we have in the industry, the more normal it will be.”
Meet Ariel Davis with U.S. Engineering and Local 8. Her previous job closed and moved to Mexico, so she need a new career to settle into. She says it has been an all-around amazing experience and feels she has learned a lot. “You can do anything the boys can do.”
Meet Nichole Derbyshire with Peterson Service Company in Medford, NJ. Nicole is half-way through second year in the trades. She started out in childcare, moved to healthcare and then moved to trades – loving that the industry is always growing and can’t be outsourced. “It’s a good feeling to know you can work on equipment and know you can fix things. A feeling of empowerment.”
Meet Amanda Dufrane-Palmer with EMCOR Services Betlem and Local 13 in Rochester, NY. Amanda has been in the industry for seven years and joined after coming off active duty in the Army. She recommends the industry to other women because it is understaffed by females and is a great opportunity to pave the way for other women to join the industry. “Customers get excited to see a women because they didn’t know we existed in the industry.”
Meet Shekinah Francis with U.S. Engineering Construction in Rocky Mountain, CO. Shekinah has been in the trades for 3 years so far and loves her job. She says the industry provides the most learning opportunities has a lot of potential to move up. “Just do it. It seems scary but there is more opportunity here than anywhere else.”
Meet Kate Gunther, John W. Danforth Company, Tonawanda, NY. She has been in the industry since 2012, and went through Helmets to Hard Hats. Starting in the Air Force, Kate knew wanted to get into the trades. She looked at steam fitting and pipefitting, and it turns out they were hiring! “The industry is a great place for the strong willed and those eager to learn and grow.”
Meet Rene Johnson with EMCOR Services/MESA in Energy in Irvine, CA. Rene started out in the office of her dad’s AC company and saw all the people in field making more money and thought “I could do that job.” She says the industry is a lot more accepting now than when she started 31 years ago. Rene love passing the knowledge that she has learned through the years on to the new people in the trade. Her advice to them is to not take any short cuts, start from the bottom and work your way up. Respect isn’t given it’s earned. “Don’t tell me how good you are, show it in your work.”
Meet Payten King with U.S. Engineering Metalworks in Rocky Mountain, CO. Payten has officially been in the trades for 2 years, but her experience started long before that. Her stepdad owns a welding company and when she was 14 years old, he had a project that required all the family’s help. She says the experience hasn’t always been easy and has taken a lot of adjusting but it it’s a great skill to learn and the industry will always be around! “Once he put the welder in my hand, I decided to make a career out of it.”
Meet Coley Maurer with U.S. with Engineering Construction and Local 192 in Rocky Mountain, CO. Coley has been in the industry for almost 6 years. She joined the industry through the single women’s program, Climb Wyoming. She says her experience has been really great and that she has met a lot of really amazing, all American people just trying to earn an honest living to take care of their families. She describes the industry as a Brotherhood and Sisterhood. “It’s a hard day’s work but you drive by a project you were a part of and feel really proud of what you accomplished.”
Meet Deborah Mullen with Corporate Mechanical of New England and Local 537 in Woburn, MA. Deborah has been with Corporate since 2019 and is a second-generation pipefitter. She enjoys learning from experienced Foreman on new ways to get a job done. Her toughest job challenge was drilling ¾ drop-in anchors on a 12-foot ladder over her head. “ Working in the trades has helped me build confidence.”
Meet Nicole Patchett with UMC, Inc. in Mukilteo, WA. Nicole tried quite a few traditional female jobs and had a hard time acclimating so she looked into nontraditional jobs. She started with residential HVAC and fell in love with the culture of the industry. A friend encouraged her to join the union and it has been a very positive experience. She says it can be really intimidating but is a really positive experience and the camaraderie is very high. “Give it a try! Most women don’t even give themselves the chance to succeed in the commercial trade fields.”
Meet Lindsay Phillips with US Engineering and Local 8 in Kansas City. Lindsay started as a chef before joining the industry five years ago. Starting out she felt she had to prove herself a lot and that there was a balance between being herself and walking the line to the gain trust of her team. She’s the third generation in her family to join the trades and loves the benefits that the trades have to offer. “Stand your ground but don’t take yourself too seriously.”
Meet Patty Rizzo with John W. Danforth Company in Tonawanda, NY. Patty joined the industry twenty years ago. She says there are good days and bad days and the industry can be like having 40 brothers and one ex-husband but it is a great opportunity for growth and the freedom to be able to pay your own bills and not be beholden to anyone else. “Very satisfying when you are confident in the job and get the respect you deserve.”
Meet Kerry Sampson with Unique Metal Works and Local 17 in Pawtucket, RI. Kerry joined Unique in 2018. She was looking for steady employment with good pay, benefits, and a retirement option so she could build a comfortable life with her daughter. She said, “Often, I am usually the only woman working in my trade on job sites. Kerry says she constantly pushes herself physically and mentally to prove that she can keep up to the men working beside her.
Meet Ivette Saunders with MJ Daly and Local 676 in Waterbury, CT. Ivette has been with MJ Daly since 2015. She started doing HVAC work when she was in the Air Force. She enjoyed it so much; she pursued it once she on the civilian side. “I am proud to be part of the team.”
Meet Heather Shreve with U.S. Engineering Construction, in Rocky Mountain, CO. As a kid, Heather enjoyed working with her hands and knew she wanted to choose career in the construction trade. Even though her dad was a general contractor, she received a lot of pushback from family but eventually settled on plumbing because of its versatility – loving that it was never the same thing every day. “Construction makes me happy. I love building things.”
Meet Reena Smith with US Engineering Construction and Local 192 in Rocky Mountain, CO. She is 3rd generation in the trade, following her father and grandfather who were plumbers and pipefitters. Reena has been in the industry for more than 20 years and says it has changed a lot. When she started there weren’t accommodations for women, like female restrooms. She had to work harder than the men, and her work was always picked out but now feels she’s treated more equal. “Stick with it. If you fail, take your mess-ups and keep going.”
Meet Janice Snidow with U.S. Engineering Metalworks in Rocky Mountain, CO. Janice has been in industry for 40 years. Growing up she was a hands-on girl and loved helping her dad, who was a plumber. He encouraged her to try a mechanical apprenticeship which she started right out of highs school. Janice says the industry has changed a lot since she joined – it was a lot harder in the years past with women being new to the trade – took a while for the respect for women to grow. “It’s an awesome career. Expect to work hard and don’t expect favoritism. Just do the best you can!”
Meet Amber-Rose Sousa with Arden Engineering Constructors in Pawtucket, RI. Amber has been with Arden for four years but is not new to construction job sites. She has been visiting sites with her Dad, an electrician, since she was four years old. He taught her that being able to work with your hands and know a trade is very important. Working as a project manager, she feels like the captain and team leader – the one who makes a project possible, ensuring things stay on budget and schedule from start to finish. “With every successful project I deliver, I gain more confidence in my abilities.”
Meet Quiema Spencer, Master Pipefitter for Local 533 in Kansas City, MO. Quiema is incredibly involved in the industry, sitting on the Board of Directors for the Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom, President of the Heartland Women in Trades and was leader in the statewide campaign against Right-To-Work in Missouri. In addition, she has been an annual volunteer instructor in Camp NAWIC, a weeklong summer program to encourage young high-school aged women to consider their options in non-traditional occupations in building trades. Her five-year apprenticeship was an experience much like her trade school experience–very few minority women. She was the first of only two African American women in Pipefitter’s Local 533. “Don’t shy away from the many challenges ahead of you. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it.”
Meet Serene Thomas with US Engineering and Local 533 in Kansas City. During her career she been an Instructor at the Pipefitter Training Center, sat on the P.F. Finance Board, served as Interim Financial Secretary Treasurer, Delegate for MO chapter of AFL-CIO, Member of Heartland Women in Trade (HWIT) a not-for-profit volunteer organization comprised of women in the KC area that are in Union Building trades. My career in the construction industry has been fun, challenging, fulfilling, and has matured me in ways I never thought possible. But without the help and support of other trades women, family members and other industry advocates that want to see women and minorities work and thrive as Tradespeople, all of the above wouldn’t be possible. It is my hope that I will be that same support and advocate for the next generation of women in construction. “Don’t allow fear to dictate if you take the opportunities. Push past it.”
Meet Angel Whitequills with CCI Mechanical, Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT. She joined the trades and Local 140 Plumber and Pipe Fitters Union for the lifelong career, hands on experience and traveling opportunities. Angel graduated valedictorian in her class at the apprenticeship program and was runner up for student of the year. She is complimented on thinking outside of the box, being bright and has a great work ethic. “I’m proud to be a part of the construction trade and be able to look back and that that I’ve helped build in the community.”
Sloan, an MCAA member, has partnered with Kansas State University to sponsor two courses in the Department of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design (IAID). The sponsorship builds on Sloan’s relationship with the university, which is also home to an MCAA Student Chapter.
Created to equip students with a background in product research, design, and development, the courses—an undergraduate class for third-year students and a masters-level class for fifth-year students—provide opportunities to learn and innovate the future of interior restroom design as students enter into the workforce.
“Having established this relationship in 2019 we have found this partnership to be mutually beneficial in combining our 100 years of expertise in the plumbing industry with K-State’s amazing creativity in design,” said Jim Allen, Sloan co-president and CEO. “One of my favorite times of year is when we visit K-State and get to interact with the students. I always leave energized and inspired by the students’ work and the potential of innovation in the plumbing industry.”
“At Sloan, we’re always looking to advance the future of the commercial restroom, and that innovation starts with the next generation of architects and designers,” said Gary Peterson, Sloan vice president of engineering and innovation. “We are proud to partner with Kansas State to provide its students with an outlet for creativity in design. In fact, one of our current interns is a graduate of the program.”
The undergraduate course sponsored by Sloan is IAID Product Design Studio III taught by Assistant Professor Dr. Mekin Elcioglu, a one-semester class focused on product semantics, design research, problem solving methodologies, conceptualization of ideas, and aesthetic sensibility based in design thinking and human-centered design. Students conduct an in-depth investigation and research an existing restroom product of their own choosing and use their research and analysis within a spectrum of affordable to desirable high-end design solutions to create their own design proposal. Students then design the product in an effort to improve what is currently on the market by solving consumer problems and addressing their needs.
The two-semester masters-level course (Product Design Research and Product Market Design), also taught by Dr. Elcioglu, focuses on market research trend analysis and ideation during the fall semester before moving on to design development in the spring term.
“We are proud of our relationship with Sloan. This partnership has afforded our students a real-world application of their education,” said IAID Department Head Nathan Howe. “The team that Sloan has put together to work with our students has made this experience challenging, educational, and nurturing as they develop into professionals. Our students have thrived in this environment. I am excited to see how Sloan and K-State can build upon the foundation we have already established.”
“Benefiting from both academia’s and industry’s experiences, the research and resources could give the young designers, engineers, and everyone who is involved in this collaboration, an upper hand in the development of new concepts and solutions; generating added-value in tackling the issues brought up by global challenges,” added Dr. Elcioglu. “We, the educators, and our industry partners are becoming more adaptable to the swiftly changing local and global needs and paradigms through these partnerships that demand healthier, safer, and innovative applications.
Adopting new ways of design thinking and integrating multiple disciplines through holistic and empowering design processes will be a crucial part of design education and hopefully set higher standards that will also benefit the industry.”
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the most recent spring semester course for fifth-year students was held online. While students were unable to partake in hands-on prototyping, many of their product concepts are directly applicable to the post-COVID-19 commercial restroom environment.
Learn how Sloan’s integrated lineup of touch-free commercial plumbing systems are being used at Chicago’s new Fulton East office and retail building, the nation’s first office building designed specifically to address employee health, safety, and wellness in the post-COVID-19 environment.
MCAA’s WiMI Committee continued conversations this month with mentees and mentors participating in the WiMI Mentor Program. We are excited to introduce Ali and Wendy!
Ali Brown, a Senior Human Resources Major at The University of Nebraska, joined this program in hopes of meeting an industry professional that could share her journey and experience and help guide her on her newfound path. Ali has changed her major three times throughout her time at U of NE, starting as an architectural engineer major, switching to study construction management, and then recently transitioning to focus on HR. Ali was pleasantly surprised to be paired with Wendy, someone who is doing exactly what, she recently discovered, she would like to pursue in the future.
Wendy Glauber, has years of experience in human resources and compliance management, and is currently the General Counsel & Human Resources Director at John W. Danforth Company in Tonawanda, NY, where she has worked for the past three years and also serves on the WiMI Committee. Wendy has made it part of her mentoring mission to connect Ali with other female HR professionals in the industry, noting it is imperative that women have a supportive professional network.
Ali is grateful for the connections she has been able to make through this program, and for the continual encouragement she has received. Wendy has introduced Ali to other HR professionals to learn more about the field and has invited Ali to virtually shadow Wendy and Danforth’s HR Manager so that Ali can be exposed to the various facets of HR. Ali is excited about the opportunity to observe what she has learned in school and see it put into action.
Wendy has also inspired Ali in a number of other ways. At last year’s WiMI Committee meeting, Wendy first heard about Women in Construction Week, which occurs every March. After learning about this recognition week, Wendy felt compelled to celebrate the women of Danforth. She and her team planned a luncheon for all the women within the John W. Danforth Company team – both in the office and in the field. A prominent woman from their community, whose company is valued partner and customer of Danforth, spoke at the lunch and shared insights about being a women in a male dominated industry. This was the first time the women of Danforth had celebrated together and they were incredibly grateful for this opportunity to connect. Wendy says many of them are still talking about it and continue to thank Danforth for hosting. This is an event Danforth plans to host every March in hopes that by sharing exciting ideas like this with Ali, Ali will implement and host her own similar events one day!
Ali and Wendy were looking forward to meeting in person at MCAA’s Convention in Maui this past March, and then reunite at MCAA’s WiMI Conference in June. Unfortunately, the pandemic altered those plans, but this has not stopped them from communicating, collaborating and continuing their monthly calls and catch-ups. In fact, when asked if they see this partnership extending beyond the six month commitment, they both said; “Absolutely!”
Together they’ve established goals for Ali that extend into the next school year. Ali is looking forward to attending job fairs this fall and is happy to have Wendy by her side to help her prepare her resume, practice interview questions, and just provide encouragement. All things to set Ali up for success!
For more information visit the Women in the Mechanical Industry Initiative Page.
The mechanical contracting industry provides many career paths, and that includes the opportunity to work for an MCA local affiliated association. This summer, MCA of Chicago has two interns, Judie Prophete and Ervin Prophete. They are learning about how an association is managed and how the MCA of Chicago provides resources and education to its members.
MCA of Chicago Director of Communications Abby Baughan said, “It’s been great having Judie and Ervin working with us this summer. They’re bright, hard-working and make great additions to our team. When I was in college, I knew very little about association work and mechanical contracting. Like most people, I sort of fell into it. I think it’s great that, as college students, Judie and Ervin are being introduced to this world filled with so much opportunity. I hope this internship opens their eyes to all of the possible career paths that are available to them.”
Judie is an incoming senior at DePaul University, studying accounting and business management.
“As the accounting intern and administrative assistant for the MCA of Chicago, I spend the majority of my time helping our Director of Finance, Susan Rocque, with various tasks and projects. The other part of my time is spent doing administrative work around the office and helping where I am needed. I am learning a lot about accounting and finance, gaining a lot of new experience and learning a lot about what it is like to work in an office setting.”
During her internship, Judie hopes to continue learning more about the professional workplace and about programs and tools that are specific to her field of study. She also hopes to gain more confidence so she is prepared to enter the business world.
“From what I have seen in the month that I have been interning here, there are a lot of aspects of the professional workplace that school cannot prepare you for. The only way to truly learn these things and succeed is to actually be put in those situations and just do the best you can with what you have. I am fortunate enough to be learning those things surrounded by welcoming, forgiving and patient co-workers in a friendly and positive work environment.”
Ervin Prophete is a senior at DePaul University in Chicago, studying public relations and advertising.
Ervin is a marketing intern. His responsibilities include creating and posting graphics on social media, helping Director of Communications Abby Baughan with compiling the weekly emails, scheduling events on the MCA of Chicago Facebook page and updating the MCA website with future events and classes.
Ervin talked about what he hopes to get out of this internship. “I have learned a lot so far in this internship and feel that every day I step in the office is a day I gain more knowledge about the marketing world. I am hoping to just learn as much as I can and become proficient in the tools I have been introduced to in my time here so far. By the end, I would like to be able to use the knowledge I will have gained to do some freelance work while I finish school.”
MCA of Chicago members are also focused on getting talented students into the mechanical contracting industry, even if they do not follow the typical academic path.
Brandon Hubner of Premier Mechanical, Inc., shared his company’s unique insight about hiring the right talent:
“The way the Premier has looked at hiring is that a person’s major focus of study or background is less important than the skills that they bring to the table and how well they can help round out our team and add value with other talents that they have. Construction, and mechanical contracting even more so, is a unique industry and every system we install is different. Rarely are two buildings built identically, or with the same team of general contractors and subcontractors. If systems and teams are rarely the same, then why always hire from within the same field of study? In our experience, we can better tackle unique projects with unique individuals. Given the number of variables there are to construction, we would be passing over a lot of really good candidates if we focused just on construction management and mechanical engineering majors.”
MCAA Member Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co. has been named a Top Workplace by cleveland.com and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. This is the company’s first year on the list, which includes a record 175 honorees. Neptune is the only full-service plumbing company among them. Company co-Presidents Adam and Michael Wallenstein credit the company’s talent and culture for earning the recognition.
Neptune Plumbing relies on its talented, seasoned employees and strong corporate culture to create a work environment that doesn’t follow traditional molds.
By combining tradesmen best practices with cutting-edge technology for the field, Neptune Plumbing created a working environment – and employee experience – that uses plumbing innovations to build employee engagement, customer trust, and a professional advantage in a competitive market.
“This recognition is first and foremost because of our employees. Ever since this company started in my grandparents’ basement, we have values that we hoped our employees not only embraced, but believed in. Being named a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio validates that,” said Neptune co-President Adam Wallenstein.
Neptune has served its community for over 60 years. The company uses plumbing innovation like CAD-design plumbing systems to meet the needs of its customers.
“I believe the way we embrace industry trends deserves a little bit of credit toward us making the list too. To have a 24/7 service department is crucial to our business. Having a Prefabrication Division makes us efficient when those calls come, but also gives our employees an added sense of pride in their work. Not a lot of businesses in our sector do what we do, the way we do it,” Wallenstein said.
“Our TRIDENT Core Values have shown through for quite some time now. This recognition – and the only one from the plumbing sector on the list – is proof our people are some of the best in the trade. And they prove it every single day with their attitudes, effort and integrity,” said Neptune co-President Michael Wallenstein.
Through values that have lasted three generations and employee opportunities to heighten capabilities in the industry, the Neptune Plumbing presidents credit the company’s talent and culture for making the list.
MCAA’s WiMI Committee recently launched a Mentor Program. Mentors and mentees signed-up to be a part of this program in hopes of gaining new perspectives on the industry, building connections, developing a support network, and more. Committee members recently took some time to speak with mentees and mentors participating in the program to find out how things are going. Meet our first pair, Hannah and Kristin!
Hannah Leslie, an Assistant Project Manager at The Brandt Companies in Carrollton, Texas enrolled in the program as a mentee, hoping to be paired with a mentor who could share the do’s and don’ts of business, tips and tricks to success in the industry, and overall life advice. Little did Hannah know she would be paired with her perfect match!
Kristin Blundell, a Senior Preconstruction Manager at U.S. Engineering in Westminster, Colorado was recommended to be a mentor in this program from a fellow colleague, a young Preconstruction Engineer who had previously been mentored by Kristin herself. Kristin, who has always taken young professionals under her wing, has proven to be the ideal mentor.
Hannah and Kristin first connected at the beginning of this year. Their bond formed very naturally during their first phone call. Hannah had entered this program with a small handful of personal and professional goals she hoped her mentor would guide her in working towards. Through open conversations, Kristin helped Hannah expand her goals and identify her strengths to be successful. Also, from the very beginning, Kristin has reminded Hannah of valuable life lessons – stay true to herself, believe in hard work, and believe in herself.
Kristin’s advice may seem simple, but it has been incredibly empowering for Hannah. Hannah, who is one of two females comprising a close-knit team of 10 individuals in her job site office, has recognized qualities in herself during the course of the mentorship that she now feels empowered to share with the team. Hannah has learned from Kristin to take pride in being a contributing female on the team.
While Hannah and Kristin have a relaxed approach to their communication structure, they make sure to have a phone conversation at least once a month, every month. They also take comfort in just knowing the other is there for them anytime. An unexpected benefit the current pandemic has provided for both, is knowing they have a contact in a different part of the country to talk through how their respective companies have worked through these challenging times and implemented new work practices.
With several hundred miles between them, with Hannah in Texas and Kristin in Colorado, they are bummed they cannot meet for an occasional cup of coffee or happy hour drink. However, they do look forward to the day they can meet in person, hopefully at MCAA’s WiMI Conference next June, if not sooner!
For more information visit the Women in the Mechanical Industry Initiative Page.
Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC, internships prepare students for careers in the construction industry. That guidance has paid off for both the company and three recent graduates who accepted full-time positions within the Arden Building Companies family of businesses. Congratulations to Natalie Mansson, Andrew Basile and Alex Appolonia on finding their great futures with Arden.
Natalie Mansson was hired in May 2020 as Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC’s newest Project Engineer. She interned for the company last winter.
She has had an interest in construction from an early age. “I knew construction would be a great career path for me when my family bought an old Cape house that needed a major renovation,” she said. “I would always ask the contractor, plumber, and electrician questions about their work and the different systems used.”
A recent graduate of Roger Williams University, Natalie studied Construction Management (CM). She grew to love the construction industry more during her time in school, so she decided to take another year to receive her master’s degree in CM.
“My experience at Arden so far has been incredible. I have been working in the estimating department, learning the different software the estimators use and completing various takeoffs. I have also worked with project managers, attended an on-site meeting, and did a site walk-through to see the incredible work Arden is doing.”
Andrew Basile was hired this May as a Controls Engineer with Earthwise Energy Technologies. Andrew is a graduate of Western New England University where he studied Mechanical Engineering.
“I chose mechanical engineering as my field of study because of my love to learn about the inner workings of everyday objects and systems and to be able to use that information, along with some creativity, to create a useful end product,” he said. “For my future in this field, I hope to find a specific application that I am passionate about so I can be invested in my projects and produce results I am proud of.”
Andrew, who interned for Arden during the past two summers recalls his internship experience fondly:
“My experience at Arden has been very informative, with the possibilities for work with a mechanical engineering degree, and the amount of information I can still learn. Working with Paul Carter, General Manager of Earthwise Energy Technologies has shown me the more technical, controls side of HVAC, while working with Tim Elliott, Director of Design & Engineering at Arden Engineering Constructors gave me a more physical understanding of the systems. With the combination of both experiences, I have obtained a more complete understanding of HVAC systems and every step taken to create a functioning system.”
Alex Appolonia was recently hired as a Project Engineer on the Unique Metal Works, LLC team.
A University of Rhode Island (URI) graduate, Alex was a Civil Engineering major when he interned with Arden last winter. He worked under Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC Project Manager Rob Cote, and enjoyed on-site visits to the new URI College of Engineering building.
He says, “I have been able to experience the precise detail and coordination it takes to complete a project of substantial caliber. My time here at Arden has given me hands-on experience in the field and shown me that to be a successful project manager or engineer one must be punctual, concise and transparent when coordinating with all the other trades from start to finish of every project.”
Alex is currently working on the Infinity Meat Solutions project, a new $100M, 200,000 sq. ft. meat-packaging facility in North Kingstown, RI. This is a joint project for Unique Metal Works, LLC, Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC, and Earthwise Energy Technologies.
MCAA member companies have overcome scheduling and other challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to serve our communities. MCA of Cleveland member Smith & Oby Company’s work on the conversion of Cleveland Clinic’s Health Education Campus (HEC) main building into a COVID-19 surge hospital is just one example.
The temporary hospital is one part of Cleveland Clinic’s strategy to be fully prepared to meet the needs of the community during this rapidly evolving situation.
The facility, called Hope Hospital, offers onsite care for COVID-19 patients with short term needs. These are patients who do not require ventilators or large amounts of oxygen. The entire project was accomplished in less than a month. The four-story, 477,000-square-foot building can accommodate up to 1,000 hospital beds.
Edmund S. Sabanegh, Cleveland Clinic’s President of Main Campus and Regional Hospitals, praises all of the project partners, saying, “There’s really no precedent for us doing something this big this quickly. It’s been amazing to watch clinical leaders and operations, construction, design and nursing teams all come together in a very short window of time and literally build a thousand-bed-capability facility that rivals fixed buildings in many parts of the country. “
Members like the Smith & Oby Company continue to adapt to the COVID-19 situation to help provide the best patient care in the safest way possible. We are all in this together.
IFR addressing “owner-employees”: Last Fridays’ Interim Final Ruling came with an interesting Q&A that could have a meaningful impact on borrowers.
The Q&A was as follows:
Question: Are there caps on the amount of loan forgiveness available for owner-employees and self-employed individuals’ own payroll compensation?
Answer: Yes, the amount of loan forgiveness requested for owner-employees and self-employed individuals’ payroll compensation can be no more than the lesser of 8/52 of 2019 compensation (i.e., approximately 15.38 percent of 2019 compensation) or $15,385 per individual in total across all businesses. In particular, owner-employees are capped by the amount of their 2019 employee cash compensation and employer retirement and health care contributions made on their behalf.
This is significant – lets break down the issues:
The Q&A within this IFR certainly can create some complexities when it comes to the forgiveness calculation, and unfortunately it has created more questions than answers. Hopefully we will have more guidance soon. For now, though, we recommend adjusting calculations for all owners and hope that some sort of de minimis threshold is announced in the future.
Reminder Section: (what should I be doing):
MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope since 2010 to deliver supplies to families in need who live in cities where the association holds its annual conference. This partnership has resulted in the donation of over HALF A MILLION DOLLARS in food, goods, labor, and equipment that benefit individuals and families nationwide.
At this year’s MSCA19 educational conference, members will perform various activities at the Springs Rescue Mission. Springs Rescue Mission was Convoy of Hope’s local charity of choice at MSCA 2011 and MSCA 2015, and was selected again this year due to their growing impact on their community. Their services include providing critically needed food, clothing, and household supplies to the homeless and struggling families as well as culinary arts and addiction recovery programs and life skills training.
Please help us to reach our monetary donation goal of $50,000 to fund our Convoy activities at MSCA19, which will be held October 13—16, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO.
MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition project has been released to all participants. Students will be given the chance to prepare for the Student Competition Discussion Session at the GreatFutures Forum scheduled for Saturday, September 29. During the session, the project’s background, scope and submittal details will be discussed. The Career Development committee hopes the project’s early release will give students the opportunity to ask more detailed questions at the forum and help them better navigate and manage this challenging project.
MCAA Student Chapters have been tasked with a proposal to be the prime contractor on the mechanical portion of the addition and renovation project of Indiana University’s Memorial Football Stadium. This year’s project details were generously provided by Harrell-Fish of Bloomington, Indiana.
Scope of the Project
The project includes the completion of all plumbing, piping and HVAC work. As the acting mechanical subcontractor, Students Chapters are tasked with the purchasing of all equipment, materials and providing all necessary labor and equipment to complete the entire mechanical scope of work.
The project includes full BIM coordination to locate and correct any clashes with all other crafts prior to fabrication or installation of any piping or ductwork. The mechanical contractor will be responsible for all cost related to any modification required for rerouting or relocation of any pipe or duct if they fail to participate in the model clash detection exercise.
Challenges will include design and installation of the utility piping for the food services area. It will be the team’s responsibility to design the distribution piping and the branch lines for each piece of equipment for the entire food service area. The drawings included with the bid documents include a layout detailing the required location of each piece of equipment.
Submittal Process
This year MCAA has teamed up with Procore.org to enhance the bid submittal process and give students a taste of the real world construction industry. All participating students will be given free access to Procore’s Project Management software will retain access after the completion of the student competition.
Procore.org specifically works with universities to educate the future construction workforce and support the advancement of the trades and skilled labor.
All proposals are due for submittal through Procore by Friday, November 30, 2018.
Final Four at MCAA19 Convention
Proposals will be evaluated and scored by members of MCAA’s Career Development Committee. These members will select the top four scoring teams to present their proposals at the MCAA 2019 convention in Phoenix, AZ on March 4, 2019. The winning team will receive $10,000, the second place team will receive $5,000 and the other two finalists will each received $2,500
Have Questions?
For more information, please contact Harlee Gallo.
