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SALES REBOOT: Strategies for Navigating Change and Elevating Performance in the New Economy

Your sales teams are going through a major transition. Sales, as they have understood and embraced it throughout their careers, will never be the same again.  The pandemic has shaken the very foundation of the sales process and how sales teams operate daily.  How can you ensure that your sales team will be effective and successful in this new world?  How can you help them navigate uncertainty and change and develop a performance mindset?

We invite you and your sales team to join us for a high-impact, interactive experience guaranteed to boost the performance of your sales personnel during this COVID and post-COVID era.  This virtual program will take place on Wednesday, October 21st, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Eastern time.  Facilitated by internationally renowned expert, author and futurist Seth Mattison, this program will help you gain a better understanding of the key shifts happening in the realm of sales and its impact on the future of your business.  After this program, your team will be better equipped to deal with this new reality and understand what it takes to be a high performer.

Topics to include:

  • Navigating Change – The Great Lesson COVID Taught Us
  • Future-Ready Skills
  • Understanding the Science of Influence and Empathy
  • Learning Agility
  • Future-Ready Attributes Critical to Individual and Collective Success
  • Go-to-Market Strategies and Elevated Value Propositions
  • Preparing to Win
  • Sales Auditing
  • High Performance Mindsets

The cost for this program is $500 per company which allows you to invite an unlimited number of your sales personnel to participate.  We encourage you to invite your entire sales team to take part in this program together as various exercises and group discussions will be encouraged.  However, if that is not possible, individual attendees will benefit greatly.

Seth Mattison is an Internationally renowned expert and author on workforce trends, generational dynamics, and business strategy. As Co-Founder and Chief Movement Officer of Luminate Labs, Seth advises many of the world’s leading brand and organizations on the key shifts happening around talent management, change and innovation, leadership, and the future of work.

His ideas have been featured in such publications as The Wall St. Journal, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and The Globe and Mail and was recently named to the Editors’ Picks for Speakers to Watch in 2017.

For the past decade Seth has shared his insights with thousands of business leaders around the world and has received accolades from many of the world’s best brands including: MasterCard, Johnson and Johnson, Microsoft, Kraft Foods, AT&T, PepsiCo, GE Energy, Cisco, State Farm, Merrill Lynch, Dow, and Disney.  Seth was a very popular speaker at a recent MSCA conference.

Markus Brettschneider Named Viega’s CEO and President

Viega LLC has named Markus Brettschneider as its new CEO and President. He replaces Dave Garlow, who resigned effective September 1 after 20 years with the company. “I was attracted to Viega because of the culture, the customers, the portfolio and the great opportunities to grow,” he said. “When the opportunity came up, it was really quite a simple decision. I like working for a family-owned company with strong values and great culture, and I’m excited to continue this growth journey with the team.”

“Mr. Brettschneider is a growth-driven leader with many years of extensive professional and management experience in the international and American markets. He grew up in Germany, but spent almost his entire professional life outside of his home country – including more than eight years in the United States,” said Claus Holst-Gydesen, CEO of Viega Holding GmbH & Co.

Markus was hired after an international search. He most recently was with ABB, where he was Group Senior Vice President and Global Head of Marketing and Sales for Industrial Automation and Global Head of Group Solutions & Channels. ABB is a global technology company specializing in robotics, motion, electrification and automation technology.

Before that, he held management positions with FrieslandCampina, Refresco, SIG Combibloc and other firms. He has an MBA from Edinburgh Management School and a degree in international marketing from Cooperate State University in Schwenningen, Germany.

Dave Garlow, the outgoing CEO, resigned effective September 1. He was with Viega for 20 years in various roles. Under his leadership, Viega grew significantly in the North American market by accelerating the adoption of pressing technology. He will help ensure a smooth transition to Markus’s leadership. Dave said the thing he will miss most is the people and friendships in the industry.

“My decision to leave Viega now is made easier knowing that I’m leaving it in excellent hands. Markus has the skills and drive to ensure Viega’s continued growth and success,” Dave said.

Fred Bothwell Shares Speer Mechanical’s Arc Flash Training Experiences

Arc flash can change a service tech’s life in the blink of an eye. Fred Bothwell, CHST, safety coordinator at Speer Mechanical, an MCAA member, uses personal experience to impress upon Speer techs the seriousness of arc flash situations.

“While working as warehouse manager for one of the nation’s largest tire companies back in the early 1990s, I had requested getting the roof-top unit checked out by our A/C company.  As the A/C guy was checking voltage, he lets out a yell.  Then he gathers himself, starts doing the same thing and lets out another yell.  It turns out that through perfect timing, at the same moment he touched the two leads to the unit, his beeper–on vibrate in his shirt pocket–was signaling him.  He thought he was getting shocked.  Later that year, when this same A/C guy was checking an industrial battery charger, he did get shocked for real.  We had to call the emergency squad.  He was okay, but it was a real ‘shock’ for all.”

About the Company

Speer Mechanical has a Construction division, a Special Projects group, and a Service department. The company does everything from demolition to installing units inside mechanical rooms and on rooftops.

For roof-top installations, Speer Mechanical uses Rough Terrain forklifts, cranes, and helicopters to place the units on the roofs.  The company’s Construction workers set the units in place and connect them to the building, and Service Techs connect the units to the power and provide ongoing service as needed.

The Advent of NFPA 70E Training

The company began holding NFPA 70E classes, purchasing Arc Flash suits, and preparing workers to follow the rules in 2006. They were one of the first companies in the Central Ohio area to do so, which comes as no surprise since Speer has one of the area’s largest service departments.

Fred shares, “The Arc Flash suits were really stiff, bulky, and had the ‘beekeeper’ hood.  You can bet everyone couldn’t wait to wear that outfit in our 90-degree humid Ohio weather.”  He adds, “We held about five Arc Flash classes to cover the entire Service department.” 

Later that year, Fred had the opportunity to present Speer’s NFPA 70E program to the UA local 189 union hall in Columbus, Ohio, where the company’s Service Techs are members.  He said, “It was a fairly new topic in the area, and I think some of the information was surprising to those who attended.  I reviewed cost, time spent, and what would be required in the future.  Some of those things have since changed somewhat, but the importance of the training has not.”

A Herculean Task

“Training, following, and observing some 70+ Service Techs is my challenge,” Fred said. He noted that the company’s service technicians work on equipment pushing 480 volts or less.  “Our work opportunities can occur at any time, at any jobsite, and on most any type of equipment,” he said. He added that “[A]ll Service Technicians are trained and tested to prove they know what they’re doing.  They take classes at the union hall and attend training sessions held at Speer.” Fred noted that some vendor companies want Speer workers to have specific knowledge of certain equipment, which can have inner workings that change over time.  He is pleased with their performance, saying, “Our Service Techs do a good job of working safely on all equipment and following the rules to continue being safe.”

Related MCAA Resources

MCAA offers resources to help member companies keep their workers safe when performing electrical work that falls within the purview of NFPA 70E.

New Arc Flash Suits, Training Make a Difference

In February 2020, we received new Arc Flash suits purchased from Enespro and the difference is astounding:  no more stiff, uncomfortable outfits, but more like putting on regular clothing.  As we continue to utilize the updates we all get from NFPA, the training we get from vendors and other outside sources, and the experiences we encounter on the job, we give ourselves the guidance and education necessary to be safe and successful. 

Fred sums up the experience, saying, “The times may change, but the need for safety is a constant element.  Not just safety first, but safety always.”

Contractors, Suppliers Team Up with FEMA, Army Corps to Transform Chicago Convention Center into COVID-19 Field Hospital

As the coronavirus pandemic flared up around the country, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rapidly built alternative care facilities to alleviate strain on local hospitals—and MCAA member contractors and manufacturer/supplier partners were there to help. In Chicago, Ferguson, Bradford White, Laars, and Sloan all provided needed materials in record time, and Helm Group (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) was among those working on the ground nonstop as the HVAC and plumbing contractor for the job. Ferguson; LAARS, a Bradford White Company; and SLOAN are all benefactor sponsors.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Applications for MCAA’s 2020 JRGF Student Chapter Grants Due September 14th!

JRGF provides funding through grants to help chapters cover the costs of projects, participation in the annual MCAA Student Chapter Competition, field trips, scholarships and travel to MCAA events. 

A Chapter of Excellence Grant is for chapters that are well-established and thriving but need additional funds for student scholarships, travel to MCAA events, special projects, field trips or other chapter operations. The grant is divided accordingly: 

  • $7,500 Chapter of Excellence Grant 
    • $5,000 Student Scholarships 
    • $2,500 Chapter Operations & Projects 

An Emerging Chapter Grant is for new or rebuilding student chapters to help cover the cost of student scholarships, travel to MCAA events, special projects, field trips or other chapter operations. The $3,000 grant is for either student scholarships or chapter operations. 

Deadline: September 14, 2020

Completed applications are due to Megan Walsh at mwalsh@mcaa.org by Monday, September 14th.

REGISTER NOW

Find the Latest from Viega and MSUITE in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Viega
Pressed for time? No Sweat. ProPress copper fittings make secure, flameless connections in 7 seconds or less. Approved for more applications than any other copper press fitting system, it’s what the pros use.

Learn More
FabPro - MCAA Virtual Trade Show

MSUITE
Track. Manage. Share. FabPro is the fabrication industry’s first cloud-based software created by mechanical contractors and proven to meet the needs of the fast-paced, ever-changing construction environment.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Thank You for Supporting Your Foundation

Please join us in saying thank you to the MCAA members who have given to the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) in 2020. Their support enables the JRGF to identify and work to solve the issues that confront the organized mechanical construction and service industry, challenges such as future workforce, productivity and technology.

Your peers supporting these vital efforts in 2020 are:

  • Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC
  • Binsky & Snyder, LLC
  • CCI Mechanical, Inc.
  • CFI Mechanical, Inc.
  • Cleveland Plumbing Industry Promotional and Education Fund
  • CPMCA
  • Dynamics Systems, Inc.
  • Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois MCA
  • Ferguson
  • Harrell-Fish, Inc.
  • Hughes Environmental Engineering, Inc.
  • John W Danforth Company
  • JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services, Inc.
  • Kinetics Systems, Inc. – (Bill Bianco Scholarship)
  • MCA of Akron, Ohio, Inc.
  • MCA of Greater Springfield, Missouri
  • MCA of Indiana, Inc.
  • MCA of Kansas City
  • MCA of Northwestern Ohio, Inc.
  • MCA of Rockford, Inc.
  • MCA/MSCA of New York, Inc.
  • McCauley Mechanical Construction, Inc.
  • Mechanical Contracting Industry Fund of Cleveland
  • Michael F. Russo
  • Mid-Atlantic MCA
  • Nooter Construction Company
  • North Mechanical Contracting, Inc.
  • Piping and Service Industry Coalition
  • Poole & Kent Corporation
  • Service Fitters Industry Promotional Fund of New York
  • The John F. Gallagher Company
  • West Chester Mechanical Contractors
  • Western New York Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Learn more and donate on the JRGF website.

Treasury Department Issues Guidance on Payroll Tax Deferral

By: Jim Paretti, Michael J. Lotito, and William Hays Weissman
August 31, 2020

On August 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued guidance for employers with respect to the deferral of the employee portion of certain payroll taxes.  This guidance stems from a presidential memorandum issued earlier in the month authorizing employers to defer payment of these taxes.  That memorandum allowed for the deferral of the employee portion of federal payroll taxes (6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare) from September 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020.  The memorandum allows employers to defer payment of the employee portion of these payroll taxes for workers earning less than $4,000 on a biweekly basis (roughly $104,000 annually). 

Treasury’s guidance makes clear that an employer may elect to defer the payment of the employee portion of these taxes on “applicable wages” until next year, when they would be owed in installments between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021.  “Applicable wages” are defined as those wages paid to an employee on pay dates between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020, “but only if the amount of such wages or compensation paid for a bi-weekly pay period is less than the threshold amount of $4,000 or the equivalent threshold amount with respect to other pay periods.”  The guidance specifies that applicable wages are determined on a pay period by pay period basis.  Finally, the guidance makes clear that employers are required to pay these taxes to the federal government, but goes on to state that employers “may make arrangements to otherwise collect the [due taxes] from the employee.”

The guidance leaves several clear takeaways.  First, it is clear that an employer is permitted to defer payment of these taxes, but is not required to.  Second, it is likewise clear that unless further action is taken (likely by Congress), these taxes are merely deferred, not forgiven, and will be due by the end of April 2021.  Finally, it is not clear what, if any, role an individual employee plays with respect to determining whether they want their share of these taxes deferred, or paid in the normal course.  Employers will want to keep each of these points in mind as they evaluate whether or not to participate in this elective deferral.

It is unclear whether Treasury will issue additional guidance regarding this program.  Littler WPI will keep you apprised of relevant developments.

PCA’s Virtual Education Series Has Officially Started!

We recognize that virtual events simply cannot replace our in-person educational conferences and networking opportunities, so MCAA has combined several approaches and techniques to create the PCA Virtual Education Series hosted by JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service, Inc. This year, MCAA attendees will be able to virtually walk through JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service’s operations through seven workstations as representatives speak about the various aspects.

Once a week, for seven weeks, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service will highlight one of the seven workstations through a 15-minute video, followed by a 45-minute discussion of operational costs and Q&A between attendees around the country with similar operations in their companies.

The first module highlights the commercial plumbing service vehicle itself. In the video, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service covers the type of vehicle, the equipment and tools on each vehicle and why/how they wrap it with advertising. Each attendee will receive a comprehensive list of the tools mentioned, as well as a link to the manufacturer website and an MSRP. The video will be followed with an open discussion between attendees on how they spec a vehicle or vehicle type differently and what tools they use. By the end of the module, attendees will have a much more thorough understanding of the cost to put a plumbing service truck on the road.

VIEW BROCHURE

Although it is hard to match the insight and knowledge that attendees receive from connecting with peers and networking, MCAA believes this approach is certain to provide greater detail and information for our members, as if one were in the JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service facility themselves. You can still register – don’t miss out!

REGISTER NOW

What You Should Know About OSHA’s Recently Revised Beryllium Standard

On August 31, 2020, OSHA published a final rule revising the beryllium standard for the construction industry. Although it is exceedingly rare for the agency’s beryllium standard to affect mechanical construction employers, if there are operations on any of your jobsites where your workers could be exposed to airborne concentrations of beryllium, you will be required to comply with the standard. For example, if your workers are hanging pipe in an area on a jobsite where abrasive blasting is being performed, it’s conceivable that your workers could be exposed to beryllium, and you would be required to make inquiries, and establish protective measures.

The primary protective measures include:

  • Perform exposure assessments;
  • Prevent your workers from being exposed above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium (0.2 µg/m3 over an 8-hour time weighted average);
  • Prevent your workers from being exposed above the short-term exposure limit for beryllium (2.0 µg/m3, over a 15-minute sampling period);
  • Establish engineering and work practice controls (such as ventilation or enclosure) to limit worker exposure to beryllium;
  • Provide respirators when controls cannot adequately limit exposure;
  • Limit worker access to high-exposure areas;
  • Develop a written exposure control plan;
  • Train your workers on beryllium hazards; and
  • Make medical examinations available to monitor exposed workers and provide medical removal protection to workers identified with a beryllium-related disease.

The original standard took effect on May 20, 2017, but since then, OSHA has only enforced the permissible exposure limit (PEL). However, OSHA will begin enforcing the remaining provisions of the standard, including the revised provisions, which were published in the federal register on August 31, 2020, starting September 30, 2020.

If you have any questions about the standard, please contact Pete Chaney at pchaney@mcaa.org, or 301-990-2214.

Need to Evaluate Your Company’s Ergonomics Program? Check Out this New Safety Resource

MCAA believes that ergonomics should be a standard part of every company’s overall safety program. Recently MCAA partnered with The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), Washington University in St. Louis, and Best Built Plans to develop and record a webinar on Creating a Contractor Ergonomics Program to Reduce Soft Tissue Injuries Among Construction Workers. The webinar is ideal for helping viewers understand the vital components of a successful ergonomics program, and why the components are so vital.

LEARN MORE

Find the Latest from LAARS, a Bradford White Company and Aquatherm LP in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

LAARS, a Bradford White Company
The LAARS MagnaTherm® HTD condensing boiler and volume water heater boasts real-time Tru TracTMO2 trim compensation that maintains ideal air-to-fuel ratios, 20:1 turndown to match varying load profiles, and the advanced LAARS LINC® icon-driven control system.

Learn More

Aquatherm LP
Engineered from scale- and corrosion-resistant polypropylene, Aquatherm Blue Pipe® is ideal for commercial heating and cooling systems and many other non-potable applications. It is available in sizes ranging from ½-in. to 24-in. to handle any size project. Aquatherm pipe and fittings are connected using virtually leak-free heat fusion, and have an anticipated life span of 50+ years.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

New Virtual Education Series on Plumbing Service Gets Out From Behind The Desk and Explores Operations

The PCA announced the opening of a new Virtual Education Series today that goes beyond the typical Zoom meeting that we have become accustomed to.  The seven-episode series features an in-depth look at JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services, a member contractor based in Jessup, MD.  Each episode is a mini case study in a different area of operations and hosted by the JPG employees in charge of the relevant work.

What makes this series different than a typical webinar is that each area of focus includes a 15-minute video to showcase the operation, a workbook that includes products, materials and costs as well as an interactive interview with the host to get more insight into functions and share attendee solutions.

“We were all set to do a similar conference on plumbing service in person,” JPG President and CEO John Geiling stated.  “When COVID hit, instead of cancelling it or doing it via a PowerPoint presentation, we decided to try to figure out how to expand out the content and share even more information.  The result is that instead of a 15 minute demo that we would have done in our shop, we can get into a lot more details, share more information and get insight from other members as to how their operations are different.”

Beginning on Wednesday, September 23 the series will host a live module each week until its conclusion on November 4.  Each Wednesday, the session materials will be posted with a link to the live episode posted upon its completion.  Materials will be available throughout the duration of the series.  The schedule includes:

  1. Wednesday September 23, 1:00 PM EDT – The Plumbing Service Vehicle – From Tools to Truck
  2. Wednesday September 30, 1:00 PM EDT – Dispatch, GPS, Fleet Vehicle Tracking and Mobile App
  3. Wednesday October 7, 1:00 PM EDT – Technician Training and Recruiting
  4. Wednesday October 14, 1:00 PM EDT – Water Heater Repair and Installation
  5. Wednesday October 21, 1:00 PM EDT – Commercial Drain and Sewer Services
  6. Wednesday October 28, 1:00 PM EDT – Video Inspection/Robotic Pipe Inspection
  7. Wednesday November 4, 1:00 PM EST – Vac Services

Registration for the series is $400 and open to PCA, MCAA and MSCA members only.

To learn more, visit the PCA Virtual Education Series Site.

Support for the series is brought to you by MCAA’s Sponsoring Benefactors.

STOP USE! Miller MightEvac & MightyLite SRLs

Honeywell has issued an Immediate Stop USE Notice for certain models of Miller MightEvac and MightyLite self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) manufactured within a specific time frame. The notice only affects specifically listed models, with identified manufacturing dates or re-certification dates between October 27, 2016 and October 6, 2018. Models outside of this date range, including new units, are not affected by this notice. If your company uses these SRLs check Table 1 in the attached notice to determine whether your SRLs are affected. If so, they should be removed from service immediately. Honeywell is making arrangements for their return and replacement. That information is forthcoming.

LEARN MORE

Donnelly Mechanical Team Plays Key Role in Two NYC Field Hospitals

During the height of the COVID-19 crisis in New York City in April, MCAA member Donnelly Mechanical was an integral part of converting two facilities within Queens and Brooklyn into temporary field hospitals. These hospitals were staffed with doctors and nurses from around the country who traveled to New York to help treat COVID-19 patients and to relieve the burden from the nearby, overtaxed hospitals.

Following a fast-paced, intense, competitive vetting process, Donnelly Mechanical was contracted by SLS Construction to install oxygen lines at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Based in Galveston, Texas, SLS Construction provides general contracting and construction management services with a specialty in aiding disaster relief efforts. Within just a few days, the combined effort between SLS and Donnelly converted a dozen indoor tennis courts into a temporary overflow hospital with 450 additional beds.

Once the hospital was up and running, Donnelly returned to the site to assist with additional work. Fully functional ventilators require high-pressure oxygen that meets precise specifications. Donnelly’s service team ran high pressure oxygen tubes to the ventilator location in Ward 1, where many COVID-19 patients were being treated. The team took every possible safety precaution, including the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and HAZMAT suits.

Quality Work Leads to Second Project

The GC was thoroughly impressed by Donnelly’s work and quickly awarded them a similar conversion project at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Work to install oxygen lines at the 750-bed facility started immediately.

Teams of 25-30 men worked very long shifts to successfully complete the conversion in five days.

Unsung Heroes Recognized

The dedication of an incredible group of service technicians and field supervisors from Donnelly’s HVAC Service Team played a crucial role in the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.

The team members involved in those projects were:

  • Doug Abramowitz
  • John Battles
  • Aleko Bode
  • Eddie Buffington
  • Raphy Caba
  • Daniel Carranza
  • Domenico Cecere
  • Vladislav Ceselka
  • Cameron Clarke
  • Stephen Croteau
  • Eliasaph Dorilas
  • William Duffy
  • Nick Feliciano
  • Brandon Fernandez
  • Robert Flynn
  • Kevin Gaertner
  • Ivan Grigorov
  • Richard Harker
  • Christopher Hartley
  • Luis Hoyos
  • Luis Joseph
  • John Keaveney
  • Delano King
  • Everett Kinsler
  • Jeremy Klink
  • Robert Lagomarsine
  • Nekeb (Chad) Laurencin
  • Aleksandar Lazic
  • James LeCrichia
  • Joseph Lopez
  • James Lovett
  • John Mangino
  • James Mansfield
  • Timothy Meyers
  • Bryan Montesino
  • Antonio Mota
  • Arnold Padarath
  • Gavin Petersen
  • George Petersen
  • Endri Prifti
  • Felix Rivera
  • Nicholas Rizoglou
  • Thomas Rogoz
  • Miguel Sambolin
  • Angel Santiago
  • Paul Sehlmeyer
  • Rejnaldo Shehi
  • Mitram Singh
  • Rajendra Singh
  • Christopher Soto
  • Cedric Spencer
  • Anthony Tartaglia
  • Henry Taveras
  • Lester Tom
  • Kevin Torres
  • Aaron Vanterpool
  • David Warner
  • Stanley Young

MCAA thanks the Donnelly team and all of our members who have worked tirelessly to protect their communities’ safety. We’re all in this together.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Real-World Experience Matters

In this month’s edition of Beyond the Classroom, Peter Gebert, a Washington State University student, talks about the highlights of being involved in his student chapter and how that involvement has led to more learning opportunities, hands-on experience, and ultimately two internships with McKinstry.

Gebert’s interest in Mechanical Contracting was piqued while on a field trip to Seattle, “I’m walking through all these high rises and they are putting in all this HVAC, heating, plumbing, electrical and that really kind of got me going.” Gebert said. “Wow, there is so much you can do, there is so much going on in construction other than concrete and steel.”

Upcoming Beyond the Classroom videos will showcase how MCAA student chapter members and MCAA members alike are benefiting from the program. They will also share the opportunities available to students who choose careers in the mechanical industry.

Find the Latest from Watts Water Technologies and DEWALT Industrial Tool Company in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Watts Water Technologies
Get the job done Pronto!™ Now available in Cast Iron as well as PVC, this dual adjustable floor drain from Watts® provides maximum efficiency and accuracy during installation. Designed for post-pour adjustment with flexibility in mind, Pronto! key product features save contractors time and labor costs.

Learn More

DEWALT Industrial Tool Company
DEWALT®, the leading manufacturer of power tools, hand tools, accessories and storage solutions, announces that its new ToughSystem® 2.0 Storage System, which offers improved durability and modularity versus previous units, is now available.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

American Bar Association Publication Highlights Loss of Productivity Methodologies

The American Bar Association (ABA) published an in depth article by Paul Stynchcomb, CCM, PSP, CFCC, Professor William Ibbs, PhD and James Newland, Esquire in the Summer 2020 edition of The Construction Lawyer. The authors dissect recent Civilian Board of Contract Appeals cases in which three MCAA member firms received substantial compensation for losses in labor productivity using a variety of quantification methodologies, including the MCAA Factors, the MCAA overtime inefficiency tables and the measured mile method.

The article titled “Preparing and Presenting Loss of Labor Productivity Claims: Analysis of the Methodologies with Two Exemplars,” is the most recent in the quarterly publication, which contains some of the most pertinent articles on contracts, recent court decisions and construction law to be found anywhere in the industry. Some of the construction industry’s most acclaimed attorneys and experts publish articles that have a direct bearing on the construction industry.

In the current COVID-19 environment, many contractors are seeking recovery of loss of labor productivity and are looking for methods of productivity impact quantification specific to the effects of the pandemic. All of the well tested methods applied to the two exemplar cases described in the article are applicable to quantifying COVID-19 impacts. 

This ABA article, coupled with the MCAA’s series of informative webinars on quantifying losses in labor productivity, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, provide a valuable training tool for MCAA member firms attempting to quantify and recover losses in labor productivity.

Related Webinars:

The following webinars are available as part of MCAA COVID-19 Contingency Plan Webinar Series.

Related Resource: