Organization: MCAA

Managing the Houston Heat

By specifying a new Marley® MH Element™ Fluid Cooler from SPX Cooling Tech, LLC, Letsos Company provided a more efficient, more sustainable alternative to repairing the deteriorating existing cooler of an historic Houston building while maintaining a similar footprint, simplifying the installation process.

Bringing Back an Icon

Letsos Company has helped maintain the HVAC system for the former Plaza Hotel, an iconic nine-story building in the Museum District of Houston, TX, for nearly a decade. Located just north of the Museum of Fine Arts, the building opened in 1926 and was once known as Houston’s first “million-dollar hotel.” Its luxurious rooms and fine dining made it a gem of the city, and it was one of the first buildings in the area to use a cutting-edge technology at the time: air conditioning.

In early 2023, when it came time for the building’s owner to make yet another repair to their system’s equipment—this time to the building’s fluid cooler, a significant investment—the contractor sat down with the operators to come up with a better solution.

“The mini heat pumps in the building repeatedly had condenser water issues, the existing fluid cooler kept requiring repairs, and in the end, the system just could not keep up with the temperatures,” explained Garrett Eklund, project manager and estimator for special projects at Letsos. “It was getting to the point that it was too expensive to maintain, and the fluid cooler needed to be replaced.”

Letsos called in a little help from Houston-based cooling tower/fluid cooler experts S&S HVAC Equipment to provide a quote for a new tower and go over cost comparisons. The team selected the Marley Fluid Cooler, a similar model to the original, upgraded to stainless steel construction and copper coils.

SPX offers advice on choosing the right fluid cooler: https://spxcooling.com/news/choosing-the-right-fluid-cooler/

The “Million-Dollar” Location

In the early 1980s, the hotel and apartment building closed after struggling to keep up with the times. It remained closed until it was purchased by a local architect/design firm in 2005. The building was renovated, and new mechanical systems were installed in 2007 to keep the building cool in the hot Houston climate. The neighborhood around the building has also seen a much-deserved revitalization in the past decade.

The building’s popular location meant more traffic, so one of the first steps during the fluid cooler replacement project was to secure permits to close the street to lift the new equipment into position via crane. To make things a little easier, the fluid cooler was located on the back side of the building, atop a parking garage that was added during the renovations.

“The building is in a tight, pretty crowded urban area, so we had to be mindful of that,” remembered Tom Brimer, Letsos sales associate. “The fluid cooler arrived on a Thursday afternoon, and the street was closed off. We had a plan in place to get the unit off the street Friday and start up on Saturday evening.”

An Unwanted Surprise

The fluid cooler arrived at the site in two pieces: the bottom section held the unit’s rows of copper coils, and the top contained fill and the fluid cooler’s fan. Each piece was inspected and made ready to lift that evening. But before lifting the unit, the team noticed that a brace on one of the pieces had been damaged during shipping and would need to be repaired before lifting into place.

Letsos reached out to S&S, and they were available immediately. “We have a trim-out crew on standby for all our projects,” said Angela Sherman, president of S&S HVAC Equipment. “At that point, the old unit was down and there was no delay optional, you have to find a way. And we did just that.”

The S&S team repaired the brace onsite and contacted the SPX Cooling engineering team to approve the fixed piece. The engineering team looked at the repairs and approved them the same day.

Orderly Installation and Start-Up

After the one small setback, the rest of the project was completed according to plan. The fluid cooler was delivered on Thursday and lifted into place the following day. The teams were all prepared once the unit was installed to begin piping it in. Piping was installed and updated on Friday and prepared for start-up on Saturday. The start-up process went as planned, and the system was back online Saturday, without delays.

“Following start-up, we saw some issues with the control system, but they were quickly addressed,” Eklund noted. “We had to get all the heat pumps in the building balanced, too. But the tower has been doing great to manage it the whole time.”

The former Plaza Hotel building, with 82,000 square feet of rental office space, is now home to Prosperity Bank and Beers Law Firm, among others, and its fluid cooler is updated and working well thanks to the team at Letsos.

For more information, visit spxcooling.com.

Racing Ahead of Casino Schedule

To meet the tight timeline for a new multimillion-dollar casino and hotel, The Severn Group leveraged the Victaulic grooved copper system’s design flexibility and on-site fabrication capabilities to manage the project’s most critical aspects. As a result, The Severn Group was ahead of schedule on every portion of their scope of work. Victaulic is a major sponsor of MCAA24.

No Time for Delays

Dumfries, a small town in Virginia with a population of approximately 5,750, will soon be home to the Rose Gaming Resort, a $372-million gaming and entertainment complex. The highly anticipated facility is expected to generate the town $35.5 million in annual tax revenue. It will have more than 50,000 square feet of gaming casino, luxury hotel, dining, and event space. Owners made speed to market a priority for the project, trusting that their construction partners would meet the intended completion date, even when the project experienced a start delay.

The Severn Group installed the heated, chilled, and domestic water systems, as well as the mechanical room and plumbing throughout the casino and hotel. “Because the casino is built on a former landfill, preparatory site work delayed the construction schedule for two months—but the owner’s target completion date remained the same. We had to come up with ways to speed up our construction process,” said Richard Grasso, director of operations at The Severn Group.

Grooved Pipe Minimizes Schedule

Among the challenges was streamlining the installation of 2”- to 6”-diameter copper pipe in 35’-tall ceilings in tight corridor spaces. According to Grasso, The Severn Group’s traditional standard is to solder or braze copper tube. However, the project’s time crunch required a deviation from their traditional strategy. The Severn Group only had a small crew available to perform the sizable installation at Rose Gaming Resort and needed to consider how their joining method would impact the MEP trades working around them.

Installing Victaulic’s grooved pipe simply requires tightening bolts, saving The Severn Group the time and complications of welding and making it easier for them to maneuver around other MEP trades in ceiling spaces.

“Trades in these projects are first-come, first-served. Coming second means working around the trades that arrived before us, but it didn’t matter because we used Victaulic. All we needed was to get a scissor lift and a worker to the area, whereas with brazing and soldering, we might not have been able to get around the other trades,” Grasso said. “Victaulic helped ease the stress. We didn’t have to worry about mirror welding, burn permits, hot work orders, fire watch, cordoning off spaces, or welding screens.”

The Severn Group used Victaulic Style 607 QuickVic™ Installation-Ready™ couplings, fittings, and valves to build the copper domestic water system. The products are specifically designed for domestic water applications and are resistant to potable water disinfectants. The Installation-Ready technology is delivered preassembled with no loose parts, meaning contractors only need to stab couplings on pipe ends and tighten bolts to secure them.

According to Grasso, The Severn Group gained back 10 days on the schedule by using Victaulic in the corridor and setting up on-site grooving stations despite working with a smaller crew than originally expected. As additional workers were brought on to expedite the project, they could begin installing grooved copper tube confidently following short training sessions, thanks to easy-to-use products.

“We are creatures of habit and resisted embracing a full Victaulic copper system for a long time,” said Grasso. “Rose Gaming Resort changed that. It’s in Severn’s standards that Victaulic copper is a go. We’re 100-percent sold.  I have no doubt that this system will run for as long as the owners want it to.”

Powered by On-Site Fabrication

The Severn Group did not have shop drawings available for all of the spaces, meaning they would need to capture field measurements, contact their off-site fabrication team, and wait for shipments to arrive before installation could begin. On-site fabrication became key to project success. By setting up a Victaulic grooving tool on the jobsite, The Severn Group achieved considerable time and material cost savings while remaining nimble enough to adapt to unforeseen changes.

“Coordination was under the gun the whole time. We couldn’t afford to lose time waiting for pieces to get fabricated and delivered. We would show up to the site and need to get pipe installed immediately, which is why we switched gears,” Grasso said. “We redlined the drawings as we received them, making changes and adjustments to navigate jumping over ductwork, conduits, and everything else on the fly.”

The Severn Group’s crews set up a Victaulic RG4300 roll grooving tool adjacent to their work area to make it as efficient as possible to prepare, cut, and groove pipe pieces. Thanks to the tool’s compact design, it is easy to transport, and The Severn Group always had the grooving station near work areas, even as they progressed throughout the expansive facility. Victaulic’s roll grooving tool also reduces the risk of error and rework time with a depth-setting feature that enables users to create quality, consistent grooves every time.

Winning Time on the Roof

The Severn Group significantly reduced schedule times on the rooftop, where they were able to complete 20 air handling units in half the time allotted by prefabricating with Victaulic products. Unlike other pipe-joining methodologies, mechanical joints can be easily disassembled when there are misalignments, effectively minimizing lost time in the event of rework. During the time-sensitive Rose Gaming Resort project, The Severn Group’s crew did not need to recut, reweld, or rely on a crane to lift additional materials to the roof when adjustments were needed.

“We had 16 hours scheduled per air handling unit; we cut that down to eight in the shop. On the roof, Victaulic gave us the ability to adjust the design in a matter of minutes,” Grasso said. “It was a conscious decision to mitigate risk and make up time.”

The Severn Group “resisted embracing a full Victaulic copper system for a long time. Rose Gaming Resort changed that. … We’re 100-percent sold.”

—Richard Grasso, Director of Operations, The Severn Group

Partnership Drives Success

Construction on the Rose Gaming Resort is still underway, with an anticipated completion date in 2024. All components in the hotel and casino have been hydrostatically tested and signed off on in the promised time, an accomplishment that Grasso attributed to the collaboration everyone demonstrated.

“We don’t have people we buy from. We have partners, and Victaulic was a huge partner to us. Everyone worked as a team with the same goal in mind. There was no pushback, just a ‘What can we do to help?’” Grasso said.

For more information, visit www.victaulic.com. MCAA thanks Victaulic for being a major sponsor of MCAA24 and co-sponsoring the annual golf tournament at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club.

Enhancing Customer Experience and Repair Reliability

Crockett Facilities Services uses XOi to improve customers’ experience, which translates into more confidence in Crockett’s recommendations and repairs. XOi also provides Crockett’s technicians with easy access to a knowledge database, repair manuals, and expert guidance, so they can make well-informed decisions, and repairs are done right the first time. Happy customers and efficient, effective technicians help Crockett be more productive.

Listen to XOi’s podcast for more insights on how to empower your field technicians: https://xoi.io/podcast/empowering-field-techs-for-today-and-the-future/

XOi gives Crockett’s customers access to live updates on the status of their service requests, work orders, and project progress. Customers can easily communicate with the Crockett team, ask questions, and provide feedback through the XOi platform. They can also download images and work orders to save for future reference or invoice approvals. This streamlined communication process ensures that customers’ needs are addressed promptly, leading to quicker issue resolution and a more satisfying experience.

Read XOi’s tips on boosting the bottom line for field service: https://xoi.io/article/boosting-the-bottom-line/

For more information, visit xoi.io.

How Smart Pump Technology Simplifies Installation & Maintenance

The development of intelligent pumping systems with smart motors is key to meeting the growing demand for better efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Integrating smart technology in pump systems can simplify installation and maintenance, ensure reliable operation, and minimize environmental impact.

Technological advancements like electronically commutated motors (ECMs) have vastly improved overall performance and efficiency in pumps used for heating and cooling applications. ECMs use variable speed controls to react to system demand by speeding up or slowing down, resulting in the most efficient system operation. By determining the minimum energy required to obtain optimal pump flow, ECM pump systems can dramatically reduce the power consumption of a traditional circulator pump without sacrificing comfort.

High-efficiency pumps outfitted with international efficiency level 5 (IE5) motors also substantially contribute to energy savings and reduced carbon footprint. The International Electrotechnical Commission, which established the IE standard motor rating system, created the IE5 rating to designate ultra-premium efficiency. IE5 motor losses are at least 30-percent lower than IE3 motor losses, which alone reduces the energy consumption by 10 percent with a typical pump load profile.

See how countries around the world incorporate international efficiency standards into their regulations: https://www.iec.ch/government-regulators/electric-motors

Xylem’s Smart Pumps, equipped with built-in IE5 motors, are simple to install and commission in new and retrofit installations. With its embedded electronic drive, motor size is reduced, resulting in a compact footprint. Additionally, Xylem Smart Pumps can handle extreme environmental conditions and shocks, ultimately extending the life of the equipment. Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, recently introduced the Series e-90E Smart Pump combined with the Xylem Smart Motor. The integrated pump solution combines pump, motor, and variable speed drive in one package, which allows for easy, cost-effective installation.

As industry professionals continue to prioritize optimizing HVAC performance while reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint, integrated drives and controls, ECM technology, and motors with IE5 efficiency are proving to be game-changers in the commercial building market, giving contractors an entirely new level of control over system design and performance. With the ability to improve water usage, detect anomalies, and adapt to changing conditions, these smart pumping systems provide a dynamic approach to pump operation and efficiency.

For more information, visit www.xylem.com.

Message from Parthiv Amin, M/SC Chair: Safety = Success

This issue of Smart Solutions includes insights on promoting safety as a key component of maintaining productivity. For example, Murphy Company relies on MILWAUKEE TOOL for novel safety features that prevent over-rotation. Ridge Tool Company describes how to avoid injuries on the job. LAARS, a Bradford White Company, and the United Association partnered to establish advanced learning labs to build a workforce committed to safety, quality, and productivity.

With productivity a top priority, The Severn Group leveraged the Victaulic grooved copper system to beat a tight timeline. Morris Group International helped Southland Industries design easy-to-transport portable toilets to save money and time. Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors, Inc. used Novarc Technologies Inc.’s cobot to dramatically increase welding capacity and quality. With its Watts Specialties, LLC pipe cutting machine, AMS Industries, Inc. slashed setup and cutting time. Letsos Company found an easy-to-install option for a historic building thanks to SPX Cooling Tech, LLC. Through its preventative maintenance program, F.W. Webb Company found and fixed a power plant’s oil leak, avoiding a prolonged shutdown.

Among the growing number of contractors relying on digital technology is Modern, which adopted MSUITE technology to manage fabrication operations, and Preferred Mechanical Group, which selected ServiceTrade software to build an efficient, technician-centric company. Thanks to OpenSpace, U.S. Engineering’s managers can keep tabs on projects remotely. Crockett Facilities Services uses XOi Technologies to improve customers’ experience and technicians’ access to guidance. Mazza Mechanical implemented nClarity’s predictive maintenance platform to streamline business operations.

In this issue, Copeland explains how the next generation of oil-free compression technologies can achieve efficiency and support the transition to more sustainable refrigerants. Faro Technologies, Inc. describes how to pair 3D reality capture solutions to optimize your workflow. Xylem, Inc.—Bell & Gossett outlines technological advancements that have improved heating and cooling pump performance and efficiency and yielded smaller, easier-to-install products. NIBCO INC. outlines its free specifications review to ensure that your specs meet current standards. CNA presents the latest season of Risk Control e-Talks online, highlighting cybersecurity. SLOAN introduces new smart systems that allow facility managers to monitor and maintain products remotely. Learn more by visiting our manufacturer/supplier partners in person at MCAA24.

Find the Latest from Trane and FastEST, Inc. 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:

Trane
Bring the power of building automation to smaller and less complex buildings. Simplify control, comfort, and operation while introducing efficiency advantages to your customers.

Learn More

FastEST, Inc.
FastPIPE & FastDUCT Mechanical Estimating Software are designed to meet the needs of mechanical & plumbing contractors. It is easy to learn & use, has an extensive database of products, & has live pricing updates directly in the program.

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

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

MCAA Board Partners Support Local Charity at Convention

During the recent convention, MCAA’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and President Advisory Council Partners teamed up for a charity activity to support One Heart for Women and Children, a local charity aiding struggling families in Central Florida and beyond.

Under the guidance of First Lady Elise Beck, partners assembled a significant number of resources for the charity. Within a couple of hours, they prepared 1,100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, along with 500 snack bags and 500 personal care bags. These items were promptly distributed to those facing daily hardships.

This initiative underscores MCAA’s commitment to community service and solidarity. By supporting One Heart for Women and Children, MCAA members demonstrated their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others, especially those in need.

These provisions serve as more than just essentials; they symbolize hope and compassion for those experiencing adversity. Through collective action, these MCAA members exemplify the potential for positive change in their communities.

As we recognize this meaningful endeavor, we extend our appreciation to all who participated. Your contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of many, reflecting the power of unity and compassion.

MCAA24 Concludes with the Introduction of Our New MCAA President Rick Gopffarth

MCAA24 concluded a week of being enriched, engaged and enchanted in Orlando, Florida. MCAA President Robert Beck shared his final remarks from the main stage during the closing general session. Before passing the gavel, President Beck said, “Your attendance and engagement throughout the week is what makes this convention such an incredible experience for everyone. This past year, I have been awed by your level of passion. Sincerely, thank you for all you do for our association.”

Beck went on to thank the United Association, General President Mark McManus, the entire UA leadership team and the manufacturer and supplier members for their unwavering support and significant relevance in MCAA.

Beck gave a special thanks to the local associations and executives for their efforts and hospitality throughout the year, “… truly incredible people. I want to send a shout-out to the local MCA chapters that support our Danforth offices, as well as our signatory local union leadership for their constant support and partnership. Thank you all!” 

Some of the week’s highlights included: United Association General President McManus’ remarks during Monday’s opening session where he spoke about the strength of the UA/MCAA partnership. Main stage speakers Kevin Brown, Soledad O’Brien, Jim Kelly, and Oz Pearlman provided great insight and entertainment for the MCAA 24 attendees. MCAA donated $12,000 in honor of Jim Kelly’s jersey number to Kelly’s Hunter’s Hope Foundation. Dozens of educational sessions prepared members for the year ahead and the Manufacturer Supplier Council Exhibit provided the necessary time to renew partnerships and exchange vital information. 

UA General President Mark McManus
Steve Harvey and MCAA President Beck
Scott Wallenstein and MCAA President Beck
MCAA President Beck an Robert Bolton
President Rick Gopffarth and Immediate Past President Robert Beck
Michael Mack and President Robert Beck

Fundraisers Concluded

MCAA’s Political Action Committee raffled off a signed Barenaked Ladies guitar to Sarah Jones after raising $31,000.

Michael Mack Presented Distinguished Service Award

This year MCAA presented its highest award, the Distinguished Service Award, to Michael Mack. The DSA award celebrates a legacy of service and dedication to improving the mechanical contracting industry. During Mack’s career, he played a pivotal role in redeveloping MCAA’s Institute for Project Management, advancing its mission and dedicating years to its progress. Mack’s family joined him onstage at the opening general session for the surprise.

Retiring Board Members Recognized 

President Beck thanked the members of the MCAA Board of Directors whose terms expired at MCAA24 saying, “Each of these Board members has contributed tremendously to strengthening this industry, and we want to recognize their service and thank them this morning.” They are:

  • Steve Harvey from Soefker Services
  • Scott Wallenstein from Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
  • Robert Bolton from Arden Building Companies

Changing of the Guard

President Beck turned over the MCAA presidential gavel to his successor, MCAA President Rick Gopffarth. Gopffarth said, “I am honored by this opportunity and will do my best.” 

He presented Beck with a token of gratitude for his year as president and let him know that MCAA contributed to a family vacation to Positano, Italy. 

Association Leaders Recognized

President Rick Gopffarth recognized the national officers who serve as MCAA’s Executive Committee and the new members of MCAA’s Board of Directors.

New Executive Committee

Joining President Gopffarth on the Executive Committee are:

  • President-Elect Brian Hughes from Hughes Environmental Engineering
  • Senior Vice President and Treasurer Curtis Harbour from Brandt, a Southland Industries Company
  • Vice President and Assistant Treasurer Michael Russo from Fresh Meadow Mechanical
  • Immediate Past President Robert Beck from John W. Danforth Company

New Board of Directors Members

The newest contractor members of MCAA’s Board of Directors, elected to three-year terms, are: 

  • Jim Jacobsen, Jr. from DePue Mechanical, Inc.
  • Stacy Johnson from Auburn Mechanical Inc.
  • Bobbie Strayer from RMF Nooter

President Gopffarth’s Remarks

President Gopffarth shared his thoughts on the speed and complexity of current-day construction projects and the opportunities they bring to businesses in the mechanical contracting industry. Gopffarth noted how this expanded opportunity brings hidden risks that MCAA members must learn to navigate in the coming years. He went on to explain that the traditional construction pyramid will be transformed soon with the MEP trades moving up in the hierarchy.

Gopffarth reminded members that contractors, industry partners and MCAA chapters across the country can develop innovative resources and strategies that will help protect and grow future market share. 

Save the Date

We’re looking forward to more enchantment in Austin for the MCAA25 Annual Convention. Mark your calendars and join us March 2-6, 2025.

CalPoly San Luis Obispo Won the Student Chapter Competition, Plus Students & Educators Were Recognized at MCAA24

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo emerged as the victors in the Student Chapter Competition and returned to campus with a $10,000 prize following their Final Four presentation at MCAA24. The University of Maryland, College Park was selected as the 2023-2024 Student Chapter of the Year and Joe Karpinski, faculty advisor for Kent State University, was recognized as the Educator of the Year. Individual students were recognized with a variety of scholarships and for the first time, the combination of awards and grants distributed at an MCAA Convention totaled over $100,000! 

Congratulations to the following students, faculty members and student chapters!

JRGF Scholarships 

Brian Helm, President of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), announced the recipients of the following scholarships at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA24.  He noted that the students receiving scholarships were selected for their academic performance, leadership skills within their chapter, and interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry.

ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship
Adam Kuschewski of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship provided by ATP Learning Solutions.  The scholarship was established to recognize, support and inspire students in the mechanical industry.

Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship
Kavan Limbasiya of Pittsburg State University received a $2,500 scholarship check in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Wilding Bureau (NCPWB) Board of Trustees.  Robert’s effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the United Association and the NCPWB resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.  The scholarship is in its second year and is sponsored by the NCPWB.

Ann Mattheis Memorial Scholarship
Tabitha Watson of Pittsburg State University was awarded a $2,500 scholarship in memory of former MCAA Director of Career Development, Ann Mattheis.  Ann’s dedication and contributions to building the GreatFutures program left an enduring legacy for multiple decades of students and for the overall members of MCAA. 

Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship
Carter Bennett from Ferris State University and Irvin Quintana from the University of Nebraska each received a $2,500 scholarship check in memory of Alan P. O’Shea.  The scholarship is sponsored by the MCA of New Jersey.

Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship
Daniel Kellen of Iowa State University and Yulien Liz of Fairleigh Dickinson University each received a $5,000 scholarship in memory of Robert “Bob” Armistead.  In honor of Bob’s service as MCAA President, the selected winners are required to have served as their local student student chapter President.  These new scholarships were established by Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the family of Robert T. Armistead.

William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Lauryn Gilgallon of Ferris State University received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of a former President of the foundation and MCAA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient, William A. “Bill” Bianco, Jr.  The scholarship is sponsored by Kinetics.

The Bolton Family Scholarship
Drew Figura from the University of Nebraska was awarded a $5,000 scholarship to honor the significant contributions the Boltons have provided to the construction industry.  This new scholarship honors the family’s dedicated volunteer work within the communities they serve in Rhode Island, notably their efforts in aiding children from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking backgrounds in mastering the English language within the school system and their improvement with the Ronald McDonald House.  The scholarship embodies the values of service, community engagement, and support for those in need that have been integral to the Bolton family’s legacy.

Donald V. Brown Memorial Scholarship
Shelby Gustafson from California State University Chico is the first recipient of a new $5,000 scholarship sponsored by D.V. Brown and Associates, Inc., in memory of its founder, Donald V. Brown, Senior. D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc. is a charter member of the MCAA.

DEWALT Patriot Scholarship
The DEWALT Patriot Scholarship, now in its third year, was created to recognize two veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career related to mechanical contracting.  Thank you to DEWALT for honoring our military and to our scholarship recipients for their service.  Jaden Doebelin of Iowa State University (Iowa Army National Guard – Sergeant E-5 Military Occupational Special, Indirect Infantryman 11C) and Jeff Woodard of the University of Nebraska (United States Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class – Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist at 2nd Marine Division) each received a $5,000 scholarship.   

FERGUSON – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship
Gina Carnovale of Kent State University and Kyla Magee of the University of Nebraska each received a $5,000 scholarship, sponsored by Ferguson, to recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.  The two students will also be invited to attend the WiMI Conference in Cleveland, OH this June.

Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Brady Thompson from the University of Nebraska received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of the founder of our foundation, Foster McCarl, Jr.   McCarl’s Inc. is the scholarship sponsor.

Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship
Aidan Wolownik of Pittsburg State University received a scholarship check for $5,000 in honor of Wayne, Emmett and Patrick Reilly.  The John W. Danforth Company sponsors the scholarship.

Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship
Daniel DeSoto of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo received a $5,000 scholarship check that recognizes his interest in a career as an estimator within the mechanical contracting industry.  Trimble is the sponsor of the scholarship and has donated complimentary use of the Trimble Estimation MEP software for our Student Chapter Competition teams for the past few years.

Viega Scholarship
Griffin Souder of Pittsburg State University was the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega.  Viega has graciously sponsored student chapter activities at the MCAA Convention for many years.  The Viega scholarship is now in its 2nd year.

Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship
Madison Deck of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville received a $5,000 scholarship check in honor of retired MCA/MSCA of Cleveland Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner.  This scholarship is in its third year and is sponsored by MCA/MSCA of Cleveland.

Educator of the Year

Joe Karpinski, faculty advisor for the Kent State University student chapter, was recognized as the 2023-2024 Educator of the Year.  He was selected for this honor based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, participation in chapter activities, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland, Inc.  In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award.

Student Chapter of the Year 

The University of Maryland, College Park was selected as the 2023-2024 Student Chapter of the Year.  Their faculty advisor is Fitzgerald Walker and the chapter is sponsored by the MCA of Metropolitan Washington, Inc. The Career Development Committee chose the winner based on a rubric that evaluates industry-specific educational opportunities, fundraising and community service efforts, recruitment tactics, and most importantly, mechanical contracting interest and the ways in which the chapter assists in connecting students with MCAA members either locally or nationally.  The University of Maryland, College Park received a trophy and a $3,000 award. 

MCAA Student Chapter Competition

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo won the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on this year’s Student Chapter Competition project, which involved submitting a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium.  This included all piping, HVAC, controls, and additional work required from the bid documents.

MCAA thanks MMC Contractors National, Inc. for supplying the project and our project partners at Procore, Trimble and Ferguson for supplying real-life learning resources to the student participants.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout was the runner-up, placing second and receiving a trophy and check for $5,000. 

Ball State University and McMaster University rounded out the final four. Each of these Honorable Mention finalists received trophies and $2,500.

Six additional teams that just missed the final four were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order: 

  • California State University, Chico
  • Kansas State University
  • Kent State University
  • Missouri State University
  • Pittsburg State University
  • University of Maryland, College Park

Most Valuable Presenter
The Career Development Committee recognized a student who did the best job presenting their proposal, whether or not their team won.  The audience members voted via a polling link between Final Four presentations and ultimately Hans Stelpflug of the University of Wisconsin-Stout was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card, a complimentary seat in MCAA’s Preparatory Institute for Project Management (Pre-IPM), and the title of 2023-2024 Most Valuable Presenter. 

Congratulations to all MCAA24 award winners and scholarship recipients!

Ron King Joins the MCAA Staff

MCAA extends a warm welcome to Ron King, who joins the staff starting April 1, 2024, as MCAA’s new Executive Director, WebLEM and NCPWB. Ron will take over for Nick Nikpourfard upon his retirement in June. Ron joins us after a 17+ year career in the MEP division of Trimble, where he was most recently the Association Relationship and Business Development Director. Prior to joining Trimble, Ron worked for GEM Inc., a leading single-source contractor in Toledo, Ohio. He served as co-chair of the MCAA WebLEM Committee since 1998. MCAA is pleased to welcome Ron to the staff, and his significant other, Susan Hall, to the MCAA staff family.

Embrace Education & Automation Solutions at NCPWB24

April 21 – 23, 2024 | Scottsdale, Arizona

Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the forefront of welding technology! Join us at the NCPWB Technical Conference/Committee Meeting to explore the innovations shaping the future of pipe welding. You will experience cutting-edge presentations that delve into the latest innovations and challenges in the welding industry. Don’t miss out…register today!

Closing the Welder Gap – Education and Automation for Future Success: Addressing the critical shortage of welders, this presentation advocates for a paradigm shift. Embrace education and automation solutions, from Augmented Reality to Cobots and Additive Manufacturing, to secure the industry’s future. Hear directly from Ted Valentini, Sales Director Western US Regions at  Miller Electric Mfg. Co. about how accepting and implementing automation can help ensure your company’s continued success.

Additional sessions will cover:

Orbital Welding Technology for Med Gas: CSI’s breakthroughs in universal power supply and copper orbital welding machines take center stage. Uncover the struggles and triumphs as they overcome hurdles in temperatures, materials, and code requirements to bring this technology to the commercial market.

Adaptive Welding – Case Study and Recent Advancements: Experience a first-of-a-kind welding system designed for spent nuclear fuel encapsulation. Witness the evolution of autonomous technology with minimal operator input, showcasing active path compensation, adaptive welding parameters, and the use of Artificial Intelligence for joint geometry characterization.

Advancements in Pipe Welding: Dive into Miller welding educational resources and the latest in pipe welding technologies. From RMD for root passes to Pulse for fill and cap passes, explore the innovations shaping the future of pipe welding.

High-Purity Tube Welding: Discover the intricacies of building piping systems that prevent contamination, navigating ASME piping codes, and the ASME BPE Standard. Learn about weld acceptance criteria ensuring the safety of drug products in pharmaceutical systems.

Advances and Challenges in Welding and Additive Manufacturing: Explore recent developments in welding, from pulsed GMAW to laser welding, and delve into the world of additive manufacturing. Uncover the challenges and opportunities presented by demographic trends, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Welder and Welding Operator Qualification: Delve into the intricacies of qualification tests ensuring welders and operators are prepared for specific job sites. A comparative exploration of various qualification codes promises insights into industry best practices.

Selecting, Adopting, and Submitting NCPWB WPSs: Navigate the extensive world of welding procedure specifications with NCPWB. Gain valuable insights into selecting, adopting, and submitting WPSs and BPSs, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The committee meeting portion of the event will cover topics such as policy and procedures regarding the joint UA/NCPWB welder certification program and address chapter inquiries. In addition to the annual event, a one-day chapter operations seminar will educate chapter administrators about the policies and procedures associated with maintaining welder qualification records.

Don’t miss the chance to be at the forefront of welding innovation! Join us at the conference for these  groundbreaking presentations and the information you need to stay on top of other welding issues.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Model Accident/Incident Investigation Program

Accidents/incidents impact worker safety and morale, as well as a company’s bottom line. MCAA’s Model Accident/Incident Investigation Program provides a methodical process to help contractors prevent similar repeat accidents/incidents, underscore the company’s commitment to safety, and save money. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The model program guides users through the process of:

  • Compiling the facts associated with the occurrence of an accident/incident
  • Determining the real cause or causes of the accident/incident and
  • Initiating appropriate action to prevent recurrence

An accident/incident investigation report form is included.

DOWNLOAD

You may also be interested in MCAA’s new Accident Investigation video for supervisors, which is available in both English and Spanish.

For a full list of MCAA’s 700+ Safety & Health resources, visit this page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Be Inspired to Dream Big & Make Impactful Changes at the WiMI Conference

June 10 – June 12, 2024 | Cleveland, OH

The Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference is your platform for building lasting connections and fostering a supportive community. Networking opportunities abound, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies for success.

Be inspired by industry leader Demi Clark, founder of Spark Building Group and our day two General Session speaker. With a background ranging from hands-on construction to leadership in publicly-traded companies, she will ignite conversations on how to achieve professional goals, empowering individuals and organizations to dream big and make impactful changes.

An array of captivating educational sessions and inspiring speakers round out the conference, which is designed to empower and uplift women at every stage of their careers.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned executive, the WiMI conference offers something for everyone. Gain valuable insights, expand your network, and leave feeling empowered to take on new challenges and seize opportunities.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Learn How Heat Pumps Can Help Grow Your Business During MSCA’s Latest Webinar

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 1:00 – 1:45 PM EDT

Join MSCA Board member Drew Harrison and a panel of industry experts to learn how heat pumps can help grow your business and improve profits. MSCA and the UA have been working with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (in support of the US Department of Energy) to boost heat pump and heat pump water heater training and recruitment as massive federal incentives become available.

Gain insights and have an opportunity to ask questions to ask questions about:

  • State of the Market on Heat Pumps
  • Cold climate heat pump performance
  • Federal incentives
  • DOE Decarbonization goals
  • UA training opportunities 

This informative webinar is moderated by MSCA Board Member and Vice President of Harrison Energy Partners, Drew Harrison, and will feature:

  • Jamie Kono, Building Research Engineer at PNNL (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
  • Michael Blunschi, US Department of Energy
  • Robert Vilches, UA HVACR Training Specialist

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how enhanced water heater training and massive federal incentives can help grow your business. Register today!

REGISTER

Connect With the Latest Training from SLOAN and Ridge Tool Company at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

SLOAN
Watch this tutorial to learn how to replace the override button on these Sloan top mount flushometers: G2, ECOS, and SOLIS.

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Ridge Tool Company
The RIDGID® SeeSnake® CSx Via is a flexible, bring-your-own-screen solution, providing a convenient means to stream, capture & share inspection images using an iOS, Android, or Windows device.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Find the Latest from Charlotte Pipe & Foundry and Morris Group International 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:

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the nation’s leading maker of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings for the plumbing industry.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The ConTrols® TempFlow® Valve self-adjusts and balances the recirculated flow and heat loss of each TempFlow-controlled zone. ConTrols is a member of Morris Group International.

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

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

UA ITF Offers 2024 MCAA Field Leaders Conference Grants

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference provides field leaders with the skills they need to be business- and results-oriented managers focused on growing company profits and brand, and now there’s another reason to attend – financial assistance from the United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) in the form of a $5,500 grant. Registration is now open for the first 2024 Field Leaders Conference from June 17 – 19 in Philadelphia, PA.

The grant is available for all eligible U.S. local union education funds. Each UA/MCAA foreman administrator who attends one of the 2024 MCAA Field Leaders Conferences and meets the verification requirements is eligible to receive a grant. The purpose of the grant is to continue building UA foreman administrators’ growth as leaders in their locals and in the field.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the grant through the local union training fund, the following conditions must be met:

  • The attendee must be an active UA Member.
  • The attendee must be a UA Foreman Administrator who has completed UA/MCAA Foreman Certification Course 2012 (formerly Course 443). These are UA members who, in addition to completing UA Course 2012, are also responsible for proctoring and maintaining the integrity and security of the UA Foreman Certification Examinations at their local union training center.

    UA Course 2012 is offered annually by the UA Education and Training Department each year at the Instructor Training Program, and is also occasionally available through the UA’s regional training course offerings.

  • The foreman administrator must hold a current UA/MCAA Foreman Certification. If the individual’s foreman certification has recently expired, but they are still actively working as a foreman, they are eligible to recertify. Click HERE for the UA/MCAA Foreman Recertification Form.
  • The attendee must attend all three days of the conference.

How To Apply

Grant requests are now being accepted through the UA ITF’s application system. Applications must be submitted by the local union education fund’s training coordinator. To submit the grant, the training coordinator can follow the below steps.

  • Once you complete the request module (survey, purpose, etc.), a second module for request options will display. Select Add Catalog Items, then scroll down to choose SPEC03 MCAA Field Leaders Grant.
  • Enter in the quantity, and then upload the required form (one form per attendee).
  • Add the item and submit the grant.

Credential Verification & Registration

Once each foreman administrator’s credentials are verified, the ITF will send MCAA account login information to the attendee. It will be the responsibility of the attendee to register with the MCAA and make hotel and travel arrangements.

Attendance Verification & Grant Payment

Following the completion of the MCAA Field Leaders Conference, attendance will be verified, and the grant will be approved. The grant will be made payable to the local union education’s fund.

The total grant per attendee will be $5,500 and includes the conference registration cost of $995.00. The grant is intended to cover 40 hours of wages and all travel related costs to attend the conference. Any unspent funds may be used by the local union education fund for other training program initiatives.

If you have any questions about the grant program, please contact Jocelyn Crowder, Fund Administrator, at JocelynC@uanet.org or 410-269-2000, ext. 4010.

To learn the details of the June 17 – June 19, 2024 conference and register attendees, follow the link below. We look forward to seeing your field leaders in Philadelphia!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

The conference will be offered again November 11 – November 13, 2024 in Atlanta, GA for those who can’t make it in June. Watch the MCAA website and MCAA’s National Update for details as the event gets closer.

Registration is Now Open for MCAA’s First Field Leaders Conference of 2024

June 17 – June 19, 2024 | Philadelphia, PA

June will be here before we know it, and so will MCAA’s first Field Leaders Conference of the year. Those who attend will return with the skills they need to be business- and results-oriented managers focused on growing company profits and brand. Grow your field leaders’ skill set. Register your team today!

Field Leaders Will Learn

  • To view themselves as professionals
  • The importance of the bottom line
  • Why customer relationships matter
  • How to establish tangible goals
  • What’s the “smarter” way to work
  • Their role as the face of your company
  • What it means to be a great foreman

Staying On-Site Adds Networking Time

When they stay at the conference hotel, your field leaders will have extra time to share experiences and listen to others. They will build new relationships that allow them to exchange advice and support long after they leave.

Financial Assistance Opportunities

The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,500 grants for UA/MCAA foreman administrators who attend one of the 2024 MCAA Field Leaders Conferences. These are UA members who have completed the UA Education and Training Department’s Foreman Certification Course 2012 and are responsible for proctoring and maintaining the integrity and security of the UA Foreman Certification Examination at their local union training center. Find additional information about these grants and learn how to apply in this article.

Your Lead Field Personnel Cannot Afford to Miss this Conference!

Don’t delay – register your team for the June conference today! The button below will take you right to the event site for the Philadelphia conference for all of the event details and registration.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

The conference will be offered again November 11 – November 13, 2024 in Atlanta, GA for those who can’t make it to the June conference. Watch the MCAA website and MCAA’s National Update for details as the event gets closer.

Didn’t Make it to the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair at MCAA24? Post Your Entry-Level Job or Internship on the GreatFutures Job Board!

Student chapter members have returned from MCAA24 in Orlando and many are looking to finalize their summer employment plans. Get your position noticed by posting it on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board, which is targeted to student chapter members looking for an internship or their first job upon graduation. These students had an exceptional week at the convention and are eager to join the mechanical contracting industry. Post your job today to gather resumes of interested students.

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship 

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process

Hired an Intern? Submit an Internship Grant 

Already have an intern? Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2024! Part 1 applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2 or more interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit Part 2 for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. 

Part 1:

  • Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
  • Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Part 2:

For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company. Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion.
• Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application