Category: Uncategorized

Martin Mechanical Inc. Reimagines Labor Scheduling, Improves Efficiency With LaborChart

Upgrading from Excel to LaborChart for labor scheduling proved to be an ideal solution for Martin Mechanical Inc., streamlining communication and making life easier for the whole staff. With LaborChart, “all the information is in one place and it’s easier to navigate. This helps everybody in our company,” said Seth Rogers, project manager and manpower supervisor for the Kansas City, MO, contractor.

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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

Baker Group Shows Support for National Guard and Reserve

Baker Group Chairman and CEO B.J. Baker, III signed an Employer Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve (ESSNGR). The June 14, 2021 signing was part of an event highlighting Baker Group’s continued commitment to supporting employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve. The company is an MCAA member.

B.J. Baker was joined by members of the Iowa office of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee. In signing the pledge, Baker Group unites with employers from across the country to affirm:

  • We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
  • We will provide our leadership team the tools necessary to effectively manage our employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
  • We appreciate the unique combination of values, leadership, and skills service members bring to Baker Group.
  • We will continue to actively recruit Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
  • We will provide continued support to service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“Our National Guard and Reserve forces are vital to our national security, whether on the battlefield half a world away, or in responding to a national disaster right here in the United States,” Baker says. “As an employer of several Guard and Reserve members, we are proud to provide them stability and flexibility to help balance their work and their commitment to serve. Baker Group is more than willing to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure these valuable employees are able to carry out their missions and responsibilities quickly and effectively when duty calls.”

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,300 volunteers in 54 committees. In its more than 45 years of service, ESGR has been responsible for trying to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

“Baker Group has a long history of supporting members of our military, whether they are active duty, reserve or veterans,” Baker says. “We are humbled by their sacrifice and proudly recruit them as they transition out of active duty or seek a supportive employer as they continue Guard and Reserve service.”

MCAA applauds Baker Group’s commitment to supporting employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.

Find the Latest from Charlotte Pipe & Foundry and eVolveMEP 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.

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eVolveMEP
eVolveMEP is the Southeast’s premier Autodesk software reseller, providing design technology planning, training, mentoring, and solutions to help clients improve project performance and workflows.

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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

Havtech, MacMiller Better Connect With Customers Through XOi Technologies

Havtech and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions (MacMiller) are among those MCAA members using XOi Technologies to capture facilities information that helps them improve service and better communicate with clients. In a highly competitive market, video documentation helps them get client approval quickly, demonstrate that work is completed, and bring technicians up to speed quickly before they go onsite to provide service., and versatility are critical when making purchases.

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

Sponsor Spotlight 22 Welcomes Wayne Garrett from Carrier Corporation

In the 22nd episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Bob Bolton, MCAA’s President-Elect is joined by Wayne Garrett, Managing Director, NA Applied Equipment for Carrier Corporation. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Wayne Garrett comes to Carrier with over 27 years of industry experience in commercial equipment and control sales.  As Managing Director of NA Applied Systems he has P&L responsibility for all commercial equipment business including production factories in both Charlotte, NC. and Monterrey, MX.  In this role he oversees Applied equipment sales through all distribution channels as well as managing Carrier’s national accounts and global export business. Prior to joining Carrier, Wayne held various branch, regional, and corporate leadership roles within the industry.  He has led key marketing initiatives for healthy buildings and indoor air quality (IAQ), central plant optimization, optimized building wide systems’ platforms, and software as a service (SaaS) offerings. Wayne earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and holds a Master of Science, M.S.M. degree in management from Colorado Technical University. 

Connect With the Latest Training from Johnson Controls, Inc. and MIFAB, Inc. 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:

Johnson Controls, Inc.
For training services tailored to your specific needs, explore Johnson Controls courses and programs for all your HVAC Controls and Equipment, Fire Systems, and Security. From hands-on to CEU coursework, our comprehensive programs are designed to provide current industry knowledge about today’s connected building environments.

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MIFAB, Inc.
Have you seen MIFAB’s Video Library? We have over 25 videos – from our Quick Hub Couplings to our MR-500 Trap Seal Primer and more! We are continuously updating our video content. Check it out!

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Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

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Let’s Build A More Joyful Culture

Shola Richards

As time together at the MSCA Conference winds to a close, Shola Richards will take you on an insightful journey as he shares a refreshingly practical playbook to build and sustain a joyful workplace culture. You will learn actionable strategies to transform your work culture, amplify team civility, and inspire yourselves and others to consistently bring their best to their work.

Ten years ago, Shola was within seconds of ending his life when he uncovered a power within himself. That experience became the catalyst for his Go Together Movement – a transformational roadmap of mindset, behaviors, and tools that transform workplace cultures and drive results. Leveraging his personal experience and the Go Together framework, he is certain to help your organization build compassion, competence, and accountability in the workplace and, with sustainable and joyful peak productivity, engagement, and satisfaction becoming the new norm.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
October 14 – 17 | Scottsdale, AZ

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and Lochinvar, LLC 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:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
Smith’s patented cloverleaf-style trap primer distribution unit simply and effectively distributes water among up to four traps. A variety of outlet types are available, and our push-in fittings are a great labor saver—simply push the pipe into the fitting to complete the connection! Visit us online to learn more.

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Lochinvar, LLC
Lochinvar, a leading manufacturer of high efficiency boilers, water heaters, pool heaters and sustainable options offers space and water heating solutions for virtually any application.

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

Insights from Ridge Tool Company on Stocking Your Truck With the Right Gear to Get the Job Done

With technology changing at a rapid pace, adding new tools to your truck can provide a quick productivity boost. Keep in mind that a tool’s weight, size, overall portability, and versatility are critical when making purchases.

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

Recruit Top Talent & Apply for MCAA Internship Grants Today!

In keeping with its commitment to funding the mechanical contracting industry’s most critical human resource needs, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) underwrites many of the activities of the MCAA Career Development Initiative. Chief among these is an internship program that allows MCAA members to identify and evaluate potential full-time hires for their companies.  

Through a structured internship program, MCAA enables its members to recruit talented students, giving members a flexible, cost-effective labor force without a long-term commitment. And, because students who work for MCAA member companies tend to remain in the mechanical contracting industry, each one captured is another step toward ensuring the industry’s human resource needs are met.  

Each MCAA member company can submit up to two internship grant applications per year. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will send a $500 Visa Gift Card to the member company so it can present the Gift Card to the student at the start of their internship. MCAA will follow-up with each company and intern to ensure the process and overall internship was successful.

Please read Building a Successful Internship Program before applying for an internship grant. 

APPLY NOW

Learn to Be Your Best

Come together at this year’s MSCA Conference for a motivating and entertaining general session that will help you be your best when it matters most. Kevin Brown, author of The HERO Effect, will show you how to achieve greater results by eliminating “ordinary” thinking and mastering the habit of excellence. Own the moments that matter (and they all matter) by taking responsibility for your attitude, actions, and results and creating meaningful relationships that deliver an extraordinary experience for every “customer,” both at work and at home. This program delivers actionable ideas that every leader can implement immediately to begin creating a culture of excellence at every level in their organization.

During this session, MSCA will present the Everyday Hero Award to one of our industry’s unsung heroes. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about one of your peers who does extraordinary things every day, simply out of the kindness of their heart. If this sounds like someone you know, there’s still time to nominate them for the award. Nominations are due by August 1, 2021.

NOMINATION FORM

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
October 14 – 17 | Scottsdale, AZ

Milwaukee Valve Pros Explain How to Check Your Check Valves

Depending on the application, check valves can get a bad rap. They are blamed for problems such as water hammer, vibration, reverse flow, leakage, or component wear and damage—all of which are harmful to downstream systems. However, the real cause of these problems usually stems from poor sizing and inadequate selection of the check valve for the application.

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

Connect With the Latest Training from SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. and FastEST, Inc. 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:

SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
Looking to tune up your evaporative cooling knowledge? SPX Marley Contractor Resources include live and on-demand webinars, School of Cool® training, installation videos and more. Check it out.

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FastEST, Inc.
Included with every purchase or lease, FastEST Estimating Software provides online training with one of our experienced team members. Our customer service team is available 24/7 for training and any support you may need! For those who are wanting a more in-depth and hands on training experience, we are hopeful that by mid-year we will start our regional training classes back up. In the meantime please visit our website and the help section of our program for tutorial videos.

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 Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and GTP Services, LLC 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:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
Water hammer arresters control the destructive forces, pounding noises and vibration which develop in a piping system when a column of non-compressible liquid flowing through a pipe line is stopped abruptly. Smith’s piston type water hammer can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They are made from lead free copper and rated for 60 PSI.

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GTP Services, LLC
STRATUS, the premiere Virtual Design and Construction Productivity software solution for MEP Contractors, takes you beyond the model. Elevate your technology capabilities in the shop and field. Empower your team with information. Encourage more communication and engagement.

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 Report Shows MCAA Members Lead in Technology Innovation, Lag in IT Budgeting

A new report provides MCAA members with a mechanical industry specific look at how MCAA members are using construction technology. The report, developed by JBKnowledge, is based on the 2020 Construction Technology Report released in March.

The 2020 Construction Technology Report provides an in-depth analysis of how the industry approaches technology based on thousands of responses from those in all areas of the construction industry, including MCAA members.

The new 2020 Supplementary Report for MCAA Members narrows the focus to MCAA members, comparing MCAA member responses with the rest of the construction industry.

In many ways, MCAA members are leading the rest of the industry in technology innovations. This can be seen in the use of fabrication and mobile devices, and the integration of construction apps and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Technology implementation and coordination have given many MCAA members a chance to take a leading role in the coordination and design of projects.

One area of that mechanical and plumbing contractors could use more help on is information technology (IT) budgeting. Compared to the rest of the industry, MCAA members tend to bill IT expenditures directly to jobs less often. They also require a greater budgetary commitment for their crucial IT workflows to positively impact productivity.

Both reports can be downloaded by MCAA members for free:

MCAA Supplementary Report

2020 JBKnowledge Construction Technology Report

Questions about either report, or anything else related to the Construction Technology Initiative, can be directed to Sean McGuire.

Lexington Plumbing Locks In Savings, Energy Efficiency With Lochinvar Systems

To provide an energy-efficient system for a Kansas county jail, Lexington Plumbing employed Lochinvar’s exclusive SMART SYSTEM interface to simplify installation and operation of two new Lochinvar ARMOR water heaters. “We consistently recommend Lochinvar equipment because of their constant innovations and technologically advanced systems,” said Don Lawhon of Lexington Plumbing.

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

Sponsor Spotlight 21 Welcomes Mark Marini from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®

In the 21st episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA’s Vice President/Assistant Treasurer welcomes Mark Marini, VP – Morris Group International for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Mark Marini is Morris Group International, Inc. (MGI) Group Vice President since June 2020. Don Morris CEO of (MGI) elevated Mark to his VP role, to blend the resources of the various MGI companies into a cohesive suite of plumbing and fire protection product solutions. Working closely with Jay R Smith Mfg. Inc. we strive to have best in class inventories closest to our customers as well as true manufacturing at our Montgomery, AL facility reducing lead times and controlling quality.  Mark joined Morris Group International, Inc. in 2018 as Director of Sales and Marketing for Chronomite Laboratories, Inc. Prior to joining Morris Group International Inc., Mark worked for Zurn Industries starting in 2000. While at Zurn he worked in various sales roles to include; National Sales Manager for Specification Drains, Director of Contractor Sales, and prior to his departure in 2018 he was Director of Sales. Mark has been active in MCAA since 2008 and enjoys adding value for Contractor partners. Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Penn State University.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video & Accompanying Materials

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video and its materials. Damaged and defective materials handling equipment can be hazardous. Protect your workers by ensuring they receive proper training with these resources.

The video includes:

  • Tips for pre-use inspections
  • Specific recommendations for inspecting jacks, forklifts and other types of lifts, hoists, cranes, and rigging equipment

The video comes with a pocket guide that highlights key training points, a training documentation sheet, a 20-question multiple choice test, and a test answer key.

Download the Video and Accompanying Materials

Video | Video – Spanish | Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

You Might Also Like These Resources

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

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

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

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

Here’s where we’ll meet:

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

Here’s what you’ll get to do:

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

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

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

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

Mask Mandates Are Falling – What Are Employers To Do?

On May 13, 2021 the CDC unexpectedly recommended that, with limited exceptions, fully vaccinated individuals can resume all indoor and outdoor activities without wearing masks or social distancing, except where required by law or workplace guidance. In response to the confusion created by differing State and Federal guidelines, Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C. has prepared an overview for employers so they can create policies for addressing the vaccination status of their employees.