Archives: News Items

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Taking The First Step Into the Unknown

A Notre Dame graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Anne Finerfrock was unsure which direction she wanted to take her career in. She knew she did not want to sit behind a desk but had no answers to an important question: is that a viable career option? Fortunately, Anne spent time at a career fair and began a conversation with a mechanical contracting company. Investing her time to seek out answers resulted in an internship at this company and her first step into the industry.

Anne speaks highly of the endless opportunities provided to individuals in a similar position, “The advantage of working for a mechanical contractor versus a large GC is that you really get involved in all aspects of the project.” Now a Project Manager at W.E. Bowers, Anne credits the MCAA GreatFutures program for providing opportunities to explore career options and internship possibilities that offer 8 to 10 weeks of first-hand experience.

Kayley Wright, Mass Maritime Student Joins Corporate Mechanical of New England for 2021 Winter Internship

One of the most important elements of an internship is integrating classroom knowledge with practical application and skill development. Kayley Wright, Mass Maritime student recently participated in this important learning process as she interned with Corporate Mechanical of New England, LLC, an Arden Building Company.

We recently asked Kayley about her major, her interests, and her experience at Corporate Mechanical.

“I chose to study Energy Systems Engineering, specifically at Mass Maritime, because I knew I would get a lot of hands-on experience, which is my favorite aspect of engineering. I have always enjoyed tracing out different systems within a larger facility and finding out what purpose each small part serves. My major also emphasizes design, so when I saw that Corporate Mechanical of New England (CMNE) uses Autodesk Revit, a building information modeling (BIM) software, I was very intrigued” she excitedly explained.

Kayley continued on to share what a great experience her time with CMNE has been. “I have had the opportunity to visit multiple job sites and experience first-hand, alongside project managers, the day-to-day problem solving required, which is very interesting. Another part of engineering I enjoy is finding a problem and creating a solution. Not only have I been working on the project management side of the company, but I have also done some work in estimating, doing take-offs and budgets for different projects. I now have a better understanding of HVAC and all the components within a system. Overall, it’s been a great experience.”

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today. Find student chapter members like Kayley by visiting MCAAGreatFutures.org, where members have access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

The Results Are In From the First Round of MCAA’s 2020-2021 Student Chapter Competition. Congratulations to Our Final Four Teams!

MCAA’s Career Development Committee would like to thank all 19 student chapters that participated in MCAA’s 2020-2021 Student Chapter Competition. MCAA congratulates the four chapter finalists: Farleigh Dickinson University, Kansas State University, Missouri State University, and Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus.

MCAA’s 2020-2021 Student Chapter Competition project required student chapters to act as the prime contractor on the renovation project to the historic University of Pennsylvania Museum. The Career Development Committee extends its sincere appreciation to MCAA Past President, Mark Rogers, and MCAA Career Development Committee member, Ted McHugh, both of West Chester Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for arranging the use of this project and providing the information and accompanying technical drawings.

This year’s project was challenging in itself and many student chapters had the additional unforeseen challenge of having to work and collaborate on their proposal from afar, with strict COVID-19 restrictions in place limiting team gatherings. Thank you to all MCAA student chapters who worked extra hard to submit a bid this year:

Ball State University
Binghamton University
California State Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State University Chico
California State University East Bay
Illinois State University
Kent State University
McMaster University
Oregon State University
Pittsburgh State University
Purdue University
University of Maryland College Park
University of Missouri Columbia
University of Nebraska
University of Southern California

Technology Is Changing the Way You Do Business. Software Developer and Construction Technology Expert Brett Young Will Teach You How to Adapt. Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference Today

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from Brett Young, a software developer and construction technology expert.

Technology is a double-edged sword. It can enable a business to grow or create severe detrimental external competitive pressures. In this seminar, “Next-Gen Business Practices – Future Proofing the Mechanical Contractor” you will explore global architecture, engineering and construction industry technology trends against a backdrop that assumes the role of the mechanical contractor will be changing in the years to come. You will learn how to adapt to new business realities that defragment our industry, how to increase productivity and change business models, and how to future-proof the role of the mechanical contractor in the AEC business.

Brett Young is CTO and co-founder at M2x.ai and a recognized thought leader in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. His work focuses on the use of video game technology to democratize, expand and deepen software development for building information modeling (BIM).

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!

Thank you  Sloan for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

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How Does Culture and Change Lead to Unprecedented Growth? Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Learn from Steve Richman and Brian Helm.

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you have the opportunity to join a conversation between Steve Richman, MILWAUKEE TOOL Group President, and Brian Helm, MCAA President, as they discuss Milwaukee Tools’ business adventure.

The session “Culture and Change” will put you in Steve Richman’s shoes and guide you through his difficult transition and how he positioned the company for a decade of unprecedented growth. Steve and Brian will discuss details about this journey, the change that was required, and the unique culture that Steve helped build within the MILWAUKEE® leadership team.

Steve was appointed Group President of MILWAUKEE TOOL in January 2007, and is responsible for Milwaukee’s Power Tool, Hand Tool, Accessory and Empire divisions. He oversees Global Product Development, Manufacturing and Operations for each division, as well as MILWAUKEE® Sales in North and South America. He has over 25 years of experience in the management of industrial, electrical, plumbing and retail distribution channels. Since he joined the MILWAUKEE® team in 2007 MILWAUKEE® has experienced a complete transformation under his leadership.

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Thank you MILWAUKEE TOOL for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

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Meet Jeff Drees, Executive Vice President, Daikin Applied Americas, in MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight Episode 9

In the ninth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Tim Brink, MCAA CEO connects with Jeff Drees, Executive Vice President, Sales, Service, Aftermarket, Marketing for Daikin Applied Americas. 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.

Jeff Drees has been the EVP of Daikin Applied Americas since April 2020. Prior to joining Daikin, Jeff held CEO positions in private equity. Prior to his private equity roles, Jeff held key leadership roles as President and Officer for Flowserve Corporation as well as working for Schneider Electric as President of the US organization and EVP of Professional Services. Jeff is a 1991 graduate of Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Electronic Engineering and received his MBA from Aurora University with an Executive Development program at Insead.

Recorded: Friday, January 22, 2021

Have You Registered for the 2021 MCAA Virtual Education Conference, March 22-25?

MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference (VEC) is not just another meeting, but an opportunity to network with your MCAA peers, participate in a variety of interactive education seminars, see the latest and greatest in the two-day virtual exhibit and watch the next generation compete in our annual student chapter competition.

By registering to attend the VEC, you will have at your fingertips the knowledge of industry experts who will guide you through the ins and outs of managing your business, stories of triumph in overcoming difficult times and a pointer or two on how to stay up-to-date on the industry’s leading technology.

Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration).

Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!

REGISTER NOW

Sponsor Spotlight 19 Welcomes Brandon Jackson from Johnson Controls

In the nineteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, MCAA’s CEO, Timothy Brink welcomes Johnson Controls’ General Manager – HVAC, Fire and Security for Texas Area, Brandon Jackson. 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.

At Johnson Controls, they transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, their mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Their company values include integrity-first, customer-driven, purpose-led, future-focused and ONE team.

Connectivity on the Jobsite is Absolutely Critical. Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Discuss the Various Options with James Benham.

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will stay connected with James Benham, the CEO of JBKnowledge.

In a hyper-connected world, the ability to get connectivity to the jobsite is absolutely critical. “5G Platforms: Connectivity of the Future” will discuss the different options that contractors have for connectivity. All the best apps in the world won’t help your company if they can’t connect, so register and join the discussion! You will learn the options for jobsite connectivity, including 5G and 4G networks, satellite solutions, traditional wire-line solutions, as well as challenges and solutions for bandwidth between devices inside the site.

James is CEO of JB Knowledge, a premier provider of technology solutions for the construction and insurance industries. The company is a seven-time recipient of the Aggie 100 award, a six-time Newman 10 recipient and was recently named to the LSU One Hundred for the second time.

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!

REGISTER NOW

Sponsor Spotlight 7 Welcomes Andrew Windsor, Senior Vice President, Sales for Watts Water Technologies

In the seventh episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA Co-Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Andrew Windsor, Senior Vice President, Sales for Watts Water Technologies. 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.

Andrew Windsor joined Watts Water Technologies in 2014 with more than 10 years of experience building and managing world-class sales organizations. In 2016, he was named Senior Vice President, Sales and currently is responsible for Watts sales in the Americas. Andrew previously served as Vice President, Wholesale Sales and, more recently, as Vice President of Sales-Americas, responsible for developing and executing our sales strategy in the Wholesale, Retail, OEM, and Industrial channels.

Recorded: Friday, January 8