Organization: MCAA

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: 

  1. Ball State University 
  2. Binghamton University 
  3. California State Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 
  4. California State University Chico 
  5. California State University East Bay 
  6. Illinois State University 
  7. Kent State University 
  8. McMaster University 
  9. Oregon State University 
  10. Pittsburgh State University 
  11. Purdue University 
  12. University of Maryland College Park 
  13. University of Missouri Columbia 
  14. University of Nebraska 
  15. 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. 

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 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!

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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!

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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

As We Embrace the Arrival of 2021, MCAA Thanks You For All We’ve Accomplished, Together, in 2020. Take a Look Back at the Highlights!

As we, the MCAA family, look back on 2020 we see a year that has forced us all to change, to adapt and to overcome some of the biggest challenges to face our industry in decades. MCAA with its volunteer leadership, led by President Brian Helm and the rest of the Executive Committee, the MCAA Board of Directors, our contractor members, our manufacturer/supplier members and partners, local affiliates, volunteers who sit on our committees and Foundation and the national staff have taken the COVID-19 challenge head on. Sharing vision, talent and expertise the MCAA family has come together during 2020 to help each other like never before. Together we:

  • Delivered ideas and innovation at the annual MCAA Technology Conference with help from our Technology committee, our title sponsor, Trimble, and our event sponsors: Autodesk, DEWALT and Rhumbix.
  • Partnered with Dodge Data & Analytics to produce the Prefabrication and Modular Construction SmartMarket Report.
  • Hosted a record number of attendees at the 17th MCAA’s Safety Directors’ Conference thanks to the Safety & Health committee, as well as our conference sponsors, CNA and MILWAUKEE TOOL.
  • Launched and led five virtual AEC best practices sessions with the guidance and leadership from the Association Executives Council.
  • Connected with industry improvement fund trustees and local association executives at the Industry Improvement Funds Virtual Seminar thanks to the Industry Improvement Funds Committee.
  • Partnered with the MCA of Northwest Ohio to produce the Field Leaders Conference in Toledo. Special thanks to presenters Greg Fuller, Mark Rogers, Chris Haslinger, John Koontz, Kevin Dougherty and Mark Breslin.
  • Wrapped up classes 75 and 76 of the Institute for Project Management (IPM) with 113 graduates and our 16th Advanced IPM Class (AIPM) with help from the PMEC committee.
  • Added five new courses to the NEI seminars list with our new instructors Greg Fuller and Mark Rogers.
  • Organized, with the guidance from the MSCA Board of Managers, the ongoing Best from MSCA series where MSCA members share novel ideas and innovations.
  • Presented the MSCA’s Sales Reboot virtual program, Strategies for Navigating Change and Elevating Performance in the New Economy with presenter Seth Mattison to over 450 attendees.
  • Transformed the MSCA Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program to a virtual course thanks to the name sponsor, MILWAUKEE TOOL.
  • Held the PCA Virtual Education Series on Plumbing Service hosted by JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service, Inc. which included seven hour-long module and panel discussions with a total of 281 live attendees. Special thanks to the Plumbing Contractors of America Board of Directors, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical and Bradford White for their contributions.
  • Paired 25 seasoned professionals in the mechanical industry with 25 females new to or looking to join the industry in the ongoing WiMI Mentor/Mentee Program with help from the Women in the Mechanical Industry Steering Committee.
  • Introduced the new Preparatory Institute for Project Management (PIPM) as a 12-week online curriculum and congratulated 192 graduates in the first year due to the recommendation and guidance from the Project Managers Education Committee.
  • Hosted the GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program with 333 registered attendees and 17 webinars because of the planning and recommendations from the Career Development Committee.
  • Received 19 submissions for the MCAA Annual Student Chapter Competition which was generously provided by West Chester Mechanical Contractors in Aston, PA.
  • Offered 604 registered members a virtual tour of Modern Companies’ fabrication operations, which uses MSUITE’s FabPro in the MCAA Virtual Fab Mini
  • Launched the Sponsor Spotlight series of interviews as a way for our contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board including their products, relationships with MCAA and what being a member of the M/SC Governing Board means to them. Thanks to our M/SC Governing Board and the MCAA Executive Committee for their participation and time.

In addition to our education programs, MCAA was dedicated to providing more than 500 business resources, COVID-19-related and not, free as a benefit of membership, including:

Thank you to all 55 individuals who donated to the MCAA PAC, including the time our Government Affairs Committee worked tirelessly meeting with countless Congressional and Senate office’s as well as our sister associations and our labor partners at the UA to push our agenda forward. We will continue to be your voice in the nation’s capital! If you would like to donate yourself, please visit the MCAA website.

Thank you for the 52 donations to the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) so we can continue to provide funding to students, faculty and MCAA student chapters. Your donations also mean that JRGF can develop innovative resources to help you work smarter and more efficiently. If you would like to see the full list of those who supported the Foundation from January 1, 2020 – December 21, 2020, or donate yourself, visit the JRGF website.

At our core, MCAA’s mission is to help the industry advance and adapt to change. 2020 has challenged us to do just that. With the constant changes and unknowns this year has brought, MCAA recommits to the core mission – we are committed to supporting you and your business as we grow the industry and overcome challenges together. As we reflect on this past year, we hope that you – our members, our family, find our resources and achievements valuable. We look forward to a new year full of more challenges and opportunities to help you!

What Does the Construction Landscape Look Like in Five Years? Join MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Discover the Innovative Opportunities from Lee Smither.

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from Lee Smither, a principal for FMI’s consulting practice.

Prefabrication, modularization, robotics, autonomous equipment, 4D and 5D design… innovation is around every corner and technology companies have discovered opportunities within the construction industry. This seminar previews what Construction 2.0 looks like and what it means for you and your company. You will learn what our landscape will look like in five years, what innovations are already being used today and what is yet to come.

As a principal for FMI’s consulting practice, Lee helps engineering and construction companies with strategic planning to improve their corporate performance. He specializes in market strategy and consulting, developing and implementing organization-wide change initiatives and other leadership focused engagements. Additionally, he led FMI’s CEO Forum, which hosted the Top 100 leaders from the industry each year in Washington, D.C.

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 Trimble for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

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