The MSCA Everyday Hero Award was established to honor employees from MSCA member companies who selflessly dedicate their time and skills to helping others. These extraordinary individuals make a meaningful impact on their communities, lending their support purely out of compassion and kindness, without seeking recognition or compensation. Each year, the award celebrates the remarkable efforts of these unsung heroes, highlighting the values of generosity, dedication, and selflessness that inspire us all.
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PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
2024
Angie Simon, President and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, has spent her career uplifting others and building a stronger future for the skilled trades. A true leader and advocate, Angie has gone above and beyond to support and inspire the next generation of talent in our industry. Her passion for education, mentorship, and workforce development has opened doors for countless young people, helping them discover rewarding careers in the trades. In celebration of the Everyday Hero Award’s 10-year anniversary, MSCA and ServiceTrade are honored to recognize Angie for her extraordinary contributions, unwavering commitment, and lasting impact. She is the embodiment of what it means to be an Everyday Hero.
2023
Will Kruse, Service Manager at L.J. Kruse Company, has dedicated much of his life to protecting animals and promoting their welfare. His journey began as a child volunteering at the Berkeley Humane Society, a no-kill shelter that has served the community for over 125 years. Before beginning his apprenticeship with Local 342, Will worked training guide dogs for the blind—a role he found deeply meaningful. Today, he continues his mission by bringing shelter dogs into the office each Thursday to help socialize them for adoption. The program has not only helped many dogs find loving homes, but has also created a culture of compassion within the workplace. Under Will’s leadership, the company now donates $3 for every service call to the Berkeley Humane Society, with a goal of contributing $15,000 this year. Will’s selflessness, dedication, and love for animals make him a true Everyday Hero.
2022
Don Pardew, a Facility Engineer with P1 Facility Maintenance and Operations Division in Lenexa, Kansas, has turned personal hardship into a powerful mission of compassion. Believing that everyone has a name and a story, Don founded “I HAVE A NAME,” a street ministry dedicated to supporting the homeless by learning what they need—whether it’s shoes, coats, heaters, tents, or simply someone to listen—and delivering it with dignity and care. Driven by empathy and a deep sense of purpose, Don connects with individuals often overlooked and reminds us all of the humanity we share. His humility, dedication, and unwavering commitment to lifting others up make him a shining example of what it means to be an Everyday Hero.
2021
Amidst the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, our industry witnessed remarkable displays of resilience and compassion. Departing from tradition, the Everyday Hero Award honored all nominees, celebrating their unwavering commitment to their communities and the difference they made during an unprecedented time.
Honorees:
Kevin Armistead – Armistead Mechanical, Waldwick, NJ
Melissa Feiler – UMC, Inc., Mukilteo, WA
Greg Gyorda – Watts Water Technologies, North Andover, MA
Harry Harris – Enginuity LLC, Mechanicsburg, PA
Kim Keith – Enginuity LLC, Mechanicsburg, PA
Lure Martrano – Enginuity LLC, Mechanicsburg, PA
Everett Washington – The Waldinger Corporation, Madison, WI
2020
In the face of a global pandemic, our members stepped up in extraordinary ways. Though the MSCA conference was cancelled, we received 19 nominations recognizing acts of kindness, courage, and sacrifice. Each nominee was honored with a certificate and gift card, reminding us that even in the hardest times, Everyday Heroes rise to the occasion.
2019
Michelle Collier, Office Manager at Warwick Mechanical Group in Newport News, VA, dedicates much of her time and energy to helping others in need. Every Wednesday evening, she serves meals to the homeless through All Nations Church, and she volunteers with Butterfly House—a faith-based organization that supports minor girls rescued from sex trafficking. Last year, Michelle traveled to North Carolina to help rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Florence, working tirelessly in difficult conditions to restore hope for others. Whether she’s lending a hand in disaster recovery or supporting her team at work, Michelle leads with empathy, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Her selfless spirit and strong work ethic inspire everyone around her, making her a true Everyday Hero.
2018
Ted Stutz, Director of Quality Control for Emcor Services/MESA Energy Systems in Irvine, CA, is a quiet force of generosity and compassion in his community. As an active board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Orange County, Ted dedicates his time to fundraising, committee work, and advocacy. Each holiday season, he leads the Salvation Army’s Little Angels gift drive, collecting gifts for over 100 families and children in need. Ted also volunteers as a coach for Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball—despite not having children on the teams. Over the years, Ted and his wife Rhonda have opened their home to countless friends and family members, at one point housing eleven people under one roof. For the past ten years, they’ve served as legal guardians for their niece and nephew, raising them with love and stability. Humble and kind, Ted gives back without ever seeking recognition—making him the embodiment of an Everyday Hero.
2017
Stuart “Skip” Smith, a dedicated service technician with Enginuity in Mechanicsburg, PA, has spent more than two decades opening his heart and home to children in need. Alongside his wife Peggy, Skip has fostered numerous children, all with special needs and difficult backgrounds. They have adopted four of these children, with two more adoptions in progress, and are currently raising six foster kids—ranging in age from a newborn to teenagers. Despite the demands of parenting and the emotional challenges of foster care, Skip brings a relentlessly positive attitude to both his home and workplace. A devoted father and a respected colleague, Skip serves as a role model to his children and coworkers alike. His unwavering dedication, compassion, and joyful spirit truly embody the essence of an Everyday Hero.
2016
Renna Schafler, ERS Projects Coordinator with Bruner Corporation in Hilliard, OH, has spent decades quietly making a powerful impact in her community. She has volunteered more than 2,500 hours with Suicide Prevention Services, making her the organization’s longest-serving volunteer and a trainer to hundreds of new recruits. Renna has organized blood drives, donated 60 pints over 30 years, and encouraged coworkers to support local tutoring programs—where she’s also a dedicated tutor herself. She donates time to hospice patients, supports the homeless through “Taking it to the Streets,” participates in Race for the Cure, and has raised over $1,200 for cancer research. From organizing drives for military personnel and families in need, to volunteering with her church, United Way, the PTA, and the Heat’s On program, Renna’s boundless energy, compassion, and positivity leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets. No matter the task, she always shows up with a smile—truly embodying the heart of an Everyday Hero.
2015
George Warren of BPI Mechanical in Capital Heights, MD, turned his passion for helping others into a lifelong mission. As co-founder of Kingdom Investors, a nonprofit he started with his wife Donna, George directs 100% of donations to vital causes, from local youth recovery programs to global efforts combating human trafficking. His humility, compassion, and hands-on involvement inspire everyone around him and truly define what it means to be an Everyday Hero.
2014
David Schwersensky, a service plumber with A.O. Reed in San Diego, exemplifies compassion and dedication in every aspect of his life. Alongside his wife Kristen, he opened their home to three foster children in need, all while raising three children of their own, including one with significant medical needs. Known for his positive attitude and professionalism, David’s unwavering support for others—both at work and at home—makes him a true Everyday Hero.