WiMI Minute – Meet the Women of WiMI: Renee Fiorelli
This month we feature Renee Fiorelli, President of Peterson Service Company and MSCA board member.
Archives: News Items
re-INSPIRE: Sustaining Growth Through Transformation at MSCA19
Join us at MSCA19 in Colorado Springs, CO from October 13-16, 2020. CEO of global consultancy ChangeLabs™ and popular presenter at past MSCA conferences, Peter Sheahan is internationally known for his innovative business thinking and thought leadership. He will help the audience re-INSPIRE themselves to grow in this every changing industry.
In an engaging, case study-rich presentation, Peter will help participants understand how to lead their organization in a rapidly changing and competitive environment, navigate the growing regulatory and disruptor challenges that put pressure on operations, and align behind a strategic vision to find opportunity. During his presentation, Peter will use real-world examples of individuals who have been able to move towards the edge of disruption and transform their teams and organizations by: telling themselves the truth and taking ownership for the changes in their industry, focusing on impact by unleashing a burning aspiration to innovate, and aligning on a shared vision of inspiration and growth.
2019 MSCA Sales Leadership Symposium – Coming to the East Coast!
Due to popular demand, MSCA is holding a second Sales Leadership Symposium on September 17 – 18, 2019! Taught by in-the-field industry experts, the Sales Leadership Symposium will teach sales leaders how to drive revenue growth and enhance profitability through a structured sales approach. Attendees will take home innovative ideas, crucial skills and the invaluable SALES LEADERSHIP TOOL KIT, which includes over 90 pages of resources to be an effective sales leader in the HVACR/Plumbing industry
The Toolkit Covers Topics Including:
- HIRING
- ONBOARDING
- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- SCORECARDS
- COACHING
- CUSTOMER CARE
- NAVIGATING THE MSCA LIBRARY OF RESOURCES
WiMI Has Arrived!
The first annual Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference was held on June 24 – 26 in Chicago, Illinois. The conference was a huge success with over 160 women leaders from member companies in attendance. Mandi Wilkins, the Executive Vice President of MCA of Las Vegas, exclaimed the conference was “akin to two days of TED talks just for women. A lot of important education and reminders for us busy ladies. I can’t wait until next year’s conference, even though I am not sure how you will top this.”
Attendees were welcomed the first night by WiMI Chair Kori Gormley-Huppert and MCAA President Brian Helm. The opening session featured a captivating presentation by Col. Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.), the first female pilot to fly with the Air Force Thunderbird aerial demonstration team. She provided a fascinating narrative of exactly what it took to be a woman vanguard and break tradition. Nicole offered actionable tools and real-world lessons about pursuing her dream and making choices; all while building a family and achieving success in a career where few women had gone before.
Tuesday morning featured Stacey Hanke, author of “Influence Redefined,” who presented a thought-provoking session on her powerful Influence Model, a step-by-step method for improving communication and producing the ideal type of influence—one that moves people to action long after an interaction is over.
Tuesday afternoon, attendees had the choice of various roundtable discussions on topics of particular interest to them. Topics included Work/Life Balance; Working in a Family Owned Business; Technology; Advancing Your Career; Leadership Strategies; Working in a Male Dominated Industry and Benefits of WiMI. The day ended with an enlightening panel discussion on recruiting and retaining women in the mechanical and HVAC industry moderated by Jon Finch, VP of Training at MILWAUKEE TOOL, and a panel of diverse women from the industry.
A special thanks to all our supporters who contributed to the conference, and MCA of Chicago for hosting a special attendee event Tuesday night at Joe’s Live. Attendees took advantage throughout the entire conference networking and making new connections. Marie Patterson, a professor at Chico State University, said WiMI and the conference gives “the opportunity for women to help support each other; and it is important to engage and empower those younger to continue to strive for their goals in the industry.”
Networking expert, J. Kelly Hoey closed out the conference sharing unique opportunities in creating proactive and focused networks, and how to leverage the connections they made during the week after the WiMI Conference.
SAVE THE DATE! The second annual Women in the Mechanical Industry Conference is scheduled for June 15-17, 2020 in Austin, Texas!
Neptune Plumbing Presidents Adam and Michael Wallenstein Win Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award
Congratulations to Adam and Michael Wallenstein at Neptune Plumbing, who received the Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award in the East Central. Considered to be one of the most prestigious business recognitions for entrepreneurs, the award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses. “This award is a huge honor for us. We’re an industry that is often considered ‘stagnant,’ and to receive recognition for our growth and innovation is a great accolade,” said Neptune President and MSCA board member, Adam Wallenstein.
Download Your New Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide Today!
The full-featured digital version of our Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide enhances the look and feel of our directory with digital-only benefits to help you:
- Network on the go with linked email addresses.
- Connect with the companies, products and services that interest you using linked web addresses.
- Get where you’re going…fast…with bookmarks and a linked table of contents.
- Find advertisers instantly with a linked advertiser index.
MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide is free as a member benefit. Printed directories are in the mail and will arrive to members within the next two weeks.
Have updates? Please share! Contact Jan Grillo for assistance.
reDISCOVER Best Practices at MSCA19
The Peer Group Forums at MSCA19, October 13-16, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO, will give attendees the opportunity to talk about topics of interest and concern within the HVACR and plumbing industry. This collaborative environment is a valuable way to rediscover best practices with peers and leaders in the field, providing invaluable knowledge and resources to help advance their business.
This year’s sessions hit on relevant industry needs such as recruiting and retaining the best employees as the company continues to grow. The new reality of workplace needs and how to retain staff through employee engagement and culture. Reconceptualize concepts and ideas for empowering your techs. Attendees will listen to sales insights as well as trends and best practices in automation and renewals.
Wednesday’s Peer Group Forum will be broken down by company size to ensure relatable and relevant discussion based on the 2019 MSCA benchmark survey.
MSCA Member Companies Are Recognized for Being at the Top of Their Game
Two MSCA member companies, Atomatic Mechanical Services of Arlington Heights, IL, and Wiegmann Associates of St. Charles, MO, were recognized by Contracting Business as commercial HVAC contracting firms who are consistently at the top of their game.
There are common threads that connect them, but each firm has methods and processes that make them unique.
Each of these excellent contractors has devoted time and attention to internal processes, training and communication, and building a culture of respect for all team members.
Atomatic has yearly “themes,” introduced by president/CEO Steve Stachorek, PE. These are used to help them work on specific attitudes that are so critical to effective cultures. “For 2019, our theme is “Choose Positive,” he said.
“One of our key values is teamwork,” said Jim Bartolotta, Past MSCA Chair and Executive Vice President for Atomatic, “and it is embedded in our culture, not just words on a wall.”
Then, most importantly, each of these contracting businesses exists to provide long-lasting employment and career development for employees.
And then, of course, we can’t omit training, which is synonymous with “the future.” Wiegmann follows union training programs and also has weekly training sessions. Atomatic uses a Culture Index to survey employees on workplace issues towards increasing the professional and personal growth of its employees.
Each firm will be offered a seat on the Contracting Business editorial advisory board, and receive a commemorative piece for the trophy cabinet.
Congratulations to these Commercial HVAC Contractors of Excellence!
Ready, Redeploy and Respond with Colonel (Ret.) Tom Magness at MSCA19
Leaders charged with building and maintaining high performance teams have a unique challenge to keep the well-oiled machine communicating, creating and achieving. To achieve and sustain this level of performance from both the team and the leader, Colonel (Ret.) Tom Magness, embraces the notion that daily training builds confidence and competence, while providing essential skills and knowledge—resulting in readiness.
Join us October 13-16, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO for the MSCA19 Education Conference. This special bonus session will be led by Colonel Magness on Sunday, October 13, prior to the start of MSCA19, and will help you gain a better understanding and elevate your organization’s purpose resulting in a common shared vision of success or end-state. The session will draw on examples from military, sports and corporate America to highlight the value and best practices in communicating leader’s intent and how two-way communication develops ownership of the mission as well as future team empowerment. Discussion will also focus on the significance of early leader development and how to motivate developing leaders. Participants engage in hands-on practical exercises, small group discussion and lively dialogue spotlighting critical issues identified by the client hoping to elevate their teams to this level.
Registration for MSCA Field Supervisors Training is Now Open
The 2019 Field Supervisors Training is scheduled for October 29-30, 2019 in Seattle, WA. This is an intensive two-day training program designed to give your service field supervisors (and your company) an edge in today’s tough market.
Focusing on training and improving the performance of service field supervisors, this program uses proven methods that will advance skills in leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivational techniques, all of which will give the field supervisor an edge and the confidence to deal with the workplace challenges of today. The program covers a wide range of topics relevant to the needs of field supervisors, including transition to management, mentoring, delegation, the eight core values of a successful supervisor.
This is one of the most popular courses that MSCA offers and it fills up fast!
REFLECT with Mercedes Ramirez Johnson at MSCA19!
In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents.
As one of only four survivors of this tragedy, she vowed that she would make her second chance at life count. Mercedes will share her story and her message with all of us at the MSCA19 education conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, October 13-16, 2019.
Many people feel so overwhelmed by daily pressures and obligations that they find themselves in survival mode, pushing today’s concerns off to tomorrow. Mercedes will move the audience to put their challenges in perspective and carefully consider how the choices they make will profoundly affect their future. Through her gripping, poignant, yet humorous account of her plane crash and long-fought recovery, Mercedes proves that everyone can achieve their dreams.
Mercedes, along with Kip Bagley, MSCA Chair, will also participate in the presentation of the sixth annual MSCA Everyday Hero Award that recognizes an individual in our industry for their selfless contributions to their community. Don’t miss your chance to nominate those in your company who you believe are deserving of this honor.
THE EARLY BIRD MEMBER RATE ENDS JULY 12.
MSCA Partners with the Convoy of Hope for Tenth Year
MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope since 2010 to deliver supplies to families in need who live in cities where the association holds its annual conference. This partnership has resulted in the donation of over HALF A MILLION DOLLARS in food, goods, labor, and equipment that benefit individuals and families nationwide.
At this year’s MSCA19 educational conference, members will perform various activities at the Springs Rescue Mission. Springs Rescue Mission was Convoy of Hope’s local charity of choice at MSCA 2011 and MSCA 2015, and was selected again this year due to their growing impact on their community. Their services include providing critically needed food, clothing, and household supplies to the homeless and struggling families as well as culinary arts and addiction recovery programs and life skills training.
Please help us to reach our monetary donation goal of $50,000 to fund our Convoy activities at MSCA19, which will be held October 13—16, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO.
FINISH MSCA19 with Jon Acuff!
Jon Acuff, New York Times Bestselling author of six books including his most recent; Finish, will close out the MSCA19 education conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, October 13-16, 2019, by sharing easy changes you can make to your corporate culture to make sure everyone hits their goals.
According to a study conducted by the University of Scranton, 92% of resolutions fail. That’s a staggering number considering how important goals are to our companies. The good news is, you can learn to finish. It’s not a natural talent some people have, and others do not. It can be taught and Jon will show you how! Starting is fun, but the future belongs to finishers. Join us to re-FOCUS and re-ASSES how to make the most with the knowledge you’ll take home from this year’s conference!
M&SCA of Eastern Pennsylvania and Convoy of Hope Serve Their Local Community
M&SCA of Eastern Pennsylvania hosted a Community Event in Huntington Park last month. The event was in partnership with the Convoy of Hope, a national organization that helps empower others to live independent lives free from poverty, disease, and hunger.
The local chapter provides annually to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House but wanted to do something more right within their local community, with personal participation from the Association members and their labor partners in Steamfitters LU 420, and Plumbers of LU 690. Having worked with the Convoy of Hope over the last ten years at the MSCA Educational Conferences, they decided to team up with them and provide free haircuts, medical services, family portraits and more to members of the Philadelphia community.
The day provided a great opportunity for volunteers to spend time with their families and give back. More than 3,500 guests attended the event and the group provided more than 5,000 bags of groceries to the community.
“There’s not a better feeling in the world than seeing people helping people,” shared Bob Veight, Senior Director of Service Operations at West Chester Mechanical Contractors, Inc, in Aston, PA.
A special thank you to M&SCA of Eastern Pennsylvania, Convoy of Hope and all who were involved is this fantastic event!
re-INVENT Your Company’s Future at MSCA19!
Venture Capitalist and Serial Entrepreneur, Josh Linkner, will be featured at the opening session of this year’s MSCA19 Education Conference, October 13-16, 2019 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. To Josh, creativity and innovation are the lifeblood of all human progress. As such, he’s spent his career harnessing the power of creative disruption. His journey has been non-traditional at every step. As the founder and CEO of five tech companies, Josh built his businesses from a blank page into a combined value of over $200 million. As a hyper-growth CEO of over 20 years, he’s used innovative approaches to topple competitors, fight through adversity, and achieve at the highest levels.
Companies, communities and individuals fail for many reasons, but one of the most common—and easily avoidable—is the failure to re-INVENT. Josh will lay out a road map for individuals and companies to successfully and continually challenge themselves to re-INVENT.
MSCA 2019 Benchmark Survey
MSCA is conducting a comprehensive benchmark survey to obtain data on key performance indicators (KPIs) in the HVACR and plumbing service industry. The results of this survey will provide you with extremely relevant and important data you can use to assess your own company’s operations and processes in comparison to other MSCA member companies and for us to be able to evaluate industry trends. Survey results will be available to all members later this year.
MSCA members should have received an email with the link to complete the survey. If you did not receive it or need any additional information, please reach out to Michaela Mueller, mmueller@mcaa.org.
WiMI Minute – Meet the Women of WiMI: Madelyn Conway
This month we feature Madelyn Conway, President of MCA Student Chapter, Purdue University.
Register Today for the UA-MCAA Labor Relations Conference
The 2019 UA-MCAA Labor Relations Conference: Succeeding Together is scheduled to take place October 29 – 30, 2019, at The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada and registration is now open!
The conference, jointly hosted by the United Association (UA) and MCAA, will feature panel discussions focused on topics such as growing apprenticeships, developing a joint labor-management strategic planning committee and retention of workers.
Acknowledging the importance of engaging the future of our organizations, the UA is asking all locals to bring one apprentice to the conference this year. MCAA will be hosting a breakout session with these apprentices to give them an opportunity to really dig into and ask questions about the management of the business with MCAA leaders one-on-one. Because apprentices are not only the future of the UA, they are the future of the MCAA as well.
To maximize our time together, MCAA is asking its members to plan joint dinners with their local labor partners following Tuesday’s reception. Exchanging ideas and experiences is how we will continue to thrive in this industry we all love, it is how we will be Succeeding Together.
Registration for Popular MSCA Service Managers Training Program Now Open
The 2019 MSCA Service Managers Training Program is now open for registration. Scheduled for September 9-12, 2019 in San Diego, CA, this intensive four-day class will provide service professionals with critical management and leadership skills to enhance their performance, provide added-value to their company and ensure their success. The program was developed with the service manager’s typical day-to-day problems in mind and will address key topics in financial management, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, coaching and motivation. Class size is limited and program sells out quickly so register today. For more information and the register, click here.
Registration is Now Open for MSCA19!
Join us at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, October 13-16, 2019, for the MSCA19 Educational Conference.
This year’s conference is packed with relatable education sessions led by world renowned experts who will help you understand our ever-changing world and rebuild your road map for success in the upcoming years. Re-commit, re-connect and rekindle your excitement for reassured success!
The skies are clear in Colorado. Let’s reENVISION!