Organization: PCA

ACCO Installs Uponor Radiant to Achieve LEED Platinum in HQ Expansion

Delta Electronics (Americas) originally specified a conventional radiant tubing heating and cooling system for its headquarters expansion in Fremont, CA, to help meet LEED® Platinum and net-zero energy building standards, but ACCO Engineered Systems suggested Uponor’s Radiant Rollout™ Mats for a faster, more efficient, consistent installation. ACCO crews installed 138,000′ of tubing with the Radiant Rollout Mats in five months—much faster than the time required for conventional PEX rails or tie-down methods.

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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

Warner Mechanical Uses Aquatherm Pipe to Help Manufacturer Rebound Quickly from Roof Collapse

A roof collapse could have knocked IVP Plastics of Washington, IL, out of commission for a long time, but Warner Mechanical LLC, of Edwards, IL, used Aquatherm polypropylene pipe in the rebuild, helping the manufacturer get back to business quickly. The heat fusion process made Aquatherm piping easier and faster to install than traditional welded pipe, saving Warner Mechanical time.

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

We Have Five Great Properties. Register Early to Get Your First Pick!

When it comes to finding the perfect accommodations, MCAA2020 attendees have plenty of choices. Each of the five properties is stellar with unique amenities to make your stay memorable. Make sure you register early to get your first-choice property—Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Grand Wailea Ho’olei Villas, Four Seasons Resort or Fairmont Kea Lani. We’ll handle the reservations for you during registration, which will open at 12pm eastern time on September 30.

Put Safety at Service Techs’ Fingertips

Could your service techs benefit from a quick reference for working safely? The Safety Manual for Mechanical Service Technicians provides the information techs need to handle common jobsite emergencies. It also provides both background and safe work practices for key safety topics, such as arc flash, electrical shock, hazard communication, and work in confined spaces. Members can download the manual free as a benefit of membership, or purchase print copies for their workers who prefer them.

Download a PDF or Purchase Hard Copies

Does Your Company Do Construction Work or Have a Fab Shop?

Then you won’t want to miss these similar titles designed especially for construction and fabrication shop workers.

Safety Manual for Mechanical Construction Workers

Download a PDF or Purchase Hard Copies

Safety Manual for Mechanical Fabrication Shop Workers

Download a PDF or Purchase Hard Copies

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.

Download Your Copy

Have updates? Please share! Contact Jan Grillo for assistance.

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!

MSCA 2023 Annual Education Conference

Explore critical topics such as management, personnel, finance, service technology, training, and recruiting issues. This is the only industry conference specifically geared to service companies and the unique challenges and issues they face. Also included is an exhibit of products and services that can help you run your business more efficiently. Education sessions will help you make your time, resources, and personnel go farther. Plus, there are expanded opportunities for structured networking and peer group discussions as well as numerous social events.

To join the MSCA23 Education Conference wait list:

  • Email events@mcaa.org and say you would like to join the MSCA23 Wait List
  • Provide: name, company, email, phone number, and desired hotel reservation nights (check in weekday/date, check out weekday/date)
  • We will be monitoring the wait list and contacting people as rooms become available

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 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!

Check out the conference website.

2019: A Good Year to Be a Better HVAC Contractor

MSCA Chair, Kip Bagley, along with other industry leaders, were interviewed by ACHR News regarding the year’s outlook for the HVAC industry.

By all accounts, 2018 was a great year as far as the U.S. economy was concerned. Sales of HVAC equipment remained strong, the unemployment rate stayed below 4 percent, and the gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.4 percent in the third quarter (4.2 percent in the second quarter).

But some analysts believe the economy may soften in 2019, as housing starts slow down, interest rates rise, and existing home sales decrease. This may mean fewer remodeling opportunities, or it could result in consumers deciding to stay put and investing in their current homes and businesses. That would be good news for HVAC contractors.

Many member companies of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) experienced year-over-year growth in 2018, said current chairman, Kip Bagley, vice president of service, Emcor Services Mesa Energy Systems, Irvine, California.

“Retrofit divisions have been among the highest increases year over year, followed by automation and service,” he said. “MSCA expects to see continued growth in 2019 when it comes to service offerings. I expect to see continued interest and increased sales in equipment and innovations that focus on energy efficiencies, such as VRF systems, chiller replacements, and drive projects, as well as solar and automation equipment installations and upgrades.”

Bagley expects commercial service and repair work to continue growing at the same pace as it has for the last several years.

“There are so many systems that are in various life cycle stages, so when organizations are faced with budget cuts or consolidation, they typically choose to service and repair their equipment instead of making a larger investment in a replacement,” he said. “We don’t see this changing for the foreseeable future.”

Looking ahead for the year, the skilled worker shortage will continue to be a challenge, forcing many business owners to turn down work because of lack of manpower. In addition, businesses continue to struggle with adapting to new technologies, which are always changing.

Not surprisingly, the labor shortage continues to be a concern for MSCA as well. Bagley noted that while this has been a big issue over the last few years, the next five to seven years may be even more of a challenge as baby boomers start retiring.

“The good news is that we are starting to see an increased interest in younger millennials (ages 17 to 23) joining the skilled trades, as well as those in their late 20s and 30s, who are struggling with college loan debt,” he said. “Both groups are finding out that our industry provides excellent compensation, benefits, and opportunities.”

Bagley believes that company culture has a lot to do with attracting and retaining employees. He noted that companies can be successful by having a highly collaborative environment, fostering constant communication, and being dedicated to the ongoing training of their technical workforce.

“We also encourage adopting proven technologies and innovations, which help attract the younger generations,” he said. “Finally, it helps to be a very sales-focused organization, so technicians are always busy and can count on a full 40-plus hour schedule, which is important to most in our industry. Any of these tactics can help contractors attract new employees.”

 

Read full theNEWS article here; https://www.achrnews.com/articles/140974-a-good-year-to-be-a-better-hvac-contractor? 

Report Shows MCAA Members Don’t Invest Enough in Tech Budget and Manpower

In 2018, MCAA sponsored a JBKnowledge Construction Technology Report that surveyed over 2,800 professionals in the construction industry. In the newly released MCAA-Focused Report, the responses given by MCAA members were separated and compared to those of the rest of the construction industry.

While MCAA members are getting heavily involved in VDC and mobile technology, they are behind the rest of the industry when it comes to some aspects of R&D. As the report’s primary researcher, Liz Beechinor from JBKnowledge points out, “Our research is showing that the construction industry as a whole is behind on R&D spending compared to other industries, but when we take a look at MCAA members’ responses and compare that to the construction industry, they are even further behind. Fewer MCAA contractors have dedicated R&D budget and employees dedicated to R&D.”

According to a 2017 McKinsey Report, the construction industry as a whole spends less than 1% of their revenue on R&D. Compared to the auto industry, which spends 3.5%, and the aerospace industry, which spends 4.5%, this can seem relatively underfunded.

What is even more concerning is construction companies’ lack of any R&D budget. The 2018 MCAA-Focused Construction Technology Report showed that 56.8% of those surveyed had no budget for R&D, while 63.5% of MCAA members reported that they didn’t budget for R&D.

The same could be said for having employees dedicated to R&D. In the last few years, we have seen more MCAA and MSCA contractors dedicate manpower to technology research and implementation, but on average, they are still behind the rest of the industry.

Most respondents that identified as MCAA members reported that they had one or two people dedicated to R&D, while 37% do not have employees dedicated to R&D. During a presentation on the topic at MCAA19, MCAA’s Director, Construction Technology Sean McGuire explained, “While we are seeing more members take technology seriously, smaller companies are going to always be more limited on budget and manpower that they can dedicate towards research and implementation. Larger GCs and CMs can absorb these costs a little easier simply as a function of their size.”

Being bigger does not necessarily mean better though.  As Sean notes, “While research and staff budgets can be absorbed by larger companies easier, the bigger you are, the harder implementation becomes. Small companies can adopt changes a lot faster because you can get less people pulling in the same direction faster.  Large companies have to dedicate more resources to implementation and follow up.”

This lines up with another report question that asked what the most limiting factor was for adopting new technology. Not surprisingly, lack of staff and budget received the highest response rates and were concerns for nearly half of the MCAA respondents. The report provides further insight into these questions as well as BIM productivity and estimation and mobile device and hardware use.

Submit Your Nominations for the MSCA19 Everyday Hero Award

MSCA defines the Everyday Hero as Everyday Hero as a person of integrity with a will of compassion to serve others, who willingly and unselfishly gives of his or her time, skills, and /or services to assist, support, or advocate for others, but seeks no recognition or compensation.

There are remarkable heroes all throughout our industry, doing extraordinary things every day. They have a passion to brighten other’s lives in whatever way they can without seeking attention. That deserves to be recognized and celebrated!

We need your help to find a group of these exceptional people who are making a positive impact in the lives of others — please take the time to nominate one or more people in your company that you believe are deserving of this honor.

 

Here’s what the 2018 recipient had to say:

“It was a great honor and true pleasure to receive the 2018 Everyday Hero award. Many of the people in the audience had just donated their time and efforts working with a local non profit organization in Orange County. Anyone that gives back is considered a hero in my book and I think what the MSCA has done for local charities since adding this event is quite extraordinary and something all members should be proud of.”

Ted Stutz, EMCOR Services/Mesa Energy

 

Here’s what the 2018 nominator had to say about the experience:

“Until I met him, I had never met a hero or seen what they do first hand. He gives back quietly and without fanfare and is not looking for any kudos. He makes us all want to be a better person. We all have a long way to go to be like him.”

Kip Bagley, VP of Service, EMCOR Services/Mesa Energy

MSCA Minute Technology Challenge

Sometimes it takes only a minute to take a look at your business and find some answers to the questions that have been haunting you. Attendees at the MSCA18 annual conference stopped by the podcast booth to take part in the MSCA Minute Technology Challenge conducted by JBKnowledge.  Each participant answered 10 rapid fire questions about their current technology situation in — you guessed it — just 60 seconds! Watch the video and answer along, it’s a great way to gain a quick insight to how you compare to your industry peers when it comes to technology.

Sign Up Today for the 2019 Sales Masters Program!

The MSCA Sales Masters program is a highly customized program for intermediate to advanced HVACR and plumbing sales professionals looking to take their careers to the next level. The intensive nine-day program is designed to provide industry-specific training not found in any other sales program. The course is broken up into two weeks.

Week 1, April 7—11, 2019 at Woolley’s Classic Suites in Denver, CO, is taught by industry leaders with decades of HVACR sales experience. Participants will work through “real world” sales opportunities. Attendees will roll play through cold-calling, prospecting, qualifying, surveying, proposal development, and delivering a presentation as a sales team.

Week 2, November 3—8, 2019, at the University of Houston in Houston, TX, is taught by leading professors from the world renowned Sales Excellence Institute at the Bauer College of Business on the campus of the University of Houston. Attendees will master communication, negotiation, time management and other skills necessary to preform at the top of their game, while still remaining very specific to the HVACR and plumbing industry.

Ongoing follow up is provided by University of Houston sales experts after the class is complete to ensure new skills are being applied and goals are attained.

Class size is limited to provide optimal learning environment, so make sure to register today!

UA 2019 HVACR Regional Training Dates Now on MSCA Website

The United Association (UA) Education and Training Department have released  2019 dates for the HVACR industry courses. These courses are offered through the 2019 Regional Training System, in an agreement with the major HVACR manufacturers, Carrier Corporation, Daikin, and Johnson Controls.

Courses will be taught by authorized-factory instructors, incorporating manufacturer-specific curriculum. Course size is limited so early registration is encouraged. These courses are designed to provide the best possible training for the UA local unions, keeping up to date with current HVACR industry requirements for project specifications in high performance buildings.

HVAC Service Technicians and NFL Quarterbacks

We all know that great HVACR Service Technicians are invaluable to your company, but have you ever considered how similarly the compare to NFL quarterbacks? Neither had we  — but check out this fun list of similarities!

The Top 10 Qualities a Great HVAC Service Technician Has In Common With an NFL Quarterback

 

1. AN EXCELLENT MEMORY
It’s not uncommon for NFL teams to have playbooks consisting of more than 50 running plays and up to 200 passing plays. The quarterback has to know them all. Likewise, today’s HVAC service technician has to remember how to maintain and repair hundreds of types of equipment made by dozens of manufacturers over several decades. What’s more, he also needs to be familiar with the local building codes and regulations.

 

2. KEEN PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY
A quarterback has to be able to think on his feet (literally) at the line of scrimmage. He must look for clues about the defensive coverage he’s facing, and react accordingly by calling an audible, rearranging the receivers, or calling a timeout if needed. A talented HVAC service technician has that same ability to size up the problem in front of him and see the solution even when it’s not obvious.

 

3. HARD-WORKING
The performance of the quarterback affects the team’s entire offense. If his throws are off-target, the receivers can’t catch them. If he does not move quickly, the linemen can’t protect him and he’ll be sacked. If he’s not sure-handed, there will be lots of fumbles. That’s why no one works harder in practice than the quarterback. The same holds true for the HVAC service technician. The success of the entire HVAC service company depends on his abilities (or lack thereof). That’s why an HVAC service technician spends years in training an apprenticeships working to gain the technical knowledge he needs to properly diagnose and repair HVAC problems.

 

4. COOL UNDER PRESSURE
There’s nothing like staring down a bunch of 300-pound defensive linemen who are just itching to throw you to the ground. That’s the kind of pressure the quarterback is under every time he steps to the line of scrimmage. Your HVAC service technician also faces a great deal of pressure with every service call. He may not be facing physical violence, but he must remain calm and professional when dealing with irate customers with no air conditioning in triple-digit summer heat, as well as those with unexpected repair bills in the thousands.

 

5. ACCURATE
A quarterback is nothing without his precision throwing arm. He’s got to be able to place the short lateral as well as the long bomb in the exact spot where the receiver expects it to be. An HVAC service technician needs those accuracy skills as well. In an HVAC system with hundreds of parts and sometimes a dozen possible causes for a symptom, he needs to pinpoint an accurate diagnosis. After all, he doesn’t get four tries to make a first down; he needs to get it right the first time.

 

6. ADAPTABLE
Different situations require the quarterback to adapt his throwing technique. To throw a screen pass, he’ll make a soft, lofted pass while backpedaling. For a fade pass, he’s got to place it in front of the receiver and with enough air under it that the receiver has a chance to get to it. The HVAC service technician also must adapt his approach to the task at hand. Diagnosing a problem with a state-of-the-art VRF system in a restaurant requires different techniques than working on a rooftop system in a warehouse.

 

7. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS
As the leader of his team, the quarterback needs to effectively communicate play information to his teammates. There is no room for misinterpretation. Similarly, you want to deal with an HVAC service technician with good communication skills. Can he explain problems and maintenance issues in a way that makes sense to you? Does he make the time and effort to keep you informed about appointments and work in progress? Are his proposals, reports and work orders clear and informative?

 

8. AGILE
We’ve all seen cringe-worthy performances from quarterbacks lacking sufficient agility: way too many sacks, which can even lead to injury. This one may be a surprise to you, but an HVAC service technician needs to be agile as well, especially in downtown buildings. Air conditioning equipment is often jammed up in ceilings, tiny crawl spaces or wherever it can fit so it doesn’t take up useful and expensive space. Getting into those tight spaces to work on that equipment often requires a sprightly and limber guy.

 

9. PROACTIVE
A good quarterback understands the need to proactively practice the techniques he knows will produce the results he wants, like the right way to take a snap to prevent fumbling. Your HVAC service technician must be the poster child for being proactive. His job is to proactively perform the maintenance techniques that will produce the results you want from your HVAC system: efficient and reliable heating and cooling.

 

10. COMMITTED TO SAFETY
If a quarterback is reckless about safety, he won’t last long in the NFL. Your HVAC service technician takes your safety, as well as his own, just as seriously. He knows the safety hazards and follows all recommended protocols associated with HVAC equipment, including the safe handling of refrigerants, preventing carbon monoxide leaks, and dealing with mold in air conditioners and ducts.

 

Registration for MSCA Field Supervisors Training is Now Open

The 2019 Field Supervisors Training is scheduled for May 2-3 in Milwaukee, WI. 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!