Category: Uncategorized

Learn How to Avoid Mistakes & Preserve Wealth While Succession Planning from NEI Instructors Terry & Lee Resnick

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Terry and Lee Resnick, partners in Resnick Succession Group. Terry and Lee teach business owners how to enhance, preserve, and ultimately transition their companies as well as non-business assets in the most tax and cost-efficient manner.

Terry and Lee’s firm is nationally recognized for its business succession, estate planning, and life insurance advisory and implementation planning expertise.

Experienced educational seminar and lecture presenters, the duo are ideally suited to teaching the Succession Planning (SPS) Seminars. The seminars provide business owners with planning strategies to help them avoid mistakes and preserve wealth during the succession planning process.

Like our other NEI instructors, Terry and Lee bring their unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a relatively new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.

Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class.*

*This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

Expand Your Regulatory & Legislative Knowledge at the National Issues Conference

May 6–8, 2024 | Washington, DC

MCAA invites you to participate in the 2024 National Issues Conference for a deep-dive into the key regulatory and legislative issues affecting the union construction industry. Along with our partners in the Construction Employers of America (CEA), we will host regulators and representatives from Congress for their expertise and insights on a variety of topics. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the latest information that impacts your business from the nation’s capital! Early-bird registration discounts end March 1. Register today!

This event is put on by the members of the CEA, a coalition of seven premier national construction specialty contracting associations, working together to raise awareness among policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public about the value of high-quality American construction.

MCAA is a charter member of the CEA. The other charter members are:

  • International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
  • FCA International
  • National Electrical Contractors Association
  • Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
  • Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance
  • The Association of Union Constructors.

Join MCAA and our CEA partners May 6–8, 2024 at The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill for the event and be sure to take advantage of the opportunity for Hill appointments to ensure your voice is heard.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Things and Must Do’s to Protect/Secure Your Company’s Data

Technology is changing every day, but the need to secure company data remains constant. MCAA’s Things and Must Do’s to Protect/Secure Your Company’s Data reviews the basic steps contractors should take to keep intruders out and company data secure. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • Data storage solutions
  • Data security solutions
  • Data protection strategy and policy guidelines

You may also be interested in MCAA’s The Next Generation of Data Security, which provides guidance and insight on current tools and techniques to protect your data and operations.

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Learn About Breakthroughs in Orbital Welding Technology for Med Gas at NCPWB24

April 21 – 23, 2024 | Scottsdale, Arizona

Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the forefront of welding technology! Join us at the NCPWB Technical Conference/Committee Meeting to learn about breakthroughs in orbital welding technology for med gas. You will experience cutting-edge presentations that delve into the latest innovations and challenges in the welding industry. Don’t miss out…register today!

Orbital Welding Technology for Med Gas is where CSI’s breakthroughs in universal power supply and copper orbital welding machines take center stage. Uncover the struggles and triumphs as they overcome hurdles in temperatures, materials, and code requirements to bring this technology to the commercial market. You will hear directly from Lynne Cooper, Director Orbital Technology Group, and Theodore J. Jones, President of Critical Systems, Inc. (CSI).

Additional sessions will cover:

Adaptive Welding – Case Study and Recent Advancements: Experience a first-of-a-kind welding system designed for spent nuclear fuel encapsulation. Witness the evolution of autonomous technology with minimal operator input, showcasing active path compensation, adaptive welding parameters, and the use of Artificial Intelligence for joint geometry characterization.

Advancements in Pipe Welding: Dive into Miller welding educational resources and the latest in pipe welding technologies. From RMD for root passes to Pulse for fill and cap passes, explore the innovations shaping the future of pipe welding.

Closing the Welder Gap – Education and Automation for Future Success: Addressing the critical shortage of welders, this presentation advocates for a paradigm shift. Embrace education and automation solutions, from Augmented Reality to Cobots and Additive Manufacturing, to secure the industry’s future.

High-Purity Tube Welding: Discover the intricacies of building piping systems that prevent contamination, navigating ASME piping codes, and the ASME BPE Standard. Learn about weld acceptance criteria ensuring the safety of drug products in pharmaceutical systems.

Advances and Challenges in Welding and Additive Manufacturing: Explore recent developments in welding, from pulsed GMAW to laser welding, and delve into the world of additive manufacturing. Uncover the challenges and opportunities presented by demographic trends, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Welder and Welding Operator Qualification: Delve into the intricacies of qualification tests ensuring welders and operators are prepared for specific job sites. A comparative exploration of various qualification codes promises insights into industry best practices.

Selecting, Adopting, and Submitting NCPWB WPSs: Navigate the extensive world of welding procedure specifications with NCPWB. Gain valuable insights into selecting, adopting, and submitting WPSs and BPSs, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The committee meeting portion of the event will cover topics such as policy and procedures regarding the joint UA/NCPWB welder certification program and address chapter inquiries. In addition to the annual event, a one-day chapter operations seminar will educate chapter administrators about the policies and procedures associated with maintaining welder qualification records.

Don’t miss the chance to be at the forefront of welding innovation! Join us at the conference for these  groundbreaking presentations and the information you need to stay on top of other welding issues.

Journey into the Forefront of Welding at NCPWB24

April 21 – 23, 2024 | Scottsdale, Arizona

Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the forefront of welding technology! Join us at the NCPWB Technical Conference/Committee Meeting for a showcase of cutting-edge presentations that delve into the latest innovations and challenges in the welding industry. Register today!

Topics to be covered include:

Orbital Welding Technology for Med Gas: CSI’s breakthroughs in universal power supply and copper orbital welding machines take center stage. Uncover the struggles and triumphs as they overcome hurdles in temperatures, materials, and code requirements to bring this technology to the commercial market.

Adaptive Welding – Case Study and Recent Advancements: Experience a first-of-a-kind welding system designed for spent nuclear fuel encapsulation. Witness the evolution of autonomous technology with minimal operator input, showcasing active path compensation, adaptive welding parameters, and the use of Artificial Intelligence for joint geometry characterization.

Advancements in Pipe Welding: Dive into Miller welding educational resources and the latest in pipe welding technologies. From RMD for root passes to Pulse for fill and cap passes, explore the innovations shaping the future of pipe welding.

Closing the Welder Gap – Education and Automation for Future Success: Addressing the critical shortage of welders, this presentation advocates for a paradigm shift. Embrace education and automation solutions, from Augmented Reality to Cobots and Additive Manufacturing, to secure the industry’s future.

High-Purity Tube Welding: Discover the intricacies of building piping systems that prevent contamination, navigating ASME piping codes, and the ASME BPE Standard. Learn about weld acceptance criteria ensuring the safety of drug products in pharmaceutical systems.

Advances and Challenges in Welding and Additive Manufacturing: Explore recent developments in welding, from pulsed GMAW to laser welding, and delve into the world of additive manufacturing. Uncover the challenges and opportunities presented by demographic trends, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Welder and Welding Operator Qualification: Delve into the intricacies of qualification tests ensuring welders and operators are prepared for specific job sites. A comparative exploration of various qualification codes promises insights into industry best practices.

Selecting, Adopting, and Submitting NCPWB WPSs: Navigate the extensive world of welding procedure specifications with NCPWB. Gain valuable insights into selecting, adopting, and submitting WPSs and BPSs, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The committee meeting portion of the event will cover topics such as policy and procedures regarding the joint UA/NCPWB welder certification program and address chapter inquiries. In addition to the annual event, a one-day chapter operations seminar will educate chapter administrators about the policies and procedures associated with maintaining welder qualification records.

Don’t miss the chance to be at the forefront of welding innovation! Join us at the conference for these  groundbreaking presentations and the information you need to stay on top of other welding issues.

Connect With the Latest Training from Parker Hannifin and The Harris Products Group at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Parker Hannifin
Learn how ZoomLock MAX press technology for HVAC will improve your efficiency, adding to your bottom line. ZoomLock MAX fittings delivers secure, braze-free connections in a few simple steps while providing a safer environment for your team.

The Harris Products Group
Harris Products Group, maker of brazing and soldering equipment and consumables, provides NATE training on the basics of brazing, base and filler metals and fluxes, and torch safety. Includes brazing demonstrations and hands-on practice.

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Find the Latest from AB&I Foundry and Team Industries, Inc. in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

AB&I Foundry
AB&I Foundry manufactures cast iron soil pipe & fittings for DWV Plumbing Systems. Visit the website to see how cast iron is made right here in America.

Team Industries, Inc.
Designed in accordance with “Lean Manufacturing” concepts, Team’s pipe welding positioners deliver economical, high quality pipe welding. Team’s positioners are designed for the highest quality and peak efficiency in pipe welding.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Executive-to-Executive Meetings, Strategic Discussions & Innovation Await at MCAA Converge – Save Your Spot NOW

Event Dates: June 24 – 26, 2024 | Indianapolis, IN
Reserve Your Spot Today!

Want to improve your business relationships, gain product knowledge and leverage your business strategy? Join us for MCAA Converge. More than just a meeting, MCAA Converge is a meticulously crafted experience designed to address the unique needs of your company. Picture executive-to-executive meetings, a melting pot of strategic discussions, and an atmosphere buzzing with innovation.

This exclusive gathering of industry leaders will be set against the backdrop of Victory Field, home to the acclaimed Indianapolis Indians, and hosted at the luxurious Westin Indianapolis.

At 2024 MCAA Converge, we redefine engagement, offering a top-tier, strategic experience that goes beyond the local level. Executives from MCAA members –  25 manufacturer/supplier companies and 40 contractor companies – converge to explore a spectrum of topics: from current and future market conditions to upcoming significant projects, emerging technologies, and the invaluable art of relationship building.

“Roughly sixty percent of most mechanical and plumbing projects consist of material, equipment, subcontracts, and other soft costs. Through tactical meetings with member Manufacturers and Suppliers, MCAA Converge provides a platform for contractors to gain advantages on their projects through the implementation of emerging technologies, strategic planning, and negotiation. Finding ways to reduce costs and increase productivity through this event can significantly decrease labor risk and increase margins on current projects. Advantages gained at Converge could also be the difference between winning and losing future projects.” 

Rick Gopffarth, V.P. Marketing/Business Development, Dynamic Systems

The verdict from the most recent MCAA Converge? A resounding 9.3 out of 10, with 88% of participants expressing an overwhelming likelihood of attending the 2024 edition. Act swiftly, as only 40 spots await MCAA contractor companies, and a mere 25 for MCAA manufacturer/supplier companies.

Seize the opportunity to secure your company’s spot or schedule a personal meeting to delve deeper into what awaits. Don’t miss out – fill out the survey now and be a part of a transformative experience at the 2024 MCAA Converge! Reserve Your Spot Today!

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Laser Scanning

When called upon to produce plans for older buildings, contractors may need to take measurements for pipes and ductwork that are not easily accessed. MCAA’s Laser Scanning explains how laser scanning may be able to help facilitate this work. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • What laser scanning is, and what it isn’t
  • Types of scanners
  • Accuracy
  • Conducting the scan
  • Registration/“stitching”
  • Point clouds
  • Scanning uses
  • Purchase vs. rental considerations

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s PIPES (PROCESS INFORMATION PORTAL ENABLING SUCCESS)

Looking to gain efficiencies, the BP Group undertook a high-level process reengineering process that resulted in the development of an online tool. MCAA’s PIPES (PROCESS INFORMATION PORTAL ENABLING SUCCESS) provides details of the solution to inspire others looking to undertake a similar project. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • The background of PIPES
  • An overview of the development process
  • What PIPES does
  • Efficiencies gained
  • A template of PIPES

You may also be interested in the following:

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Harris Realizes Immediate ROI With Watts Specialties Pipe Cutter

Harris saw an immediate return on investment (ROI) from their Watts Specialties automated pipe cutter, with improved efficiency in cutting and handling and no need for hand-cutting for olets or saddles. Based in St. Paul, MN, Harris has 15 regional offices with more than 300,000 square feet of fabrication shops.

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.

Welcome New Manufacturer/Supplier Members!

Enhance your strategic supply chain with the seven newest members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Allow them to introduce themselves:

IPEX USA, LLC offers pipe, valve, and fitting (PVF) products that are engineered to satisfy the demands of the harshest industrial applications. Our products are suitable for many industrial applications whether it be aggressive acids conveyance, specialist drainage, or auxiliary services requirements, our piping systems can easily overcome some of the problems associated with more traditional materials. The IPEX Industrial piping solutions offer superior chemical resistance, easier installation, longer plant life, and cost-effectiveness whether from original installation or maintenance.

Kojo Technologies, Inc. is the industry’s leading material procurement solution, providing contractors with a digital solution to streamline materials management from pre-con to payment. With Kojo, you can issue requests for quotes and POs, compare prices and availability across vendors, update the field on order status, and share cost data with the accounting team, all with fewer clicks and manual data entry. Work smarter, not harder with Kojo.

Little Giant Ladder Systems, LLC is a designer, marketer and manufacturer of ladder systems intended for do-it-yourself and professional customers sold through retailers and distributors. The company offers products including multi-position, combination, step stools, step ladders, safety cages and other related accessories, helping businesses to prevent injuries and save lives.

Merit Brass Company has a rich history of offering the most comprehensive flow control and piping connection technology. Our goal is to make the Merit Experience for our customers seamless by bundling a complete line of consistent, high quality piping products, flow control devices and piping system solutions. Merit features a full range of stainless steel and brass fittings, nipples, pipe, valves, flanges; stainless steel butt weld fittings, tubing, tube fittings and valves; forged carbon steel fittings and press technology, which includes stainless steel (StainlessPress®), carbon (CarbonPress®) and copper (CopperPress®).

NEFCO is a family owned and operated construction supply company providing a broad range of products and services to the mechanical industry. We offer large local inventory of our S.H.A.R.P. products and tools, with next day jobsite delivery available from our locations. We have engineering divisions and broad fabrication capabilities under one roof, giving NEFCO the complete in-house solution.

Sunbelt Rentals, a leader in the tools and equipment rental industry, provides solutions and expertise for professionals in the industrial, manufacturing, construction and municipal markets as well as do-it-yourself customers. A highly-diversified equipment fleet includes extensive options for small tools and general construction equipment, plus a wide array of specialty applications for power, HVAC, climate control, pump, scaffold, and film production. We OWN the future of rental.

T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer specializing in solutions for the commercial plumbing industry. Renowned for its commitment to quality and durability, T&S continues to lead the industry in award-winning water- and energy-conserving products.

The members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council stand ready to help you enhance your productivity and profitability and retain your competitive edge. Meet them in person during many MCAA events and virtually through Smart SolutionsManufacturer/Supplier Training, and the Virtual Trade Show.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Public Relations: An Important Marketing Tool for the Mechanical Contractor

Heightened competition has spurred mechanical contractors to share their impressive story of accomplishment, capabilities and convictions to bolster their image and competitive advantage. MCAA’s Public Relations: An Important Marketing Tool for the Mechanical Contractor highlights the need for regular promotion as a business development tool and offers tips for selecting a public relations consultant. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • Why contractors need to invest in public relations
  • How to select a public relations consultant
  • The role of management’s commitment to public relations
  • Public relations as a craft

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence Each Month of 2023 With a Safety Resource Kit

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. Each kit will include videos, webinars, trainings, and additional resources on each monthly topic.

November 2023: Workplace Safety

Workplace safety includes more than PPE and fall protection, it encompasses workplace distractions and workplace violence. Identifying warning signs and taking appropriate actions to prevent workplace violence is important to everyone’s safety and health. These resources show viewers how to protect themselves and others if they find themselves in an active workplace violence situation. This month’s kit includes two full length videos on workplace distractions and workplace violence and a microlearning series on workplace violence protection.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Workplace Distractions

Workplace Violence

MCAA Microlearning Safety Videos

Harris Realizes Immediate ROI With Watts Specialties Pipe Cutter

Harris saw an immediate return on investment (ROI) from their Watts Specialties automated pipe cutter, with improved efficiency in cutting and handling and no need for hand-cutting for olets or saddles. Based in St. Paul, MN, Harris has 15 regional offices with more than 300,000 square feet of fabrication shops.

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.

Celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence Each Month of 2023 With a Safety Resource Kit

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. Each kit will include videos, webinars, trainings, and additional resources on each monthly topic.

September 2023: Mental Health Awareness

Construction has one of the highest rates of death by suicide of all industries in the United States, about four times higher than the general population. MCAA is proud to tackle Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention head on with a series of NEW resources developed in partnership with the United Association (UA).

Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video

Our newest safety and health video highlights the success story of an industry veteran, with appearances from MCAA’s president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams.

Joint Statement from MCAA & UA

UA General President Mark McManus and MCAA President Robert Beck highlight the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

988 Chips & Hard Hat Stickers

The MCAA and the UA have partnered to create UA/MCAA branded chips and hard hat stickers  highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

  • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
  • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).

Mental Health Toolbox Talks

This series of toolbox talks are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company.

Additional Resources

UA workers and MCAA members can access several posters, flyers, and other resources through these sites:

Heat Stress: ClickSafety Explains Your Responsibility as an Employer

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from extreme heat. Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot or humid conditions. Heat is the number-one cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 815 heat-related worker deaths and 70,000 heat-related serious injuries between 1992 and 2017. To protect workers, employers should establish a complete heat illness prevention program in addition to observing the heat index.

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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Credit Card Payments

Credit cards are rapidly becoming the preferred method of covering a variety of financial transactions between contractors and their vendors/suppliers and project owners. MCAA’s Credit Card Payments reviews the advantages and disadvantages of making payments via credit card to help you fully understand the benefits and costs involved. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • Getting established with the appropriate accounts
  • Advantages to the contractor
  • Advantages to the vendor and supplier

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Congratulations to Cole Perkins, Recipient of the 2023 Robert J. Durr, Sr. – NCPWB Partnering Scholarship

Congratulations to Cole Perkins, the recipient of the new Robert J. Durr, Sr. – NCPWB Partnering Scholarship, which is in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Board of Trustees for his effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the United Association and the NCPWB, which resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.

Cole is studying Construction Engineering at Iowa State University and will be graduating in May 2024. He’s been an active member of his student chapter and has served as Recruitment Chair and Vice President. Cole previously interned with MCAA Members MMC Contractors and Baker Group.

“I really enjoy seeing how my work in the construction industry positively impacts our community. I especially enjoy building systems and learning how they work and coincide with other trades in the industry. I’m also a very curious person that enjoys learning new topics. I joined my local MCAA student chapter to become active in my future profession and network with others in my industry.

For the future, I would love to be a project manager working with the guys in the field on a daily basis after gathering enough experience to do so. Long-term, I see myself at a company that has a good community-based culture that’s active in their community and participates in volunteering-based opportunities. Working to improve those in my community is important to me.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Cole on this prestigious scholarship and thank the NCPWB for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.