Organization: MSCA

Brian Helm Featured on The NEWSMakers Podcast

MCAA President Brian Helm spoke with Kyle Gargaro for this week’s episode of The NEWSMakers podcast. The two discussed MCAA’s quick response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They talked about what the industry can expect to see for the rest of 2020 and beyond, and the best practices that will help MCAA members succeed.

DeWALT COVID Tool Cleaning Guides

The way DeWALT works is changing, but their commitment to service isn’t. DeWALT is here to support MCAA members through evolving situations, rules, and safety requirements. They have you covered with the informative materials that will guide you through the proper way to clean and sanitize tools on the jobsite. Watch this short tutorial and review the guidelines below for the proper way to sanitize your tools.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

WATCH TUTORIAL

MCA of Chicago Hosts Summer Interns

The mechanical contracting industry provides many career paths, and that includes the opportunity to work for an MCA local affiliated association. This summer, MCA of Chicago has two interns, Judie Prophete and Ervin Prophete. They are learning about how an association is managed and how the MCA of Chicago provides resources and education to its members.

MCA of Chicago Director of Communications Abby Baughan said, “It’s been great having Judie and Ervin working with us this summer. They’re bright, hard-working and make great additions to our team. When I was in college, I knew very little about association work and mechanical contracting. Like most people, I sort of fell into it. I think it’s great that, as college students, Judie and Ervin are being introduced to this world filled with so much opportunity. I hope this internship opens their eyes to all of the possible career paths that are available to them.”

Meet Judie Prophete

Judie is an incoming senior at DePaul University, studying accounting and business management.

“As the accounting intern and administrative assistant for the MCA of Chicago, I spend the majority of my time helping our Director of Finance, Susan Rocque, with various tasks and projects. The other part of my time is spent doing administrative work around the office and helping where I am needed. I am learning a lot about accounting and finance, gaining a lot of new experience and learning a lot about what it is like to work in an office setting.”

During her internship, Judie hopes to continue learning more about the professional workplace and about programs and tools that are specific to her field of study. She also hopes to gain more confidence so she is prepared to enter the business world.

“From what I have seen in the month that I have been interning here, there are a lot of aspects of the professional workplace that school cannot prepare you for. The only way to truly learn these things and succeed is to actually be put in those situations and just do the best you can with what you have. I am fortunate enough to be learning those things surrounded by welcoming, forgiving and patient co-workers in a friendly and positive work environment.”

Meet Ervin Prophete

Ervin Prophete is a senior at DePaul University in Chicago, studying public relations and advertising.

Ervin is a marketing intern. His responsibilities include creating and posting graphics on social media, helping Director of Communications Abby Baughan with compiling the weekly emails, scheduling events on the MCA of Chicago Facebook page and updating the MCA website with future events and classes.

Ervin talked about what he hopes to get out of this internship. “I have learned a lot so far in this internship and feel that every day I step in the office is a day I gain more knowledge about the marketing world. I am hoping to just learn as much as I can and become proficient in the tools I have been introduced to in my time here so far. By the end, I would like to be able to use the knowledge I will have gained to do some freelance work while I finish school.”

MCA of Chicago Career Development

MCA of Chicago members are also focused on getting talented students into the mechanical contracting industry, even if they do not follow the typical academic path.

Brandon Hubner of Premier Mechanical, Inc., shared his company’s unique insight about hiring the right talent:

“The way the Premier has looked at hiring is that a person’s major focus of study or background is less important than the skills that they bring to the table and how well they can help round out our team and add value with other talents that they have. Construction, and mechanical contracting even more so, is a unique industry and every system we install is different. Rarely are two buildings built identically, or with the same team of general contractors and subcontractors. If systems and teams are rarely the same, then why always hire from within the same field of study? In our experience, we can better tackle unique projects with unique individuals. Given the number of variables there are to construction, we would be passing over a lot of really good candidates if we focused just on construction management and mechanical engineering majors.”

Find the Latest from Anaco-Husky and Miller Electric Mfg. Co. 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:

Anaco-Husky
Follow the Leader, choose Husky SD 4000 Heavy Duty Couplings. Visit our website and check out the new members of the Husky family.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
Simplified and optimized for pipe fabrication shop welding, the PipeWorx 400 Welding System’s streamlined set-up with one touch welding, quick process changeover, and Pulsed and Modified Short-Arc MIG processes, makes training and turn-around times faster than ever before.

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Paul Battaglia Joins Arden Building Companies Executive Team

Arden Building Companies, an MCAA member, announced recently that Paul Battaglia has joined the executive team as President of Corporate Mechanical of New England in Woburn, MA. “Paul brings strength, leadership, and passion for the industry to this role,” said Robert M. Bolton, Chief Executive Officer of Arden Building Companies. “His wealth of experience and deep knowledge of the Boston market will prove invaluable to the Arden Building Companies and Corporate Mechanical of New England team as we begin the next chapter of growing our Boston operations.”

Paul brings over fifteen years of industry and leadership experience in the Boston market to the role.

He is also a member of MCAA’s Project Managers Education Committee, the group responsible for facilitating and executing MCAA’s Institute for Project Management (IPM) and Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM).

Bassett Mechanical Announces Executive Leadership Advancements

MCAA member Bassett Mechanical recently announced four strategic promotions on its executive leadership team. Kim Bassett, President & CEO, said, “These executive advancements are not only well deserved, but also the next step in creating a strong future for our business and our customers who trust us to provide customized solutions for their unique needs.”

Jerod Steigenberger, Chief Operating Officer

Jerod has been serving in a dual role as both Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) throughout the past year. He has been engaged with Bassett Mechanical’s HVAC, Plumbing, and Industrial Refrigeration teams and has gained advanced knowledge about the industry. Prior to joining Bassett Mechanical, Jerod worked in a variety of financial roles within Oshkosh Corporation’s Defense Segment, allowing him to bring broad experiences and skillsets to his roles at Bassett. His new role of full-time COO will allow him to make an even greater impact on the company’s sales and operations.

Craig Lamers, Chief Financial Officer

Craig joined Bassett Mechanical one year ago as the Senior Director of Finance. He came to the company with a background in construction and quickly expanded his role, providing valuable insights to his team and the company’s overall initiatives. In his role as CFO, Craig will be responsible for directing the financial management of the company including strategy development, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analysis, treasury, tax, and risk management. He will also oversee the company’s procurement and IT teams.

Lee Schmidt, Vice President of HVAC & Plumbing Solutions

Lee has been with Bassett Mechanical for 15 years, most recently serving as Senior Director of HVAC & Plumbing Solutions. With more than 20 years of business development and operational leadership experience, Lee has excelled in a number of roles including General Manager and Director of Operations. He has become a vital leader in all aspects of the HVAC and Plumbing segment from controls and engineering to field execution. As Vice President of HVAC & Plumbing Solutions, his role will include management of the HVAC & Plumbing segment with a focus on providing industry-leading solutions for customers’ unique needs.

Wade Uhlenbrauck, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Wade has held numerous business development roles within Bassett Mechanical over his 14-year career including: sales professional, sales manager, and most recently Senior Director of Business Development. He has earned several awards and obtained numerous sales training certificates through industry networks. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Wade will oversee new sales growth opportunities including strategic account management of the HVAC, Plumbing, and Industrial Refrigeration customer base, and lead new strategic initiatives to ensure Bassett Mechanical continues to carry out its vision of Creating Customers for Life™.

“My goal is to make sure our company is providing individualized, safe, full-service solutions for our customers,” Kim states. “That means surrounding our company with great leaders who care as much about our associates and our customers as I do. These are leaders who want to ensure our customers get the best solution and best experience with us. I want to thank Jerod, Craig, Lee, and Wade for their continued drive and passion for making our company the best it can be.”

Webinar #23: The Importance of Obtaining the Prime Contractor’s Native CPM Scheduling Files – John Koontz

The Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule is an essential management tool for all construction team members when it comes to completing an on-time and financially successful project. In this webinar, John Koontz discusses how, even in the absence of receiving access to the master schedule, a contractor can provide notice and quantify delay impacts, so as not to waive important contractual rights. Providing notice and quantifying delay are just some of the issues that make obtaining the prime contractor’s native CPM scheduling files so importantIs it always easy? Or even possible? Maybe not… but John Koontz discusses best practices for how to get the GC’s CPM schedule, and even what to do if you can’t. As an added bonus, John is joined by the author of MCAA’s 2020 Change Order Productivity Primer, Paul Stynchcomb, to discuss the relationship between the Prime’s CPM Schedule and impact quantification on your end, along with important concepts relating to CPM schedule review.

Additional Resources:

This webinar was previously recorded July 7, 2020

Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC Internships Pave the Way to Full-time Careers

Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC, internships prepare students for careers in the construction industry. That guidance has paid off for both the company and three recent graduates who accepted full-time positions within the Arden Building Companies family of businesses. Congratulations to Natalie Mansson, Andrew Basile and Alex Appolonia on finding their great futures with Arden.

About Natalie

Natalie Mansson was hired in May 2020 as Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC’s newest Project Engineer. She interned for the company last winter.

She has had an interest in construction from an early age. “I knew construction would be a great career path for me when my family bought an old Cape house that needed a major renovation,” she said. “I would always ask the contractor, plumber, and electrician questions about their work and the different systems used.”

A recent graduate of Roger Williams University, Natalie studied Construction Management (CM). She grew to love the construction industry more during her time in school, so she decided to take another year to receive her master’s degree in CM.

“My experience at Arden so far has been incredible. I have been working in the estimating department, learning the different software the estimators use and completing various takeoffs. I have also worked with project managers, attended an on-site meeting, and did a site walk-through to see the incredible work Arden is doing.”

About Andrew

Andrew Basile was hired this May as a Controls Engineer with Earthwise Energy Technologies. Andrew is a graduate of Western New England University where he studied Mechanical Engineering.

“I chose mechanical engineering as my field of study because of my love to learn about the inner workings of everyday objects and systems and to be able to use that information, along with some creativity, to create a useful end product,” he said. “For my future in this field, I hope to find a specific application that I am passionate about so I can be invested in my projects and produce results I am proud of.”

Andrew, who interned for Arden during the past two summers recalls his internship experience fondly:

“My experience at Arden has been very informative, with the possibilities for work with a mechanical engineering degree, and the amount of information I can still learn. Working with Paul Carter, General Manager of Earthwise Energy Technologies has shown me the more technical, controls side of HVAC, while working with Tim Elliott, Director of Design & Engineering at Arden Engineering Constructors gave me a more physical understanding of the systems. With the combination of both experiences, I have obtained a more complete understanding of HVAC systems and every step taken to create a functioning system.”

About Alex

Alex Appolonia was recently hired as a Project Engineer on the Unique Metal Works, LLC team.

A University of Rhode Island (URI) graduate, Alex was a Civil Engineering major when he interned with Arden last winter. He worked under Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC Project Manager Rob Cote, and enjoyed on-site visits to the new URI College of Engineering building.

Alex Appolonia determines what size fan cover is needed for an exhaust fan at the Infinity Meat Solutions project.

He says, “I have been able to experience the precise detail and coordination it takes to complete a project of substantial caliber. My time here at Arden has given me hands-on experience in the field and shown me that to be a successful project manager or engineer one must be punctual, concise and transparent when coordinating with all the other trades from start to finish of every project.”

Alex is currently working on the Infinity Meat Solutions project, a new $100M, 200,000 sq. ft. meat-packaging facility in North Kingstown, RI. This is a joint project for Unique Metal Works, LLC, Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC, and Earthwise Energy Technologies.

MCAA Mourns the Passing of Past President Robert T. Armistead, P.E.

MCAA is saddened by the loss of Robert T. Armistead, P.E., who served as our President in 2010. He died peacefully at his home on June 16, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Our thoughts are with Susan, Robert, Kane, Bryan and the extended Armistead family during this difficult time. “Bob truly loved the MCAA and his time with everyone involved in the organization. He will be greatly missed,” said Timothy J. Brink, MCAA’s Chief Executive Officer.  

In an announcement to MCA of New Jersey, Inc. members, Executive Director Marty Drobny said, “We will miss our friend much. His positive impact within the industry will live on forever.” 

Bob was President of Armistead Mechanical, Inc., a fourth-generation mechanical contracting and engineering firm that predominantly serves the New Jersey and New York Hudson Valley areas. The company specializes in commercial and industrial plumbing, heating, air conditioning and process piping. Raised in the family business, Bob worked there over summers and school breaks, learned the trade in the field and later worked with the estimators and project managers in the office.  

After college and Navy service, Bob returned to the family business, where under his leadership, Armistead Mechanical developed an impressive project portfolio and a staff that is known for excellent customer service. 

When Bob brought his energetic style and understanding of the details of the industry to MCAA, his strong belief in educating students led to an invitation to serve on the MCAA Career Development Committee, where he tirelessly volunteered his time to aid in the development of programs and services for our industry’s future leaders.  In fact, Bob was one of the committee’s longest serving members, acting as a judge during the final round of the annual Student Chapter Competition at many of our annual conventions, and helping to set the standard for the dynamic program it has become today. 

A natural off-shoot of his service on the Career Development Committee, Bob’s passion for perpetuating the flow of talent into the industry also extended to his position on the National Board of the ACE Mentor Program that educates and mentors high school students about careers in the architecture, construction—including the building trades, and engineering.  He also served the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation, now the John R. Gentille Foundation, which funds many of MCAA’s student chapter activities. He also served on the foundation’s Board of Trustees as well as on the MCAA Technology Committee. 

On a personal note, Bob was blessed with a beautiful wife of over 50 years, Susan, and three sons, Robert, Kane, and Bryan, who work in the family business.  In his spare time, Bob served on the Orange County Industrial Development Agency and was active with the Boy Scouts, winning the Orange County Boy Scouts’ Distinguished Citizen Award in October of 2009. 

Due to the current national health crisis and continuing restrictions, funeral services and interment will take place privately, and a memorial event celebrating Robert’s life will be planned for a later date. 

Friends are encouraged to share stories, photos, and memories of him with the family by sending letters to: The Armisteads at 6 Hilltop Drive in Goshen, NY 10924. 

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the following organizations: 

Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc. Partners to Provide Acute Care Solution for COVID-19 Patients

MCAA members are innovating and creating new ways to help minimize the impact of COVID-19. Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc. of De Pere, Wisconsin, is just one example. In partnership with the teams at HGA, Boldt, Faith Technologies and IMEG, they provided an acute care solution in under two weeks.

An Innovative Project Approach

With the majority of the team working remotely, Tweet/Garot and their partners had to be innovative in their collaboration. The project kicked off with a virtual big room where component teams worked through design constraints and constructability challenges while considering “off-the-shelf” approaches to the project.

As a result, the project used a standard HVAC rooftop unit retrofitted to meet isolation room requirements. This one-model approach allowed component teams to start clash detection while the design continued to evolve.

Once design was complete, the manufacturing team worked with Boldt’s facility in Appleton to streamline the production process using pull-plan sessions, completing the project start to finish in less than 10 days.

Prefabricated Modular Solution Offers Flexibility, Quick Delivery

The resulting STAAT ModTM (Strategic, Temporary, Acuity-Adaptable Treatment) prefabricated modular solution can be deployed for use as either stand-alone hospitals or inside convention centers, arenas and temporary structures. It is one of the only temporary care units that can be deployed quickly to provide hospital-level care to patients suffering from coronavirus.

Multiple independent modules can connect to each other or to a hospital building with segregated spaces for patient care and healthcare workers. The units allow additional capacity to be added, or re-deployed to sites where the need is greater.

A Variety of Configurations Suit Multiple Applications

The STAAT ModTM solution can be configured as:

  • A two-room isolation unit designed for use in an interior shelter, such as a convention center. This unit can be rapidly deployed.
  • An eight-bed unit of critical care isolation rooms consisting of four two-bed modules designed to connect to a hospital or existing structure.
  • A 12-bed unit of negative-pressure open-bays consisting of four three-bed open bay modules connected to a central support spine. An infinite number of additional self-sustaining tiers can be added.

Enhanced Features Add Safety, Reduce Costs

The STAAT ModTM solution was created and tested with a variety of enhanced features designed to ensure safety, allow for rapid construction and reduce costs. Virtual Reality (VR) simulation exercises allowed experts including critical care nurses trained in COVID-19 protocols, a hospital environmental specialist in infection control, and lean process engineers to test the system during design so that the solution could be constructed and delivered rapidly.

Patients and healthcare workers benefit from:

  • Hospital-level clinical care that ensures infection control, access to life-saving technology and isolation rooms if needed for extended periods of time.
  • Safety provisions including standardized design, centrally located supplies, and segregated staff workspaces.
  • The knowledge that they are providing care that meets CDC guidelines.

Contractors are able to:

  • Deliver jobs quickly and with a consistent level of quality. At the same time, contractors are able to better ensure worker safety in the controlled environment of their fabrication shops.
  • Deliver cost savings over conventional construction.

Tweet/Garot gained valuable takeaways from the collaborative project. Leadership and trust were maintained among all partners, allowing the design and construction teams to successfully achieve their goals and generate a feedback loop for quick decision-making. Real-time updates from the constant daily collaboration helped address constraints, and ultimately eliminated waste.

This innovative joint effort is helping to pave the way for the healthcare construction market while at the same time minimizing the impact on the community. We’re all in this together.

Discover the Latest from Harris Products Group and Galloup Company 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:

Harris Products Group

Harris Products Group
Steelworker® Outfit contains all the major components needed for cutting, welding, brazing and heating using all fuel gases. As supplied, cut up to a 1″ plate and weld up to a 1⁄8″plate. Add larger tips and cut 5” plate and weld 1/2” plate.


Galloup Company

Galloup is a premier industrial distributor of pipe, valves and fittings, dedicated to service and support. Serving Michigan, Indiana and Ohio with nine facilities, including two distribution centers.

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Murphy Company Interns Get Project Experience on Their College Campus

Murphy Company interns Jacob Reed and Morgan Hanley have been onsite project engineering interns for the University of Missouri-Columbia’s NextGen Precision Health Institute. The opportunity has given them a first-hand look at what it takes to build a job on their college campus. 

About the Project

The company continues its work on the facility which supports a systemwide precision health initiative aimed at harnessing and supporting the research activities of its four universities and health system. The building will include lab space for current and new faculty, graduate students, clinicians and have collaborative spaces for work with industry partners.

The facility is the largest single project that the University of Missouri has ever undertaken. The project consists of a new 265,000 sq. ft. six story facility.

The Murphy Company team, in collaboration with their general contractor and trade partners, was hired on in a design-assist capacity completed the following extensive BIM and fabrication on this past year:

  • Identified and corrected 1,134 BIM clashes prior to installation
  • Fabricated 121,000 lbs. of ductwork and 65,000 lbs. of mechanical piping and racks
  • Installed the following:
    • 7,600 Linear Feet (LF) of underground piping
    • 22,500 MEP Trimble points based on BIM
    • 41,700 LF of above ground plumbing and piping
    • 3,4000 of LF of reverse osmosis (RO) piping
    • 21,640 LF of copper process piping

Construction on the institute is expected to be completed in October 2021.

Both Jacob Reed and Morgan Hanley began their internships in Murphy Company’s St. Louis office this past spring semester.  

About Jacob

Jacob is entering his senior year at the University of Missouri-Columbia, studying Mechanical Engineering. In the spring working 20-hour week, Jacob was able to see the project manager role in action by attending coordination meetings, daily site walks and reviewing construction drawings making him more familiar with the project layout. Since the spring Jacob has transition to a full-time intern this summer.

“Since I have transitioned to full-time for the summer, I feel that I am gaining valuable real-world experience without too much of an internship feel. My responsibilities now include reviewing submittals, tracking productivity, and the commissioning process of equipment. I have been able to soak in as much information as possible, ask plenty of questions about topics I did not fully understand, and have real responsibilities that add value to the work being completed here. I believe it is the perfect balance that is allowing me to apply my skills and develop new ones.”

Jacob looks forward to the rest of his summer internship and continue to learn from Murphy employees the importance of coordination, communication, and critical problem solving.

“I have now seen multiple times how project managers are able to take a problem in stride, communicate with co-workers to create a solution, and implement that solution in a timely manner. I am also looking forward to watching further completion of the NextGen Precision Health Institute. I find it very exciting that I get to see firsthand the construction of a multi-million-dollar research institute at my college.”

About Morgan

Morgan Hanley is a Junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia studying chemical engineering. In the spring Morgan was on-site at the NextGen facility and this summer is currently working in Murphy Company’s engineering department.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time so far with Murphy as it has allowed me to apply what I have learned in my coursework to practical, real-world scenarios. I have enjoyed being able to see two pieces of a bigger puzzle at work. Being on site of NextGen and then coming to the Engineering department has been really interesting because it has closed the loop between the drawings and plans I worked with at Mizzou to how those intricate details, sizings, and selections are determined during the design phase. It has been fascinating to observe the complementary aspects of both locations, and I am excited to learn even more during the rest of the summer.”

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today

Find student chapter members like Derrick by visiting MCAAGreatFutures.org, where members have access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

Help MCAA Tailor Career Programming to Support Your Hiring Needs

MCAA connects students with MCAA members through networking and employment opportunities that help to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.

The MCAA Career Development Committee is exploring new ways to make these connections with virtual networking and resources in light of the cancellation of the MCAA GreatFutures Forum due to COVID-19.

Please help to ensure that this programming supports your company’s needs by letting us know your company’s hiring plans for the coming year.

Please contact Megan Walsh if you have questions about the GreatFutures program or our student activities and resources.

Harry Grodsky & Company, Inc. Project Enables Quick Screening of Potential COVID-19 Patients

MCAA members are continuously building facilities to serve the surge of COVID-19 patients in their communities. New England MCA, Inc. member Harry Grodsky & Company, Inc. is just one example. The company recently completed work on a rapid response triage outside the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The triage enables medical staff to quickly screen patients to determine which ones are the sickest and need the most immediate care. In addition to the patient care benefits, the triage helps prevent the hospital staff from becoming overwhelmed by overcrowded facilities.

Designed to handle between 30 and 40 patients at a time, the triage is fully equipped, meaning staff can treat patients without entering the hospital’s main building.

In delivering facilities like this one, MCAA members like Harry Grodsky & Company, Inc. are helping to ensure that COVID-19 patients are tested and treated quickly, keeping our communities safer for all of us. We are all in this together.  

Find the Latest from E.H. Wachs and Sunbelt Rentals, 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:

E.H. Wachs
E.H. Wachs manufactures portable weld prep machine tools used in construction and maintenance to cut, bevel, face and counterbore pipe and vessels. Available for purchase or rental.

Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. - MCAA Virtual Trade Show


Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.

Take the guesswork out of selecting the right temporary cooling equipment for the job – download this comprehensive guide to cooling equipment to find the perfect solution for all of your cooling needs.

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Smith & Oby Company Plays Vital Role in Hope Hospital Project

MCAA member companies have overcome scheduling and other challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to serve our communities. MCA of Cleveland member Smith & Oby Company’s work on the conversion of Cleveland Clinic’s Health Education Campus (HEC) main building into a COVID-19 surge hospital is just one example.

The temporary hospital is one part of Cleveland Clinic’s strategy to be fully prepared to meet the needs of the community during this rapidly evolving situation.

The facility, called Hope Hospital, offers onsite care for COVID-19 patients with short term needs. These are patients who do not require ventilators or large amounts of oxygen. The entire project was accomplished in less than a month. The four-story, 477,000-square-foot building can accommodate up to 1,000 hospital beds.

Edmund S. Sabanegh, Cleveland Clinic’s President of Main Campus and Regional Hospitals, praises all of the project partners, saying, “There’s really no precedent for us doing something this big this quickly. It’s been amazing to watch clinical leaders and operations, construction, design and nursing teams all come together in a very short window of time and literally build a thousand-bed-capability facility that rivals fixed buildings in many parts of the country. “

Members like the Smith & Oby Company continue to adapt to the COVID-19 situation to help provide the best patient care in the safest way possible. We are all in this together.

Recruit the Best Talent – Apply for MCAA Internship Grants!

This year, $500 MCAA Internship Grants are being offered to students who accept internships or full-time positions thanks to funding from the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). MCAA members can use these grants to help them attract much-needed talent, and interns will appreciate the investment in their success. This small gesture may be the beginning of a great future with your company.

Internship Success

MCAA members are leveraging the internship grants for their interns this summer.

Enginuty LLC presented Matthew Lawrence and Andrew Clancy with MCAA student internship grants at the start of their internships this summer. Matthew is working as a service department sales assistant and Andrew is a project assistant.

Read the full Story HERE.

Bryce Danielson, this year’s Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship recipient is continuing his internship for MCA of Omaha member Ray Martin Company. “I have been challenged with many tasks which include estimating and preparing bids, writing purchase orders and subcontracts, and helping with project management duties. They gave me opportunities that no other company would give a first-year intern.”

Read the full Story HERE.

How the Grant Application Process Works

The MCAA member company will first ensure a prospective intern is in good standing at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school. While MCAA encourages its members to give priority to students from the MCAA Student Chapter Program, this is not a requirement to receive a grant.

Each MCAA member company can submit up to two internship grant applications per year. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will send a $500 gift card to the member company so it can present the gift card to the student at the start of their internship.

MCAA will follow-up with each company and intern to ensure the process and overall internship was successful.

Start Your Search for Top Talent Today

MCAAGreatFutures.org gives members access to student profiles and resumes. The profiles are searchable by university, desired location, and even a specific skill set, like BIM or AutoCAD. A keyword filter allows users to zero in on students who fit the bill.

Not finding a match? Try reaching out to our 60 MCAA Student Chapters. The chapter advisors are a great resource to help find the right person. And, MCAA members have exclusive access to post job openings on our job board.

Help build our industry’s GreatFuture – apply for a grant!

Webinar #21: COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfecting Tools

Milwaukee Tool will lead a health & safety conversation on tool cleaning and disinfecting for your tools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This presentation will discuss tool sharing protocols, length of virus stability, EPAs List N, and how to properly disinfect tools, batteries, and gear. Raffi Elchemmas, AEP, CHST, is a subject matter expert in construction health & safety. He is an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer with board certification in professional ergonomics.