Organization: PCA

Welcome to Inside MCAA, The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting, the podcast dedicated to unveiling the strategies and resources that power success within the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Hosted by renowned Customer Experience Coach and NEI Instructor Frank Favaro, each episode dives deep into the wealth of educational tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that define MCAA.

Monthly we will explore how MCAA supports its members with cutting-edge insights and industry updates, helping navigate the dynamic landscape of mechanical contracting. From legislative advocacy to fostering trusted partnerships, Inside MCAA offers a behind-the-scenes look at the initiatives driving innovation and growth in the field.

Ep. 8 Advanced Leadership Institute: World-Class Executive Leadership Education

In this episode of Inside MCAA, we delve into the power of leadership and the transformative role of education in grooming tomorrow’s leaders. Host Frank Favaro speaks with Steve Dawson, President and CEO of Harrell Fish, and co-chair of MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) committee, about his journey from a battlefield promotion to leading one of Indiana’s most successful mechanical contracting companies. A proud graduate of the third ALI class, Steve shares insights into the critical tools and strategies that shaped his leadership journey, and how ALI, MCAA’s premiere executive education program, helped him develop the skills to lead with intention and accountability.

Steve reflects on how leadership is a continuous journey—a mindset of constant improvement—and emphasizes the importance of embracing responsibility, measuring progress, and fostering a culture of accountability within organizations. Drawing inspiration from sports dynasties like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Steve and Frank discuss how leaders set the tone for their teams and the critical role that organizational culture plays in achieving extraordinary results.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to take your leadership to the next level, this conversation offers valuable lessons on personal growth, strategic planning, and building a high-performance culture. Tune in to hear how ALI may be the leadership training you’ve been looking for.

Follow Inside MCAA on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

The MCAA Charitable Fund is collecting donations to help the members and residents is Southern California who have lost their homes and businesses in the California wildfires. Let’s unite as a community to provide hope and support for our family members affected by these fires. Your generosity can make a lasting difference in their recovery.

As we reflect on the past year and look forward to 2025, MCAA remains steadfast in our mission to guide and support the success of our members, building a stronger and more sustainable future for the mechanical contracting industry. Through innovative, member-driven resources, comprehensive educational programs, and strategic partnerships, we have empowered our community to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and shape a future defined by innovation and growth. This Year in Review highlights the events, initiatives, and resources that have enabled our members to thrive, showcasing our collective efforts to advance the industry together.

Here are the highlights from 2024:

Safety and Health Initiative:

• Produced new videos on accident investigation for supervisors to help improve safety and health across the entire industry.

• Continued MCAA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by releasing the Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video in Spanish.

• Made it even easier for MCAA and UA members to order chips and hardhat stickers with the suicide and crisis prevention hotline phone number – 988, along with the UA and MCAA logos.

• Provided tips for creating safer workplaces for women thanks to MCAA’s Safety Excellence and Women in the Mechanical Industry initiatives.

• Partnered with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training as a Premier Partner for the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction to give MCAA members access to a variety of resources.

• Teamed up with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on a study to improve industrial helmet safety with funding and guidance from the John R. Gentille Foundation, ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC).

• Earned a highly prestigious Telly Award for our 2023 film on Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention.

• Formalized MCAA’s collaborative relationship with the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to provide greater access to resources, strengthen advocacy, and create safer jobsites around the country.

• Partnered with NECA, TAUC, and SMACNA to provide video clips with tips to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of our workers during Construction Safety Week, OSHA Safe + Sound Week and every day.

• Partnered with ServiceTitan to expand member access to MCAA resources. Now MCAA members have three companies that are committed to delivering important safety and health resources through their platforms (the others are Tyfoom and MCAI).

• Expanded head protection efforts aimed at reducing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) by supporting the efforts of Hard Hats to Helmets (H2H), a group that is advocating for the conversion from hard hats to safety helmets.

• Released a new Lone Worker Safety Model Program to protect workers who work by themselves.

• Shared mental health resources in honor of Construction Suicide Prevention Week.

• Represented the construction industry at the first White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose Event. The event celebrated nearly 250 commitments from stakeholders across all sectors to help expand access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication and reduce preventable drug overdose deaths.

• Recognized Tracy Haus of Baker Group, for a decade of service to safety and health as chair of the Safety & Health Committee.

Thanks to the Safety & Health Committee for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that every worker is safe, every day.

MCAA and MSCA Outstanding Educational Events:

• Debuted MCAA’s newest online course, Foundations of Field Leadership, to share best practices and tips designed to fast-track new and aspiring field leaders. So far, 200 field leaders have completed the 8-week online program in Courses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

• Educated association executives on best practices to help their associations succeed at the AEC Best Practices Conference. Thanks to the Association Executives Council for your leadership, and to all the execs who shared ideas and experiences.

• Partnered with the UA to host the first Future Leaders Program. This groundbreaking program provided extensive training focused on the skills needed to become a successful and productive leader in the mechanical industry.

• Brought together manufacturers, suppliers and contractor industry leaders at MCAA’s 2024 Converge, where executive-to-executive meetings focused on ideas, innovations, and collaborations aimed at shaping the future of mechanical contracting. 

• Explored the unique challenges and issues facing service contractors – and offered solutions – at MSCA24.

• Continued the MSCA education with a three-part webinar series, presented by MSCA’s esteemed level 1 sponsors.
  • Losing Smarter: The Secret to Winning More Mechanical Services Revenue and 40% Faster Growth | Presented by ServiceTrade
  • Insights and Innovation Driving the Future of Commercial Contracting | Presented by ServiceTitan Commercial
  • Closing the Skilled Labor Gap: How AI is Helping the Trades Work Smarter | Presented by BuildOps

• Congratulated the 34 MCAA and MSCA executives who rose to every challenge as they learned and practiced leading-edge strategies to advance themselves, their teams, and their businesses at the Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI).

• Presented the Field Leaders Conference in Philadelphia and Atlanta to a total of 322 field personnel. Thank you to our conference speakers and exhibitors for your passionate participation in our 2024 programs.

• Hosted a sold-out Safety Conference featuring sessions with over a dozen industry experts focused on safety and health thanks to the Safety & Health Committee and our conference sponsors, CNA and MILWAUKEE TOOL.

• Provided the industry’s premier educational event and many moments to connect at MCAA24. Thanks to the Education Committee and our sponsors for making sure this was an event to remember. A fundraiser during MCAA24 brought in $31,000 for MCAA’s Political Action Committee.

• Congratulated the graduates of Institute for Project Management (IPM) classes 87 and 88 and 89 and 90. More than 2,900 project managers have completed this two-week program designed specifically for the mechanical industry.

• Collaborated and shared experiences with the latest technologies at the annual MEP Innovation Conference through a partnership with our Innovative Technologies Committee, our partners at NECA and SMACNA, our title sponsor, Trimble, and our event sponsors: Procore and MILWAUKEE TOOL.

• Congratulated the 41 graduates of MCAA’s 20^th Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM). Thanks to the Project Managers Education Committee and our instructors for their dedication and passion.

• Connected with industry improvement fund trustees and local association executives at the Industry Funds Conference thanks to the Industry Improvement Funds Committee.

• Took a deep-dive into the key regulatory and legislative issues affecting the union construction industry at the 2024 National Issues Conference along with our partners in the Construction Employers of America (CEA).

• Connected members with 150 students interested in mechanical contracting careers during the GreatFutures Forum.

• Presented the fourth annual Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference thanks to the leadership of the WiMI Committee.

• Provided focused training programs for service sales and operational personnel thanks to the MSCA Education Committee. This collection of programs, which include training for dispatchers, service managers, and field service supervisors, provide the continued training to set member company employees apart in the HVACR industry.

• Showcased advancements and innovations in the field of welding technology during the NCPWB Annual Technical Conference/Committee Meeting.

• Offered MCAA members and local affiliates a 20% rebate on instructor fees for select National Education Initiative (NEI) classes, including new classes from Ed Kommers and Terry & Lee Resnick.

MCAA’s Great Futures – Career Development Initiative:

• Rolled out a new eight-part Recruitment Guide for everyone from MCAA contractor members to Local Affiliate Executives and Faculty Advisors thanks to leadership from the Career Development Committee.

• Upgraded the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program for 2025 to offer a new level of support for multiple entities involved with developing the future talent of our industry.
  

MCAA and MSCA Member Resources:

• Debuted Inside MCAA, The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting, a podcast dedicated to unveiling the strategies and resources that power success within the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Hosted by renowned Customer Experience Coach and NEI Instructor Frank Favaro, each episode dives deep into the wealth of educational tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that define MCAA.
  • Episode 1 with MCAA President Rick Gopffarth
  • Episode 2 with MCAA CEO Tim Brink
  • Episode 3 on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
  • Episode 4 on MCAA’s Association Executives Council
  • Episode 5 The Evolution of Technology in the Mechanical Industry
  • Episode 6 Converge: Building Connections, Driving Innovation

• Released a new Management Methods Bulletin and a new Change Orders edition that explore BIM related cost overrun impacts.

• Unveiled new Environmental Social Governance (ESG) resources at the MCAA24 Annual Convention during a session hosted by MCAA Past President Brian Helm. The presentation featured subject matter experts from SLOAN, Victaulic, Ferguson, Stanley Black & Decker, DEWALT, Trane Technologies, and Watts Water. They discussed what ESG means for a company’s business and how to initiate ESG efforts.

• Released the MSCA-commissioned 2024 Beacon Economics Market Report, which delivers up-to-the-minute insights and data-driven analysis tailored for mechanical service contractors.

• Hosted a webinar offering tips for growing heat pump business to prepare members to take advantage of massive federal incentives.

• Released NCPWB Technical Bulletins covering modifications to NCPWB’s Brazing Procedure Specifications, GMAW (MIG) and FCAW welding basics, and what mechanical contractor managers need to know about piping codes & customer specifications thanks to NCPWB Consultant Walter Sperko, P.E. and the NCPWB leadership.

Political Advocacy:

• Secured the services of Longbow Public Policy Group to advise our MCAA Government Affairs Committee (GAC) as part of MCAA’s ongoing commitment to protecting your livelihood and setting the stage for a bright future. GAC Chair, Jim Gaffney passes along information relative to our industry on a regular basis.

• Hosted An Election for the Ages: An Exclusive Election Debrief Webinar for MCAA Members to inform MCAA members about the events leading up to the election, the data tracked on Election Day, and where the nation may be headed politically.

• Voiced support for the Nomination of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to be Secretary of Labor.

• Shared information about new academic research that documents the primacy of the construction industry labor/management joint apprenticeship training infrastructure in building and maintaining the high-skill workforce and employment standards in the construction industry for the benefit of the overall economy, journey workers and apprentices, construction employers, and their public and private sector clients.

• Kept members apprised of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule banning non-compete clauses and provided a summary of the FTC’s final rule to offer further guidance and answer questions about industry-specific matters.

• Joined a coalition of trade associations and industry groups in urging U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to narrow the scope of the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) ongoing antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations regarding aluminum extrusions. The investigation’s goal would be to level the playing field for American manufacturers but would create problems for our industry especially in the HVAC sector.

We also:

• Signed a strategic alliance agreement with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) that solidifies a unified front among these prominent organizations to address industry challenges and leverage collective strengths.

• Held a detailed discussion about “Approaching Next” during MCAA’s 2024 Summer Board Meeting to set the stage for strategic moves to drive progress and growth in alignment with the “Approaching Next” vision.

• Surveyed MCAA firms regarding current customs and best practices to account for and mitigate BIM-related risks. This topic is crucial and urgent for our industry, and MCAA is proud to take a leadership role to benefit our members and the industry as a whole.

• Partnered with Maxim Consulting Group to assist in placing our members into existing peer groups and facilitate the establishment of new ones.

• Welcomed a new NCPWB chapter in Arizona, marking a significant development for the local contractors. This move is set to ensure seamless handling of welder certifications and continuity records.

• Partnered with the Lean Construction Institute and Dodge Construction Network to study the national utilization of Lean in design and construction.

• Took part in the inspiring Tradeswomen Build Nations conference which drew over 5,200 attendees representing a diverse array of trades, including members of the United Association (UA), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Teamsters, Bricklayers (BAC), and many more.

• Partnered with Dodge Construction Network to conduct critical research on the state of technology across the construction industry.

• Welcomed new staff members Shannon Paciorek, Ron King and  David Left. They and the entire MCAA staff are here to help you.

• Congratulated the award winners who showcase excellence in our industry today and those who are part of our industry’s future.

• Shared member milestones and news.

• Welcomed seven new members to MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council. Bluebeam, A Nemetscheck Company; Herc Rentals; HGG Profiling Equipment, Inc.; McElroy Manufacturing, Inc.; Lubrizol; Spirax Sarco and Tecnar are eager to help enhance your strategic supply chain.

• Deferred the $0.01 dues increase originally scheduled for January 1, 2024, until January 1, 2025 based on concerns expressed by the AEC community. Thank you to everyone who voiced their opinion, both for the increase and for the deferment. Our local affiliates are the lifeblood of the MCAA, and the voice for their members. To help you plan and budget, increases are planned for January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2028.

• Continued to transition to a new association management system that will make the MCAA member experience even better.

• MCAA’s volunteer leaders, led by President Rick Gopffarth and the Executive Committee, remain laser-focused on helping the industry advance and adapt to change. Thanks to the vision, talent and expertise of the MCAA Board of Directors, our contractor members, our manufacturer/supplier members and partners, local affiliates, volunteers who sit on our committees and Foundation and the national staff worked together in 2024 to ensure your businesses remain competitive.

As we reflect on the last year, we hope that you – the members of the MCAA family – find value in these resources and achievements.

We look forward to a new year full of challenges and opportunities to help you!

The MCAA Charitable Fund is collecting donations to help communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. All donations will support Convoy of Hope’s relief efforts in the affected areas. Let’s unite as a community to provide hope and support for those affected by these storms. Your generosity can make a lasting difference in their recovery.

For the eighth consecutive year, Baker Group, an MCAA member, has been named a winner of the State of Iowa Top Workplaces award. This recognition underscores Baker Group’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. The Iowa Top Workplaces list is published by the Des Moines Register based solely on employee feedback measuring multiple culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization. MCAA congratulates the entire Baker Group team creating this culture for success.

“At Baker Group, we invest in the well-being and growth of our employees, knowing that they are the heart of our success,” said Gary Bridgewater, Baker Group CEO. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible team and their dedication to our clients, our colleagues, and our work and to be acknowledged as a top workplace for the eighth year is an honor.”

Baker Group continues to expand its footprint in the Midwest and remains dedicated to delivering high-quality service while nurturing a workplace culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, and career development. 

Iowa Top Workplaces is a part of the Top Workplaces recognition program, the nation’s most credible employer recognition program. The annual survey is administered by Energage LLC., a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. The anonymous survey uniquely measures a series of culture drivers, including alignment, execution, connection, and more.

About the Baker Group

Founded in 1963, Baker Group is one of the Midwest’s premier commercial and industrial full-service specialty contractors. Baker Group provides commercial and industrial services to clients from locations in Ankeny, Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Kansas City. More than 1,100 team members across these locations deliver a variety of services including: mechanical, plumbing, piping, electrical, sheet metal, building automation, process automation, security systems, fire alarm systems, parking revenue control, 24/7/365 service, and more. For more information about Baker Group, visit www.thebakergroup.com or connect with them on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Welcome to Inside MCAA, The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting, the podcast dedicated to unveiling the strategies and resources that power success within the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Hosted by renowned Customer Experience Coach and NEI Instructor Frank Favaro, each episode dives deep into the wealth of educational tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that define MCAA.

Monthly we will explore how MCAA supports its members with cutting-edge insights and industry updates, helping navigate the dynamic landscape of mechanical contracting. From legislative advocacy to fostering trusted partnerships, Inside MCAA offers a behind-the-scenes look at the initiatives driving innovation and growth in the field.

EPISODE 3: Justin Azbill, Director of National Environment, Health & Safety for MILWAUKEE TOOL and Raffi Elchemmas, Executive Director of Safety, Health & Rick Management for MCAA

In episode 3 guest Justin Azbill, Director of National Environment, Health & Safety for Milwaukee Tool, and MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health & Risk Management Raffi Elchemmas, discuss mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the construction industry. They explore the various resources available to MCAA members, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being for workers and organizations. Tune in to gain insights on prioritizing mental health and leveraging available resources for a safer jobsite.

MCAA’s available resources include:

• MCAA’s award-winning Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlights the success story of an industry veteran, with appearances from MCAA past president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams. English and Spanish versions are available to MCAA members. The public video, available to all, can be found at YouTube.com/@MCAAmerica or directly here in English or Spanish.
• Over the last year, MCAA has partnered with the UA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC to distribute over 150k 988 awareness hard hat stickers and chips highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
  • 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).
• The UA/MCAA Mental Health Toolbox Talks are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start or continue the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. They are available in English and Spanish.
• MCAA’s newest education opportunity, the Construction Mental Health Summit will take place January 13^th, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in conjunction with the MCAA/TAUC/SMACNA Safety and Health Conference. Developed in partnership with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), the half-day Construction Mental Health Summit will focus on the importance of understanding and leading through vulnerability, courage, connection, and compassion. Participants will join in this interactive experience to discuss the importance of courage, connection, and compassion in our personal and professional values.

With these resources, we hope that your teams will spend time discussing this important industry issue. By learning how to support one another, they just may save a life.

Follow Inside MCAA on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.