MCAA is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2026 MEP Innovator of the Year Award, recognizing individuals who are advancing the mechanical contracting industry through innovation, leadership, and the practical application of technology.
This award honors professionals who are not just adopting new tools, but rethinking how work gets done—improving productivity, driving better outcomes, and helping their organizations and teams adapt to a rapidly changing construction environment.
This year’s nominees reflect the breadth of innovation happening across the industry. Their work spans technology adoption, process improvement, and forward-looking leadership that is shaping how mechanical contractors operate today and prepare for what comes next.
The 2026 MEP Innovator of the Year nominees are:
- Stu McGee, Southland Industries
- Andrew Nguyen, W.E. Bowers
- Rob Cross, The Baker Group
- Ken Eastman, J.W. McClenahan
- Justin Clinton, Murray Company
Each nominee has demonstrated a commitment to pushing boundaries—whether through data-driven decision-making, digital workflows, fabrication strategies, or new approaches to project delivery and team development.
MCAA congratulates all of this year’s nominees and looks forward to recognizing their achievements as part of the MEP Innovation Conference, taking place in Austin, Texas January 26-28. Their work represents the kind of leadership and innovation that will continue to move the mechanical contracting industry forward.
