Organization: MCAA

Tuesday afternoon offered MCAA 2017 attendees three very different learning experiences.

Student Chapter Competition Showcased Future Industry Professionals

During the Student Chapter Competition, attendees looked on as teams from the MCAA student chapters at Colorado State University, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, the University of Missouri – Columbia and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln presented their plans and ideas for the renovation of the Chippewa Falls, WI wastewater treatment plant.

The teams—each acting as the general contractor to the project—had to coordinate the completion of the design of the plant’s new improvements and strategically plan and execute a very detailed construction effort using all involved trades.

Teams also presented preventative maintenance and service proposals. And, an extra-credit challenge encouraged the teams to suggest short- and intermediate-term technologies and arrangements to assist and protect the community from lead exposure during the renovation and replacement of the city’s lead pipes.

Learn From Your Peers Roundtable Discussions Encouraged Attendees to Learn from One Another

At the Learn From Your Peers Roundtable Discussions, attendees shared ideas and insights, whether new or tried and true.

MSCA presented two roundtable discussions, Maximizing the Value of Your Business with Service, moderated by Chris Carter of Murphy Company and Bob Lake of EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, and Using the National Service and Maintenance Agreement to Grow Your Service Business, moderated by Frank Norton of EMCOR Services Northeast, Inc. and Kip Bagley of EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems.

The NCPWB roundtable—Reduce the Cost and Risk Associated with Welding and Brazing, moderated by Bob Silvia of Process Engineers and Constructors—discussed ways to reduce welding and brazing costs while at the same time increasing productivity. NCPWB Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Brazing Procedure Specifications (BPS) were among the topics discussed.

Best Practices in Plumbing, sponsored by the PCA and moderated by Scott Wallenstein of Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co., covered resources to help plumbing contractors increase profitability, including fabrication, new technologies and tools.

The Achieving Safety Excellence roundtable, moderated by Pete Chaney, MCAA’s Director of Safety & Health, discussed the most challenging occupational safety and health issues for mechanical construction and service companies, among other topics.

Special Session Brought the San Diego Zoo to MCAA 2017

The Special Session Featuring Joan Embery and her Wildlife Ambassadors: Conservation for Wildlife and Humans brought the world-famous San Diego zoo to MCAA attendees, who lined up to feed a sloth and pet a variety of animals, from snakes and birds to a porcupine and a hedgehog.

Wednesday found attendees back to the business of education.

Josh Bone and James Benham reviewed a brief history of virtual reality, augmented reality and wearable devices during their session on The Rise of Virtual Design and Construction. The presenters also analyzed case studies of how industry leaders are using innovative technology to inspire collaboration and design.

During Greater than Yourself, sponsored by Winsupply, Steve Farber shared leadership and mentoring tips. He encouraged attendees to out mentoring candidates whose values align closely with their own.

“The GREATEST leaders make OTHERS greater than themselves.”

In Exit Planning – Dancing in the End Zone, Patrick Ungashick led attendees through a series of interactive exercises designed to help them determine whether the decisions they are making today are helping or hurting the potential for a successful exit. He explained the difference between growth and value and showcased the Seven Elements of Transferable Value, providing attendees with the tools they need to assess their business’ strengths and weaknesses in each area.

In Delivering Lean IPD, Victor Sanvido explained how this methodology can bring projects to completion more quickly, efficiently, productively, and profitably. How? By eliminating waste, duplication, delays, excess costs, and misunderstandings between owners and contractors.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Management Methods, moderated by Dennis Shuman of Speer Mechanical, Chairman of the Management Methods Committee, with help from committee members Robert Lindbloom of Apollo Mechanical Contractors, Terry James of Murray Company and Richard Perosa of H.T. Lyons, Inc., explored one of MCAA’s most valuable resources, its Management Methods Bulletins. These unique resources have helped many MCAA contractors grow their businesses and become even more successful. Visit our website for a full list of Management Methods Bulletins.

During Leadership Lessons from Black Hawk Down, sponsored by DEWALT, Sgt. Matt Eversmann shared leadership lessons from the front lines, when lives are on the line.

In Mechanical Contracting 2017—It’s Still about People and Pipe, John Koontz explained that while technology has evolved, getting it built is more important than the tech you build it with. He encouraged attendees to embrace “Management by Walking Around,” saying that “Getting out of the office and visiting your jobsites has never been more important.”

“Your Paradox: Survival requires change. The basics don’t change.”

During The ConAppGuru Reviews Tables and Apps for the Field, Rob McKinney reviewed the evolution of mobile technology used throughout construction projects. Among the topics discussed were: app selection, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, and hardware selection.

Eddie Osterland reprised his Power Entertaining with Food and Wine session, again sponsored by Sloan Valve Company. He showed attendees how to wow friends, families and business colleagues by entertaining in different ways. Among the tips he offered, he suggested educating guests about new foods and wines to give them a unique experience that will leave them wanting more.

MCAA Past President Mark Rogers received MCAA’s highest honor, the Infinity Award for Distinguished Service, at MCAA 2017’s Opening Session. The statue for MCAA’s Distinguished Service Award embodies the infinity symbol, a never-ending loop of learning, succeeding and giving back to others, which are MCAA’s core values.

Noting that we have record attendance at MCAA 2017, MCAA President Tom Stone opened the convention Monday by encouraging everyone to take a moment to reflect on our success.

“[T]he people in this room are successful because we never stop learning. This week we will listen to exceptional leaders and visionaries and technical gurus – and take home with us what we learn. Our annual convention is unparalleled in our industry.”

—Tom Stone, MCAA President

He attributed our success to continuous learning, whether at in-person events or through independent study using the more than 600 resources available for download from mcaa.org free as a benefit of membership.

He cited partnerships with the best manufacturers and suppliers in the world, investing in the future, working together to advocate for our industry in Washington and the best union workforce in America as additional contributors to our success.

After recognizing those who lead the association and pausing to remember those who are no longer with us, President Stone bestowed the Distinguished Service Award (DSA), MCAA’s highest award, on MCAA Past President Mark Rogers, who is President of the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF).

The new DSA statue embodies the infinity loop, the never-ending loop of learning, succeeding and giving back to others is MCAA’s core value. It signifies the essence of the DSA and an individual who exemplifies these qualities.

The Honorable John Boehner, the 53rd Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, followed. He thanked attendees for their work, saying that small businesses are the heart and soul of America. Among the skills he picked up during childhood, Boehner said one of the most useful to his career was learning the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable.

Asked about the most significant event he experienced while he was Speaker of the House, Boehner cited Pope Francis’ historic speech to Congress in September 2015.

In answer to another question, Boehner noted that the top three challenges facing America today are:

1. Economic growth and job mobility
2. The threat of terrorism from overseas
3. Educational disparity

He noted that the deficit is another problem, saying, “We’ve got to get serious about living within our means.

MCAA 2017 attendees headed to this year’s Manufacturer/Supplier Exhibit in droves, eager to learn about the new products, technologies and services that can help their businesses grow, cut costs, save time, and reduce errors.

They discovered how innovations can provide a competitive advantage, whether by increasing productivity or boosting bottom-line results. New technologies were on display for inspection and hands-on testing. These included products from our newest Manufacturer/Supplier Council members—software that captures photos, data and reports for easy documentation; digital pressure gauges; mobile subcontractor apps; fall protection equipment; and trenchless piping products.

Representatives from 135 Manufacturer/Supplier Council member companies were on hand to share information and answer questions about how these exciting innovations can help attendees’ companies achieve greater efficiency, enhanced productivity, and increased profitability.

During the Student Chapter Exhibit, contractors connected with students from top schools of construction management, mechanical engineering and other disciplines related to our industry to discuss internship and job opportunities.

MCAA 2017 attendees hit the ground running with a variety of learning opportunities designed to advance their knowledge about new industry trends, technologies and practices. Whether they came to San Diego hoping to develop or hone their leadership abilities, learn new business growth strategies, explore new building technology applications, discover strategies and methods to attract new talent or take a step back and take stock, experts were on hand to share their insights and experiences.

In Service Sales Leadership and Training—Your Key to Growth, Jim Bartolotta of Atomatic Mechanical Services, the immediate past chairman of the MSCA Board of Managers, discussed the vital role of constant coaching and mentoring in developing great sales teams. He encouraged attendees to set specific sales goals and plans, and to meet weekly to ensure that teams are communicating and goals are met.

Brian Beaulieu’s 2017 Economic Forecast predicted that another recession is unlikely until 2030, and that America will remain a leader for at least the next 100 years thanks to a combination of a growing population, abundant natural resources and a system of rights unlike that of any other country.

During Leveraging Technology for Improved Profitability, James Benham discussed how cutting-edge mobile applications, sensors and web-based solutions are being integrated for use in the office and on the jobsite. He explored the latest trends, solutions and devices in building technologies and talked about how they will rewrite the rules for construction projects.

Mark Breslin, a leading authority on construction leadership, strategy, labor-management relations and how to create positive change in the industry, presented The Cutting Edge: Finding and Developing Your Next Generation of Leaders. He encouraged attendees to reinvent their workforces for the future based on changing demographic trends and provided an elevator speech contractors can use when talking with potential hires.

“A zero debt, technical education, earning college credits, with upward career opportunities that can pay you $100,000+ a year.”

In her presentation, Is the Light On In Your Eyes?, Sam Horn encouraged attendees to reflect on what happiness means to them. Through a series of interactive exercises, she helped them define action plans for updating beliefs and behaviors that may be holding them back, saying every day is an invitation to evolve.

Moderator John Koontz kept the discussion flowing during the Finding Talent…A Roundtable Discussion and Box Lunch, sponsored by Apollo Flow Controls. Attendees shared ideas and listened to what student chapter members had to say about what young people are looking for.

Achieving Innovation and Breakthroughs Featuring X-Prize Foundation CEO Dr. Peter Diamandis showcased breakthrough technologies that are changing the way we live and work. Diamandis showcased the 3D printing of building materials and even homes. Asked how business owners can encourage innovation in their companies, he suggested appointing a company experiment guru to envision what the company can be doing, then having teams of five people from diverse backgrounds conduct the experiments and report the results.

Tuesday’s A Morning with Goldie Hawn Hosted by MCAA First Lady Sharon Glynn, sponsored by Ferguson, gave attendees a front-row seat for a talk show style question and answer session.

Matt Abeles’ session on Disruptors for the Built Environment provided a preview of the newest emerging technologies designed for mechanical construction projects and a discussion on augmented reality, virtual reality, project management technology, laser scanning and more, and how those technologies will help our industry advance today and for years to come

During Younger Next Year, Chris Crowley shared the behavioral changes that can help attendees become healthier, more energetic, optimistic, decisive and effective at any age.

In Extreme Leadership, sponsored by Winsupply, Steve Farber encouraged attendees to, “Do what you love in the service of people who love what you do.” He showed attendees how to use the LEAP framework—Love, Energy, Audacity, and Proof—to radically improve their organizations and their lives.

Through a series of roundtable discussions, Britton Langdon’s Tales from the Road—an Exploration into Efficiency and Productivity asked attendees to reflect on the things that could improve their companies, the results of those changes—best case, worst case and predicted outcome.

During Power Entertaining with Food and Wine, sponsored by Sloan Valve, Eddie Osterland showed attendees how to wow friends, families and business colleagues by entertaining in different ways. Among the tips he offered, he suggested educating guests about new foods and wines to give them a unique experience that will leave them wanting more.

MCAA is proud to announce a new partnership with the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) to make benchmarking data relevant to mechanical contractors available to all MCAA members.

Our 2016 Benchmarking Data for Mechanical Contractors is designed to provide members with data for comparing their business performance against industry averages for the mechanical contracting industry and features:

• 20 key financial ratios; and
• Data segmented by region, revenue, form of business and best in class.

The report is available free of charge as a benefit of membership in MCAA.

You can either download a copy now, or members attending the 2017 MCAA Annual Convention in San Diego can stop by our Business Lounge to pick up a free printed copy. Or you can do both!

Download Benchmarking Report

And details on how you can participate in the 2017 survey will be provided in the coming months, so stay tuned.

Check out the very latest Smart Solutions which spotlights mechanical contractors who found their win-win. By partnering with members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, these companies found innovative ways to meet their contractor clients’ needs by improving productivity, cutting costs and saving time on the job.

This section of our website also features tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

If you’re looking for a fabricator that will make consistent repeatable pipe cuts for a fraction of the cost of commercial cutters, check out the award-winning innovation created by Air Masters Corporation of Fenton, MO and described in a recently-released MCAA Management Methods Bulletin.

The idea for the fabricator was sown when Air Masters started looking around for fabrication equipment that would reduce shop time, enhance the services it offers to its customers and increase its competitiveness in the marketplace. However, Air Masters discovered that pipe fabricators that would meet its needs could cost as much as $250,000, a substantial investment for a small company.

Air Masters invented a solution to this challenge—the CNC Pipe Fabricator. It was created with already existing components and custom-designed software. The fabricator was designed for 2 ½” to 12” pipe, mounts on the end of any pipe roller bed and can make straight, inside bevel, outside bevel, saddle cuts or hole selected. Its total cost came to less than $30,000. And, in recognition of its innovation, Air Masters was presented with the E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation.

So, if future plans for your company include a pipe fabrication operation, the CNC Pipe Fabricator may be a good option.  Find out more about this impressive innovation.

Several of OSHA’s recently released safety and health regulations have provisions that become enforceable sometime this year.  The three that apply to the mechanical industry are silica, recordkeeping, and crane operator certification. Each of these regulations is currently under scrutiny by the new administration and various employer groups. It is conceivable that one or more of the compliance deadlines could be extended or rescinded. However, MCAA recommends that you get your company into compliance with all rules that apply to it prior to the established enforcement deadlines. MCAA will let you know immediately if substantive changes are made to any of the regulations. The compliance deadlines are shown below along with notes describing the current status of each regulation.

Respirable Crystalline Silica 

June 23, 2017 – By June 23 affected employers must be in compliance with OSHA’s new rule on respirable crystalline silica. Employers can comply by either following Table 1 of the rule, or by implementing the alternative exposure control methods that are established by the rule. (Note: This rule is under litigation by the Construction Industry Safety Coalition and other groups. The groups that are in opposition to the rule believe that OSHA did not meet its burden of prove with regard to the rule being technologically and economically feasible. It is unknown whether the litigation will be resolved prior to the June 23 enforcement date). 

Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses  

 July 1, 2017  – By July 1 small employers (20 to 249 employees), and large employers (250 or more employees) must electronically submit their OSHA 300A summary information from 2016 to OSHA. The agency will provide a secure website address for submitting the information. MCAA will provide you with that address as soon as it becomes available.  (Note: This regulation is under litigation by several employer groups contesting the anti-retaliation provisions, and the requirement for employers to disclose confidential business information. It is unknown whether the litigation will be resolved prior to the July 1 enforcement date). 

Cranes & Derricks in Construction (Operator Certification)

November 10, 2017 – By November 17 employers with affected crane operators will have to be in compliance with OSHA’s crane operator certification requirements. However, the agency is currently in the process of updating the crane operator certification requirement in its Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule. The agency expects to issue a final rule in time for the November 17 crane operator certification compliance date. (Note: It is unknown whether OSHA will be able to issue a final rule on crane operator certification requirements prior to the November 17 compliance deadline.)

If you’ve hired a college student as an intern or a co-op, apply for a $1,000 Student Internship Grant from the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF). Hire another intern and apply for another grant. You can apply for up to two grants through the end of this year.

Student interns or co-ops can greatly benefit your business. They will be eager to put their knowledge and skills to work on an actual project.  They have a fresh perspective on projects and problems, technology capabilities and a desire to learn more about our industry. With the added bonus of the grant, this initiative is a win-win.

If you would like to hire a student intern or a co-op for this spring and summer but haven’t found the right candidate, try MCAAGreatFutures.org.  Almost 240 well-qualified students from colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada–all members of MCAA student chapters–have posted their resumes and are eager to talk with you about internships or full-time employment opportunities.  Check it out today!