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Relationship-Building Was the Name of the Game at the MCAA18 Exhibits

Contractors continued to build relationships with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council and student chapter members during the annual exhibits. The Annual Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit highlighted well-known products and services as well as solutions that are just emerging to take on the anticipated challenges that lie ahead. The Student Chapter Exhibit provided members with another opportunity to meet students seeking their Great Futures in our industry.

MCAA Kicked Off Targeted Programming for Women Professionals at MCAA18

Our association’s leading women kicked off our Women in the Mechanical Industry forum with a networking reception. During the event, women learned how the forum will further enrich their careers through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities beyond those already offered through membership in MCAA and MSCA. Women in the Mechanical Industry also sponsored a special session on two proven career advancement strategies measured to have the strongest payoff for women professionals.

Colorado State Wins Student Chapter Competition

The team from Colorado State University won the final round of the Student Chapter Competition at MCAA18, taking home the first prize and $10,000 for their efforts. Their proposal for the renovation of a New York City steakhouse beat out proposals from the Fairleigh-Dickinson University, the University of Washington and the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Second place honors and a $5,000 prize went to the University of Washington team.

University of Washington is Student Chapter Competition Runner-Up MCAA18

 

The other two finalist teams, from Fairleigh-Dickinson University and the Wentworth Institute of Technology, took home checks for $2,500.

Teams from six additional universities received Merit Awards and checks for $1,000. They were:

  • Ball State University
  • Kennesaw State University
  • McMaster University
  • Iowa State University
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering
  • Illinois State University

Want to Connect with Students at MCAA18? Start at MCAAGreatFutures.org!

Looking for new talent to secure your company’s future? Hoping to connect during MCAA18? Start your research at MCAAGreatFutures.org.

A new search option helps you easily narrow your search to those candidates who are joining us at MCAA18. Look for it to the left of the Search by Keyword area, click the circle to select it and hit submit. Be sure to check back often… students are adding their resumes daily.

Additional Ways to Search

Looking for a specific skill like BIM or Autocad? Enter it into the keyword filter and you’ll get an instant list of students who fit the bill.

Prefer to search by university? We’ve got you covered – just select the university from the list and hit “Submit.”

Just want interns? Only looking for full-time professionals? The results can also be filtered by job type, so you can narrow them down depending on your needs.

Access to the resumes is exclusively for MCAA members, giving members first dibs on the talent the association’s Career Development Initiative has helped to nurture. To see candidate details, simply login with your MCAA.org username and password.

So reach out and get in touch. You may just find the next star employee to ensure your company’s great future!

MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition: Final Four Selected!

The results are in! Congratulations to our four finalists for the 2018 MCAA Student Chapter Competition:

This year MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition drew 28 teams, including two new chapters. The project involved the renovation of the heating and cooling systems for the Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse in New York City where chapters were tasked with coordinating the removal of the existing equipment and installing the new equipment.

The top competition prize is $10,000. The second place team receives $5,000 and the other two finalists will each receive $2,500.

You can see the final four teams compete at the 2018 MCAA Convention in the Grand Oaks Ballroom on Monday, March 26 at 1:30 p.m.!

The winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence breakfast on Wednesday, March 28 at 7:00 a.m. We’ll also be announcing the Chapter of the Year, Educator of the Year, and presenting new student chapter charters to:

Our convention is a great place to meet students from many schools who are interested in internships or jobs with MCAA member companies. You can attend the Annual Manufacturer/Supplier Exhibit on Tuesday, March 27 from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., where you will be able to talk to the students at their chapter tables.

Don’t miss the chance to meet our future industry leaders at this year’s Convention!

Visit the MCAA18 Website

Register Now!

Anderson, Rowe & Buckley Shaves Hours, Speeds Up Cash Flow With MobiliForms From iBusiness

Anderson, Rowe & Buckley (AR&B) deployed MobiliForms from iBusiness Technologies, cutting labor costs and going paperless painlessly. “Our 100+ field techs are shaving time each day, and I’ve personally recaptured eight hours per week,” said Darin Sheridan, HVAC superintendent, who is tasked with overseeing the solution.

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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.

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Jay R. Smith Crafts Speedy Solution for J.W. McClenahan’s Drainage Dilemma

Faced with new, more stringent building requirements mid-project, J.W. McClenahan Co. got a boost from the engineers at Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.,® who rapidly designed new trench drains and had them verified by a third party to satisfy city inspectors—all in just four months.

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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.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Commonwealth Plumbing Finds Viega Double Drop Elbows Are Perfect Fit for Historic Building

While renovating a historic building, Commonwealth Plumbing found that Viega’s double drop elbows were the best solution for accommodating new bathroom sinks in a tight space with limited design options. By using pressed fittings, Commonwealth not only saved time on installation but also avoided soldering in an old building with a lot of wood.

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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.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Last Chance to Register for MCAA’s Technology Conference

This week is your last chance to register for the MCAA Technology Conference. The conference provides insight on new tools, processes and software that even the most established contractors are having a hard time keeping up with.

This year’s event addresses challenges for your entire team. It was designed for all areas of your company that work with technology. General sessions are combined with in-depth breakout and roundtables to allow for a dive deep for specific users:

  • For BIM experts, we have sessions on keeping BIM costs in check, optimizing productivity and learning about the next generation of tools.
  • For service contractors, we have a full slate of breakout sessions on the hardware and software being used today by service contractors.
  • IT managers will find incredible insight from Nick Espinosa on cyber security threats from a hacker’s point of view. (Check out his video interview with BuiltWorlds)
  • Operations and management will learn how to sell technology to customers, hear about software designed for their use and understand what their IT team is asking them.

There are a lot of events each year, but this conference is the only one that is MEP focused with peers sharing ideas on the latest technology. Don’t miss this opportunity. Register now and I hope to see you in Austin this November 8-10.

Ready… Set… Go! MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition is Off and Running

MCAA student chapter members have been challenged to plan a project involving the renovation of the mechanical systems of a Brazilian restaurant in mid-town New York City—Fogo De Chao Steakhouse. The project, which was provided by Arista Air Conditioning Corporation, was announced during MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum in Indianapolis on September 30, 2017.

Project Presents Challenges

The project calls for the mechanical subcontractor to assist and coordinate the removal of the existing equipment and the installation of the new equipment using variable refrigerant flow technology (VRF). The contractor also must arrange for and coordinate the subcontracted work, manage the project within the space constraints of the restaurant (16,000 sq. ft.) and arrange all necessary city permits and licenses. The mechanical contractor may select the equipment manufacturer.

The original project design called for a chilled water system that was to be installed on the restaurant building’s roof, but the owner preferred a design option using VRF. A Simultaneous Heat Recovery system (producing heating and cooling at the same time) was selected, but bidders are to determine its design and operation.

Proposals Put Students’ Skills to the Test

Proposals are to be submitted in two segments. The first is to include pre-qualification data, such as corporate background, relevant project experience, financial information, a corporate organization chart, Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, the company’s safety record, letters of recommendation and more. The second segment calls for project-specific information, such as a project staffing matrix, a schedule, a detailed construction and/or logistics project plan, unique means and methods anticipated, and a Total Lump Sum Cost Summary Breakdown.

Proposals also must include a Preventative Maintenance and Service Contract which must incorporate a complete energy service agreement covering all the installed equipment, complete tasking of all equipment, tracking and analysis of all energy used in the system, a monthly report of all energy used, a dedicated mechanic and a back-up familiar with the restaurant and the equipment, quarterly reviews of the energy spent, filter service, estimated labor and much more.

Bidders also must take into consideration the following requirements and information:

  • Bidders are invited to submit Value Engineering suggestions limited to alternative construction means and methods, alternative materials and items that will enhance the efficiency of the facility.
  • The city has requested that union labor perform all the construction work.
  • This is not a LEED project, and therefore no LEED certifications will be considered.
  • All rigging and hoisting are to be performed on Sunday only.
  • Construction crews are not allowed to use areas shared with other businesses in the building, including stairways and stairwells, lobbies and building entrances and exits.

Final Four Teams Will Present at MCAA 2018

Proposals, which are due December 15, 2017, will be evaluated by members of MCAA’s Career Development Committee. These members will select the top four scoring teams to present their proposals at the MCAA 2018 convention in San Antonio, TX on March 26, 2018. The winning team will receive $10,000, the second place team will receive $5,000 and the other two finalists will each received $2,500.

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact Harlee Gallo.

MCAA Tech Conference Brings Big Ideas Down to Earth

Small ideas can make a big difference to your company. The MCAA Technology Conference is an event that doesn’t just provide a few small takeaways, but a wealth of ideas that can be applied across your business. Technology is providing so many new tools, processes and software that even the most established contractors are having a hard time keeping up. The MCAA Tech Conference is your crash course on the latest tech trends in the industry and how other contractors are taking advantage of them.

This year’s conference addresses challenges for your entire team. MCAA fields a lot of questions on who should attend. This conference is designed for all areas of your company that work with technology. General sessions are combined with in-depth breakouts and roundtables to dive deep for specific users:

  • For BIM experts, we have sessions on keeping BIM costs in check, optimizing productivity and learning about the next generation of tools.
  • For service contractors, we have a full slate of breakout sessions on the hardware and software being used today by service contractors.
  • IT managers will find incredible insight from Nick Espinosa on cyber security threats from a hacker’s point of view. (Check out his video interview with BuiltWorlds)
  • Operations and management will learn how to sell technology to customers, hear about software designed for their use and understand what their IT team is asking them.

MCAA and MSCA host many educational events each year, but this conference is the only one that is MEP-focused with peers sharing ideas on the latest technologies. Don’t miss this terrific learning opportunity. Register now!

MCAA’s “A Day in the Life of Ted” Video – A Must-See for College Students!

“Despite being on the executive board of my school’s MCAA Chapter, I still didn’t fully appreciate what it is actually like to work for a mechanical contractor until this presentation. The “A Day in the Life of Ted” video was an excellent view as to what makes your section of the industry different than a typical building contractor.” That was one student’s reaction to the video at MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum.

The video follows Ted McHugh of West Chester Mechanical in Aston, PA through a typical workday. In addition to highlighting the daily demands associated with keeping a project on time and within budget, it showcases for students how a great future is achievable in the mechanical industry!

Tech Conference to Feature White Hat Hacker

Hacking is becoming a big business these days.  It is not just limited to big companies like Equifax, Target and Home Depot, but small to medium sized businesses as well.  While most contractors do not store credit card data or store valuable information, they can be seen as the gateway to larger companies because of their access to their networks.

Recently, we interviewed Nick Espinosa, a “white-hat” hacker that specializes in finding weaknesses in companies’ computer networks and protecting them before criminals can exploit them.  Nick is a featured speaker for the MCAA Technology Conference in Austin, Texas this November 8-10. There he will share case studies of ways that hackers are sneaking in to companies and what they have done once inside.

Watch his interview to get a preview of his session at the Tech Conference.  If you are interested in attending, check out the conference website to learn more about all of the conference sessions that will help contractors compete in the new age of technology.

MCAA Tech Update Episode Six

In the latest episode of the MCAA Tech Update, we preview the 2017 MCAA Tech Conference with an interview of one of its featured speakers, Nick Espinosa. Nick is a a white-hat hacker – a cyber security specialist that protects and defends companies from the bad guys. In his interview, he talks about threats that companies face, and the role that mechanical contractors face in these new connected times. Registration is open for the event which takes place November 8-10 in Austin, Texas.

Click Here for More Information.

The update also provides a recap of the latest MCAA sponsored ConTech Roadshow in Chicago. The one-day event featured some of the best technology speakers as well as a case study by Travis Voss of Mechanical Inc. In his presentation, Voss demonstrated how contractors are beginning to use virtual reality and mixed reality in their operations to visualize designs and install more accurately.

MCAA is sponsoring the next two Contech Roadshows in Dallas, Texas and Oakland California.  Visit the ConTech Roadshow website for more information.

Register Now for the MCAA Technology Conference November 8 – 10 in Austin, Texas

MCAA’s annual Technology Conference is the one place where mechanical contractors in construction, plumbing, and service can get tech info you can actually use. Designed by contractors in your business, our goal is to provide takeaways for everyone attending. So if you’re a CEO or an IT geek, Director of Operations or BIM ninja, or just about anyone else wanting to know where the mechanical industry is heading and how you can use that knowledge in your company NOW, this conference is for you.

Our goal is to share both the big picture and some details that will help you optimize what you’re doing at your company every day of the week. Take a minute to check out our program, our speakers, and our roundtable plans. The registration fee is only $595 – a special value available only to our members and exhibitors.

Going Retro – The Art of Retrocommissioning in HVACR

In the HVACR industry, most know all about the commissioning process but a new resurgence of retrocommissioning is making a comeback in the HVACR industry.

Properly commissioning an HVAC installation is a necessary process that ensures newly installed systems operate as intended and since many existing buildings are in poor shape, through retrocommissioning, contractors are trained to identify problems and offer solutions.

The process of retrocommissioning refers to identifying improvements that can increase the energy savings and performance of existing buildings. Considering that about half of all commercial buildings in the U.S. were constructed before 1980, it’s easy to see why there is a growing demand for contractors who offer retrocommissioning.

Some of the problems that Richard Starr, President and CEO, Enterprise HVAC Service and Control, Twinsburg, Ohio, and former national chairman of Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA), has uncovered during retrocommissioning include improper air pressures (zones that should be positive but are negative and vice versa), a lack of proper air changes per hour, and building controls that are not calibrated properly.

Ongoing retrocommissioning is absolutely vital to the performance of a building, said Thom Brazel, General Manager, Ruthrauff Service, Pittsburgh, PA, and former national chairman of MSCA.

For the full article in The News, click the button below.

Click For Full Article

 

Egan Realizes Rapid ROI with KEY2ACT’s MobileTech

Egan Company installed the MobileTech solution from KEY2ACT, slashing billing time and eliminating time-consuming paperwork. Chris Yelle, Egan’s service operations manager, estimated that Egan will see its return on investment (ROI) within 18 months of implementing MobileTech, which connects field staff to the back office, providing instant access to the information and enabling both sides to easily manage service calls and appointments.

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Looking for More Solutions that Deliver Quick ROI?

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.

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Harrell-Fish Inc. Goes Digital with Jonas Construction Software – Move Slashes Payroll Processing Time, Improves Cash Flow

With their new Jonas Construction Software, Harrell-Fish Inc. (HFI) is now able to turn around billings about five days quicker, improving their cash flow in the process. They have also reduced their payroll processing time from about four hours a month spread out across three employees to about an hour only with Jonas.

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Looking for More Ways to Save Time and Improve Cash Flow?

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.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

HOLDRITE Products Solve Jobsite Challenges for PAR Plumbing

When PAR was contracted to provide all of the plumbing for Riverside K, a 32-story luxury condominium on Manhattan’s West Side, they knew that space inside the walls would be tight. HOLDRITE support systems made for a simpler installation while also saving PAR time.

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Looking for Solutions to Your Installation Challenges?

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.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS