Inside MCAA – The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting – Ep. 14 – Labor, Leadership, and Learning: MCAA President Brian Hughes

September 19, 2025

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.

Inside MCAA – The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting – Ep. 14 – Labor, Leadership, and Learning: MCAA President Brian Hughes

In this episode of Inside MCAA, CEO Tim Brink sits down with MCAA President and President of Hughes Environmental Engineering, Brian Hughes.

The two discuss Brian’s start in the mechanical contracting industry, his pride in representing member-contractors, and the importance of evolving to meet new challenges. 

Brian shares his perspective on lifelong learning, the benefits of collaboration, and how contractors can thrive by sharing and adapting best practices, calling his own company a “greatest-hits collection” of lessons learned from MCAA peers.

Other topics include labor shortages, diversity of work within the industry, MCAA’s strategic plan, and how to take advantage of educational opportunities.

Before wrapping things up, Brian and Tim also make time to chat about family, summer vacation, and a heated baseball rivalry.

Follow Inside MCAA on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Related Articles
The National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) has released a new Technical Bulletin that delves into ASME standard PCC-1, Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Joint Assembly. The bulletin explains what PCC-1 is, and shares lessons learned to help contractors maximize the probability of a leak-free joint. The bulletin also includes requirements for an industry standard certification program for bolted joint assemblers and a troubleshooting guide to assist should a leak occur.…
If you want to fast-track your new and aspiring field leaders, MCAA has just the program! Once a week for 8 weeks, FFL students will spend 90 minutes online with an experienced field leader, who will walk them through best practices and practical strategies of running work and running a crew. From Planning to Leadership, from Documentation to Safety: our instructors break down the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of things that every foreman must understand to be successful.…
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting your livelihood and setting the stage for a bright future, MCAA has secured the services of Longbow Public Policy Group to advise our MCAA Government Affairs Committee (GAC). GAC Chair, Jim Gaffney will be passing along information relative to our industry on a regular basis.…
Congratulations to the first IPM graduates of 2026! After two weeks of intensive and immersive education, the students of Classes 95 and 96 have joined the ranks of the more than 2,750+ IPM alumni from MCAA member companies across the country.…
Load More...