Archives: News Items

Rethinking Construction Site Sanitation

With help from Morris Group International® (MGI) and its AcornVac® vacuum plumbing system, Matt Davenport of Southland Industries designed portable toilets that are easy to transport and use less water than other options, saving the company money and time. Portable toilets are notorious for their unpleasantness, and Davenport, Southland’s project constructability lead, found them downright “inhumane.” MGI is a major sponsor of MCAA24.

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.

ServiceTitan Highlights Mental Health in Construction with the UA and MCAA

Mental health awareness and suicide prevention are a priority across the construction and service industries. MCAA member ServiceTitan recently amplified the conversation with a special episode of its ‘Toolbox for the Trades’ podcast. The hour-long podcast, hosted by Jackie Aubel, features a dialogue between the United Association’s (UA) Jennifer Massey and MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

There are a troubling 5,000 deaths by suicide each year in the United States construction industry.

Workplace challenges include doing a job that’s physically demanding and therefore brings a high probability of injury. Plus, there are the long hours and travel requirements.

Conditions have improved when it comes to deaths on the job caused by unsafe working environments. However, experts say, more needs to be done to address mental health in the construction ranks.

Jennifer Massey is the safety, health and environmental administrator for the United Association. The group represents approximately 375,000 home services industry workers in the United States and Canada.

“People should be able to go home in the same condition they came to work,” she says. “They should not be adversely affected while trying to have a livelihood to provide for their families and themselves.”

Both Massey and Raffi Elchemmas, executive director for safety, health and risk management at the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, are concerned about the mental health issues that led to those 5,000 suicides last year.

Elchemmas says workers deserve better than the status quo.

“We wrote the playbook with physical safety, how to prevent falls, how to keep people safe and PPE,” he says. “We can do it again in mental health, and that’s what we plan to do.”

It’s achievable, Elchemmas says.

“Compassion, empathy – those are the things we’re trying to do,” he adds. “We’re trying to break the stigma, ask the question that you would feel comfortable asking your sibling, asking your best friend, but on a job site.”

Jennifer Massey and Raffi Elchemmas recently joined ServiceTitan’s Jackie Aubel on the “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast, which included their thoughts on:

  • [10:54]: The importance of mental health in the construction industry
  • [16:42]: Clearly defining mental health issues and terms
  • [35:01]: Warning signs that someone may be having mental health challenges
  • [37:30]: Dealing with working in a toxic environment
  • [49:01]: Available resources and support for those struggling with mental health

To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or anywhere you get podcasts.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health and Risk Management.

Members Can Now Join a MCAA Peer Group

Participating in industry peer groups not only offers a valuable platform for fostering relationships and exchanging expertise within a supportive community but also represents a proven best practice adopted by many successful MCAA contractor members. These groups provide professionals with an opportunity to benchmark their performance, exchange best practices, address common challenges, and gain strategic insights from industry peers.

MCAA has partnered with Maxim Consulting Group to assist in placing our members into existing peer groups and facilitate the establishment of new ones. If you’re interested in joining a peer group, please complete our survey.

Find the Latest from Ferguson and SLOAN in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Ferguson
Ferguson is a market leader dedicated to helping contractors keep projects on schedule and provide custom solutions. Our extensive inventory includes fixtures, faucets, equipment/instrumentation, pipe, valves, fittings, tools, safety and MRO supplies so you can find the products you need when and where you need them.

SLOAN
Sloan Launches Mirrors: Explore Options for Cohesive Design
Available in LED and frame options, Sloan mirrors compliment the company’s fixtures for a cohesive restroom design. Choose framed mirrors in colors that match Sloan fixture finishes, or explore LED mirrors for chic 6000K cool lighting.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Managing the Houston Heat

By specifying a new Marley® MH Element Fluid Cooler from SPX Cooling Tech, LLC, Letsos Company provided a more efficient, more sustainable alternative to repairing the deteriorating existing cooler of an historic Houston building while maintaining a similar footprint, simplifying the installation process.

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.

Anthony Saporito Announces Retirement

Anthony (Tony) Saporito, Executive Vice President of the MCA/MSCA of New York, Inc. (MCANY), has announced his upcoming retirement. He said, “I had a great time in this industry, and I look forward to continuing the journey in other realms.” His last day will be June 30, 2024. MCAA wishes Tony a fruitful journey no matter where life takes him next.

Tony’s 38 years in the industry began when he joined MCANY on May 5, 1986. After a brief stint at the Steamfitters’ Industry Funds Office, he spent seven years at the MCA of New Jersey, Inc. under the leadership of Alan O’Shea. In 1999, he moved to the General Contractors Association. He returned to MCANY in 2003 and was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2010.

Tony has led the MCA/MSCA of New York, Inc. through multiple negotiations, served as a chair and trustee on UA Local 638’s pension, welfare, and education funds, and guided the MCANY through the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Tony served as a longtime board member for NY Helmets to Hardhats, an organization dedicated to helping Veterans transition to careers in the trades. His MCAA service included time as the Association Executives Council Chair, a Board of Directors Member, and Executive Leadership Initiative Chair.

During his time at MCANY, Tony fostered a truly positive work environment for his staff and navigated the ups and downs in the industry with finesse. He is known for always working with a good attitude and an even better sense of humor.

In an announcement to MCANY members, the association thanked Tony for his dedication, wisdom, and guidance over the years. “His mentorship and kindness have made a lasting impact on all of us. We are also so very thankful for Tony’s wife, Jeanne Saporito, and all she did to support Tony and MCA over the years.”

Tony expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for what’s next is an announcement to fellow association executives:

“Thank you all for many great years, and a few difficult ones. I’ve learned so much from many of you and I thank you for that, and for the friendship and camaraderie forged over the years. For those of you who are relatively new to the industry, best wishes to you. For those who I have known for many years, I’ll miss you, but excited for what is next.”

Tony will hand the reins over to Shane McMorrow, MCANY’s Assistant Vice President for the last 12 years, on June 30.

Find the Latest from Victaulic and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Victaulic
Victaulic is raising the bar on confidence with the Style 107V featuring shift limiting slant pads that provide tactile and visual verification and one-touch tightening for streamlined installation.

Morris Group International
The Command Station system from ConTrols Mfg., a Morris Group International® brand, is a self-contained tempering and re-circulating system. It is welded to a mounting frame for easy installation.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

2025 MEP Innovation Conference: CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Add your voice to the 2025 MEP Innovation Conference and submit your education session information today for the January 28-30, 2025 event in Los Angeles, CA. Built by MCAANECA, and SMACNA, the MEP Innovation Conference joins thought leaders across the electrical, mechanical and sheet metal trades to improve MEP contractors’ profitability and productivity. 

The deadline for proposals is June 20, 2024. Proposals must be submitted using the link below.   

Innovation has become a key component across all trades. Act soon to be a part of this pivotal event that engages attendees in innovative presentations, collective roundtable discussions and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations. 

Please direct questions to education@necanet.org.

Just a Few Spots Remain for MSCA24 Explore

Just a few spots remain for the 38th Annual MSCA Education Conference taking place September 22-25, 2024, in Colorado Springs, CO. This year, our theme is all about exploration – pushing the boundaries to envision what lies ahead for our industry. You won’t want to miss what promises to be an unforgettable event. Register today!

Here are just a few of the highlights that await you at this year’s conference, where we will chart a course toward a brighter future for our industry:

  • Amazing Keynote Speakers to inspire and motivate you.
  • Timely Education Sessions focusing on today’s hottest topics, including a session on mental health and well being in our industry.
  • Over 35 Roundtable Discussion Forums led by experts and your peers. With more rooms and smaller groups, everyone will get a chance to contribute.
  • A Bonus Program on Communication. Join us on Sunday, September 22, for an interactive program focused on refining your communication skills.
  • An Exhibitors Display showcasing the latest and greatest from MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier members. (Please reach out to Jan Grillo if you would like to exhibit – there are just a few spots left!) 
  • The Convoy of Hope Packing Party where you can catch up with friends (and make new ones) while helping the less fortunate.

With these highlights and much more in store, the 38th Annual MSCA Education Conference promises to be an unforgettable event, blending knowledge, networking, and exploration in the heart of Colorado Springs. Get ready to chart a course toward a brighter future for our industry!

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
September 22 – 25 | Colorado Springs, CO 

Once you register, you will need to book your own hotel room via the link provided in your conference registration confirmation email.  

Fueling Growth With a Software Solution

Former service technician Kevin Harris started Preferred Mechanical Group (PMG) 4 years ago with two technicians; now PMG employs 52 technicians and an office staff of 26—and Harris projects continued growth over the next few years. ServiceTrade talked with Harris about his company’s impressive growth and how the service software helped him build an efficient, technician-centric company.

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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Estate Tax Planning and Succession

Every company, regardless of size, will face succession planning issues at some time. MCAA’s Estate Tax Planning and Succession addresses the issues and possible strategies related to estate planning and succession to help ensure a smooth transition. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • The types of property that may be subject to estate taxes and why it’s important to plan for these
  • The history and status of estate tax
  • Strategies to address liquidity problems
  • Why it is critical to develop a carefully considered plan and review it on a regular basis

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Members Can Now Join a MCAA Peer Group

Participating in industry peer groups not only offers a valuable platform for fostering relationships and exchanging expertise within a supportive community but also represents a proven best practice adopted by many successful MCAA contractor members. These groups provide professionals with an opportunity to benchmark their performance, exchange best practices, address common challenges, and gain strategic insights from industry peers.

MCAA has partnered with Maxim Consulting Group to assist in placing our members into existing peer groups and facilitate the establishment of new ones. If you’re interested in joining a peer group, please complete our survey.

MCAA & BuildOps Announce Partnership to Elevate Safety in Mechanical Contracting

MCAA has joined forces with BuildOps, an MCAA member and a provider of all-in-one field service and construction management software tailored for the modern mechanical contractor. This pivotal partnership will integrate MCAA’s extensive safety training resources directly into the BuildOps platform, granting all MCAA member companies using BuildOps unprecedented access.

Revolutionizing Safety Training Through Technology Integration

This collaboration introduces a powerful, new dimension to safety training for BuildOps.

BuildOps will host an array of safety-focused educational materials and resources from MCAA, ensuring that MCAA members have instant access to critical safety training necessary to maintain the highest standards of workplace safety and compliance.

“The integration of MCAA’s trusted safety content into our platform marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide the most comprehensive, user-friendly, and efficient tools for the industry,” said Glen West, BuildOps Head of Growth and Partnerships. “This partnership is more than just a merging of resources—it’s about making it easier than ever for MCAA member contractors to keep their teams safe, knowledgeable, and compliant on the job.”

Empowering Contractors with Essential Tools for Success

Through BuildOps’ innovative digital platform, MCAA members will have direct access to a curated selection of crucial safety courses and materials, specifically designed to:

  • Enhance industry knowledge and facilitate compliance with safety and health standards.
  • Promote a sustainable culture of safety across all levels of operations.
  • Provide engaging, easily accessible educational resources right at their fingertips.

“This partnership leverages BuildOps’ technological strength and adds to an impressive list of partners to deliver safety training to our members,” said Timothy J. Brink, MCAA CEO. “We are committed to ensuring that every MCAA member contractor and their team can access top-tier safety training seamlessly.”

Expanding Contractor Safety and Efficiency

This partnership is set against a backdrop of BuildOps’ continued growth and innovation in the field service management space. Recent product releases such as their Forecasting and Credit Hold features exemplify their commitment to empowering contractors.

By integrating MCAA’s safety materials, BuildOps is once again demonstrating its dedication to reshaping the landscape of commercial contracting.

Integrating MCAA Member Resources Into the Software You Use Every Day

BuildOps

BuildOps is a fast-paced, high-growth technology company dedicated to the heroes of the trades. We transition commercial specialty contractors from traditional methods to our state-of-the-art, cloud-based, data-driven platform, setting new standards for operational excellence. Our end-to-end solution empowers owners to build enduring businesses equipped to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. For more information, visit BuildOps.com.

BuildOps is actively working to provide access to the MCAA materials from within their platform.

MCAI Training Vault

Training Vault is an easy to use, convenient system that helps track all types of training — seminars, conferences, certifications, licenses, and more. The system is provided through the Mechanical Contractors Association of Iowa.

MCAA members with existing MCAI Training Vault accounts should be able to access the MCAA materials via their accounts. If you do not see the materials, reach out to your company representative.

Tyfoom

Tyfoom is the #1 engagement platform for employee communication and training. We provide a simple and easy way to connect all employees with leaders every day to improve culture, productivity and employee engagement. Tyfoom employs non-disruptive, science-based techniques and gamification to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and increase accountability.

MCAA members with existing Tyfoom accounts should be able to access the MCAA materials via their accounts. If you do not see the materials, reach out to your company representative.

ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is the operating system that powers the trades. Trusted by over 12,000 contracting businesses, the end-to-end platform powers profitable growth for commercial and specialty contractors by connecting their service and construction operations in one place to help them optimize cash flow, increase workforce productivity, and improve their bottom line. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan equips tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.

ServiceTitan is actively working to provide access to the MCAA materials from within their platform.

MCAA thanks all of our partners for facilitating easy access to MCAA safety resources for MCAA members using their platforms.

Preventing a Prolonged Power Plant Shutdown

Through a preventative maintenance program, F.W. Webb Company found and fixed oil leaks at a New Hampshire power plant that could have caused major problems. Instead of a long shutdown that could have affected electricity customers across New England, F.W. Webb completed repairs during a planned two-week plant closure.

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.

Steve Richman Promoted to Head Milwaukee Tool Parent Company

Steve Richman, who spent 17 years at the helm of MCAA member Milwaukee Tool, has been promoted to the role of chief executive officer Techtronic Industries (TTI), Milwaukee’s Hong Kong-based parent company.

He replaces Joseph Galli, Jr., who retired after 18 years in the CEO role.

Richman led Milwaukee Tool through massive growth, innovation, and expansion to become the company that it is today.

As TTI’s CEO, he oversees all TTI brands, including Ryobi’s operations in North America, Ridgid cordless power tools at Home Depot, Hoover, and Hart Tools at Walmart.

MCAA congratulates Steve on his new role and looks forward to seeing what’s next for him, TTI, and Milwaukee Tool.

FTC Releases Noncompete Clause Compliance Resources

A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule banning non-compete clauses is set to go into effect on September 4, 2024. Under the rule, non-competes are broadly defined as any arrangement that prohibits, penalizes, or functionally prevents a worker from getting a new job or starting a business after leaving their employment, even if the agreements are not labelled as non-competes. In short, the rule bans employers from entering into non-competes with workers covered by the rule. It also imposes an obligation on businesses to notify former employees and contractors with whom they previously entered into non-competes, that these agreements are now unenforceable. There is an exception for agreements with senior executives related to the bona fide sale of a business and for situations where a dispute arose about whether the non-compete was breached before the effective date of this rule.

To help businesses understand this rule and how to comply with it, the FTC has prepared a business and small entity compliance guide. The guide contains step-by-step instructions for complying with the rule, along with FAQs further explaining the rule. Additionally, the FTC recorded a compliance webinar for businesses on May 14th. The video and transcript are available here.

You can read more about the final rule on the FTC website and in this fact sheet. The text of the rule and model notices regarding compliance with the rule’s notice requirement are available on the FTC website. You can also contact the FTC at noncompete@ftc.gov if you have further questions.

MCAA Lobbying Firm, Longbow Public Policy Group prepared a summary of the FTC’s final rule following its publication. The summary offers further guidance and answers questions about industry-specific matters, such as the application of this rule to training repayment agreements and the jurisdictional limits that prevent application of this rule to bona fide non-profit entities, such as 501(c)(3) training funds.

Connect With the Latest Training from Trimble and Ridge Tool Company at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trimble
Watch Trimble’s educational webinar to see how value engineering can help you win more bids and address common industry challenges such as labor and material shortages. Plus, this training will show how you can save time on mechanical estimates that include value engineering alternates without a re-takeoff.

Ridge Tool Company
RIDGID is #1 in pressing for a reason. In this training we walk through the RP 350 and RP 342-XL. We talk about all the applications and uses to ensure you get the most out of these tools.

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Find the Latest from Trane and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trane
Trane® has launched the new Thermafit® Model MAS air-source modular multipipe unit. MAS provides simultaneous heating and cooling with all the benefits of Thermafit modular design for ease of install in new and existing buildings.

Morris Group International
Murdock® Maintenance Advantage® Program. These products can help make installation and maintenance easier. Murdock is a member of Morris Group International.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Managing Communication, Keeping Projects On Track

Miscommunication and excessive administrative efforts led Modern to adopt MSUITE technology to manage their fabrication operations in unison with other departments. “MSUITE helps prioritize the work for our shop managers to make sure we’re on the right track,” said Jim Tedrow, piping operations leader.

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.

Registration NOW OPEN for MSCA24 Explore

Registration is open for the 38th Annual MSCA Education Conference where we will journey into uncharted territories, set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado Springs, CO, September 22-25, 2024. With a theme of exploration, the conference invites attendees to push the boundaries of our industry and envision what lies ahead. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

  1. Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Prepare to be inspired and motivated by a lineup of amazing keynote speakers who will share their insights and experiences.
  2. Timely Education Sessions: Dive into today’s hottest topics with a range of education sessions designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
  3. AI Speaker and Roundtables: Explore the future of our industry with sessions dedicated to AI and software, offering valuable insights and practical applications for your company.
  4. Roundtable Discussion Forums: Engage in over 35 roundtable discussions led by experts and peers, addressing industry-specific concerns and fostering collaboration.
  5. WiMI Sponsored Education Session: All are invited to attend a special session focused on negotiation tactics, sponsored by MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI), designed to empower all attendees with valuable skills.
  6. Bonus Program on Communication: Don’t miss the bonus program on Sunday, September 22, where you’ll learn effective strategies for giving criticism and achieving positive results.
  7. Exhibitors Display: Explore the latest innovations and solutions showcased by exhibitors, providing insights into cutting-edge technologies and trends.
  8. Epic Mountain Views and a Historical Hotel: Immerse yourself in the charm of historical hotels and enjoy breathtaking mountain views, adding to the overall experience of the conference.

With these highlights and much more in store, the 38th Annual MSCA Education Conference promises to be an unforgettable event, blending knowledge, networking, and exploration in the heart of Colorado Springs. Get ready to chart a course toward a brighter future for our industry!

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
September 22 – 25 | Colorado Springs, CO