Archives: News Items

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and eSUB Construction Software 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:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
Smith’s patented cloverleaf-style trap primer distribution unit simply and effectively distributes water among up to four traps. A variety of outlet types are available, and our push-in fittings are a great labor saver—simply push the pipe into the fitting to complete the connection! Visit us online to learn more.

eSUB Construction Software Mobile-Cloud

eSUB Construction Software
eSUB is the #1 mobile and cloud construction management software designed to PROTECT PROFITS and MITIGATE RISKS for Mechanical Construction subcontractors.

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Sponsor Spotlight 19 Welcomes Brandon Jackson from Johnson Controls

In the nineteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, MCAA’s CEO, Timothy Brink welcomes Johnson Controls’ General Manager – HVAC, Fire and Security for Texas Area, Brandon Jackson. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

At Johnson Controls, they transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, their mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Their company values include integrity-first, customer-driven, purpose-led, future-focused and ONE team.

Check Out MCAA’s Refreshed NEI Program

MCAA has revamped the National Education Initiative (NEI) program and added new courses and instructors. NEI’s goal is to bring MCAA’s most valuable resources in education and training right to your company or local association. Our top priority at MCAA is to provide ongoing and advanced education and training to support individual and association growth across the mechanical contracting industry. These courses are taught by industry experts and are sure to provide invaluable education to all members.


Available Courses Include:

Customer Service Series (CSS) Seminars for Service
Employee Development Series (EDS) Seminars for Service
Fabrication (FAB) Seminars
Field and Foreman Leadership Development (FFLD) Seminars
Field Leaders Education (FLE) Seminars for Construction
Financial Development Series (FDS) Seminars for Service and Construction
Fundamentals of  Service (FOS) Seminars for Service
Fundamentals of Project Management (FPM) Seminars
Instructor Training Series (ITS) Seminars
Job & Company Operations (JCO) Seminars for Construction
Leadership Development Series (LDS) Seminars for Service and Construction
Management Development Series (MDS) Seminars for Service
Other Seminars (OS) for Construction
Project Profitability (PP) Seminars for Construction
Sales Development Series (SDS) Seminars for Service
Service Training Series (STS) Seminars for Service
Strategic Management (SM) Seminars for Construction

For full course details, visit https://mcaa-new.matrixdev.net/initiatives/nei/.

Updated Videos for HVACR101 WebBook Series Are Now Available

The entire series of ten HVACR 101 WebBooks and training videos are now available in the MSCA WebBook Library, found in the resources tab on our website. The modules are designed to provide a thorough review of what is involved in running a HVACR mechanical service business. They are the perfect resource to utilize for all employees that are new to the HVACR industry or to your company.  Through the modules viewers gain a better understanding of all aspects of mechanical service operations, including the kinds of services provided, types of systems and equipment involved, different ways services are provided to customers, who is responsible for the various service functions, and what resources are available to you in doing your job.  Each WebBook contains a comprehensive narrative on the particular topic, detailed illustrations and an interactive assessment.  The training videos provide an overview of the WebBook in an easy to understand presentation.  All MSCA/MCAA member companies and all their employees have access to the full HVACR 101 WebBooks and videos at no charge. 

 
HVACR Modules:
  • What is HVACR? 
  • Terminology and Slang Used in the HVACR Industry
  • HVACR Basic Sciences and Formulas 
  • Air Conditioning Basic — Small Tonnage
  • Air Conditioning Basic — Large Tonnage
  • Airflow Types and Systems
  • Commercial System Applications
  • HVACR Support Components and Control Systems
  • Heating Systems
  • Focusing on the Customer

Get started today at:
https://mcaa-new.matrixdev.net/msca/about-our-webbook-library/

MCAA & MSCA of Eastern Pennsylvania Present Asbestos Awareness – Part 2 – January 13, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. EST

The recent influx of demolition and renovation on 40-plus year-old buildings around the country generates the need for our industry to revisit the construction health issues associated with asbestos exposure. In Part 2 of this multi-part webinar series, Jim Harrity, Compliance Assistance Specialist for OSHA Region III, will address the asbestos hazards that are specific to the mechanical construction and service industry. Register now and join us on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST.

BROCHURE

REGISTER

MCAA/NECA/SMACNA Release White Paper on Project-Specific Loss of Productivity Analysis Methodologies

There is no question the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry as a whole, including the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades. The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) have aligned the MEP trades in a collaborative effort to bring to you and the construction industry this white paper.

VIEW WHITE PAPER

Find the Change Orders publication referenced in this white paper here.

Start Your 2021 Education Training with the MSCA Sales Leadership Symposium

MSCA Virtual Sales Leadership Symposium
January 26, 28 and February 2, 4, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST

The MSCA Sales Leadership Symposium will provide focused training for HVACR service sales leaders who are responsible for any aspect of recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and/or coaching sales personnel. This revamped and interactive virtual program will be held January 26, 28 and February 2, 4  from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST. Presented by in-the-field industry experts, the Sales Leadership Symposium will teach leaders how to drive revenue growth and enhance profitability through a structured sales approach as well as enhance sales team productivity and ensure employee retention.

Learn More

Learn More

Find the Latest from LAARS, a Bradford White Company and LGH 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:

LAARS, a Bradford White Company
The Laars MagnaTherm® FT high efficiency condensing boiler is equipped with a robust Laars CF-TechTM firetube heat exchanger, a precision high turndown (up to 20:1) combustion control and the Laars Tru Trac® oxygen trimming system all precisely controlled by the Laars Linc® touchscreen control. The Laars MagnaTherm FT was recently named Commercial Boiler of the Year by Contractor Magazine.

LGH Logo

LGH
Since 1990, LGH North America has had tremendous success by supporting our customers with local representatives and growing to over 20 rental equipment facilities. With locations throughout North America, LGH can provide hoisting, pulling, jacking and rigging equipment to meet virtually every conceivable lifting or moving need.

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Connectivity on the Jobsite is Absolutely Critical. Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Discuss the Various Options with James Benham.

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will stay connected with James Benham, the CEO of JBKnowledge.

In a hyper-connected world, the ability to get connectivity to the jobsite is absolutely critical. “5G Platforms: Connectivity of the Future” will discuss the different options that contractors have for connectivity. All the best apps in the world won’t help your company if they can’t connect, so register and join the discussion! You will learn the options for jobsite connectivity, including 5G and 4G networks, satellite solutions, traditional wire-line solutions, as well as challenges and solutions for bandwidth between devices inside the site.

James is CEO of JB Knowledge, a premier provider of technology solutions for the construction and insurance industries. The company is a seven-time recipient of the Aggie 100 award, a six-time Newman 10 recipient and was recently named to the LSU One Hundred for the second time.

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!

REGISTER NOW

Sponsor Spotlight 7 Welcomes Andrew Windsor, Senior Vice President, Sales for Watts Water Technologies

In the seventh episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA Co-Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Andrew Windsor, Senior Vice President, Sales for Watts Water Technologies. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them. 

Andrew Windsor joined Watts Water Technologies in 2014 with more than 10 years of experience building and managing world-class sales organizations. In 2016, he was named Senior Vice President, Sales and currently is responsible for Watts sales in the Americas.​ ​Andrew previously served as Vice President, Wholesale Sales and, more recently, as Vice President of Sales-Americas, responsible for developing and executing our sales strategy in the Wholesale, Retail, OEM, and Industrial channels. 

Recorded: Friday, January 8

As We Embrace the Arrival of 2021, MCAA Thanks You For All We’ve Accomplished, Together, in 2020. Take a Look Back at the Highlights!

As we, the MCAA family, look back on 2020 we see a year that has forced us all to change, to adapt and to overcome some of the biggest challenges to face our industry in decades. MCAA with its volunteer leadership, led by President Brian Helm and the rest of the Executive Committee, the MCAA Board of Directors, our contractor members, our manufacturer/supplier members and partners, local affiliates, volunteers who sit on our committees and Foundation and the national staff have taken the COVID-19 challenge head on. Sharing vision, talent and expertise the MCAA family has come together during 2020 to help each other like never before. Together we:

  • Delivered ideas and innovation at the annual MCAA Technology Conference with help from our Technology committee, our title sponsor, Trimble, and our event sponsors: Autodesk, DEWALT and Rhumbix.
  • Partnered with Dodge Data & Analytics to produce the Prefabrication and Modular Construction SmartMarket Report.
  • Hosted a record number of attendees at the 17th MCAA’s Safety Directors’ Conference thanks to the Safety & Health committee, as well as our conference sponsors, CNA and MILWAUKEE TOOL.
  • Launched and led five virtual AEC best practices sessions with the guidance and leadership from the Association Executives Council.
  • Connected with industry improvement fund trustees and local association executives at the Industry Improvement Funds Virtual Seminar thanks to the Industry Improvement Funds Committee.
  • Partnered with the MCA of Northwest Ohio to produce the Field Leaders Conference in Toledo. Special thanks to presenters Greg Fuller, Mark Rogers, Chris Haslinger, John Koontz, Kevin Dougherty and Mark Breslin.
  • Wrapped up classes 75 and 76 of the Institute for Project Management (IPM) with 113 graduates and our 16th Advanced IPM Class (AIPM) with help from the PMEC committee.
  • Added five new courses to the NEI seminars list with our new instructors Greg Fuller and Mark Rogers.
  • Organized, with the guidance from the MSCA Board of Managers, the ongoing Best from MSCA series where MSCA members share novel ideas and innovations.
  • Presented the MSCA’s Sales Reboot virtual program, Strategies for Navigating Change and Elevating Performance in the New Economy with presenter Seth Mattison to over 450 attendees.
  • Transformed the MSCA Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program to a virtual course thanks to the name sponsor, MILWAUKEE TOOL.
  • Held the PCA Virtual Education Series on Plumbing Service hosted by JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Service, Inc. which included seven hour-long module and panel discussions with a total of 281 live attendees. Special thanks to the Plumbing Contractors of America Board of Directors, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical and Bradford White for their contributions.
  • Paired 25 seasoned professionals in the mechanical industry with 25 females new to or looking to join the industry in the ongoing WiMI Mentor/Mentee Program with help from the Women in the Mechanical Industry Steering Committee.
  • Introduced the new Preparatory Institute for Project Management (PIPM) as a 12-week online curriculum and congratulated 192 graduates in the first year due to the recommendation and guidance from the Project Managers Education Committee.
  • Hosted the GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program with 333 registered attendees and 17 webinars because of the planning and recommendations from the Career Development Committee.
  • Received 19 submissions for the MCAA Annual Student Chapter Competition which was generously provided by West Chester Mechanical Contractors in Aston, PA.
  • Offered 604 registered members a virtual tour of Modern Companies’ fabrication operations, which uses MSUITE’s FabPro in the MCAA Virtual Fab Mini
  • Launched the Sponsor Spotlight series of interviews as a way for our contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board including their products, relationships with MCAA and what being a member of the M/SC Governing Board means to them. Thanks to our M/SC Governing Board and the MCAA Executive Committee for their participation and time.

In addition to our education programs, MCAA was dedicated to providing more than 500 business resources, COVID-19-related and not, free as a benefit of membership, including:

Thank you to all 55 individuals who donated to the MCAA PAC, including the time our Government Affairs Committee worked tirelessly meeting with countless Congressional and Senate office’s as well as our sister associations and our labor partners at the UA to push our agenda forward. We will continue to be your voice in the nation’s capital! If you would like to donate yourself, please visit the MCAA website.

Thank you for the 52 donations to the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) so we can continue to provide funding to students, faculty and MCAA student chapters. Your donations also mean that JRGF can develop innovative resources to help you work smarter and more efficiently. If you would like to see the full list of those who supported the Foundation from January 1, 2020 – December 21, 2020, or donate yourself, visit the JRGF website.

At our core, MCAA’s mission is to help the industry advance and adapt to change. 2020 has challenged us to do just that. With the constant changes and unknowns this year has brought, MCAA recommits to the core mission – we are committed to supporting you and your business as we grow the industry and overcome challenges together. As we reflect on this past year, we hope that you – our members, our family, find our resources and achievements valuable. We look forward to a new year full of more challenges and opportunities to help you!

What Does the Construction Landscape Look Like in Five Years? Join MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference to Discover the Innovative Opportunities from Lee Smither.

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from Lee Smither, a principal for FMI’s consulting practice.

Prefabrication, modularization, robotics, autonomous equipment, 4D and 5D design… innovation is around every corner and technology companies have discovered opportunities within the construction industry. This seminar previews what Construction 2.0 looks like and what it means for you and your company. You will learn what our landscape will look like in five years, what innovations are already being used today and what is yet to come.

As a principal for FMI’s consulting practice, Lee helps engineering and construction companies with strategic planning to improve their corporate performance. He specializes in market strategy and consulting, developing and implementing organization-wide change initiatives and other leadership focused engagements. Additionally, he led FMI’s CEO Forum, which hosted the Top 100 leaders from the industry each year in Washington, D.C.

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!

Thank you Trimble for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

REGISTER NOW

Find the Latest from MORSCO and BuildingAdvice, Inc. 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:

MORSCO
MORSCO is a leading U.S. distributor of commercial and residential plumbing, HVAC, and PVF, with showrooms across the country. Since our inception in November 2011, we’ve grown rapidly through a series of acquisitions and store openings. MORSCO is a private company sponsored by Advent International and led by a team of industry veterans.

BuildingAdvice, Inc.
SavingsTracker is a reporting service that allows for contractors to track energy savings and Energy Star scores from actions performed within the building, demonstrating a commitment to lowering operating costs.

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Mine Your Own Data to Find Opportunities for Faster Recovery

Since March 2020, the commercial and industrial mechanical service contracting industry has been reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. In the early days of the pandemic, when cities and states started shutting down, the uncertainty made everyone question the future of our business—for our employees and for our livelihood. At ServiceTrade, we looked at usage data from over 550 facility service companies using our software application, which is designed to help service contractors manage their operations and deliver better customer service, to measure the effects of COVID-19 on business.

LEARN MORE

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

H.R. 133 Offers Relief, Opportunities and Challenges Going into 2021

The $2.3 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) provides badly needed COVID economic relief, construction market stimulus and a forward-looking prospect for market recovery in public sector infrastructure investments as the pandemic recedes. In a memo to the MCAA Government Affairs Committee, Chair Jim Gaffney provided a summary digest of the items most likely to impact MCAA members and the MCAA policy agenda. The President is seeking greater individual stimulus checks, so there may be an amendment or veto, but this summary will stand for most of what will be the final result. Correction: The latest COVID relief measure signed into law Sunday does not extend the requirement that employers offer paid sick and family leave as required under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act passed last March as erroneously reported in the MCAA summary published in the Weekly Update on December 28, 2020. The latest COVID bill extends only the availability of the refundable tax credit as under the FFCRA until the end of March 2021 for those employers voluntarily providing such paid leave after December 31, 2020. MCAA regrets the error.

Looking to Grow a Strong and Profitable Service Business? Learn from Chris Carter, Brian Hughes and Steve Harvey at MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference!

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from MCAA Board of Director members Chris Carter, Brian Hughes and Steve Harvey.

“Growing a Strong and Profitable Service Business” will provide you with the fundamentals needed to start or improve your service business’ performance. A strong HVACR and plumbing service business can help sustain your business during downturns in the construction market. You will learn how to analyze your service business model and identify future growth opportunities, actionable strategies to build the sales team you need to facilitate service growth, how to generate a recurring revenue stream through preventative maintenance agreements, as well as additional pull-through work and retrofit opportunities.

Chris Carter, Vice President of Service at Murphy Company, Brian Hughes, Executive Vice President of Hughes Environmental Engineering, Inc., and Steve Harvey, General Manager at Soefker Services, are looking forward to sharing with you!

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!

Thank you Viega for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

REGISTER NOW

Spotlighting 2020 MSCA Extraordinary Everyday Hero Awardees

MSCA has been honoring our industry’s very own everyday heroes for the past five years at the annual education conference. Our expectations were blown away by just how many heroes we have within our industry – we received nineteen nominations this year! We are so proud of the many peers among us who do extraordinary things every day, simply out of the kindness of their hearts with a passion to make a difference for the better.

Brad Chittum, Warwick Mechanical Group, New Port News, VA

A team of Warwick Mechanical Group’s technicians, including Brad Chittum, traveled to North Carolina during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist local residents who had been displaced due to Hurricane Florence. The team spent a week doing rebuild and repair work related to their trade but also installed insulation, exterior sheathing, gas piping, flooring, drywall, and framing. They painted, hung cabinets and performed any other repair work needed.

Brad’s colleague and 2019 Everyday Hero Award Winner Michelle Collier commented, “They all came back talking about all the nice people they met and how satisfying it was to help these families get back into their homes.”

Kevin Johnson, Johnson Controls, Sparks, MD

Throughout this pandemic, Kevin has been going out to customers and selling more work to keep all of his men busy so that no one has to be sent home for lack of work.

Kevin’s colleague, Jim Taylorson remarks, “He puts our customers at ease, assuring them that the team is following COVID protection protocols and adhering to each site’s policies. He delivers hand sanitizer and face masks to his men when needed.”

During these unprecedented times his customers, which includes many hospitals, military bases, NSA and many pharmaceutical companies, have come first. On top of the new work he is generating and PPE he is delivering, Kevin is keeping himself on 60% chargeable work, working alongside the men completing service.

Matt Stortz, American Combustion Service, Mokena, IL

Matt has worked continuously throughout the pandemic, picking up the slack while his fellow technicians were in quarantine.  Matt married his beautiful wife in June and although he took time off for his honeymoon, he never requested additional time off.  He continued to work as he watched his fellow technicians quarantine at home with pay.

“This year is stressful for all of us, but I am impressed with Matt because he did not try to take advantage of this,” colleague Niki White shares.

Even with Matt’s added stress of planning a wedding through the pandemic, his work ethic did not faulter.

MSCA is proud to recognize these heroes in our industry and distinguish them as an MSCA Extraordinary Everyday Hero. We will be spotlighting each of these heroes over the next few months. For a full list of 2020 Extraordinary Everyday Hero Awardees, please click here.

Congress Expected to Pass Stimulus Package. Watch Withum’s December 23rd Webinar Covering Package Details On-Demand.

Experts from Withum’s SBA Financial Services and Tax Services teams navigate through the myriad of provisions included in the more than 5,000 page legislative package finalized mid-December. Withum’s team covers in detail the provisions of the legislation which cover the following topics:

  • PPP Loans: Another Round of Funding
  • PPP Loan Forgiveness Process (Round 1 and Round 2)
  • PPP Loan Forgiveness Deductibility

Withum also covers the basics of the following provisions, but expect to have more detailed communications on these as guidance becomes more clear:

  • Unemployment Provisions
  • Stimulus Checks
  • Employer Focused Tax Credits

WATCH ON-DEMAND