Clear the Air

Seth sits with Ryan Hoggatt, Kirk Mansanarez, and Caitlin Perez Robichaux from Rainier Metal Works in Seattle in this episode. Seth talks with the Rainier team about their progress since we visited them in the fall for the Contractor Spotlight video featuring their shop. We discuss how the business is performing and its recipe for sustained growth. 

To catch up on the Rainier story, click here to watch the Contractor Spotlight featuring Rainier.

This special edition of Clear the Air features a discussion between SMACNA President Tom Martin and SMART General President Mike Coleman. The two discussed their relationship from their time together in Cleveland and throughout their rise through the national ranks of their respective organizations. The conversation also focused on their mutual priorities and the need to collaborate. 

Felipe Raats of SMACNA Brasil join Seth for a comprehensive discussion of the state of the industry in Brazil and how SMACNA plays a huge part in elevating the space. The discussion examines several critical topics, including how healthcare is becoming a dominant business line for contractors in the country. 

For the latest episode, Seth is joined by Austin Keating, the editor of SNIPS News. Seth and Austin talk about what the tariffs could mean for the entire industry, as well as examining some of the other critical topics throughout the space and what stakeholders need to know about whats to come. 

SMACNA's own Denise Murphy McGraw joins Seth to discuss the upcoming CEA National Issues Conference in Washington, DC. The two talk about the value of attending this top-tier event, detail some of the issues that will be front and center during the conference, and preview a little bit about the program itself. 

SMACNA's own Travis Voss joins Seth to discuss the 2025 Fab Forum. The event, being held in Boston and featuring local contractor McCusker-Gill, is an opportunity for SMACNA contractors to learn more about some of the emerging fabrication technologies and best practices. Seth and Travis also discuss some of the trends that will be detailed during the educational sessions at the Fab Forum! 

For a special edition of Clear the Air, Seth Lennon is joined by a special panel (Tom Mascari, Rob Schimmelpfennig, and Rob Wentzel) featuring some of SMACNA's top residential contractors. This discussion focuses on the current state of the residential sector; some current challenges contractors face, and some opportunities that could be had by engaging in the space. 

From the floor of the AHR Expo in Orlando, FL, Seth Lennon is joined by Edson Alves Junior of Brazilian SMACNA Contractor Star Center. Seth and Edson discuss why being a part of SMACNA is so critical for Brazilian contractors while also discussing some of the particulars of the Brazilian marketplace and how it compares to North America. 

SMACNA President Tom Martin joins Seth Lennon on the floor at the AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida. Tom takes a moment to reflect on the early portion of his term, his goals for the association and the benefit of SMACNA being a presence at industry events such as the AHR Expo. 

Seth Lennon is joined by SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger to discuss the evolving tariffs on steel and aluminum currently under consideration by the Trump Administration and details what contractors should know about their impact and what the future holds.