Inside MCAA - The Blueprint For Mechanical Contracting

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.

In this episode of Inside MCAA, host Frank Favaro welcomes Ron King, Director of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB), along with Mike Schum, NCPWB Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Operations Administrator at Postler & Jaeckle, and Bob Durr Jr., Vice Chair of the NCPWB Board of Trustees and Director of Manufacturing at Binsky & Snyder.

NCPWB is a tripartite organization comprised of contractors, the United Association (UA), and the Welding Bureau itself, with a mission to jointly develop and maintain commonly used welding and brazing procedures. 

These Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) are the foundation of the bureau’s work to ensure quality welding in the mechanical contracting industry. “I like to use an analogy that I think of WPS as like a repertoire of cake mix recipes… If they follow a recipe, they should get a quality weld,” King says.

Durr shares highlights from the 2025 NCPWB Technical Conference, which included a revamped format, featuring keynote speaker Demi Knight Clark and the conference’s first vendor trade show. The event had a record number of 170 attendees and has everyone excited for next year’s conference, which will be in San Antonio, Texas, April 26th to 28th.

The episode also shares the value of NCPWB membership for contractors. “Probably one of the biggest advantages,” Schum says, is access to “45+ joint welding procedures and a nationwide database” of certified welders, making it easier for contractors to stay compliant and reduce costs. Membership is open to all contractors who are signatory to a UA agreement, regardless of MCAA membership.

In this episode of Inside MCAA, host Frank Favaro sits down with two leading voices in mechanical contracting service—Renee Fiorelli, President of Peterson Service Company, headquartered in Medford, New Jersey, and Adam Wallenstein, Co-President of Neptune Plumbing, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Together, they examine the current landscape of the service industry, addressing both its momentum and its most pressing challenge: the labor shortage.

The conversation highlights strategies for recruitment and workforce development, including partnerships with trade schools, apprenticeships, and targeted outreach to students and parents. Renee and Adam also explore how MSCA’s member-driven educational offerings—from HVAC 101 and dispatcher training to hands-on technical courses and virtual sales programs—are helping contractors elevate their teams and bridge the skills gap.

Listeners will gain insight into the growing value of peer networking, evolving customer expectations, and the role of technology and training in maintaining competitive service operations. Whether you’re new to the trades or leading a service division, this episode offers practical takeaways and a compelling case for continued learning, collaboration, and industry engagement.

Inthis episode of Inside MCAA, host Frank Favaro welcomes Andrew Palcan, Project Manager at Helm Group and Chair of MCAA’s Career Development Committee, and Michele Hoffman, MCAA’s Director of Career Development. Together, they dive into the dynamic programs and powerful connections shaping the next generation of mechanical contracting professionals.

Andrew shares his early journey as a student chapter competition team member at Milwaukee School of Engineering to a career-launching handshake at the annual MCAA convention. Michele reflects on how her passion of working with student chapters led to a national role influencing thousands of rising professionals.

Throughout the conversation, Andrew and Michele highlight the pivotal role of the Career Development Committee in:

• Connecting students with contractors through hands-on events, competitions, and unconventional job fairs
• Offering unique programs like the "Marco Polo" networking icebreaker and themed industry tours
• Breaking down industry barriers for students of all backgrounds by showcasing the many paths within mechanical
• Promoting peer-to-peer networks that extend far beyond graduation and help form a lifelong professional community

They also preview the upcoming 2025 MCAA Great Futures Forum in Salt Lake City, which features complimentary registration, contractor/student job matchmaking, Olympian speakers, and an immersive mechanical site tour.

The episode wraps up with heartfelt encouragement to students: get involved, take chances, and talk to people—you never know where one conversation might lead.

In this episode of Inside MCAA: The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting, host Frank Favaro speaks with Wendy Glauber about her journey in the mechanical contracting industry and her role as chairperson for Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI). Wendy shares how she transitioned from a family business to Danforth in 2017, where she quickly became integral to HR and legal operations. She emphasizes the value of networking and professional relationships in career growth.

Frank and Wendy discuss the founding of WiMI in 2019, initiated to support women in mechanical contracting through mentorship, professional development, and networking. Wendy highlights the impact of WiMI’s annual conference, which provides attendees with industry knowledge, skills, and meaningful professional connections. These events foster a sense of community and empowerment, helping women advance in their careers.

A major focus of WiMI is expanding local initiatives, with 17 regional committees currently in place to support women at a grassroots level. Wendy encourages companies to invest in their female employees by supporting their involvement in WiMI. The conversation underscores the importance of mentorship, education, and networking in fostering an inclusive and thriving industry for women in mechanical contracting.

In this episode, Frank Favaro is joined by Amy Harding, MCAA Director of Pre-IPM, IPM, AIPM, & ALI, and John Koontz, MCAA Director of Project Management Education, to discuss the significance of professional growth in project management. They share insights into MCAA’s premier education initiatives, including the IPM program, which has been a cornerstone of mechanical project management training since 1987.

The conversation highlights the value of experience-driven learning, industry collaboration, and the role of seasoned professionals in shaping the next generation of project managers. Through engaging discussions, the guests provide a behind-the-scenes look at how MCAA’s educational programs are developed and the impact they have on mechanical contracting professionals. Whether you are a seasoned project manager or an emerging leader in the industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives on enhancing skills and driving success in mechanical contracting.

In this episode of Inside MCAA, we delve into the power of leadership and the transformative role of education in grooming tomorrow’s leaders. Host Frank Favaro speaks with Steve Dawson, President and CEO of Harrell Fish, and co-chair of MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) committee, about his journey from a battlefield promotion to leading one of Indiana’s most successful mechanical contracting companies. A proud graduate of the third ALI class, Steve shares insights into the critical tools and strategies that shaped his leadership journey, and how ALI, MCAA’s premiere executive education program, helped him develop the skills to lead with intention and accountability.

Steve reflects on how leadership is a continuous journey—a mindset of constant improvement—and emphasizes the importance of embracing responsibility, measuring progress, and fostering a culture of accountability within organizations. Drawing inspiration from sports dynasties like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Steve and Frank discuss how leaders set the tone for their teams and the critical role that organizational culture plays in achieving extraordinary results.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to take your leadership to the next level, this conversation offers valuable lessons on personal growth, strategic planning, and building a high-performance culture. Tune in to hear how ALI may be the leadership training you’ve been looking for.

In this episode of Inside MCAA, host Frank Favaro is joined by two industry leaders—Mark Rogers, founder and owner of West Chester Mechanical, and Brian Helm, president and CEO of The Helm Group. Both former MCAA national presidents, Mark and Brian share their extensive knowledge on a topic critical to the future of the industry: developing leadership in field personnel.

As the industry evolves, field leaders are becoming increasingly vital to project success. Mark and Brian discuss the importance of training foremen and field leaders not just in technical skills, but in soft skills such as communication, leadership and mentoring. They delve into the impact leadership development can have on company performance, offering valuable perspectives on the benefits of MCAA’s leadership programs.

Tune in for a candid discussion on the challenges and opportunities that arise when field leaders are properly trained, and how MCAA’s programs can help bridge the gap between technical expertise and effective leadership on the job site.

Join us for actionable insights on leadership, mentorship, and the future of mechanical contracting.

In this episode of Inside MCAA, host Frank Favaro dives into the collaborative dynamics of the MCAA’s Converge event. Joined by Michael Kirby, Director of Job Site Solutions – Mechanical Trades at MILWAUKEE TOOL, and Michael Russo, Owner of Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp. in New York, the discussion sheds light on the unique value Converge brings to both contractors and manufacturers.

Kirby and Russo share their experiences, emphasizing Converge’s role as a “speed dating” platform for the industry. By fostering high-level, distraction-free conversations, Converge enables stakeholders to discuss challenges, propose innovative solutions, and align on strategies for future growth. The event format allows for in-depth collaboration between MCAA member contractors and top-tier manufacturer representatives. The episode highlights the preparation involved, ensuring that every meeting is impactful. Both sides engage in pre-event discussions to set actionable agendas, maximizing the 50-minute sessions. Converge emerges as a pivotal forum for driving innovation, enhancing partnerships, and shaping the future of mechanical contracting.

In this episode of Inside MCAA, host Frank Favaro discusses the evolution of technology within mechanical contracting with Sean McGuire, MCAA’s Executive Director, Innovative Technologies and Fabrication, and Chris Weaver, Director of Technology at Andy J. Egan Co., Inc. Together, they talk about the transformative role of technology in the industry and the challenges of driving innovation. Chris shares his journey from a one-man BIM department to leading a team of 17, contributing to his company's growth from $20 million to $300 million in annual revenue. He reflects on the resistance he faced from field teams wary of technology's impact on traditional trades, a tension he ultimately overcame with support from strong leadership and clear communication about the company’s future direction. Sean adds valuable insight into the broader industry perspective, highlighting how MCAA’s technology committee has enabled contractors nationwide to share strategies, overcome common obstacles, and grow together.