Building Careers, Connections, and the Future of Mechanical Contracting

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.

Code, Compliance and Craftsmanship: The Role of NCPWB in Mechanical Contracting

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.

The State of Service: Solutions, Skills, and the Future of the Industry

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.

Building Careers, Connections, and the Future of Mechanical Contracting

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.

Empowering Women in the Mechanical Contracting Industry

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.