Bay Area SMACNA Newsletter 4th Edition 2022

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

In my first update as our new Chapter President, I’ll try to keep things simple as we complete another year.

Our November Installation Dinner and annual meeting switched venues for the first time in years, with the event being held at the beautiful Palace Hotel in San Francisco. It was a wonderful evening that included speeches from Rich Buckley, our 2022 Chapter President; SMACNA’s National President, Anthony Kocurek; and Bobby Bramlett of our Bay Area Executive Committee presenting the Lonny Michael III Leadership Award to a well-deserving Don Dennehy, Jr. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this end-of-year event.

In 2022, we continued to get our bearings in a post-pandemic world, and a lot has been accomplished throughout the past 12 months. We hope to sustain that momentum as we move forward in 2023, with particular focus on ongoing efforts to improve labor relations, increased training opportunities and completing the update of our bylaws. We’re also energized by the future completion of our new Bay Area SMACNA office in Pleasanton, slated for a mid-2023 opening (see page 10 for photos). It should be very exciting!

With the addition of five new Board members this year, I look forward to the new ideas, energy and experience they’re sure to bring. As your President, I also hope to continue the good work and stewardship of all of those who have preceded me in my new role. I’m optimistic we’ll see things turn a corner in the coming year and head toward a better market.

Best wishes for the holiday season and a happy New Year!

Keith Atteberry

NEWSOM SIGNS SCHOOL FACILITIES HVAC BILL

Governor Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 2232, a bill supported by SMART and CAL SMACNA to require California schools to ensure facilities and classrooms have heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that meet minimum ventilation rate requirements. It also requires the installation of filtration that achieves minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV) levels of 13 or higher.

AB 2232 will require comprehensive HVAC inspections and ongoing CO2 monitors in classrooms to ensure California students and teachers are being provided fresh air. The bill also requires the California Building Standards Commission and the Division of the State Architect to research, develop and propose

a mandatory standard for carbon dioxide monitors in classrooms.

“All learning institutions throughout the state can benefit from this bill,” said David O’Connor, Senior Account Manager at United Mechanical. “Not only is it good work for SMACNA contractors, but it’s good for the schools and good for the kids because it’s providing a healthier environment, which then provides them the opportunity for a better education.”

In a 2020 national survey, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that an estimated 54 percent of public schools across the country must replace, repair or update their heating, ventilation

and air-conditioning systems. Why? Because HVAC isn’t just about comfort anymore.

This bill recognizes HVAC mechanical systems are an actual priority for the health and well-being of students and teachers. Occupants in energy efficient school buildings with sealed building envelopes rely upon properly operating mechanical ventilation systems. Maintenance and upkeep of these systems are often neglected or underprioritized by school administrators during budget considerations thus creating invisible but significant challenges to the health and performance of their students.

DAVID

“Many of our local districts are taking advantage of the bill. We’re currently in progress on six projects in our local school district, all revolving around supporting better indoor air quality,” O’Connor said. “From attention spans to academic scores, everything is better when temperatures are regulated, there’s adequate ventilation and schools are performing proper system maintenance. All these studies have been out there forever, but now they’re paying closer attention.”

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state, with statutory provisions establishing procedures for those reimbursements.

CAL SMACNA appreciates the legislature and governor for openly recognizing the health and performance of our schools depend upon properly functioning HVAC mechanical ventilation systems. This bill marks a sea-change in a more complete understanding of the benefits and challenges of modern building systems.

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CAL SMACNA’s “California School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program” has created a reliable list of qualified mechanical, service and TAB contractors to provide these ventilation assessments, certification and repairs across the state.

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See the full CalSHAPE Qualified Contractor Referral List at bit.ly/3EONnkN.

BAY AREA MECHANICAL

EVAN AUCKLAND

Owner

evan@bayareamechanicalservice.com

406 Martin Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050 www.bayareamechanicalservice.com 888-596-9226

Many of our local districts are taking advantage of the bill. . We’re currently in progress on six projects in our local school district, all revolving around supporting better indoor air quality

O’CONNOR United Mechanical Senior Account Manager

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MATT/MATE RENEWAL DEADLINE APPROACHING FAST

All California contractors performing acceptance testing on non-residential projects will need to have their supervisors and technicians renew their MATT/ MATE certifications prior to December 31, 2022, to continue providing acceptance testing services after January 1, 2023.

DECEMBER 31 DEADLINE TO RENEW T24 MATE/MATT CERTIFICATIONS

ICB/TABB has sent renewal notices by e-mail to all certified MATT/MATE supervisors and technicians explaining re-certification process and deadlines. Additional reminders will be sent December 1, 15 and 22.

Why is this necessary?

The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently approved new 2022 Standards for Title 24 Acceptance Forms that require an approved 4-hour online course for MATE re-certification and an 8-hour online course for MATT re-certification. These courses cover the knowledge needed to complete these newly added forms.

Unfortunately, due to the CEC’s late adoption of these new forms and associated training courses in 2022, our industry now has less than 30 days to complete re-certification.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT | Blocka Construction Inc.

BLOCKA CONSTRUCTION INC. SET TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY

In the early 1990s, Bob Blocka worked in Detroit, where he was a project manager for a contracting company. When his job brought he and his wife, Jean, to the Bay Area in 1991, they assumed it would be a short-term stay while he completed work on the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) plant in Fremont.

“We were going to move back East but we liked the Bay Area so much that we decided to start our own company,” Bob said.

Blocka Construction Inc. (BCI) was officially founded in 1993, getting its start performing small industrial contracts for NUMMI. Because work at the car plant was cyclical, BCI looked to diversify into other markets. Today, BCI is a unique company comprised of three divisions — industrial/ commercial electrical, industrial sheet metal/mechanical and general engineering.

“After my electrical apprenticeship, I ended up working for a contractor that exposed me to all the various trades,”

Bob said. “Then when I became a project manager, I was running jobs with all the trades. That’s why we ended up creating a company that does multiple trades, which gives us a distinct advantage over others who may only have one of them.”

Each division at BCI works together to guarantee the most comprehensive project management available to clients.

“We specialize in water/wastewater, transit and private industrial work,” Bob said. “For the water treatment plant projects, we’re generally building and installing industrial ductwork, fiberglass reinforced ductwork, odor control systems and ventilation systems. With BART, we did their emergency tunnel ventilation project, which involved ductwork that was 14’ x 14’ made out of ¼-inch plates. There are not many contractors who are equipped to take on that kind of work.”

The BCI team has also performed recent work at the Tesla factory in Fremont, performing spray booth modifications in the paint shop and installing VOC abatement systems to help reduce harmful emissions.

BCI works hard to foster a great company culture, so much so that nearly 20 of their 80+ employees have been with them for more than a decade … some of them, two.

For 25 years, BCI has worked hard to invest in their employees and found value in the educational offerings of Bay Area SMACNA, particularly the Project Management Certification course. They’ve also taken advantage of the Summer Intern Program, and have hired several of their past interns after they completed college.

In 2023, BCI is excited to celebrate 30 years in business.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AND MORE COVERED IN SAFETY SEMINAR

The CAL SMACNA 2022 sheet metal industry safety seminar presented by Steve Bowers, CSP was well attended by our Bay Area members. The agenda covered Cal-OSHA and AB 685 COVID-19 updates with best practices and what is required on reporting, safety plans and notifying employees.

The hot topic of the seminar was the NFPA 70E arc flash prevention and electrical safety in the workplace. The number one cause of injuries is failing to lock and tag out. Awareness and training helps decrease those injuries from happening. Reviewing your safety plan and making sure you stay compliant with training every three years were some of the top reminders, along with making sure your employees are qualified to use the equipment they are using.

“We’re a family-owned business and we treat our employees like family,” Bob said. “Actually, some of our family members also work in our business. We spend so much time together that it allows us to build closer relationships with the people who work for us, and I think it makes us have a good team spirit within the company.”

City of San Jose Digester and Thickener Facilities Upgrade Project Odor Control System

BUSINESS LEGACY PLANNING MADE EASY WITH DFG ADVISORS

The expertise of a trusted financial advisor is beneficial to anyone facing big life decisions, but their advice becomes an especially helpful resource for business owners. Enter DFG Advisors, a financial solutions partner that helps owners work on their business, since they are often focused on the day-to-day operations, as well as strategically plan for the future.

The DFG team is housed in six locations throughout the Pacific states, and boasts a collaboration of some of the best minds in financial, tax and legal strategy. From the effectiveness of a client’s corporate structure to cash flow analysis, risk management and everything in between, they can help identify concerns, gaps and opportunities within a business’ overall strategy

and develop solutions that fit their unique needs and goals.

American College of Financial Services

“We help a lot of the membership transition or come up with a game plan on how to enhance or improve their finances, as well consider an exit planning strategy,” said Chris Brunell, retirement income specialist at DFG Advisors. “One of the trends we’re seeing within the construction industry is not only a general lack of planning, but also that ownership is aging and the younger generation isn’t stepping up to take over the planning. Whether we work with these firms or not, there’s a real need for an educational component on what happens next and how to succeed, from both a business and personal standpoint.”

60% of business owners have never met with a financial planner.

Common

• Executive benefits

• Buy-sell strategies

• Key employee retention

• Exit strategies and retirement

• Business succession

• Insurance solutions

“Just like their projects, no two clients are the same,” Brunell said. “To get started, we do what we call a financial needs analysis. We sit down and have a conversation to better understand what the client’s concerns are, then we come back with solutions that address those specific concerns and adjust as needed throughout the process. Similar to how contractors start a project with a blueprint to achieve the goal they desire, this is a financial blueprint for their business.”

MEMBER EXPERIENCE | Updates NEW MEMBER PORTAL IS COMING!

In early 2023, we’re excited to roll out our new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform!

A recent report shows only 35% of Americans have a financial planner — and 60% of business owners have never met with one. But these professionals are a great tool to help improve your overall financial picture. They help owners work smarter, not harder, by saving time and money that can be invested back into the company in various ways.

“We provide guidance to create and execute superior solutions for our clients, their families and businesses over a lifetime of changing events,” said Nick Homer, Sr. Vice President. “Too many owners haven’t thought about their own personal planning, and most of their assets are tied up in the business. We help navigate life beyond working in the business and what we can do to create a successful retirement, along with leaving a legacy.”

For help in establishing a legacy plan or other financial strategies as they pertain to your business, schedule a meeting with DFG Advisors.

As an association, we’re always looking for ways to provide value to our members, increase communication efforts and boost engagement. This CRM — better known to you as the member portal — is one solution to help us reach our goals.

From our internal management side, this new platform will give us more streamlined access to our member companies and key contacts, with the ability to have real-time updates for any company changes. With this tool, we’ll never miss a beat in our communications with each other. On the user side, you’ll notice a better overall experience. It’ll be easier to pay your dues, register for events, sign up for classes and track education — right in the member portal!

Stay tuned for more details as we continue to fine-tune the new CRM and announce an official launch date.

EVENT

RECAP | October 7 ANNUAL CLAY SHOOTING RECAP

BOARD GETAWAY: THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY

This year’s Board Getaway meeting was held in September at CordeValle in San Martin. Our new board members were formally introduced and welcomed. Each gave some background on themselves and their companies. Reports were given on the status of our industry and where they see it going in the upcoming year. With more than 200 contractors in our association, our board meetings are an integral time for connecting and discussing industry trends so they can continue leading and assisting our members to meet growing needs.

BAY AREA SMACNA ANNUAL DINNER

The Bay Area SMACNA Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers on November 12th was held in a new location — at the historic Palace Hotel in San Francisco. With 135 contractor and associate members in attendance, it was great to see so many new faces. Guests were able to network and socialize over hors d’oeuvres, followed by a business meeting and delicious dinner.

Bay Area SMACNA Executive Vice President Sean O’Donoghue introduced Rich Buckley, our 2022 President. Rich thanked the Bay Area staff for their hard work and reflected on this last year as President. SMACNA National President Tony Kocurek presented on SMACNA National’s focus for the future. Tony, along with Angie Simon, also

presented Rich with the New Horizons Premier Summit Council Contributor award for Bay Area SMACNA’s commitment to supporting the foundation and A Chance to Grow. Our newly inducted Bay Area President, Keith Atteberry, welcomed all and shared his vision for our organization.

Executive board member Bobby Bramlett presented Don Dennehy Jr., President of Crown Sheet Metal and Skylights, Inc., with the 2022 Lonnie Michael III Achievement Award for his leadership, contributions and efforts toward the betterment of the sheet metal industry. His wife, Doreen, and parents, Don Sr. and Beverly, were in attendance for the honor. Congratulations, Don!

We hope everyone who attended enjoyed connecting with other members and celebrating the season!

APPRENTICES

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Technology TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENTS

Not many sheet metal JATCs can share that they have multiple classrooms with dual monitors to maximize apprenticeship learning. Leveraging the International Training Institute (iTi) grants, two of Sheet Metal Worker Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund District 1’s training centers have received funding to purchase computers and new monitors. Plans are underway to apply for grants for the third facility. This greatly enhances our industry’s competitive edge to expand apprentices’ capabilities to work on CAD, detailing and other applications.

Many thanks also go to Evergreen Telemetry Inc. for their donation of equipment to our JATC program, which significantly enhances our TAB training.

Contractors should encourage their skilled tradespersons to continue their professional development to provide best-in-class solutions.

2022 APPRENTICE GRADUATING CLASS

We are happy to list the 86 women and men who turned out on time with certificates of completion in Building Trades Sheet Metal, BT Service or BT TAB graduates. Your diligence and persistence in the classroom and on the job these past five years has paid off.

Without the hard work and dedication from our outstanding instructors, training coordinators, administrators and Foothill College, the continued training and successful graduation of our apprentices would not have been possible. You truly deserve recognition for going above and beyond.

Congratulations to each of the following members of the 2022 graduating class!

ACOSTA, ROBERT A. West Bay

AGUILAR, ISRAEL West Bay

ALONZO, STEPHEN R. West Bay

ALZA, ORLANDO J. Santa Clara

ATKINSON, JUSTIN R. Castroville

BAUMHAUER, CHRISTOPHER J. West Bay

BRISTOLL, JAMES L. Santa Clara

BROWN, RYAN C. Santa Clara

BRUNO, THOMAS P. East Bay

BUONACORSI, ZACHARY R. West Bay

CAPLOE, JONATHAN D. West Bay

CASTRO, JULIO D. West Bay

CHEN, HANSEN West Bay

COOPER, NATHAN P. Santa Clara

DANG, JIM T. Santa Clara

DANLI, JASON R. West Bay

DELA CRUZ, ROLANDO North Bay

DELEONARDIS, DOMONIC H.L. Santa Clara

DESCOVICH, MICHAEL D. JR. East Bay

DORST, JOSEPH R. West Bay

Congratulations to the 2022 graduating class, listed with their current region:

ESTRADA, MICHAEL C. JR. East Bay

FIGUEROA, JOSE North Bay

FRADES, CODY D. East Bay

FRYE, JOSEPH M Santa Clara

GADOW, NATE North Bay

DANG, THANH C BT Sheet Metal JRYM

GAMMON, CASEY P. West Bay

GEILFUSS, ARIK West Bay

GOMEZ, JOHNNY G. Santa Clara

GREEN, AIPOLO P. West Bay

HENDERSON, JOSHUA C. Santa Clara

JACOME, RIGOBERTO West Bay

JAMES, BRYAN S. North Bay

KOLINSKI, DAN M. East Bay

KRAMER, RYAN R. West Bay

LAHIP, JOHN PHILIP L. East Bay

LAPITAN, REY O. Santa Clara

LEEF, ERIC North Bay

LOMBARDO, VICTOR J. West Bay

LOMBERA, LUIS M. West Bay

LOPEZ, JAIRO West Bay

LU, XI West Bay

LUNSFORD, KENNETH M. West Bay

MARTINEZ, EDDIE G. Santa Clara

MARTINEZ, EDWARD M. West Bay

MASTERS, EVAN D. East Bay

MEYERS, NATHAN North Bay

MEZA, LUIS West Bay

MOYA, EDGAR North Bay

NEWINGTON, KENNETH J. Santa Clara

NEWTON, JONATHON E. Santa Clara

OIEN, MICHAEL A. East Bay

ORDONEZ, DANIEL Santa Clara

ORELLANA, DANIEL Santa Clara

OROPEZA, ARMANDO J. North Bay

PENA, IVAN C. Santa Clara

POLANCO , ADOLFO JR. Santa Clara

REBIEJO, TRAVIS S. Santa Clara

RENNER, ANDREW P. East Bay

REYNOSO, ULISES A. West Bay

RIBERA, ANDREW J. Santa Clara

RIVERA, ALIAS X. West Bay

ROBLES, RICARDO R. Santa Clara

RODRIGUEZ, ADAM Santa Clara

RODRIGUEZ, EDUARDO East Bay

ROMITI, EARL A. East Bay

ROZOWSKI, PAUL ANTHONY East Bay

RUANO, EFREN B. Santa Clara

SANTOS, PATRICK B. Santa Clara

SILVA-PEREZ, JUAN C. Castroville

SMITH, ANDREW K. Santa Clara

STAMPER, MICHAEL M. Santa Clara

STANSBURY, RONALD North Bay SWINK, BRADY East Bay

THAI, CHENG C. Santa Clara

THAI, MICHAEL C. Santa Clara

THIEMMATH, ANAK North Bay

TRAN, TRI B. Santa Clara

TRITTO, RANDY M. JR. North Bay

VAN HOUTEN, CODY M. Santa Clara

VARGAS, JEFFREY S. North Bay

WALKER, JOSEPH F. West Bay

WELCH, TIMOTHY L. West Bay

WILLIAMS, CHRISTOPHER North Bay

YOU, WESLEY T. West Bay

ZHU, ZHI FENG West Bay

ZUNIGA, ADAM J. Santa Clara

THE BEST IN THE BAY AND BEYOND: VISIT SMACNA.ORG FOR MORE RESOURCES

Bay Area SMACNA offers plenty of local programming and value, but SMACNA National has even more tools and resources to make your business better!

Stay informed through the SMACNA Connect community. Keep up on SMACNA’s legislative priorities as they relate our industry. Utilize the SMACNA Bookstore for all technical manuals and publications, available in print and digital formats. And learn and connect with online training and in-person programming and events. Save the important dates below.

Business Management University

Tempe, AZ March 5-9, 2023

Why attend?

This intensive program features top industry experts providing an in-depth study of the business practices necessary to run a successful sheet metal company.

Project Managers Institute

Raleigh, NC March 26-29

Why attend?

This concentrated program, recommended for project managers with 2-5 years of experience, covers the essentials of effective project management, including management/leadership, project planning, time management, change order management and more.

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SMACNA Annual Convention 2023 Phoenix, AZ October 15-18

Why attend?

Learn about the latest products, services and innovations at the popular Product Show, and attend top educational sessions led by some of the best minds in the industry. The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa is the site of our next annual gathering.

Partners in Progress 2024

Orlando, FL February 27-28, 2024

Why attend?

Join other SMACNA and SMART labor and management leaders as you work together to develop the skills and knowledge that will help you meet the needs and opportunities of the future of the construction industry.

Provided by Safety Training Seminars

Our industry requires a high level of safety in the workplace, and all workers and leaders must be prepared for an emergency. This course offers basic training for some of the most common medical emergencies. Participants will learn CPR, emergency cardiac care, treatments for burns, shock, diabetes emergencies and more.

STUDENTS EARN PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE

Our six-week Fall Project Management Certification class was another success! All 30 students received project management certificates during PM graduation on November 3rd. This program was designed specifically for Bay Area SMACNA and continues to evolve to meet changing contractor needs. Students learned to bring together the people, resources and tasks it takes to execute projects on time and within budget — all while building better relationships with customers.

EDUCATION RECAPS

PROJECT COMMUNICATION

Our Project Communication program was designed to improve the profitability of all projects by helping contractors and production teams understand the importance of proper communication.

What Members Learned

• To better understand the importance of finishing a project strongly

• All necessary documentation needs and standards, and how to compile

• The importance of knowing what you own and how it will/can impact the job

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

This session explored how to better leverage your supply chain to drive down material prices and costs associated with the “ings” of finding, buying, invoicing, payment, shipping, handling, etc.

What Members Learned

• How to drive improvements in labor productivity through more effective use of their supply chain

• Explored basic supply chain principles and mechanics, purchasing contracts, vendor managed inventory and consignment

• The different material requirements planning (MRP) software and systems, and how to use them

Presented By

Stephane McShane, Maxim Consulting Group

Presented By

Kevin Dougherty, Construction Industry Consultant

PURCHASING BEST PRACTICES

This course discussed concepts behind effective material planning strategies, enterprise-level purchasing methodologies and managing the service levels of material vendors.

What Members Learned

• How to properly leverage preconstruction planning to drive a proactive purchasing strategy

• Aligning risk management between labor and material to produce valuable project insight

Bay Area SMACNA is proud to continue offering ClickSafety online safety training for member firms. This customizable and interactive safety resource has more than 300 online safety courses, including HAZWOPER, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, harassment training and custom site-specific general industry courses.

ClickSafety is the industry’s most comprehensive catalog of online safety courses, each designed to enhance learning and retention throughout an individual’s entire professional career.

Members should contact Vickie Constantinides at vconstantinides@bayareasmacna.org to have course units added to their ClickSafety account, or to obtain an authorization code when creating an account on ClickSafety.com/SMACNA.

For members with an existing account who are having trouble assigning courses, contact support@clicksafety.com.

INFORMATION & COURSES

Scan the QR code for information or to browse a list of available courses www.ClickSafety.com/SMACNA

Presented By Stephane McShane, Maxim Consulting Group