SHOP TALK
Brand Edition, Spring 2022
trades of the the art
Matthew, Laura, Joe, John, Amy, and Dave Cannistraro, together at The FID.
Letter from the Cannistraro Family
To our partners, friends, and colleagues,
Welcome to a very special edition of Cannistraro’s Shop Talk! In this issue, we are pleased to share the words that reflect who we are as a firm today and our vision for the future.
Like many of you, we spent the past two years between feelings of fear, joy, sadness, and hope. It was during this time that we, as a family, set out to articulate Cannistraro’s purpose and mission, the missions of each of our brands, and the core values that unite our firm. We have always held a strong sense of identity, rooted in our value of our industry partners, employees, and customers. But we knew that sitting down to reflect, discover, and write together was absolutely critical in producing a roadmap for the growth of our culture and our strategies.
Two years and countless meetings later, we are so very pleased to share our words with all of you.
Our father, grandfather, and founder, Mr. C, may be long retired, but his influence is woven throughout our work. Pay your bills on time, keep your customer out of trouble, and honor and respect your employees were the three points that made up his “Triangle of Success,” and we honor them today in each of our core values and associated behaviors. When it came to articulating our purpose as a firm, we again looked to Mr. C for inspiration. He would often say, “quality is not an accident, it is the result of intelligent effort” and, “today is a great day to be your best.” He was motivated each and every morning to reach his full potential.
Whether on a jobsite, at The FID, or in the office, to work at Cannistraro means to work with heads, hands, and heart, in continuous pursuit of excellence. We call this “mastering a trade,” and its empowerment is the driving force behind all that we do.
We hope that you enjoy this Shop Talk, the words, and the photos, and we thank you for your partnership and support. We look forward to working with you well into the future!
Best Wishes,
Dave, Joe, John, Amy, Laura, and Matthew Cannistraro
We exist to empower the life changing impact of mastering a trade
For us, a trade is any skill, in any role, contributing to our company’s betterment and to the care of our customers. Everyone at Cannistraro works in a trade; we believe that everyone can maximize the value of their contributions and most significantly improve their own wellbeing by continuously sharpening their craft and growing in their trade.
We support this journey by advancing craftsmanship and shining a bright light on the importance of progress and professionalism in our industry. We treat all team members like family and provide the best possible training and coaching. We nurture trusting and highly valued business partnerships in order to create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Our Values
Safety Protection from danger, risk, or injury
Integrity
Honest and strong moral principles
Continuous Improvement
The pursuit for perfection in everything we do
Compassion
Care and concern for others
Commitment
Dedication to a cause, activity, and/or people
Collaboration
Working together for a shared purpose
a: From right, Christine Coughlin (Journeywoman, Local 537) mentors Karissa Gagnon (First Year Apprentice, Local 537) at The FID.
our mission
Pioneering excellence in mechanical construction and service.
Cannistraro is dedicated to empowering a knowledgeable and value-driven workforce to continuously elevate the standards for our trades. We ensure safe and predictable outcomes by seamlessly integrating planning, fabrication, installation, and service. We earn trust by being accountable, doing what we say we are going to do, and consistently delivering high-quality craftsmanship.\
“What
do I take pride in with my work? Accuracy. Knowing that when the fabrication goes to the job site, it is correct, and no one there has to worry about it. “
-Amanda Green
The FID Journeywoman, Local 131
a: Justin Barton (Local 550) and Rob O’Reilly (Local 17) lead together on One Congress Street. Boston, MA.
b: Erik Cote (Senior Coordinator) reviews a mechanical room model with his team. Whether in person or on video, our project teams work in constant communication. Pictured clockwise, from left, Phylis Brunet Crosby (Lead Coordinator), Maria Araya-Quiros (Coordinator), and Anthony de la Cruz (Project Engineer).
“Everyone who comes to The FID leaves dreaming a little bit bigger than before they came in. Being in this space inspires people; it brings them together to collaborate on new ways of doing work.“
-Matthew Cannistraro Program Manager – Manufacturing
The Fid
Opening the doors of progress.
At The FID, Cannistraro brings people together to continuously improve the way the construction industry designs, fabricates, and delivers a building. Our team inspires imagination and combines artistry with innovative technology to bring big ideas to life. And, we train and mentor new generations of master craftspeople to positively change the arc of our community and our industry.
Continuous Improvement the pursuit for perfection in everything we do
We take steps every day toward mastering our craft and being the best we can be. We are ambitious and determined. We are inventive and progressive. We encourage creativity and respect all new ideas. Together, we learn from our trials and experiences. We make the time and effort to teach, mentor, measure our progress, and share best practices.
a: The coil line and plasma tables are the center of our sheet metal shop. This equipment is capable of processing up to 40 tons of sheet metal per week.
b: It’s all in the family. Cannistraro employs members of many families, across multiple generations. Paul Colantuoni (Local 550) uses a 4-foot pipe wrench on a fire-protection main at The FID. Paul’s brothers, Anthony and Frank, are also longtime employees.
c: Emmanuel Franco (Fabrication Shop Associate) and Javier Haughton (Fabrication Shop Associate) load a carbon steel gas main to the welding booth.
d: The 50-foot-tall stairwell in The FID is cladded in architectural sheet metal built in our shop. Its corrugated style replicates the building’s profile circa 1940. Decorated with flags, it highlights the pride of our tradespeople, working safely every day at The FID!
“Maintaining our customers’ peace of mind means investing in their long-term success. Taking care of emergencies and performing the work well is the baseline. From there, I want to understand their 5 and 10-year goals so that we can work towards achieving these goals with every call.”
-Mike Johnson
Cannistraro Service Foreman, Local 537
service
Maintaining your peace of mind.
Our team does whatever it takes to keep your operations running at peak performance. We proactively maintain your mechanical equipment to prevent disruptions. We respond to emergencies quickly to make repairs precisely and efficiently. And, we design and install systems to continuously improve the health and energy efficiency of your building. Our highly skilled technicians master their craft and work around the clock so you can enjoy the reassurance and predictability you deserve.
Commitment
dedication to a cause, activity, and/or people
We work hard to ensure that our business partners and colleagues can trust and rely on us. We are accountable and responsible. We are proud of what we do and we are champions of the long-term betterment of our industry. We bring a sense of urgency to every project. We never take short cuts and we consistently deliver high quality results
b, c, & d: For over 20 years, we have modeled mechanical rooms with building operations as the top priority. With our integrated service group, we have the privilege of maintaining the systems that we modeled and installed in years past. It is wonderful when a facility is planned and installed for optimum operation and service!
a: Taylor LaTorre (Local 537) stays organized onsite. Allston, MA.
“We started Cannistraro Special Hazards in 2018 to diversify our customer and geographic base, our product offerings, and to grow our direct-to-owner work. In a few short years, it has grown into a robust group tackling a nationwide roster of unique and technically challenging projects.”
-Dave Cannistraro Chief Executive Officer
special hazards
Preserving operations. Protecting value.
Cannistraro designs, installs, and maintains customized fire suppression solutions to protect valuable and mission-critical assets that could be damaged by traditional sprinkler systems. Our engineers identify the right special hazards equipment for your unique requirements and thoughtfully implement effective and environmentally responsible solutions. We are with you every step of the way to minimize interruptions and continuously safeguard the irreplaceable.
Safety protection from danger, risk, or injury
We feel a deep responsibility for the wellbeing of everyone around us. We are disciplined about carefully planning our work. We are attentive to every detail. We believe in and follow critical procedures. We strive for every member of our team to go home safe. We are attentive to the mental and emotional wellness of those around us and support them in any way necessary.
a: Cannistraro recently completed the special hazards protection of the Boston Public Library’s rare book storage and archives. Pictured: The Reading Room, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA.
b & c: Stainless-steel piping and gauges support a Marioff HI-Fog Water Mist System installed to protect this historical house and museum. If activated, the system expels tiny droplets of water to extinguish smoke or flames, drastically reducing the potential for water damage. Mary Baker Eddy House, Brookline, MA.
d: John Hyland (Local 550) and Len Cipullo (Local 550) stand onsite in this prepackaged special hazards enclosure, designed and installed by Cannistraro to hold a FireDos foam proportioning system. This enclosure is the first of its kind in North America. Pin Oaks, Taft, Texas.
“More solid than the structures we build are the friendships and careers that are formed at Cannistraro. Our people and our family are excited to be here to help and support one another on the path to excellence.”
-Joe Cannistraro Chief Financial Officer
our people
Mastering the art of mechanical construction & service.
The idea of “mastering a trade” is, in part, inspired by our belief that everyone at Cannistraro is an artist. We are charged with solving problems every day and to solve them together, we must be creative. We must see and listen to many perspectives, and we must collaborate. Art helps us get there. It fosters a culture that is progressive, innovative, thoughtful, and fun. And that is what we see when we look at our people. The artisans that inspire our purpose, mastering their trade with head, hands, and heart.
Compassion Care and concern for others
We choose to be good and professional people every day. We are caring, supportive, and thoughtful. We are welcoming and inclusive. We make time to understand and look out for the wellbeing of those around us – our co-workers, our customers, our partners, and our community. We always put people first.
a: Topping off! One Congress Street, Boston, MA.
b & c: Forty-four floors up may have great views, but the elements are an extreme challenge in the middle of winter. We are proud of our crew on One Congress Street, new home to State Street Bank, getting right to it with the installation of the mechanical room.
d: The Applications Group, led by Andrew Heiser (pictured right), works closely with Construction Operations to ensure that project teams can easily engage with project metrics across every phase of their job.
“
I enjoy solving challenges, but I absolutely love solving challenges with a team of people who collaborate efficiently to form a unified vision, plan the solution, and then contribute to making that vision a reality.”
-Andrew Heiser Manager of Automations
a: Attendees listen to peer introductions at the first meeting of Cannistraro’s Women in the Trades Affinity Group, hosted at The FID. The group is led by Shamaiah Turner (Local 17) and is open to all women at Cannistraro. From left, Tanairi Gonzalez (Local 12), Shauna Finn (Recruiter), Lindsey Sosa (Operations Assistant), Christine Coughlin (Local 537), Allison Bates (Local 537), Sharron Downs (Local 537), and Sewicka Bien-Aime (Benefits Administrator).
b: The FID is more than our home for fabrication; it is where multi-trade teams collaborate to imagine, engineer, and build innovative solutions to the AEC industry’s most pressing challenges. This group of office, shop, and field employees was assembled to design and build a modular, four-trade prototype. From left, Zerai Soloman, Ryan Courtney (Local 17), John Joyce (Local 537), Matthew Cannistraro (Program Manager – Manufacturing), Kevin McKee (Local 17), and Rob O’Reilly (Local 17).
Collaboration
working together for a shared purpose
We believe positive and productive teamwork ensures harmony and success. We are flexible and openminded. We are approachable and respectful. We communicate clearly and thoughtfully. We bring a good attitude to discussions and we build upon each other’s ideas.
a: Shaylim Blackwell (Estimator) and Spencer Yergeau (Project Engineer) review plans and pricing.
b: Brian Janiak (Local 12), Tad Pemental (Local 12), and a newly fabricated rainwater reclaim skid. The skid was built at The FID for one of our manufacturing partners and will be shipped directly to the project site for just-in-time delivery.
c: Regina McGregor stands with one of the teams that she oversees, the Marketing Group. From left, Laura Cannistraro (Corporate Communications Manager), Sasha Parfenova (Digital Content Curator), Amy Cannistraro (Marketing Project Manager), and Regina McGregor (Vice President of Corporate Services and General Counsel). Not pictured: Steve Mudd (Graphic Designer).
a: Cannistraro revelers show off their gingerbread craftsmanship and ugly Christmas sweaters. The Plumbing Museum, Watertown, MA.
b: John Kelly (Shop Foreman, Local 537) firmly believes in the importance of mentorship and the power of camaraderie. He fosters a learningfirst culture amongst his team at The FID and is a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.
“Highly collaborative teams communicate with and listen better to others. We build relationships with one another, provide support, and exchange positive reinforcement for jobs well done.”
-Phylis Brunet Crosby Lead Coordinator
Integrity
honest and strong moral principles
We prioritize earning and maintaining the complete trust of everyone we work with. We are honest, ethical, and sincere. We are consistent and unwavering in acting on Cannistraro’s shared core values. We make honorable decisions. We choose to be truthful and do the right thing even when it is difficult and even when no one is looking.
a: Pausing from a busy day onsite,, Eric “Dallas” Deloughrey (Local 537) and Patrick Holness (Local 537) pose for a photo. One Congress Street, Boston, MA.
b: These days, in-person meetings give us a reason to smile. From left, Kristin Kelly (Preconstruction Manager), Liana Barry (Operations Assistant), and Sasha Parfenova (Digital Content Curator).
“It’s exciting to see that when we all get together in a room, whether virtual or in person, we’re working towards bringing a vision for a project to life!”
-Regina McGregor Vice President-Corporate Services & General Counsel
Front & back cover: Cannistraro Box Truck murals designed by Artists for Humanity, featuring two great artists and inventors. From left: Leonardo DaVinci and his “Flying Machine”; Sir John Harrington: master sheet metal craftsman, inventor of the flush toilet, and godson of Queen Elizabeth I.