SMACNA-SoCal Industry Reporter, Spring 2021 by SMACNA-Southern California

Industry Reporter

SPRING 2021

GES Sheet Metal Inc. Women in Construction: Carmen Koo

SMACNA-SOCAL UPDATE NEGOTIATIONS AND NAVIGATING A PANDEMIC SMACNA-SoCal has been hard at work preparing for contract negotiations, which began in early March. We are hopeful our labor partners recognize the current market conditions and that their proposal is reasonable and responsible. Although the United States is working hard toward seeing the other side of COVID-19, contractors are still in the midst of experiencing the effects, especially on productivity. According to a New Horizons Foundation study titled, “Pandemics and Productivity: Quantifying the Impact,” a random sample of over 20,000 labor hours collected from sheet metal, HVAC, and mechanical contractors indicates 8.7% of hours available on projects to do productive work are lost due to mitigation requirements, such as PPE management, cleaning and disinfection, access rules, and extra administration time. An additional overall 9.2% average COVID-19-related productivity impact on the industry results in a total productivity impact of 17.9%. It is essential that our contractor members plan accordingly and take the right precautions considering the uncertainty of the economy as a result of COVID-19. While certain sectors of the market were put on hold, the remaining sectors have seen an increase in competition, and sadly enough, the majority is from non-signatory contractors. According to New Horizons Foundation, contractors should use this information to price an equitable adjustment, properly

By / Hector Vargas, SMACNA-SoCal President

employing both the pandemic change order calculator provided with the study and the study itself as backup verification for the impact. Email info@newhorizonsfoundation.org to receive a copy of the New Horizons study. Companies least affected are those who have established, organized, and trained their teams with new pandemic mitigation processes and procedures. They have monitored and shifted work activities to accommodate required distance between team members. On a more positive note, more than 30 million (9.5%) Americans, including 3.4 million (8.6%) Californians, have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and estimates expect herd immunity by the end of the summer. We are optimistic that our members and our industry can get back to normal by the end of this year. I would like to thank those companies who took the time to respond to our negotiations survey. The information collected will be very helpful during negotiations. ▪

IN THIS ISSUE ...

FEATURES

Winter 2021

Contractor Profile: GES Sheet Metal Inc.

Women in Construction: Carmen Koo

DEPARTMENTS

2 3 4 6 6

SMACNA-SoCal Update Meet the Board SMACNA-Socal Events Local 105 2021 Holiday Calendar SMACNA-SoCal News

SMACNA-SOCAL INDUSTRY REPORTER

Official Journal of Record for SMACNA-SOCAL

MEET THE BOARD MEET THE BOARD: MICHAEL DEAN DIRECTOR, SMACNA-SOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Dean, co-owner and vice president of operations of AireMasters Air Conditioning, might be a new director on the SMACNA-SoCal board, but with more than four decades in the sheet metal industry, he is anything but new to the game. Dean, who is also Long Beach City College Welding & Metal Fab Advisory Board Member, knew from a young age that the construction industry was his calling. “My father was an LAPD sergeant and had a friend who was already in the trade,” Dean says. “Both my father and his friend suggested I look into becoming a sheet metal journeyman. At the time, I had no idea what a sheet metal journeyman was, but when I heard about the pay, I was very interested.” He started out as a sheet metal apprentice and has held many different positions since. “After finishing the apprenticeship program, I became a journeyman, and not long after I ended up becoming a foreman at AireMasters Air Conditioning,” Dean says. AireMasters Air Conditioning specializes in HVAC and general contracting in schools and public works, private projects, VRF specialty applications, HVAC controls, and design-build projects. “Following that, I became a board detailer, CAD/BIM detailer, and eventually a general superintendent.” While holding these positions, Dean taught AutoCAD at night for the Los Angeles JATC, a position that led to him working for the training center full-time as a coordinator for over six years. “After my time at the JATC, I decided it was time to go back to AireMasters, and I was hired as a project manager,” Dean says. “About nine years ago, I was given the opportunity to buy into the company and receive a promotion. I accepted this opportunity and took on my current position as an owner and vice president of operations.” Dean looks to former Laker’s owner Jerry Buss’s advice on business philosophy: “Hire good people and let them do their job.”

“This quote is a great way to look at running a business and managing people,” Dean says. “Give people room to do their best, but also motivate those people to always strive to be even better.” He says the greatest challenge the industry has faced over the years has been getting good people in both the office and the field. “The modern US education system makes a big mistake in defining success only as a college degree and making the youth unaware of the great opportunities available in the trades,” Dean says. “It’s nice to see a good mixture of both college-educated and trade-educated people in this industry.” The biggest change the industry has seen over the years is the introduction of battery-powered tools, which have led to fewer tangled and damaged cords scattered all over job sites, making for safer work areas. The biggest opportunity for the future will be adapting and modernizing more efficient equipment, processes, and operations. “The pandemic has really given the industry a much-needed push toward being more web-based, and I foresee this being a trend into the future,” Dean says. “Being able to send over more electronic bids than ever, instead of hand-delivering, is an example that has personally helped my team devote more time to other projects.” Through it all, SMACNA has an important role to play, supporting businesses with education, labor price control, and fellowship between owners and managers. “I believe SMACNA-SoCal is a very well run, effective, and forward-thinking organization,” Dean says. “I am confident that my own personal experience and knowledge of the industry will help to keep that going.” ▪

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Industry Reporter

SPRING 2021

Jessica Kirby Direct: 250.816.3671 jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com

CREATIVES Lara Perraton 877.755.2762 lperraton@pointonemedia.com

CONTRIBUTORS GES Sheet Metal Inc. Women in Construction: Carmen Koo

Natalie Bruckner Robin Brunet Hector Vargas

COVER PHOTO Courtesy of GES Sheet Metal, Inc.

While information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable, the publisher may not be held liable for omissions or errors. Contents ©2021 by Point One Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without prior written permission from the publisher. Printed in the USA. Postage paid at La Verne, California. To update or cancel subscriptions please call 1.877.755.2762 or email circulations@pointonemedia.com

Spring 2021

GES Sheet Metal Inc.

Bringing Bold Architectural Sheet Metal to Life By / Robin Brunet  Photos courtesy of GES Sheet Metal Inc.

David and Michelle Lee first ventured out on their own as sheet metal specialists by forming a non-union company in 2003. Shortly thereafter, Michelle could regularly be overheard telling her husband, “I really miss SMACNA. I want to get back in.” Lee, who subsequently co-founded GES Sheet Metal Inc. with David, laughs at the memory. She says, “In 2003, our only goal was to grow a company from the ground up and leave something big enough behind for our children to run. “But we had worked with many SMACNA members in the past and loved the camaraderie. So, when the chance came to purchase GES in 2013, we were enthusiastic because, among other things, it was union. And we’ve never looked back.” The Lees and a proficient crew have forged a reputation as leading manufacturers and installers of architectural metal panel and other systems for a wide range of clients. Lee jokingly refers to her work as “putting the jewelry on buildings,” but in fact GES helps bring bold architecture to life, often via the design-build construction process. One example is the soaring, six-storey steel latticework supporting a green wall on the IAC building in Los Angeles. Another is the massive polished steel cylinder defining the entrance of the Pen Factory in Santa Monica, as well as the uniquely ribbed/corrugated façade of Christie’s auction house in Beverly Hills, for which GES created special dies. GES’s Fontana-based shop with its Hans 4000 watt fiber laser machine, AXYZ panel builder, and other equipment provides

SMACNA-SOCAL INDUSTRY REPORTER

column covers, roof and wall panels, louvers, sunscreens, expansion joint systems, canopies—virtually anything required by developers to complete their commercial and residential projects and set them apart visually from the competition. “David and I love hardware, we love metal, we love working with it and talking about it, and that has helped us achieve our goal of exceeding clients’ expectations,” Lee says. Being a SMACNA Southern California (SoCal) member is another element supporting GES’s success. “They have phenomenal resources, their scholarships are incredible, and they never fail to listen or help you with industry issues,” Lee explains. The Lees were exposed to SMACNA early on in their work life: as the daughter of hardware store owners, Michelle at 22 joined

“Being a SMACNA Southern California (SoCal) member is another element supporting GES’s success. “They have phenomenal resources, their scholarships are incredible, and they never fail to listen or help you with industry issues.”

C&J Metal Products and stayed there for 18 years. “We sold to the heating and ventilation guys, all SMACNA members, and even as a youth I appreciated how on the ball they were,” she recalls. David formed the same opinion in his early role as a construction manager for a structural steel company. Michelle adds, proudly, “We got married in 2002, and it’s no secret I taught him everything about the trade. We both had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and we grew our company slowly, acquiring tools bit by bit and going out of our way to provide excellence and cost efficiency in service.” Although their creativity was evident early on (most notably for a church in Burbank with an elaborate, multi-plane metal roof design), the Lees truly came into their own after the acquisition of GES, whose original owner had been a C&J customer. “He and his wife wanted to sell the company and retire, and this was a great opportunity to grow our sheet metal skills,” says Lee, adding that being Metro certified and a Los Angeles City certified fabricator of steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper also benefitted their business significantly. Today, eight of GES’s 18 staff members are family; many others

are people David and Michelle worked with in the past. The resulting strong level of trust and commitment has enabled the company to fulfill ambitious projects, such as the IAC office (the sculptural lattice, which appears as if it were draped against the building, was designed by Rios Clementi Hale Studios), as well as the steel-bolted framing and perforated steel panel systems comprising the Metro Bike Hub at Los Angeles Union Station. (The panel systems can be disassembled and relocated as needed). As for active involvement in SMACNA, David is part of a steering committee studying labor and training issues, and Michelle hopes to contribute at some point. “Thanks to my immediate and extended family, I had five new grandbabies in January, so I’m pretty busy dividing my time between work and home,” she says. With Lee and her husband being a young and active 57, they have no intention in slowing down anytime soon. “With SMACNA’s continued support, we’ll continue to grow GES,” she says. “And somewhere down the line, it would be great if another family member took over. I think that’s pretty much in the cards.” ▪

SMACNA-SOCAL EVENTS SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards 102 Webinar February 25, 2021 This February, SMACNA-SoCal held a technical webinar on SMACNA’s new HVAC Duct Construction Standards 102. The presentation was delivered by Mark Terzigni, SMACNA’s Director of Engineering, and William Farrell and Patrick Brooks, Senior Project Managers with SMACNA. The virtual program was open to all employees

of SMACNA Southern California member firms, including Local 105 members, shop and field employees, and JATC instructors. The presentation was well attended, and participants agree that they came away with useful, applicable skills they will take forward into their work. Keep an eye on your email to find out about other events sponsored by SMACNA-SoCal.▪

Spring 2021

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Carmen Koo Inspiring inside and outside the sheet metal industry By / Natalie Bruckner  Photos courtesy of Carmen Koo

“Don’t be afraid, face your fears, and if an opportunity arises, even if it scares you, do it!” This philosophy has been at the heart of every decision for Carmen Koo, owner of Applied Air Conditioning and member of SMACNA of Southern California (SoCal), since she was a little girl... and this is why she is such an inspiration both inside and out of the sheet metal industry.

Born and raised in Holland, Koo emigrated to California with her parents, brother, and sister at the age of nine. Little did she know back then that her impact on the sheet metal industry would be so profound. “I always knew I had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Koo says. “I take after my father who owned restaurants in Holland—but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be running an HVAC company this many years later. It’s amazing, and I feel blessed.” Her path into sheet metal was rather unusual. In fact, up until 1996 she had never heard of the industry. However, as is life, an unusual circumstance led her to what would soon become her life’s passion. “I was volunteering with my family at church and a fellow parishioner, Norm Lussier, was starting a new HVAC company and needed someone to help him in the office,” Koo says. “At the time, I was at college and a young mum to a beautiful child [the second child, Emma, would come along nine years later] and I thought, why not? I completely fell in love with the industry from day one.”

SMACNA-SOCAL INDUSTRY REPORTER

“As an industry, we care about people and our community and want to do what’s right,” Koo says. “Being able to educate, inform, and make a difference is a real honour for me.” Koo threw herself into the role, learning as much as she could about both the industry and the business. In 2008, when her boss was offered the opportunity to purchase another HVAC business and invited Koo to join him and partner Rudy Portillo to take the reins, she was armed and raring to go. Not even the financial crisis of 2007-2008 would stop her! “It was definitely an interesting time to purchase a business, but looking back it was such a blessing because all the challenges we encountered and the roller coaster we went on were so very rewarding,” Koo enthuses. Over the past 13 years, Koo helped grow Applied Air in staff numbers (growing from seven to 22), in its specialities, and in becoming a company that strongly believes in education and moving the industry forward. Not one to sit back, her passion for her community and the industry led her into the political arena where she could help really make a difference. In 2019, she was recognized as the Contractor Legislative Advocate of the Year at SMACNA National’s 76th Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. As one of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Political Action Committee’s (SMAC PAC) most active Congressional Insiders Club members, Koo is known to inspire others to be more involved. Her advocacy even inspired her local chapter to increase its fundraising status. Her efforts have played a critical role in addressing public contracting payment reform, pension reform, infrastructure policies, and wage enforcement legislation, and most recently, the California Assembly Bill (AB) 841, which directs state energy efficiency funding to upgrade heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) systems in public schools, prioritizing schools in underserved communities and those near freeways or industrial facilities. “As an industry, we care about people and our community and want to do what’s right,” Koo says. “Being able to educate, inform, and make a difference is a real honour for me.” Her vision for growth extends beyond the industry, too. As a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America she

acts as a mentor to empower youth to excel in school and lead healthy, productive lives. Being a strong female figurehead in the industry is something Koo is extremely proud of, and she hopes to inspire more women. “Women bring great balance and perspective to the industry,” Koo says. “I want to make sure that women know they have mentors who want to help them succeed, and I want to ensure we encourage them to stay in the trades and set them up for success.” Of course, there have been those occasional times where being a woman in sheet metal has resulted in her receiving an odd reaction, but she says that kind of occurrence is few and far between these days, as the industry is evolving at such a fast pace to become more inclusive, thanks to great leaders and role models like SMACNA President Angie Simon, Karen Fox, owner of Precision Air Balance, and SMACNAWestern Washington Executive Vice President Julie Muller (who incidentally went to High School with Koo and is her best friend). But there was that one time! “I was in downtown LA on a roof, and I caught someone taking pictures of me. They must have thought it was odd to see a woman working on a roof,” Koo laughs, who admits she was once scared of heights. For now, Koo continues to spread her love of the industry and people, and is ever thankful for the day she came across sheet metal. “I love that through my company and SMACNA I am able to give back and inspire,” she says. “I am proof that with hard work, perseverance, and faith you can do anything.” ▪

Spring 2021

SMACNA-SOCAL NEWS SMACNA Southern California Chapter Scholarship Available Apply before May 31, 2021 The SMACNA Southern California Scholarship is open to college or university students who are seeking a career in a field directly related to the sheet metal industry. The scholarship amount is $1250 per academic year, not to exceed $2500. Selection will be based on academic/career goals as stated by the applicant, academic achievement, compliance with qualifications of the scholarship, and an interview by the SMACNA Southern California Scholarship Committee. Application must be submitted by May 31, 2021 to: SMACNA Southern California Scholarship Committee 12070 Telegraph Road - Suite 350 Santa Fe Springs CA 90670 T. 562.944.6345 Qualifications 1. Applicant must be accepted or enrolled in a college program that promotes the study of sheet metal-related industries. 2. The college program must provide for a college degree. 3. Applicant must be entering the junior or senior year. 4. Applicant must have a desire to work in an industry involved in the sheet metal business. 5. Applicant must have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average and provide transcripts of college grades. Applicants will need to provide personal data; employment experience (anything that directly relates to or may have prepared them for the sheet metal industry); education (schools attended and any in which the applicant is currently enrolled, including high school, junior colleges, and four-year colleges or universities); career goals (immediate and future); and additional relevant information. To get a copy of the application, please contact Kim Williams at SMACNA-SoCal at kim@smacna-socal.org ▪

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