SMACNA and SMART Connect for a stronger industry

By / Jessica Kirby

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places human connection third from the bottom in a pyramid of five areas of need, right above physiological needs and personal safety. That’s because we thrive when we feel connected and part of something, when we trust and can be trusted. In work and in life, we are constantly confronted with opportunities to connect. On-boarding employees, recruiting members, making new friends, growing a family—and we naturally gravitate toward people with whom we have an immediate common ground, making the road to connection much smoother.

In some instances, the road has potholes. In work situations there is a power differential, and new members of any group experience a learning curve that can be abrasive. Even in our personal lives, maybe that new friend has an irritating habit, or our new family member comes with in-laws we don’t care for. In these situations when it seems connection is a long shot, there is great opportunity.

That’s because every time we lean into the discomfort of a problem, have difficult conversations, and become open to learning other people’s perspectives, we grow. Think of a person you only see occasionally or a workmate you chat with in passing. The conversation is always pleasant, the mood is light, and you never disagree. Do you feel a deep connection with this person?

Think now of someone you have had ups and downs with—a close friend, a spouse, a parent or child. When you navigate dark waters with someone, you learn to listen, communicate, respect differences, and self-advocate—side by side. That’s where connection is born.

This issue features several examples of how deeply SMACNA and SMART members can connect when both parties are willing to be vulnerable and stay open to change. One page 4, we look at how Carol Duncan at General Sheet Metal in Oregon started thinking about succession planning when she lost her mother. It took a great deal of effort, planning, and coordination, but with help she developed an ESOP plan through which employees own shares in the company and will eventually own it. The crux of this arrangement is strengthening the workers’ connection to management, to the business, and to each other.

When SMACNA contractors and Local 85 in Atlanta started losing market share because of a language barrier among the workforce, they were quick to recruit and empower members who could help bridge the gap. They weren’t afraid to understand the shortfalls and mend relationships with a bilingual organizer, safety messaging in several languages, and a general willingness to welcome new ideas. Read about it on page 7.

Of course, connection only works when everyone is on the same page. SMRCA Dayton and Local 24 have developed a no-nonsense three-strike policy for journeypersons on the out- of-work list. It reflects a balanced commitment to tradition and progress, and it expects hard work and fairness across the board.

“This isn’t about punishing people,” says Cole Chaney, business representative for Local 24. “It’s about fostering a culture where everyone pulls their weight, and fairness is at the forefront.” Learn more on page 9.

A new study from the Institute for Construction Employment Research (featured on page 11) suggests there may be additional opportunities to connect with apprentices, especially if we can get solid numbers on recruitment and retention across the United States. Mike Harris, administrator at the International Training Institute, says the sheet metal industry can learn a lot from The State of Registered Apprenticeship Training in the Construction Trades, the most robust study of its kind ever completed.

Looking to build connection as a leader but not sure where to begin? Leadership and communications expert John Millen shares six tips for connecting deeply with your audience, be they corporate executives, rank and file members, or brand new apprentices. The most important take away? ABC: Audience Before Content. Find out what that means on page 13.

And in one of the most exciting opportunities for connection the Best Practices Market Expansion Task Force offers, the Partners in Progress Conference is well into the planning stages. Topics for the 2026 event, which will run February 1618 in Orlando, Florida, will fall under the theme, “We Lead Together to Deliver Results” and include everything from AI and technology to leadership in chaos, market share development, and partnering for political action. Watch your email and pinp. org/conference for registration and program information.

In the meantime, if you have a story about how you have connected with your labor or management partner to improve market share, recruitment efforts, or the industry in general, please email jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com to share it and have it featured in these pages. ▪