by John Crowley | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
On the Front Lines of Policy When Congressman Ed Case sits down for a conversation at the Grand Wailea in Maui, it’s hard not to feel the contrast between the island’s serene beauty and the turbulent national issues he tackles daily. Case, who represents Hawaii’s 1st District and serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has spent his career navigating the space where global strategy meets on-the-ground impact. And for SMACNA members, his message is clear: “you’re not just building facilities; you’re reinforcing America’s strength in a volatile geopolitical landscape.”Case has been a longtime ally to SMACNA, returning year after year to connect with contractors who build and maintain the very infrastructure that keeps America secure.This year, as he sat down with SMACNA’s Director of Content Development and Media Relations Policy Seth Lennonfor SMACNews, he unpacked the intersection of defense, construction, supply chains and governance at a moment he calls “deeply consequential.”BUILDING THE BACKBONE OF NATIONAL DEFENSEBefore diving into politics, Case wants to establish one essential truth: America’s military strength depends on theprivate sector, especially the skilled contractors who build, repair and sustain the infrastructure of the armed forces.“Hawaii is the center of the Indo-Pacific,” Case explains. “Every single combatant command for the region is in my district. This is the front line of our country’s defense.”That front line requires more than ships and submarines. It requires the places they live, train and maintain readiness, which makes up a sprawling network of facilities that SMACNA members help build.As a former member of the Military Construction (MILCON) Subcommittee and now a senior member of the Defense Subcommittee, Case sees how essential high-quality construction is to deterrence.“We completely rely on contractors for our national defense,” he points out. “If a project doesn’t work it’s not just a hassle; it’s a security risk.”In Hawaii alone, billions are being invested right now, including the largest Navy project in its history: a world- class dry dock at Pearl Harbor. It’s infrastructure that will allow next-generation submarines and eventually larger ships to be repaired forward-deployed rather than traveling thousands of miles back to the mainland. That difference, he notes, could define readiness in a crisis.A WORKFORCE WITH RANGE AND RESPONSIBILITYFor Case, the work happening in Hawaii is a microcosm of what SMACNA contractors deliver nationwide: a wide spectrum of industrial, commercial, residential and defense projects requiring deep expertise.“You’re building everything, including residences, commercial structures, industrial sites and critically important military facilities,” he says. “That level of versatility and quality is not easy to find. But it’s essential.”With more than 7,000 industrial workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and world-class contractors surrounding them, Case sees a model of what effective public-private partnership looks like when national security is on the line.SHUTDOWNS AND THE COST OF DYSFUNCTIONCase warns that political dysfunction threatens everything from paychecks to national security. When he spoke with SMACNews in late October, the federal government was in the middle of another shutdown. His assessment is blunt.“The biggest challenge is the political dysfunction in our country,” he says. “We’re living in two parallel universes. When the mindset becomes ‘win it all or lose everything,’ governing becomes impossible.”In Hawaii alone, a shutdown means 24,000 federal civilian workers and 48,000 active-duty service members going without pay. It jeopardizes procurement, contracts, planning and, ultimately, national security.Case insists solutions exist and could be enacted “in one or two days,” but only with functional, bipartisan cooperation. “We’re better off solving our problems rather than chasing 100% wins that just kick the can down the road,” he says.TRADE AND TARIFFSFew issues today affect contractors more than tariffs, and Case doesn’t mince words about their impact.“I generally believe the world is better off with open, free trade,” he says.Isolationism, he argues, has never produced long-term success for the U.S., but he acknowledges that there are legitimate reasons for targeted tariffs, such as national security concerns or countering abusive trade practices.The problem, in his view, is the blanket tariff policy.“Across-the-board tariffs punish our allies, raise costs for everyone and create massive uncertainty, especially for construction,” he warns.For SMACNA members, that uncertainty hits bids, supply chains, costs and scheduling. It increases litigation and erodes predictability — critical components of construction planning.And while the administration argues tariffs could revive American manufacturing, Case remains skeptical.“It’s going to take far more than tariffs for industrial America to come back,” he says. “Trade policy needs nuance, not blunt instruments.”FINDING COMMON GROUNDDespite the political gridlock he describes, Case remains a pragmatic optimist. He’s committed to “problem solver” approaches and believes bipartisan partnership is still possible and necessary.“We have huge challenges: economic prosperity, global relationships, preserving Social Security and protecting our environment,” he says. “All of them are solvable if we face them together.”According to Case, SMACNA members “are essential partners. Your success is critical not just for national defense, but for our country’s overall strength.
by John Crowley | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
P1 Construction Sets New Benchmark in Construction Safety with Dual Innovation Programs Setting a new standard in construction safety by blending rigorous physical safety training with proactive mental= health support, P1 Construction of Lenexa, Kansas, earned SMACNA’s 2025 Safety Innovator of the Year Award.The award, presented jointly by Vincent Neglia of Milwaukee Tool and Dave Szymanski of Federated Insurance, honors innovative ideas that significantly improve safety culture and outcomes in the industry.P1 Construction won for two key initiatives: the Second Orientation Program and the Peer Connector Mental Health Program. The Second Orientation targets a critical risk period by providing new hires a refresher safety training 60 days after they begin, addressing data showing nearly half of workplace accidents occur in the first year. This helps reinforce safety knowledge and reduces early-stageincidents.The Peer Connector Program offers voluntary, peer-to-peer mental health support, breaking stigma and ensuring judgment-free access to help. Trained employees serve as confidential resources, identified by special hard hats and branding, offering immediate assistance and connecting colleagues to professional support as needed. Inspired by a P1 safety specialist and military veteran, this program addresses suicide prevention in both construction and veteran communities.Don Campbell, P1 Vice President, says, “We always remain focused on our most important resources: the human ones. Through rigorous daily checklists, mental health resources, training and mentorship, P1 leadership, from the top down, is committed to ensuring our associates show up mentally and physically prepared to make the best decisions every day.” In addition to the award, SMACNA and its partners donated $2,500 to The Battle Within, a nonprofit organization supporting veterans and first responders battling PTSD, chosen by P1 Construction. Michele Orpin, Director at The Battle Within, expresses gratitude for the donation. “Our entire team thanks you for this opportunity,” she says.Meet the 2025 SMACNA Safety Award WinnersThe SMACNA Safety Awards Program celebrates the commitment and inventive efforts of members to provide secure environments for their employees. The awards recognize past accomplishments, as well as inspire a future marked by a dedication to safety and health within the HVAC and sheet metal industry.There are two award categories: Top Safety Performer and Zero Injury and Illness Incidence. All members achieving an incident rate of 50% better than the U.S. Department of Labor BLS incident rate for sheet metal contractors in the U.S. and the adjacent rate for Canadian members will receive certificates as elite safety performers. All members demonstrating an outstanding safety record with zero reported incidents in 2024 receive certificates for safety excellence.The 2025 winners are:TOP SAFETY PERFORMER AWARD:Airco Mechanical Inc.Bel-Aire MechanicalControl Air Enterprises LLCCouts Heating and Cooling Inc.Dee Cramer Inc.General Sheet MetalGoyette MechanicalHarder Mechanicalicon MechanicalJH KellyLeo J. Roth CorporationMacDonald-MillerMarina Mechanical ServicesP1 Construction LLCPoynter Sheet Metal Inc.SSM Industries Inc.StreimerTweet/Garot Mechanical Inc.U.S. Engineering ConstructionW.E. BowersZERO INJURY AND ILLNESS INCIDENCE AWARD:A T Industrial Sheet MetalAccu Flow Balancing Co.Apollo Mechanical ContractorsCrystal Heating & Cooling Service Inc.D|B Solutions LLCDynamic Balancing Co.Evergreen State Heat & ACFisher Balancing Co.G.E.S. Sheet Metal Inc.H & R Mechanical Systems Inc.Hays Sheet Metal Inc.Hunter MechanicalIntech Mechanical Co. Inc.Johansen Mechanical Inc.Just Right Heating & CoolingLeibold Inc.McGowne Ironworks LLCModern ControlsNeudorfer EngineersOptimum Performance Balancing LLCOrtiz Contracting GroupPM ContractingPrecision Air Designs Inc.Prime Sheet Metal Inc.Restaurant Ventilation DesignS & Z Sheetmetal Inc.Scoggin Mechanical Industries Inc.TAB Systems Inc.Total Comfort Solutions, Inc.Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Co.Van’s Industrial Inc.
by John Crowley | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
A Journey Built on Opportunity: SMACNA’s New President Looks Ahead Aloha, everyone. It means the world to me to serve as your 2025-2026 SMACNA National President. When I first started in this industry, I never realized the opportunities that would come my way. I truly care about SMACNA’s mission and will do my best to earn your trust. For me, SMACNA’s core value is enabling opportunities for its members. I began my career in the trade in 1990 at age 19, while attending community college full-time. My father encouraged me to take the sheet metal apprentice test, and his advice proved invaluable. Looking back, I am grateful for his guidance.My father, who passed in 2018 after a 43-year career in sheet metal, took great pride in his work. As I advanced at Ventcon, he often reminded me of the value of his advice. I hope to continue makinghim proud.I now have been with Ventcon for 35 years. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me, both as a business leader and as a member of this association. Our industry offers unique opportunities for career advancement through dedication and hard work.SMACNA offers valuable benefits, especially when it comes to technology, labor and business management. Ourindustry keeps changing, which means there are always new chances to grow. I encourage you to get involved. Other members have a lot of experience to share. By joining in, you can discover new ways to run your business and create more opportunities for yourself and your team. Investing in my career and business by being active in SMACNA has been one of my best decisions.If I can inspire even one person to take full advantage of what SMACNA National offers, I will consider my presidency a success. Thank you for this opportunity to serve. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming year. Todd HillSMACNA President
by John Crowley | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
A Gathering to Remember: Gratitude, Growth & the Power of Community It is always fun to bring the SMACNA convention to Maui. It was wonderful to connect with members and learn from great speakers. This convention was the most attended in SMACNA history. Record attendance speaks to the desire of SMACNA members to be engaged with their association. Education sessions were full, and we know that we will need more space when we return in 2030. It is also normal and healthy for associations to have debate at meetings. Associations are governed by members, and members should bring up things that concern them. I do encourage members to utilize the Council of Chapter Representatives to address programmatic concerns. The Council is designed to address issues and has the ability to make recommendations to the board. The Council meets each year in June and December, right before the Board’s meetings in January and July.I am excited to work with Todd Hill during his term as our new president. Todd’s story is incredible. Rising from Apprentice to Owner of his own company to the President at SMACNA. This is a trajectory that is only possible in our industry, and Todd certainly became the “smart” sheet metal worker that his father encouraged. The energy, enthusiasm and leadership that Todd brings to the table will benefit all of our members. I encourage you to connect with him and invite him or your board liaison to your chapter in 2026.Finally, I want to thank our SMACNA staff for all of their hard work in making this convention the best in SMACNA’s history. From working with the hotel to promoting the event and building out the educational programming, none of this is possible without the work of our team at National. As we look forward to 2026, we will be full speed ahead. I’m looking forward to the first six months of the new year, which include critical events such as Partners in Progress, the MEP Innovation Conference, the Safety and Health Conference and the Fab Forum. For those of you bargaining this year, I also encourage you to attend Collective Bargaining Orientation in early January. The program is great preparation for negotiations. Joining the bargainers’ calls can also help keep you informed about issues and settlements as they occur. These are all opportunities to engage with your peers. I hope you take advantage of them. I hope everyone has a safe and joyous holiday season. I am looking forward to 2026!
by John Crowley | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
Breaking Records, Building Opportunities “Right now, you are sitting in the best-attended SMACNA Annual Convention in history,” says SMACNA President Tom Martin (now Past President). The association’s commitment to growth and engagement is evident: newcomers and veterans alike are reminded that their participation is both an investment in the present and a foundation for the future.Aaron Hilger, SMACNA CEO, also welcomed the record turnout with gratitude, saying, “I am genuinely grateful to be here and to share this time with all of you and humbled by the incredible turnout. 2025 has been a busy, challenging and interesting year so far.”“Whether it is attending an educational session, listening to some of our featured speakers or simply networking with your peers, this convention is a once-a-year opportunity for you to learn more about how to not only be a better professional but build bonds that will serve you well in the years to come,” Martin says, underscoring the personal and professional dividends of engagement.A YEAR OF RECORD GROWTH AND NEW CHALLENGESAcross the country, SMACNA members are thriving. “Nationwide we have seen tremendous opportunities and growth driven by megaprojects: data centers, advanced manufacturing plants, health care facilities and microchip plants are keeping SMACNA members busier than ever,” Hilger explains. He notes that this surge is especially visible in the “heartland — Indiana, Michigan and Ohio — where there is more work than many can remember,” and praises Texas and the Southwest “Texas continues to thrive, and growth in Arizona and New Mexico has been remarkable.” Even in the South, where union density is lower, “large projects are creating new possibilities,” he says.Awards Luncheon honors (top left), a College of Fellows Golf Tournament foursome (top right), SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger addressing the SMACNA Annual Convention crowd (bottom). “For both SMACNA and SMART, this surge has fueled three straight years of hours growth,” Hilger says. “I could not be prouder of how our members and partners have stepped up to meet those demands.”Yet Hilger doesn’t shy away from industry concerns. “Some of our strongest markets — on the East and West Coasts — are starting to feel headwinds,” he observes, pointing to state policies that slow development and encourage investment elsewhere. “On a national level, policy uncertainty has made some owners hesitant, which we are beginning to see reflected in our hours data. That uncertainty, however, may create certain opportunities.SMACNA President (now Past President) Tom Martin addressing the packed room at the SMACNA Annual Convention.ADVOCACY, POLICY WINS AND WORKFORCE COMMITMENTSMACNA’s advocacy efforts, Hilger notes, remain steadfast. “Earlier this year, SMACNA fought hard to ensure that critical tax provisions, such as equipment expensing, bonus depreciation, 179d and SALT deductions were maintained or approved. This benefits all of our markets.He commends Stan Kolbe and the government relations team for their dedication, as well as everyone who “met with members of Congress, both at home and in D.C. — your efforts helped secure those wins. Your generosity has pushed fundraising to its highest level. These contributions help keep SMACNA’s voice strong where it matters most: on Capitol Hill,” Hilger says. But he’s clear-eyed. “Policy victories can only do so much if international uncertainty starts slowing the broader economy,” he adds. “Some customers are pausing projects because they cannot predict costs.”Hilger points out that a skilled workforce is the foundation for growth. “America’s future economic growth and expanded manufacturing base depends on having a growing skilled workforce.” Echoing last year’s Convention Speaker Peter Zeihan, he says, “The United States is uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment, but only if we strengthen our workforce and maintain strong partnerships with Canada, Mexico and the rest of the Americas.”“Many members of our skilled workforce are nearing retirement age,” Martin adds. “We need to ensure that we continue to attract young talent with fresh ideas to our industry.” He cites Cleveland’s robust apprenticeship programs and the ongoing effort to offer both education and clear career pathways that are free of college debt and full of opportunities.“Our national committees are focused on making noticeable progress,” Martin says. He encourages attendees to take advantage of peer groups and national committees, networks he credits with shaping his own career and the success of his business.FOSTERING PARTNERSHIP AND INNOVATIONThroughout the convention, partnership was a clear theme. Martin reflected on his year as president and the privilege of witnessing SMACNA members’ positive impacts across the nation’s communities. He credits his father, a Vietnam veteran, for inspiring his ethos of service: a mindset he carries at both T.H. Martin and to the SMACNA presidency.He highlighted the collaborative relationship between SMACNA contractors and their labor partners at SMART. “We need each other not only to survive, but to thrive,” Martin explains. “We must be realistic; management and labor will not always agree on everything. That’s simply not possible. However, instead of allowing minor disputes to escalate into nationwide challenges, we choose to engage with a focus on solving problems, not creating them.”He thanked SMART General President Mike Coleman for a decades-long partnership built on trust and shared priorities. “Even when we disagreed, and there were certainly times when that turned out to be the case, we kept communicating with the priority of industry first,” Martin adds.SMACNA President (now Past President) Tom Martin addresses the record-sized crowd at the SMACNA Annual Convention.Hilger echoed this spirit, pointing to “collaboration in labor relations” as a real strength. “Our labor relations partnership with SMART is stronger than ever, helping us grow markets and deliver value,” he says. “Initiatives such as the Megaprojects Task Force and targeted interventions are tangible examples.”OPTIMISM AND OPPORTUNITIES AHEADDespite slowdowns and headwinds, both Martin and Hilger strike an optimistic note.“The opportunities on the horizon point to continued growth in the years ahead,” Hilger says. “The ongoing buildout of data centers and related energy infrastructure continues to generate enormous opportunity.”He highlights how new projects in power generation and manufacturing “are unlocking new investments,” benefitingmembers across the industry. The association itself is evolving. “Over the last three years, SMACNA has truly evolved. We have expanded our programs, strengthened our partnerships and improved communication across the board,” Hilger notes.As Martin passed the gavel to incoming President Todd Hill, he says, “I have worked to make you proud not only of me, but of this association, and I hope that I have delivered on that trust.”As Todd Hill, President of Allen Park, Michigan-based Ventcon, accepted the gavel as the incoming SMACNA President, industry partners expressed enthusiasm at continuing great relationships with the association. As Coleman says, “Although you have big shoes to fill, I know you’re up for it. I’m looking forward to seeing how far you move your organization forward and what we can accomplish together.Introducing the 2025-2026 SMACNA Executive CommitteeTodd Hill, President, Ventcon, Allen Park, MichiganScott Vidimos, President-Elect, Vidimos Inc., East Chicago, IndianaJoseph Samia, Secretary-Treasurer, Central Consolidated, Wichita, KansasGary Myers, Vice President, Intech Mechanical, Sacramento, CaliforniaTom Martin, Immediate Past President, T.H. Martin Inc., Cleveland, OhioGary Myers, Scott Vidimos, Todd Hill, Tom Martin and Joseph Samia (left to right).SMACNA Announces 5 New College of Fellows InducteesMembership in SMACNA’s College of Fellows is reserved for top industry professionals who have made significant contributions to advance the sheet metal industry, culminating in years of commitment, distinguished service and dedication.Please join SMACNA in congratulating its five newest members in the distinguished College of Fellows:John Franco, SMACNA National, Southport, North CarolinaBrian Fluetsch, Sunset Air, Lacey, WashingtonKen Groeschel, Jr., Butters-Fetting Company Inc., Milwaukee, WisconsinKathy Kerber, KSM Metal Fabrication, Troy, OhioTom Martin, T.H. Martin Inc., Cleveland, Ohio Celebrating Excellence: Honors and AwardsA highlight of the SMACNA Annual Convention is the announcement of SMACNA’s annual awards.The 2025 SMACNA Contractor of the Year is B.J. Giri, Principal at Holaday-Parks Inc., Seattle, Washington. Giri entered the industry by accident during a random meeting while working in a downtown Seattle parking garage. Thirty years later, he has become an inspirational industry leader and an active member at SMACNA Western Washington. As SMACNA Immediate Past President Tom Martin says, “He lives his life by a simple yet poignant motto: ‘Every day, thank someone, learn something, teach something and, most importantly, forgive someone.’”B.J. GiriBob PopeMatthew SanoThomas Gunning IIITom Szymczak John ItlenBob Pope, who recently retired as the Managing Director of the Sheet Metal and Roofing Contractors Association of the Miami Valley in Ohio was named the 2025 SMACNA Chapter Executive of the Year. During his service in the industry, Pope built a reputation as a bridge-builder who values collaboration over confrontation and is regarded as one of the Midwest’s top association executives. Working with his peers in Dayton, Ohio’s Sheet Metal Local 24, Pope helped build and strengthen a training program that set a standard for integrity, accountability and innovation in the workplace. Sheet Metal Local 24 Business Manager Cole Chaney praises Pope’s work. “Labor and management aren’t opposing forces; when we work together, we’re stronger,” he emphasizes.The Legislative Contractor of the Year award went to Matthew Sano of Fisher Balancing Co. SMACNA honored Sano for his tireless advocacy and bipartisan coalition-building. SMACNA recognized Thomas S. Gunning III of SMACNA Boston Inc. as Chapter Executive Legislative Advocate of the Year for decades of successful legislative engagement.And the Distinguished Legislative Service Award went to Tom Szymczak of SSM Industries, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Lastly, the Charles Corbett Excellence in Labor Relations Award went to John Itlen of Ilten’s Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, lauded for maintaining labor-management harmony through calm leadership and deep-rooted professional standards.
