The origins of CROM trace back to the 1930s, when J.M. Crom was in Texas, applying gunite to canal banks where he finalized his idea to improve traditional cast-in-place and metal storage tanks with his new invention, the prestressed concrete tank.

In the early 1950s, J.M. Crom and his sons Ted and Jack relocated to Gainesville, Florida where they established a company that controlled both the design and construction of prestressed concrete water storage tanks. This approach was a departure from earlier practices, where design and construction were handled separately, and it laid the foundation for what would become CROM’s signature design-build methodology.

Since that time, the company has operated continuously, building a legacy of innovation and expertise in prestressed concrete tank construction. This dual focus on engineering and construction not only set CROM apart early on but also established the framework for the company’s ongoing expansion into comprehensive infrastructure solutions.

Today, while prestressed tanks remain central to the business, they represent only part of the story; over half of CROM’s work today comes from its Restoration Services division, which delivers comprehensive solutions for the nation’s aging infrastructure. This includes everything from inspections and demolition to repairs, high-performance coatings, safety upgrades, and ongoing asset protection programs designed to extend system lifespans. The company has transformed well beyond its reputation as a tank builder to a full-service infrastructure solutions provider.

“Over the last 70-plus years, CROM has embraced a client-first mentality,” says Bobby Oyenarte, PE, CROM Chief Executive Officer. “We call it the CROM Way, prioritizing client needs in everything we say and do. With this approach, combined with the delivery of safe, high-quality, and comprehensive solutions designed to stand the test of time, we develop clients for life.”

Despite employing nearly 700 people, CROM maintains a close-knit family-like culture with strong organizational health, focusing almost as much energy on its team members as it does clients.

“At CROM, we believe in service-based leadership,” says Alexander Ciasca, PE, Senior Vice President of Development. “That means asking, ‘What can I do to help my fellow team member? Can I show up willing to lend a hand?’ If nearly 700 people are pulling in the same direction with that attitude, it’s amazing what we can accomplish for our clients and our team members.”

Roughly a quarter of CROM’s employees are “support” team members, while the remaining serve in the field directly executing client projects. This balance keeps the company grounded in practical, real-world delivery while facilitating a continued investment in engineering and development capabilities. “It also enables CROM to quickly adapt to varying client needs by deploying the right resources, to the right place, at the right time,” says Oyenarte.

One striking example of CROM’s ability to adapt quickly came with an emergency repair on a 1.8-MG clearwell tank in Florence, Alabama. “The client noticed a significant amount of water loss beyond what you’d expect from evaporation,” recalls Project Manager Joseph Leahy. “We sent a diver to locate the source of the leak, but the diver couldn’t make a successful repair. So, the client had to drain the tank completely for further investigation by one of our restoration crews.”

Once inside, the team discovered a serious issue: the tank foundation, buried 30 feet underground, had separated from the rest of the structure due to geological processes. With season demand peaking, the municipality couldn’t afford to keep the tank offline. CROM developed a repair solution that allowed the facility to quickly return to service and continue operating through a critical flow period. The solution has proven effective, with no signs of water loss or chlorine traces in the surrounding groundwater, clear evidence that the solution is performing as intended.

This innovative repair solution had been under discussion among CROM’s subject matter experts for years—Florence provided the opportunity to put it into practice. “It was a great chance to fine-tune and prove its effectiveness in the field,” says Leahy.

Oyenarte adds, “As engineers first, we lead with integrity. It is always our goal to deliver trustworthy, innovative, and long-lasting solutions under the highest ethical standards for all of our clients.”

Ciasca emphasizes the importance of CROM’s integrated structure: “Having design capabilities paired with construction capabilities allows us to move with unmatched speed. We can develop a repair procedure and then execute it in real time, instead of waiting for separate firms. That’s a huge benefit for our clients.”

Beyond emergency projects, CROM has strategically expanded its role in design-build delivery, a model increasingly adopted across the water industry. “We believe in the design-build methodology,” says Ciasca, who, along with Oyenarte, holds the full DBIA certification. The certification process serves as an ongoing form of education, ensuring the team stays current with industry best practices, procurement strategies, and regulatory standards.

“We’re advocating for more of our employees to pursue [DBIA] certification as well,” says Blake Roberts, Vice President and Region Lead.

In 2024, CROM also achieved QP 8 certification from AMPP, joining a select group of about 25 contractors nationwide. This designation recognizes contractors with the highest standards in concrete protective coatings.

Through these efforts, CROM continues to position itself as a long-term partner, guiding clients through every stage of a project starting with initial assessments and design options, through value engineering, construction, and even ongoing long-term asset protection. Rather than focusing solely on securing a contract and a single new project, the team’s goal is to build lifelong relationships as a trusted resource to serve all of the client’s needs.

Roberts frames it simply: “Our goal is to be a solutions provider, listening and responding to our clients’ needs, and creating, not just a product or repair, but a true partnership.”

As such, CROM’s trade show presence is about more than brochures and booths; it’s about relationships. “It’s really an opportunity for the whole industry to come together,” says Roberts. “We use trade shows to showcase our advanced technologies, like our CROM² ™ tank, and to remind clients of the breadth of services we provide.”

CROM², a rectangular prestressed concrete tank unveiled in late 2023, was a highlight at recent conferences. After nearly seven decades of specializing in circular and elongated tanks, the company responded to growing client demand for rectangular tanks that deliver the same level of performance. The introduction of this new design was unveiled at AWWA’s Florida Section tradeshow, marking a significant milestone in innovation.

For Roberts, the face-to-face nature of trade shows is invaluable: “Digital communication is great, but what you lose is the intimacy of listening directly to a client’s challenges. In person, over dinners, presentations, or technical sessions, you get those insights you can’t get from an email.”

At trade shows, CROM is often recognized for the strength of its industry relationships—a reflection of the effort the team invests in fostering connections with clients, partners, and suppliers. Conferences frequently feel like reunions, providing opportunities to reconnect with clients, reflect on past collaborations, and celebrate shared successes.

These days, CROM is also investing heavily in technology.

“In hydrodemolition, one of CROM’s unique demolition services, we’re upgrading ultra-high-pressure equipment with robotics to make processes safer and more efficient,” Ciasca explains. CROM is also collaborating with companies to integrate AI into inspections, enabling faster and more accurate reporting.

Sustainability has become an increasing focus for the company as well. On recent data center projects, CROM has employed detailed carbon footprinting and natural material use to meet stringent carbon standards. Of course, durability remains central to CROM’s sustainability approach, with all designs aimed at extending the service life of structures for decades. Rather than temporary fixes, the company emphasizes robust, permanent solutions that address issues correctly the first time.

As the industry shifts toward collaborative delivery and long-term resilience, CROM sees its future role clearly. “If you’re not constantly improving, you’re falling behind,” says Ciasca. “For us, that means continuing to answer our clients’ calls, whether for new services, new geographies, or new structures like CROM². We’re not going to rest on our laurels.”

CROM’s history is defined by steady evolution and a consistent focus on partnership. From its beginnings as a pioneer in prestressed concrete water storage tanks, the company has grown into a comprehensive provider of water and wastewater infrastructure solutions. Over the past seven decades, this evolution has been guided by innovation, quality, and long-standing client relationships.

Today, CROM’s work extends well beyond tank construction. The company emphasizes listening and responding to client needs, positioning itself as a trusted partner rather than a traditional contractor. Its services now include design-build capabilities, the integration of advanced technologies such as 3D high-definition digital renderings and robotics, and the application of sustainable practices aimed at delivering durable, long-term solutions. With this approach, CROM continues to play a leading role in building and restoring the nation’s water infrastructure.

By combining technical expertise, industry certifications, and a collaborative approach, the company ensures that every project, from new construction to maintenance and repair, delivers maximum value and reliability for all its clients.

The post Rebuilding the Nation’s Water Infrastructure<p class="company">CROM</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Tompkins Excavating is based in Putnam Valley, New York. The team mainly serves the lower Hudson Valley region, including Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, and Dutchess Counties. Most commonly collaborating with developers and general contractors, the company is an expert in earthmoving, site utilities including water, sewer, and drainage, site concrete, asphalt paving, and rock crushing. In an industry where large projects take time to come to fruition, this team is proud to be the preferred service provider for a number of repeat customers.

As the first trade to arrive on site and the last to leave, the Tompkins Excavating team is guided by doing the right thing and honoring its word. The company is respected industry-wide for delivering on its promises with outstanding quality on everything from midsize to impressively large excavation projects. To achieve this, having the best people for the job is key. “We value the people who work with us, whether they are trade partners, clients, or, first and foremost, our employees,” says Owner and President, Stacey Tompkins. “I love our team. They’re phenomenal.”

As a token of appreciation, its ownership enjoys celebrating the hard work of everyone in the company (including those Stacey laughingly calls moving targets—truck drivers moving between locations) with pizza on Fridays. Tompkins Excavating’s annual awards ceremony recognizes employees with monetary prizes for consistency and excellence. And an annual picnic at the Tompkins residence welcomes a happy crowd of employees and their families, alongside a holiday party and team-building events throughout the year.

“For a comparatively small company, I feel that is amazing. Few people our size do that,” Tompkins says. Indeed, the firm treats the people who give its work meaning with real generosity and warmth.

Always learning, always growing
To ensure that a focus on healthy relationships is strong throughout its ranks, Tompkins has created a field leadership team that meets weekly. There are also monthly training sessions, where this group joins with the company’s management team to share in refresher leadership sessions guided by multimedia content.

The company’s dedication to being a source of growth and support for its people has translated into incredible growth inside the company itself. Quadrupling its staff over the past eight years has resulted in company revenue also skyrocketing, taking its annual earnings from under $1 million a decade ago to more than 10 times that today. Working toward building optimal efficiency with its existing team and asset base, the company has its sights set on achieving ever-greater goals at a responsible pace.

While every project is a proud moment at Tompkins Excavating, works that benefit communities at large are especially close to the company’s collective heart. One such project in collaboration with Turner Construction is for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization in Yorktown Heights, New York that provides guide dogs to people experiencing challenges to their vision. The project is ongoing and, Tompkins says, has been a joy to work on.

Another project the team is especially proud of comprises affordable housing, while a mixed-use development with Unicorn Construction is bringing beautiful condominiums to the center of town, and new life to the area.

The company is also proud of the rock crushing and recycling capabilities afforded by its use of ProMac’s equipment and service. Few people know that, thanks to ProMac, Tompkins Excavating can reuse materials from jobsites on new projects, reducing waste and improving efficiency. Another exciting collaboration is with TRAYD, an innovative payroll software company dedicated to the construction sector, whose cutting-edge platform Tompkins Excavating is proud to help test and refine—gaining valuable efficiencies in its own payment structures while supporting TRAYD’s mission to transform payroll solutions for the industry.

A leap of faith
Starting as a landscaping business, which saw Co-owner and Vice President Mark Tompkins investing in a lawnmower when he was in his teens, the company has flourished and prospered in ways he never could have foreseen. Responding to a customer request for structural work, Mark leased his first excavation equipment, and the young business took an entirely new direction.

When the couple met in 1990, Stacey was secure in her career as a successful Food Service Director, with clients like Goldman Sachs and other Wall Street firms. Overseeing the dining arrangements for around 3,000 people each day, the young go-getter was thoroughly versed in the complexities of organization under pressure by the time Mark’s right-hand administrator announced her departure from his company, around the time the firm had just entered landscaping construction.

Stacey decided to say farewell to the path she was on and join Mark in his venture. “My husband was brought up in the entrepreneurial world,” she says, but for her, exchanging a secure career for a position at her future husband’s business was a new experience. “I took a leap of faith, contrary to how I had been brought up.”

The unorthodox decision raised eyebrows amongst her closest friends and family. It all worked out well in the end, however. “We got married and it was a great opportunity to help out in the business and raise children, too,” she says, describing how the Tompkins siblings grew up largely on site.

Taking up her duties in the office of the then-residentially focused company meant taking many pressing phone calls and becoming closely involved in customer care. Stacey quickly came to understand the business, what people really needed, and how their pain points could be alleviated. From this position, she helped establish the company’s reputation for service excellence and turn it into the thriving business it is today.

Tenacity became her trademark in the process, something that would serve her well later on. Her hard-earned Minority or Women-owned Business Enterprise certification is just one case in point. Although it took 11 years to obtain and required the services of an attorney, Stacey now advises women in the same situation to stay the course and not give up.

Hampered in the process by the simple fact that Mark started the business, it took years for Stacey to convince the board that, as the majority owner, she was the leader making the cogs turn at Tompkins Excavation. What seemed like an endless mission at one time turned out to be worth the exercise in resolve, however. “I was denied three times. You just can’t give up,” she advises.

Family matters
Being a good mother, wife, boss, and business partner is a complex task, and the Tompkins family wisely navigates the waters with the guidance of a business coach. Despite being utterly in love with their work, talking shop in their downtime is minimized—a habit that is easier to quit for some than others, Stacey notes with a smile.

She is sanguine about their life as family entrepreneurs. “It really doesn’t matter what you’re doing; you just need to connect with people,” she says. “They want to feel that they’re valued, and they want to follow somebody whom they feel inspired by.”

Today, two of Stacey and Mark’s three sons follow in their parents’ footsteps. Operations Manager and Lead Estimator Kevin Tompkins is a civil engineer, while Resource Coordinator and Development Associate Justin Tompkins comes from a background in real estate and asset management. “Our three sons, two of whom are in the business, grew up in it,” says Stacey (their youngest chose to pursue a career in finance outside the company). “Kevin learned how to operate a machine when he was a three-year-old sitting on dad’s lap.”

Working full-time in hands-on positions in the field alongside the rest of the onsite teams, theirs is not a family culture of detached privilege but one of pragmatism and personal involvement on the jobsite.

Women in construction
As a board member of the Building & Realty Institute, Stacey enjoys the ability to give back to the industry through her work. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Business Council of Westchester and her local town board.

Driven to help improve access to good careers for youngsters—especially young women in the industry—Stacey served as a mentor in the Her Honor Mentoring program for a year and founded Women in Construction, a small organization focused on mentoring young women in the industry through monthly luncheons.

Thanks to her untiring efforts, Stacey has been honored with a number of awards for herself and her company. “That has been exciting,” she shares. “Awards bubble up from work we don’t even realize we’re doing.” A case in point is the Walk in Her Shoes Award, which she is receiving this December, courtesy of United Way, and which she did not anticipate. There was also another surprise honoring of her work at a dinner hosted by the Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC).

As the leader responsible for cultivating team spirit, Stacey is open about the challenges and the joys. In a business where people’s lives are at stake, keeping everyone safe is a priority. “You have to just get up and keep doing it—and have a good attitude,” she says. “It isn’t easy; it’s way harder than it sounds.” This is where good self-care and a bit of healthy perspective come in: “As long as everyone’s safe, the rest can be fixed or replaced,” she says.

New challenges, new offices, new future
Beyond the constant pressure to expand Tompkins Excavating’s range of capabilities and maintain its place at the forefront of its industry, the company is also building new offices, a project that will unfold over the next three years. With its crisp design, the new facility will be adjacent to the existing operation, providing much-needed space to expand. In the meantime, fine-tuning workflow is a priority to ensure that every project receives the attention to detail it deserves.

Aiming for 20 to 30 percent growth over the next two or three years, preserving and improving efficiency remains pivotal to all the company’s operations. “We want to be the best that we can be. We can definitely do a lot more work with what we have,” Stacey says.

And to her team, her message is simple and heartfelt: “Just keep doing what you’re doing. We’re so grateful for you every single day,” she says with a smile.

The post Powered by Values<p class="company">Tompkins Excavating</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Such changes, when it comes to kitchens, can be slow to come about, as kitchens also happen to be one of the most expensive rooms in the home to renovate. Rife with complex design and construction challenges, high costs of materials and appliances, and the various specialized trades that are involved in the project, kitchen projects can represent a substantial investment but can add a great deal of value to a home, especially when they are done right.

This year, the kitchen design trends on the horizon not only impact how the space looks, but also how it functions. Whether budgets are tight or unlimited, homeowners can take advantage of these hot new trends to create a space that authentically suits them and makes their house feel even more like a home.

Out with the old
One of the biggest trends in kitchen design and redesign is a deviation from the accepted standard. Gone are the days of sterile spaces soaked in white and grey, instead favouring personalization and bespoke designs that take their cues from nature, incorporate advanced technology, and leverage colours and textures to create warmer and more inviting spaces that blend function and design.

Floor plans are being optimized to ensure the workflow and comfort of the space are maximized, and whether that includes whipping up a delightful meal or sharing a snack over homework on the kitchen island—the focal point of many kitchens—greater efforts are being made to make kitchens a room the whole family can enjoy.

Be it minimalist designs with natural elements or the incorporation of colours and textures from the mid-century modern period, it is time for unique concepts and personal preferences in kitchen design to shine. Kitchen design is taking on the personality of the homeowners in a bigger way, and colour is back with a vengeance, with choices ranging from warm earth tones to bold pops of colour (think bright yellow, rich reds and burgundies, warm browns, and earthy greens).

Texture is another big part of the aesthetic as statement backsplashes, soft metals, and natural materials like wood and stone are being incorporated, as well as carefully placed windows that bring natural light and the outdoors in. There is also a move to conceal the more functional elements for a streamlined design. Built-in appliances tucked away by flush cabinetry and appliance garages that sneakily keep appliances out of sight but still at a homeowner’s fingertips are creating a cohesive, yet covert aesthetic.

Appliances might be hidden away, but these spaces are being better illuminated thanks to under-cabinet lighting and open shelving, while most homeowners are doing away with built-in desks, freeing up valuable real estate.

Other trends that are dominating the market this year are the move away from oversized pendant lights, faux features, distressed, bold or ornate cabinetry, and overly themed kitchens (so, for those of you who have yet to make the transition, it’s time to say goodbye to those roosters and cows in favour of cleaner lines and modern, open spaces).

Teched-out spaces
In 2025, it’s not just about how kitchens look, but also how they function, and most projects include some form of technological integration which is being fueled by the rapid pace of technological advancement.

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, technology has become the lifeblood that keeps the arteries functioning (and the rest of the family, too), which is why smart kitchens are no longer the exception but rather the standard. Appliances, for instance, have long added value to a kitchen both from a financial and utility perspective, but with the accelerated pace of technological development, the tasks that these appliances undertake are becoming more complex.

Be it Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled appliances like an oven that can be set and activated from your smartphone, voice-activated faucets, kitchen management tools like inventory apps, intelligent lighting, automated cooking systems, or kitchen robots that help to take the guess work out of cooking, smart appliances are all the rage. It is amazing how far technology has come and how it can be utilized in the kitchen.

Many of these technologies are voice assistant-enabled, which is becoming increasingly common in homes thanks to devices like Google Home and Alexa, but instead of finding out the weather or the best recipe for a spaghetti Bolognese, integrated technology is doing a lot more for homeowners, including managing digital calendars, reminding them of important dates and now, even taking over some of the manual tasks in the kitchen.

Further to gadgets and the many other tech-enabled appliances that have been installed, there needs to be a place for these appliances and the family’s devices to charge up, so designated charging stations are also being considered as part of kitchen remodels and redesigns.

Budget-friendly ideas
Of course, like everything in life, budgets will have an impact on what can be achieved during a kitchen project. While some people can afford to gut the kitchen and start fresh, there are others who are looking to get the most bang for their buck, which means small incremental changes that will help satisfy the need for change.

There are many ways that homeowners can refresh their space without breaking the bank. Simple changes like swapping out hardware or lighting or changing the paint colour can go a long way to upgrade what is already there. Some homeowners can opt to paint their cabinetry to get a little more life out of it, and just like technology, paint performance has come a long way over the years, offering a durable and lasting alternative to complete cabinet replacement.

For those who are seeking to make a small kitchen look larger through design, consider light colours, open shelving, and natural light to maximize the space. Large format tiles are another nice touch that will help achieve the desired outcome. Where size is not a concern, bigger pantries and islands with more storage can be installed to maximize concealed space.

The best part of the trends this year, however, is the move toward personalization in kitchen spaces both in terms of design and function. The kitchen has become a blank canvas for homeowners’ personalities and preferences, which is bringing new inspiration to spaces and to the market. We can’t wait to see what else is cooking.

The post Breathing New Life into the Heart of the Home<p class="company">Kitchen Trends for the Year to Come</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

As layered architectural textures are embraced with a renewed appreciation of the nostalgic and handmade, combined with a growing demand for natural textures from renewable sources, everything from floors and cabinets to walls and ceilings is undergoing a style transformation that leans toward intricacy and craftsmanship. For millwork—wood products crafted in a mill—this is an interesting direction for design to take, following decades of often stark, polished lines in wood and molded design elements.

There could be several reasons for this unexpected mixture of nostalgia and authenticity in interior design lately. From a philosophical perspective, the world seems to have grown tired of cookie-cutter styles that provide a picture-perfect illusion of luxury but are devoid of true comfort and soul. As the Japanese concept of embracing the imperfect and unfinished through what it refers to as “wabi-sabi” sets down roots in greater Western thought, design appears to be inching its way into the past, reflecting on times when the awareness of the exquisite fragility of life was more prominent in our collective consciousness.

From a style perspective, this is great news for milling companies as designers are replicating everything from neo-classical pillar details on bookcases to wall paneling and moldings ranging from Victorian-era textures to mid-century chic and beyond. The only rule appears to be that whoever lives in these richly adorned spaces filled with warm textures, unapologetic color, and ample evidence of lives well lived should love it. Within this context, one would be forgiven for pointing out that it has certainly been a very long time since design has experienced such a wholesale period of fun and eclectic abandon.

For custom milling operations, a healthy challenge awaits, with carved details being back in vogue and 1970s color schemes also making a comeback. This, alongside bright and quirky dopamine decor, writes Julia Cancilla for Elle Decor, may well result in seeing beige in all its shades make way for bolder hues on millwork and molding. That said, natural tones remain a classic choice for those who find their spirits at ease in more sophisticated surroundings, according to Architectural Digest.

“It’s like what’s old is new again,” Cassandra Leisz, Senior Creative Director at Ruggable, said in an interview discussing a collaboration between the magazine and the popular North American rug fabricator. Architectural Digest’s Global Interiors and Garden Director, Alison Levasseur, confirms, “[This latest rug collection is] evocative of bygone glamour, but fashion forward.” Based on the interior fashion leaders’ summary of current design styles in general, the millwork industry now welcomes tremendously innovative times packed with novel and unusual design requests.

Another revival trend that relies heavily on the milling industry is that of the scullery/separate preparation kitchen. With a growing number of families entertaining at home in beautiful kitchens designed to double as comfortable dining areas, having a smaller kitchen on the side can hide the chaos of preparing large and delicious meals. As a result, custom milling outfits will be adapting their offerings to suit customers’ lifestyles and requirements, as these prep spaces are already evolving to include sophisticated storage areas, often with complex cabinetry for hidden pantry features.

Apart from unexpected and genuinely interesting beauty, there are more positives to the current design movement and shift toward maximalism. One is that, with a higher demand for old-world elegance, expertise that may have been lost can now be revived and passed on to younger generations. Another is that historic building renovations are likely to become easier to manage in the future. With younger craftspeople around who now understand the old-fashioned techniques used to create the original woodwork and moldings in such buildings, making such design elements simpler to maintain and preserve should mean losing fewer original interiors in heritage buildings.

Of course, in our day and age, rendering revival millwork with the help of modern technology ultimately simplifies and speeds up the process. To this end, 3D visualization is one technology that goes a long way in helping clients envision their designs before fabrication starts. Modern craftspeople are also finding new ways of incorporating smart technology into their designs. This includes smart cabinets equipped with sensors that report on supply levels and other functions, wireless charging stations, and LED lights fitted inside glass-fronted cabinets, for instance.

Designers are also turning to millwork to help maintain the desired ambience of spaces by hiding technology like televisions, speakers, and even microwaves and other electrical devices that are otherwise visually out of place within a set aesthetic.

With so many historic design trends to explore and the shoulders of giants from the Arts and Crafts movement, the Art Deco tradition, and many other epochs to stand on, modern designers are more than spoiled for choice when it comes to rendering the past in fresh new ways. Naturally, as designers expand their horizons, the millwork and molding industry does so, too. While these two industries find their step within this new world of style, it is certainly going to be exciting to watch the dialectic nature of design and fabrication unfold as one continuously informs and adapts to the other over in the decade to come.

The post The Return of Trim, Texture, and Craft<p class="company">Millwork Reimagined</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

From testing to inspection, preventative maintenance to repairs and improvements, AAA is there to ensure fire protection systems work if and when they are needed. And in case of an emergency, AAA’s dedicated fleet of highly trained, fully licensed technicians are ready when clients need them.

Unlike some companies with limited offerings, AAA Fire Protection’s services are comprehensive and include fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, kitchen/restaurant systems, and much more. From emergency lights and exit signs to fire escape inspections, fire hose inspections, and fire hydrant testing, customers count on AAA’s friendly, prompt, and professional services.

“We are a full-service fire protection company,” says AAA’s CEO and President Mary Krinbring. “Unlike a lot of our competitors, we don’t sub any of our work. Everyone says they are ‘full service,’ but if you look under the hood, they subbed their sprinklers or their alarms, because they don’t hold those licenses or have the technicians.” In fact, the only area of the business AAA subcontracts is fire escapes, which it leaves to other experts.

The origins of AAA Fire Protection stretch back to 1954. The company operated under its previous owners until it was purchased by Mary’s father, Brian Krinbring, 40 years ago. Brian headed AAA for decades until Mary came on board in 2014. Three years later, Brian retired, and Mary became CEO and President. Today, Brian serves as the Chairman of the board for AAA Fire Protection.

“It was a good transition,” says Mary, who had majored in Business and Managerial Studies at the University of Redlands and worked at well-known companies including Nordstrom and Amazon before joining AAA Fire Protection. Realizing the importance of a succession plan—and seeing his daughter’s enthusiasm for the fire protection industry—Brian welcomed Mary to the company.

While working at Amazon as a toy buyer, Mary learned a lot about using data to make decisions. Bringing her business experience to the company, she immediately set about modernizing the company. This included moving from old-school tools like handwritten reports and triplicate carbon copy invoices to computers and technology like SaaS software for business intelligence and data management, which really changed the company’s growth pattern. Mary introduced ServiceTrade to the business. A service software platform used by fire, mechanical, and commercial HVAC companies, it was a bit of a transition for many of the technicians who, at the time, had never even used an iPhone before.

From there, Mary managed the company’s fire extinguisher and suppression business—comprising kitchen suppression and vehicle suppression and pre-engineered suppression—then moved into operations and overseeing general operations as she trained under her father. In 2017, after serving as CEO and President for over three decades, Brian announced his retirement and transitioned to his new role as Chairman of the Board.

At present, AAA is in the process of filing nationally (not just in in Washington State) to become a woman-owned business.

Founded on honesty and professionalism, the company continues to grow. Along with its other services, AAA is also the top local CO2 tank refill resource in western Washington. Since the company was founded, it has operated a retail counter from the Fremont neighborhood, which is also home to the company’s corporate office. “Our facility is DOT [U.S. Department of Transportation] certified for high and low pressure cylinder testing and our fully certified technicians are happy to make recommendations regarding the maintenance or replacement of your equipment,” says the company.

Providing refills in just minutes, AAA fills tanks, paintball cylinders, and beer kegerators on the spot. For customers needing fire extinguisher refills, AAA is on hand to make property visits. Depending on client needs, on-site services can include fire extinguisher maintenance and inspections, and with decades of combined experience, the AAA team can determine if customers have the right number of fire extinguishers and if they meet local and state fire codes, accounting for placement and signage, match type, and cabinetry and mounting.

Backed by a team of trained field technicians, estimators, and project managers, clients know they can count on AAA Fire Protection every time. “Every one of our technicians is fully licensed for their specific field of work—whether that means holding high or low voltage electrical license, state journeyman sprinkler license, national NICET certifications, city-specific licenses, or manufacture certifications,” says Mary. “This commitment to proper licensing and certification is a cornerstone of our company’s standards, and we place the utmost importance on it.”

For customers, there are numerous advantages to working with AAA Fire Protection, including its maintenance, inspection, and installation services. It is simple to request a quote online for a range of services, including repairs, fire sprinklers, fire alarms, kitchen suppression, extinguishers, monitoring, and many others.

On the maintenance side, AAA’s trained team regularly handles common fire extinguishers like ABC Dry Chemical—which needs total deconstruction every six years—and even rare types of extinguishers. When it comes to inspections, AAA Fire Protection’s licensed technicians perform 10-point fire extinguisher inspections, as required by the state. “This process takes less than 10 minutes but is critical to maintaining compliance with state codes and preventing future malfunctions,” says the company. And along with distributing many of the biggest brands like Ansul, Buckeye, Badger, and Amerex, AAA can acquire and install other brands upon customer request. AAA is a distributor for Potter Electric fire alarm systems, representing both their IPA and AFC product lines, allowing them to find the right solution for their customers’ needs.

The team will install kitchen suppression and fire alarm systems for new construction or tenant improvement projects. “In new construction spaces, AAA will often provide fire extinguisher cabinets and extinguishers for builders and general construction companies for their projects,” says Mary.

In fact, one of the busier sides of the business is tenant improvement projects. “If someone is expanding their space, we can add fire alarm devices, change their fire alarm, or upgrade their fire alarm system if their current fire alarm can support an additional number of devices or capabilities,” she explains.

Crucially, AAA provides its services to customers not only on land, but also on water. The company’s marine fire systems testing technicians are on hand 24/7 to ensure clients are in compliance with regulations and to ensure equipment such as extinguishers and marine fire suppression systems are in top working order.

On land, AAA’s experienced team provides power generation testing, shaft pressurization testing and annual certification, standpipe testing, and many other valuable services. These include internal sprinkler pipe inspection, checking pressure reducing valves (PRVs), and even areas some may not think of, such as paint booths.

A service that needs to be performed on a recommended semi-annual basis, paint booths use exhaust and intake filters, fans, belts, mechanical systems, and electronics. AAA Fire Protection’s comprehensive paint booth testing process “includes tripping the system through the link line and pull system, replacing the links, verifying that all piping and conduits are secure and tight, verifying that all nozzles are in the proper positions (with specified caps), verifying that all electrical items work correctly, and verifying that the system reports to the fire alarm panel, if one exists,” says the company.

Another important service AAA provides is backflow testing. Water in pipes is meant to move in one direction, and backflow refers to water going in reverse. This can prove disastrous, since fresh water can be contaminated, resulting in health risks. To ensure this doesn’t happen, AAA provides certified backflow preventer testing to industrial, commercial, and multi-family properties in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and Everett.

“We handle annual testing, repairs, and certification reports for full compliance with Washington State and local water districts,” states the company. “Backflow testing is a relatively quick process—often, it takes our team only 10 minutes to complete.” Professionally assessing backflow assemblies for fire sprinklers, irrigation systems, and domestic pipe systems, AAA’s technicians ensure backflow preventers are maintained or repaired if needed to ensure they are in compliance. “We’ll even file backflow test reports on your behalf, to keep your system in good standing with the city.”

To ensure quality and professionalism in all its services, AAA Fire Protection seeks the best candidates for the job. These include specialists in fire sprinkler inspection, fire alarm repair, fire extinguisher inspection, fire sprinkler inspection, and other key services. And to ensure opportunities exist, the company invests in developing apprentice technicians to serve the fire protection needs of customers today and long into the future.

For Mary Krinbring and the entire team, AAA isn’t solely about fire protection but being an important part of the community. Along with sponsoring regional Little League teams, the company recently created a Share Board. Employee-led, the Board invites employee input on charities for AAA to support and highlights local volunteer opportunities.

“It’s our opportunity to give back,” says Mary. The company has supported animal rescues and WestSide Baby, which supplies low-income families with clothing, diapers, formula, and other necessities for children. Every month, the Board also finds opportunities for hands-on staff involvement, like having a team lunch where AAA employees put together snack packs for kids for after-school needs. Recently, the company did a back-to-school supply drive.

“We really try to formalize our charitable giving so we have more of a focused effort,” says Mary. “And we survey our employees to find out what they are interested in supporting, and that helps guide the Board on their decisions. Then they bring the charities to me, and we select them. We hope to continue to grow that program to have an even bigger impact on our community. We are in fire alarm safety, and are out in our community a lot, and want to give back in an even bigger way.”

In the coming years, Mary sees AAA continuing to grow its fire alarm installation business and expand its market share in western Washington, which means adding additional technicians. Since she came to the company, AAA has gone from about $5 million to over $20 million in revenue, and from 30 technicians to over 60; today, the company sits at around 100 employees.

“We have no plans of slowing down growth, and we’ve been working with a strategic planning consultant to map out three- to five-year growth plans, scale with growth, and ensure our processes are set.”

The market for fire protection in Seattle and western Washington is changing; in the past, many companies were family-owned, but in the last few years, private equity firms and national companies have been buying up many of AAA’s competitors. AAA, conversely, is proud of its organic growth. “When I first started, my uncle worked here, and I remember him saying, ‘Well, when we get to 50 employees, we need to have [a] Human Resources [department],’ Mary shares. “We talked about that for a long time, and here we are now, past 100 employees. That’s something we are proud of, and we want to keep growing.”

For AAA Fire Protection, that growth reflects a legacy of integrity, family values, and a relentless focus on customer safety. As the company looks to the future, Mary Krinbring and her team remain committed to the same principles that have guided AAA for over seven decades: keeping people safe, supporting the community, and delivering dependable service that clients can trust.

The post Family Owned Fire Protection for Over 70 Years<p class="company">AAA Fire Protection</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

This spring saw some new developments for Daley’s, as the safety-focused, eco-friendly firm became a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). The company is also taking a close look at mass framing, an innovative building technique involving layered wood that could portend new opportunities.

Most of Daley’s work is done within the commercial sector, with multi-family coming in “a close second,” says President Brittni Daley-Grishaeva, whose grandfather founded the firm. Other markets include healthcare, tech, research, public works, high-rise, mid-rise, and building rehabilitation. The company primarily works in and around San Jose, Monterey, Silicon Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to its headquarters, Daley’s has a facility in Stockton, California that performs prefabrication work among other duties.

Daley-Grishaeva says good client rapport has been key to the company’s longevity. “I think the biggest thing with us is we really focus on our relationships with our GCs (general contractors). Most of our work is repeat business. We bend over backwards for customers. We go out of our way to make our clients’ lives easier. That’s kind of the internal motto that we use,” she says.

Daley’s is always expanding its product line and capabilities. Less than a year ago, it started a self-perform insulation and sealants department.

A family legacy
The company was founded in 1963 by Daley-Grishaeva’s grandfather, Gary Daley (who went by the name “Moe”), and his wife, Sally, who handled the bookkeeping while raising kids. The firm initially served as a drywall contractor for apartments and tract housing. In the 1970s, Daley’s started doing metal framing and began taking on commercial drywall projects. A change in leadership occurred the following decade, as Gary’s son Craig stepped up.

“My dad took over in the early 1980s from my grandpa and started transitioning the company to do more commercial work and more public works,” recalls Daley-Grishaeva.

Digitized estimating was introduced in the 1990s and the firm started doing load-bearing metal framing of single-family residences. “As the market changed over time, we started doing more and more work on the multi-family residential side. [My father] worked closely alongside his brother, my uncle, Chris Daley. He was our Vice President and headed up our multi-family residential division for many years.”

Daley-Grishaeva herself began working at the company in 2009. She is currently the majority owner, with Craig Daley serving as minority owner and semi-retired consultant.

While there are no plans to change the company’s family ownership model, Daley’s Drywall became a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) earlier this year. The Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Pacific (a West Coast branch of the national WBEC) granted certification. WBE status is available to companies with majority female ownership and can open doors when bidding on certain projects.

“Since 2018, we’ve been woman owned; we figured that we might as well get credit for something we’re already doing. I don’t know if we’ve necessarily reaped the benefits yet, but we’ve been told in the bidding process that it’s a big help by our clients,” Daley-Grishaeva shares.

Walking the walk, Daley’s has partnered with local unions to hire more women for construction duties in the field. The company also supports the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), a Fort Worth, Texas organization that advocates for a greater female presence in the construction sector. Daley’s often hosts meetings for the Silicon Valley chapter where speakers are showcased and provides a space where women in the construction industry can network and mentor each other.

Proud projects
Over its decades-long history, Daley’s has taken part in countless major projects, including Ira D. Hall Square, an affordable housing community in Sunnyvale, California. This development features 176 apartment units ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom units. This was “a metal stud load-bearing project,” Daley-Grishaeva tells us. “We like metal stud load-bearing projects because they’re a little different—there’s less concrete and they’re more efficient to build.”

While Daley’s doesn’t do modular construction (in which large segments of a building are put together in a factory then shipped to a building site for assembly), prefabrication is a company specialty. Among other items, the Stockton plant prefabricates walls and soffits.

Making a positive impact
Daley-Grishaeva tells us that sustainability and safety are of primary importance at Daley’s, and the firm’s green initiatives are substantial. “We keep up on all the latest developments and LEED requirements on projects,” she says. “We recycle all of our board and our metal, and we take them to specific recycling facilities. Some of our vehicles are electric, and we have full solar here at the company’s headquarters.”

Daley’s also has a dedicated safety team that tracks potential worksite hazards and regulatory changes. Safety training begins during orientation for new hires and is an integral component of all the company’s work in the field.

These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and industry groups have recognized Daley’s safety-first focus. The company has won the Acrisure Construction Safety Excellence Award (Acrisure is a firm that offers insurance and business services for the construction sector) and safety awards from the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI).

Daley’s has received industry kudos for its work as well. The firm garnered the 2025 Construction Excellence Award from the Wall and Ceiling Alliance (WACA) trade group in the Green Building category. The award recognized Daley’s work on San Mateo County’s COB3 project, the first civic building in the county to feature cross-laminated timber construction. Achieving net-zero energy and LEED Platinum Certification, the project set a new benchmark for sustainable civic buildings.

Giving back to its community is also emphasized at Daley’s, and the company often supports causes in tandem with its clients and other business partners. Daley’s has participated in creek and beach cleanups, seasonal food drives, and fundraisers for local Boys and Girls Clubs and homeless shelters.

Adapting to a changing market
Navigating economic trends has been challenging as of late. “Our market right now is definitely in a bit of a lull,” notes Daley-Grishaeva. “The good news is, we see it picking up on the bidding side. We do think things will slowly turn around over the next year, but it’s just a tight market right now. There’s work, but there’s less of it.”

Once economic conditions improve, Daley’s wants to bring its personnel back to full strength. As a union shop, the firm engages with unions representing carpenters, plasterers, drywall installers, and more. All personnel are encouraged to abide by the company’s values, which include humility and a hunger to work.

In terms of promotion, Daley’s maintains a website and social media profiles, hosts lunch and learns with clients, offers seminars at industry events, and attends the annual Associated Wall and Ceiling Institute (AWCI) convention and expo. But Daley-Grishaeva tells us that the company’s best promotion comes from positive word-of-mouth and repeat customers.

As for the future of the firm, “We are exploring alternative building solutions utilizing the recent code revisions for Type IV construction with CLT floors and load-bearing metal stud walls. We’re hoping that this helps contribute to solving the current housing crisis,” says Daley-Grishaeva.

While currently a niche process, this solution is “a much more affordable, more efficient way to build housing” than traditional methods, she notes. As such, it might just spur the construction of more moderately priced houses across North America.

“Housing is a huge crisis in many areas, but especially in the Bay Area. We need to add a lot more housing in the area just to keep up with demand. We’re nowhere near close to adding enough,” she says. “The Type IV solution is very forward thinking and out of the box—a different way of building… We believe this will really take off.”

She offers an upbeat forecast for the next five years: “I think we’re on track—we just want to get out there and we want to grow. Slow and steady growth is the name of the game.” Says this third-generation president of Daley’s Drywall & Taping, “We’d like to be doing what we’re doing now but a lot more of it!”

The post Exploring New Opportunities<p class="company">Daley’s Drywall & Taping Inc.</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

“I think the key to some of our success was not just copying what others in our market industry were doing; we wanted to do something different. It wasn’t just a cut and paste operation. We wanted our employees to be able to take ownership and pride in their projects,” says CEO Nate Heyboer.

Employees aren’t just taking ownership of their projects, either; thanks to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), the firm itself is now fully owned by its team.

DHE primarily serves the commercial, industrial, and multi-family markets, with the commercial sector bringing in the most revenue. About two-thirds of the company’s work consists of plumbing, with HVAC constituting the remainder; it also offers service for HVAC and plumbing. Its core service plumbing competencies include back-flow testing, camera inspections, high-pressure jetting, preventative maintenance, drain cleaning, grease trap maintenance, and lift station maintenance, along with 24-hour emergency drain cleaning. HVAC service work includes retrofits and energy upgrades, preventative maintenance, heating/cooling unit replacement and new installation, hydronic piping, and more. As with plumbing service, DHE is available around the clock for emergency HVAC duties.

“We do everything in-house except for controls and insulation,” says CEO and Co-founder, Nate Heyboer.

DHE was founded in 2005 by Dale, Eric, and Nate Heyboer. “Like any company starting up, you have your hurdles, you trip and fall over things. There were sleepless nights, chasing work—all the things any company starting from scratch faces. The best thing we always had were our employees. They were our asset,” recalls Nate Heyboer.

When the recession of 2008 – 2009 hit, DHE was able to “grab a lot of great talent” from the ranks of job seekers, “and a lot of that great talent is still working with us today,” he adds.

Dale Heyboer eventually sold his share of the company to another son, Josh Heyboer, and around three years ago, brothers Nate, Josh, and Eric decided to start a transition to employee ownership as a way to both thank and motivate their staff.

“When it came time to look at maybe a transition, ESOP made the most sense to us… There wasn’t anybody better to take over the reins than those standing right next to us at the time,” recalls Heyboer. About 200 people currently work for DHE; since June 1^st of this year, the company has been 100 percent employee owned.

“It’s been fun to watch it take off with the employees—they’re talking about scrap, they’re talking about efficiencies, and things like that. It’s really starting to take off and the conversations in the field have changed because of it,” notes Mike Miner, COO, of the ESOP and the ownership employee-owners are taking because of it.

Teamwork, which has been an integral part of the company’s culture since the beginning, became even more firmly entrenched once the ESOP came into effect. Cooperation, collaboration, and efficiency have helped DHE stand out over the years. “We work faster, we’re more responsive,” says Miner. “We continue to try to set the bar higher for ourselves, whether it’s in the field or in the office, and the whole team breathes that. Nate tells a great story: if you were to lean down the hallway and yell for help for anything, anybody from the accountant to the office manager, project manager, and foreman would raise their hand and volunteer to assist.”

As part of its pro-employee focus, DHE puts a huge amount of emphasis on safety. Training in HazCom (Hazard Communication—understanding chemical labels and identifying potential hazards) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS—guidelines for the safe handling of chemicals) is offered, and instruction in First Aid and CPR is also on the agenda. A safety committee scrutinizes projects to ensure dangers are minimized while the company strives to provide “the latest and greatest” in PPE, tools, and other equipment, adds Miner.

This safety focus reflects the company’s family-oriented roots, says Heyboer. “One of the things we feel liable for, is that anyone who walks through the door is going home safe. We don’t want to make those calls that someone cut their hand or had something else happen,” he says.

DHE is also a strong believer in community involvement. “We’re very philanthropic in all the communities we work in, whether it be school t-shirts for fundraising, turkey trots, you name it. It’s a long list and something we’re proud of,” says Miner.

Interestingly enough, beyond its website at dheplumbing.com, DHE doesn’t do a huge amount of promotion. “It sounds counterintuitive, but we really don’t do much advertising outside of our philanthropic and sponsorship activities; we recently sponsored a local soccer team and we got to get on their jerseys/kits, so that was fun. Our employees and our clients have created the growth, and we are so thankful for that,” says Miner.

Certainly, DHE’s work does seem to speak for itself. The company has been both a finalist and winner at the Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards, hosted by the Associated Builder and Contractors of Western Michigan Chapter (ABC WMC). The latter website lists DHE as a past project winner for HVAC and plumbing work.

While most projects are carried out in West Michigan, DHE takes on custom aquarium and zoo assignments around the world. The company has worked at SeaWorld in San Diego, a zoo in New Jersey, and helped put together a mangrove exhibit in a Dubai palace. “We’re blessed to be providing the labor as part of our partnership on these projects,” Heyboer says. “We’re always looking for new opportunities.”

In addition to these far-flung assignments, DHE is currently working on a new soccer stadium in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, and takes on numerous school projects. “We do a lot of K-12 work for a lot of the school districts in the area. [This work] is shied away from by some other contractors due to very rigid schedules, but we’ve always found a way to meet a deadline…It would be hard to find a school district we did not help out in some way, shape, or form,” says Heyboer.

Notable projects DHE has taken on include plumbing and HVAC work at Plainwell Field House, a school sports facility featuring a basketball court, pool, and indoor track for students and the community of Plainwell, Michigan. For this project, DHE worked on six mechanical rooms and installed nearly 150,000 pounds of ductwork in the pool and gym areas along with 9,000 feet of mechanical piping.

DHE also installed over 880 fixtures at a 16-story, 202-unit apartment called 601 Bond in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while another Grand Rapids project involved the Health & Science facility at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). DHE installed nearly 200 fixtures at this 166,271-square-foot facility, working with large cast iron storm pipe and medical gas piping.

One challenge facing DHE (along with pretty much every contractor in North America) is the skilled labor shortage. Existing skilled trades workers are reaching retirement age and for many reasons, not enough young people are entering the field to take their place. To address this situation, DHE backs the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), a skilled trades school based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, through fundraising and board partnerships. The firm also offers $500 scholarships for 15 high school students who want to go into a skilled trade.

“They don’t have to be working for us; they can be working for any trade. They must fill out an application, and the $500 is to help them get their first set of tools—steel-toed boots, or maybe your first set of wrenches,” says Heyboer.

Over the next five years, DHE aims to increase its market share in the industrial and commercial sectors and witness the flowering of total employee ownership. “I look forward to the day when we get to cut checks to the employees as part of our profit sharing from the ESOP side. I think that’s going to be super fun,” Miner shares.

As the company passes its 20^th anniversary, he returns again to the importance of having a devoted, hard-working staff. “Without them, our success doesn’t come,” he says. “We want to continue that. I think that’s something to pause and celebrate. We’re proud to be in the communities we’re in; we’re proud of our employees. There’s a lot to be thankful for.”

The post This Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Makes a Big Transition<p class="company">DHE Plumbing</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

“Since 1991, METALCON has been the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in building design and construction,” says Judy Geller, METALCON Vice President. “Each year, we bring together contractors, architects, developers, owners, installers, manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers from more than 50 countries. With over 250 leading companies showcasing cutting-edge products, solutions, and game-changing technologies, METALCON is where the global metal construction community connects, learns, and grows.”

Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc. in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON thrives on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive education, hands-on training programs, and one-stop access to the industry’s most comprehensive range of products, tools, solutions, and opportunities in metal construction and design.

Something for everyone
There are many reasons attendees return to METALCON year after year, and one of the biggest is networking. Business in the metal sector is often face-to-face, and METALCON provides plenty of opportunities to meet up with old friends and make new connections. Since this dynamic industry is so widespread, METALCON draws builders, architects, contractors, designers, developers, owners, engineers, roofers, suppliers, and many others in renewable energy, environmental engineering, finance, and other areas.

“While METALCON doesn’t adhere to a single defined theme, our focus is clear: build better, build smarter—with metal,” comments Geller. “It’s a message that resonates across the entire built environment and speaks directly to those striving for greater performance, sustainability, and innovation in their projects.”

Over two and a half days, attendees can take advantage of education sessions designed to deliver practical insights and real-world solutions (excluding workshops, all education sessions are included with registration). Among the many free learning sessions are timely topics such as ‘Steel Pricing: Where Could it Go Next?,’ ‘The Value of Metal Composite Materials: How Durability and Design Flexibility Affect Cost vs. Value,’ ‘Improving Utilization and Revenue Through AI,’ and ‘Cold Formed Buildings: An Introduction to a Growing Movement,’ to name a few. “Additionally, we also host METALCON Online, which are industry-related webinars that take place year-round, with the opportunity to earn AIA credits whether you watch live or on-demand on our YouTube channel,” adds Geller.

Highlights and on-site demonstrations
Behind the scenes, a year of planning goes into making METALCON the premier event for the metal construction and design industry. The result is a show floor that is packed with unforgettable experiences—including a full-scale live build, new Masterclasses, Morning Kick-Off Sessions, Keynotes, the Design District, and much more.

One of the most exciting demonstrations will be The Eagles Landing Barndominium Build. To be erected on the show floor, the 2,500-plus-square-foot steel barndominium frame will later be moved, completed and turned into a permanent retreat for veterans in Hall, Montana. Partners for this remarkable project include Military Warriors Support Foundation, Scottsdale Construction Systems, The Barndominium Company, and numerous METALCON exhibitors.

“METALCON takes pride in helping our veterans,” says Geller. Anyone wishing to check out the build’s progress and help support the cause in materials, funds, or both, can visit www.metalcon.com/barndo. “Additionally, we have also partnered with Semper Fi & America’s Fund to collect donations for Las Vegas-based veterans, a non-profit organization we have worked with consistently.”

Contractors, remodelers, and other industry pros can upskill in real time with hands-on demonstrations and education using a variety of mock-ups, materials like aluminum, copper, and painted steel, and tools at the METALCON Training Zone. Delivered in English and Spanish, the Training Zone is sponsored by Sherwin Williams/MetalVue, and tools will be available to the audience for testing and purchase.

Presented by the Metal Construction Association (MCA) and the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), MCA’s Metal Mastery Clinics will offer expert training and industry best practices from the MCA and the MRA. Some of the demonstrations will include standing seam roofing panel installation, metal shingle application, retrofit systems, and proper techniques for on-site roll forming and machine maintenance.

Billed as “Where resilient design meets bold vision,” the Design District @ METALCON is an immersive hub featuring exclusive educational offerings and presentations from industry leaders. “Work in architecture, design, or engineering?” asks Amanda Carlow, Marketing + Event Coordinator. “Discover how metal can help you solve your toughest structural, environmental, and building performance challenges with exclusive education, networking, and innovations sure to inform and inspire your future designs.”

Sponsored by PPG, The Design District @ METALCON is a dedicated destination for architects, designers, specifiers, and engineers. “Architects and design professionals have access to AIA-accredited education, exclusive networking, and innovations reshaping the future of architecture and construction,” says Carlow. Features include curated morning kickoff sessions, an exclusive Design District hub, and the opportunity to learn and network with industry experts. “Whether you’re designing with performance, sustainability, or innovation in mind, the Design District @ METALCON is your gateway to metal’s full design potential.”

Another highlight of this year’s METALCON is the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge. Sponsored by METALFORMING, the Challenge is all about speed, skill, and teamwork. “You don’t need to be a racing fan to test your skills or cheer on your colleagues in this fun and fast-paced competition,” says Geller.

And now in its fifth year, the Top Product Awards were created to highlight new, cutting-edge products in the metal construction and design industry. Products that were brought to market on or after January 1^st, 2024 are nominated in one of 15 categories and then voted on. The top three products are then announced and awarded at METALCON on October 22^nd, 2025 2:30 PM at The Deck.

Making connections
“METALCON is the only event dedicated entirely to metal in construction and design,” says Carlow. “While other events might treat metal as a side topic, at METALCON it’s the main event and everything either a seasoned pro or a newcomer needs is right here: hands-on demonstrations, expert-led education, direct access to cutting-edge products and innovations, and unmatched networking opportunities. There’s no better place to build face-to-face relationships, discover the latest products and innovations, and immerse yourself in what’s next for metal design and construction.”

Indeed, for more than 30 years, METALCON has fostered a longstanding reputation for relationship building, peer-to-peer networking, and access to expert insight. These factors, and many others, truly set METALCON apart from other industry events.

“Because METALCON brings the entire metal construction and design community together under one roof for two and a half concentrated days, it creates the perfect environment to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers,” states Geller. “From structured events to casual meetups, METALCON offers a variety of networking opportunities designed to spark conversation, collaboration, and long-term relationships.”

Some of the scheduled networking activities at this year’s METALCON include the Valley of Fire Tour: Monday, October 20 | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Off-Site), where participants can explore the Valley of Fire, led by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Adam Bautz. Women in the industry are invited to a breakfast focused on connection, insight, inspiration, and networking at Metal and Mimosas: Tuesday, October 21 | 7:00 – 9:00 AM (registration required). Speed Networking: Tuesday, October 21 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM is an opportunity to meet professionals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Attendees on the show floor can enjoy METALCON’S Welcome Party: Tuesday, October 21 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM, while the Future Leaders Happy Hour: Wednesday, October 22 | 4:00 PM will be held in The Backyard.

From in-depth workshops to educational sessions and more, METALCON is the place to experience the high-performance power of metal in design and construction, and the only event devoted exclusively to this rapidly evolving industry. Says Geller: “Now is the chance to learn from industry experts, network with the Who’s Who in the metal construction industry, and witness all the newest technologies and products related to metal. Thousands of attendees from all around the world will be under one roof and you should be, too. It’s a can’t-miss experience!”

The post Where Metal Comes to Meet<p class="company">METALCON 2025</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Back in the mid-2010s, home service contractors faced a challenge: while conferences existed in other industries, there were few tailored specifically for them. For many, it felt like a gap in both resources and community.

Thomas Peregrino remembers being part of that early wave of members who recognized the need. “Going all the way back to 2014, there were few conferences out there for the home trades,” he says. “So as our membership at Service Nation continued to grow, the founders saw that they needed to figure out a way to gather all these contractors together. There was a big need for that, where they can all get together, share best practices, network, build a community. And so out of that need came the very first Service World.”

Since its first event 10 years ago, Service World Expo has evolved into a dynamic annual gathering where thousands of contractors, vendors, and industry leaders meet to learn, grow, and support one another.

Conferences can often fall into the trap of feeling like thinly veiled sales events, but Service World Expo has intentionally steered clear of that model. As Daryl Stevenson, Head of Service Nation, explains, the founders of Service Nation set a clear standard from the beginning.

“I just read an article this morning about someone who went to a conference and said it was one big sales pitch,” he tells us. “And the founders really wanted to make sure that’s not what was happening. We’ve really kept that idea alive, that this is not a sales pitch to come buy something. This is really about, how do you succeed, how do you run your business better, and, when you get there, how do you exit?”

That distinction is what makes Service World Expo unique. Every breakout session, keynote, and networking opportunity is designed with the contractor in mind, providing takeaways that can be applied immediately to businesses of all sizes. For many attendees, the conference is about more than educational content; it’s about connection. Running a service business can often feel isolating. Contractors juggle staffing, customer service, operations, and growth challenges, often without peers who truly understand those struggles.

“The services business can feel like you’re alone a lot of times,” says Stevenson. “You’re out there struggling with all these issues and Service World Expo provides a time to come together with other contractors who have experienced the same exact thing. Some of them have overcome it, some of them are going through the same things. It’s nice to see the bonds form immediately.”

Over the years, those bonds have grown into lifelong friendships and support networks. Members often describe leaving the event with both practical business strategies and personal relationships that last far beyond the conference itself.

Unlike other industries where competition can create barriers, the culture at Service World Expo emphasizes lifting the industry as a whole. As Peregrino describes, contractors come together each year to share their hard-won lessons. “When a home service contractor is in the trenches, after a year they’re ready to take a break and share what they’ve learned,” he says. “The culture of Service World provides that avenue where they can reminisce, share lessons, and get re-energized to go back out for another year.”

That sense of community is reinforced by the intentional design of the expo’s agenda. Built around the seven pillars of operational excellence, the programming covers marketing, leadership, financials, operations, and more, ensuring that attendees can focus on the areas most relevant to their current challenges.

Peregrino adds that first-time attendees should never fear walking into the conference without connections; the event is structured so that networking happens naturally, through breakout sessions, hallway conversations, and even informal gatherings over meals or at the bar.

The impact of Service World Expo is perhaps best understood through the personal stories the event has spurred, and Peregrino shares two powerful examples from his own experience. At one event in Florida, he found himself unexpectedly welcomed into a group of highly successful contractors. “They brought me into their little circle after hours,” he recalls. “These were businesses that were double, triple, quadruple my size at that point, but they said, ‘we’re going to spend a couple of hours with you, Tom, working on your business.’ And they did. I remember some of the changes I made coming back from that event that made a huge difference in my organization.”

Years later in Phoenix, he witnessed another life-changing moment. “There was a couple I had been speaking with, and the wife pulled me aside. She was crying, telling me the difference that Service Nation and coming to these events had made in her husband’s life—that she saw a difference in him, in the company, and now she understood why he keeps coming back. That’s just one of many priceless memories.”

A critical component of Service World Expo is its exhibitor network. But again, unlike other conferences, these interactions extend beyond the trade floor. Exhibitors are encouraged to truly integrate into the event, spending time with contractors during sessions, meals, and even after-hours gatherings.

As Peregrino explains, “Being able to have a venue where you can meet with an exhibitor after hours at a dinner and maybe ask some very direct questions, cut to the chase—that’s invaluable. Exhibitors really enjoy that because they can share above and beyond just what their product or service is. They can tell you a little bit more about the added value, their unique selling proposition, and how they can really help contractors.”

This level of openness not only builds trust but also creates long-term partnerships that extend well beyond the event itself.

For Stevenson, joining Service Nation wasn’t just a career move; it was a calling. He was drawn to the company’s commitment to its members and the passion of the people involved. “I want to be someplace where the company is making a difference,” he says. “During the interview process, I had a chance to talk to one of the members, and the passion they had about Service Nation was incredible. That’s what brought me to the company in the first place.”

This passion translates directly into how Service World Expo is planned and delivered. The team works more than a year in advance, constantly taking in member feedback to ensure the event reflects current challenges and opportunities in the industry. For example, with artificial intelligence becoming increasingly relevant, the 2025 event includes dedicated sessions on AI applications for home service businesses. “We’re hearing these issues, so we make sure we have something to help people solve those issues at the event,” says Stevenson.

Beyond the networking and stories, the value of attending Service World Expo is backed by hard data. Peregrino, who once attended as a contractor and later analyzed metrics as part of the Service Nation team, saw the proof firsthand.

“The highest-performing contractors within Service Nation clearly attended the vast majority of our conferences and rarely missed a Service World Expo. When we tracked metrics and KPIs, the contractors with the most successful performance, top-line revenue growth, bottom-line EBITDA growth, attended the conferences. It was proof of what I was seeing as a member: you go to these events, you’re going to grow. It was that simple.”

With a decade of history now behind it, Service World Expo continues to expand its influence and impact. Stevenson and Peregrino agree that the future lies in keeping the event fresh, relevant, and member driven. Planning for 2026 is already underway, with an emphasis on staying ahead of industry trends while maintaining the welcoming, supportive culture that has defined the event since its inception.

Perhaps most importantly, the event remains open to all contractors in the home services industry, not just Service Nation members. As Stevenson emphasizes, “Even if you’re not a member, this is for anybody in the home industry. You are not going to hear a bunch of Service Nation material at this Expedition; you’re going to hear industry seminars on how to perform.” For contractors looking to take a step back from the daily grind, refocus on the bigger picture, and gain strategies for long-term success, Service World Expo offers a unique opportunity.

Over the past decade, Service World Expo has become more than just a conference; it’s a catalyst for growth, a hub of innovation, and a true community for contractors. From meaningful friendships to measurable business success, the stories from attendees speak louder than any advertisement.

With passionate leadership, a member-first philosophy, and a clear focus on the future, Service World Expo is poised to remain a vital part of the home services landscape for years to come.

The post Where Contractors Grow Together<p class="company">Service Nation’s Service World Expo</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

“Everything that was possible in internal combustion is now possible with Hangcha in an electric version,” says Louanne Rioux, Sales and Marketing Director at Hangcha Forklift Canada Inc.

While the company still offers internal combustion forklifts, Hangcha is seeing tremendous growth with its XC and XE Series and the high voltage lithium ion XH Series of forklifts. Presenting customers with alternatives to propane or diesel-powered forklifts—for use inside a warehouse or factory, or outdoors on rough terrain—Hangcha has options and add-ons to meet every need.

Pioneers in lithium technology
Customers in sectors as diverse as transportation, automotive, lithium battery development, steel and wire manufacturing, fruit growing, wood products, and many more come to Hangcha Forklift Canada for its range of electric forklifts, from sitdown forklifts, narrow aisle trucks, and warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks and stackers to tow tractors and rough terrain forklifts.

Depending on the model, capacities range from 1,000kg (2,200lbs) to 48,000kg (105,000lbs), with the Electric Lithium-ion Forklifts, to the Electric Tow Tractor, which handles up to 32,000kg (70,000lbs).

“Our full lineup is essentially complete now on the electric side—even the big capacities,” says Rioux. “We have a 36,000-pound (16,329 kg) version available in lithium and go up to 27 tons (23,586 kg). Being pioneers in lithium technology definitely sets us apart.”

Selling forklifts Canada-wide, Hangcha is seeing much of its growth in the province of Ontario, including the city of Mississauga, home to its Greater Toronto Area (GTA) warehouse. “Roughly half the trucks sold in Canada are coming out of Ontario,” says John Sedlacek, Hangcha’s National Sales Director. “We are targeting a lot of major users here.”

The reason, he says, is the province’s established automotive sector and the rise of new lithium battery developments in Windsor for the electric vehicle (EV) market. Another prominent sector for Hangcha is transportation, since it operates coast-to-coast, “and we have good trucks for them,” says Sedlacek.

The Hangcha story
Over the past quarter of a century, Sedlacek has seen firsthand the transition from internal combustion diesel and propane-powered forklifts to electric, alongside the shift in customer acceptance of lithium-ion battery technology. But for years, the return on investment just hadn’t been there. This was what prompted Hangcha to turn the forklift industry on its head, becoming the first manufacturer to build a truck from the battery up and bring affordable lithium to the market.

“As far as high-voltage goes, everything is going 80-volt or higher; the higher the voltage, the faster the charge time, the longer the runtime, and there’s less stress on the componentry,” he says. “We’ve had some great success stories selling high-voltage, which I didn’t think would sell that fast, but there it is—people are willing to take the gamble.”

Sedlacek is training and encouraging his team to promote the Hangcha story across the country. This includes the founding of the parent company in 1956 as the Hangzhou Mechanical Repair Factory in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; how the company shifted entirely to forklifts in 1974; the creation of Hangcha America in 2017; and the launch of Hangcha Forklift Canada in 2019. Today, Hangcha is among the top eight forklift manufacturers in the world. In just the past five years, the company has established locations in the Netherlands, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and France.

Along with over 5,000 employees globally, Hangcha has a strong dealer network, selling over 200,000 forklifts every year, many of them to repeat customers. “It’s interesting how the sales cycle is going,” notes Sedlacek. “It’s a different story now—what I’m selling and how I’m training my people across Canada… We have affordable lithium now for the first time in the marketplace.”

Why lithium-ion?
There are many advantages to lithium-ion technology, including faster run times, the ability to handle 24/7 operations, and, in some cases, more power, greater torque, and more speed.

As if those factors weren’t enough, one of the most significant in everyone’s eyes is cost. The ROI is so high that—depending on how many hours the forklift is in use—every third truck is essentially free. “The more you use it, the more you’re saving,” says Sedlacek. “That’s how it works.”

Apart from cost savings, there are also environmental and safety benefits to lithium-ion. The team has received plenty of positive feedback from customers praising Hangcha’s lithium-ion forklifts, including one who said his building couldn’t handle emissions from propane-powered forklifts. The client had invested tens of thousands of dollars in an air exchange system, which produced a lot of heat. By investing in lithium-powered trucks, the client—although continuing to use propane in some cases—saw his fuel costs cut in half.

For forklift operators, there are many benefits of lithium-ion compared to internal combustion engines. It is easier to adjust speeds with lithium-ion trucks—which are fully programmable—and the trucks are cooler to operate. Another consideration is that there is no need for a battery room with lithium-ion, as is the case with heavy, lead-acid “wet cell” batteries, which can be dangerous when charging.

“That’s another advantage of going with lithium,” says Yan Lamontagne, After-sales Director at Hangcha Forklift Canada. “There’s less pollution, and it’s an advantage over lead-acid. You don’t need to have water, and it’s safe. Compared to the internal combustion trucks, there is also less noise.”

A dynamic and durable fleet
Quality, customer service, and selection are just some reasons customers keep choosing Hangcha. Continually innovating, the company is proud of all its trucks.

The XH Series High-Voltage Telehandler has a capacity of 2,500 to 3,500 kg. Its many benefits include permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) technology, able to reach a 25/km/h drive speed (no load), and a maximum grade ability of 45 percent. With three steering modes and two driving modes, the XH Series High-Voltage Telehandler is a highly maneuverable 5-ton, comfortable to operate with a driver assistance system, and options including air conditioning, radio, USB charging port, and more. With its lithium iron phosphate battery pack, LED lights, and overload monitoring system, it’s safe and reliable.

Other innovative lithium-ion products in the company’s XE Series are manufactured to replace outdoor trucks and come in 1.5-ton to 5-ton versions. “The XE Series is really one of those,” says Rioux.

Hangcha is also seeing growing demand for forklifts in its lithium-ion XC Series. A four-wheel cushion tire forklift, it has a capacity of 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. With a lightweight design, faster travelling and lifting speeds, and optional energy-efficient management, the Hangcha XC Series 4W cushion tire forklift “draws on the design concepts and technological innovations of 4W forklift trucks with lithium-ion technology and cushion tires to build a lithium-ion dedicated platform for cushion tire forklift with lithium-ion technology,” says the company.

At Hangcha, innovation comes hand-in-hand with safety and efficiency, and this includes the company’s Fleet Intelligent Management System. Hangcha FIMS provides valuable real-time information and data collection about forklifts and drivers, be it a single lift or even hundreds across multiple sites. Just some benefits of 24/7 GPS monitoring include safety, preventative maintenance, lower costs, and increased productivity, as trucks are analyzed for vibration, overspeed, abnormal operation, and more.

Meanwhile, the innovative Hangcha ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) provides early warning of potential hazards. With a high-precision detection rate of about 98 percent, the ADAS offers 360-degree surround sensing, lightning-fast response with monitoring every 25 milliseconds, GPS tracking, route history, AI machine learning technology, and other unique safety features.

Powering what’s next
For years, Hangcha has been renowned for its positive and supportive company culture, which means investing in its employees. “It’s part of our work-life balance,” says Lamontagne. “We don’t have a high employee turnover, and have several staff members who have been here a very long time.” Expressions of employee appreciation, including coffee breaks, free snacks in the cafeteria, team barbecues, and welcoming out-of-town guests, mean a lot. “We do spend eight hours a day together, so we try to make it an interesting environment for people to feel welcomed.”

With a focus on quality and a team whose members are all pulling in the same direction, Hangcha Forklift Canada sees a bright future, both for the business and for lithium-ion technology. Sedlacek foresees growth in sectors such as mining and continued success in the lumber sector. “Wood is becoming a huge target for us; we’ve had some great success stories,” he says, adding that Hangcha is working with a well-known pallet company and recently made a deal with a business in Vancouver’s fruit belt. “Anything that grows in the ground seems to attract our trucks.”

As industries across Canada continue shifting toward cleaner, more efficient operations, Hangcha Forklift Canada is well-positioned to lead the way. With its proven track record, commitment to innovation, and a comprehensive lineup of lithium-ion solutions, the company is redefining what forklifts can do while helping its customers achieve long-term savings and sustainability. For Hangcha, the future isn’t just electric—it’s here.

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