Winter 2012 Issue

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Software Cuts Estimating Time in Half

Because not all contractors estimate projects in the same way, software developers such as McCormick Systems have created programs tailored for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors. Often, product changes and enhancements are added to meet specific requests of contractors. Here are some of the features that contractors should look for when choosing estimating software.

CNA and MCA of Georgia Work Together to Renovate Atlanta Youth Home

Global business insurer CNA, the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Georgia, and several other construction trade associations partnered with the nonprofit community revitalization group Rebuilding Together to celebrate the 123rd anniversary of Atlanta’s Carrie Steele-Pitts Home (CSPH), one of the nation’s oldest child-caring homes. On October 15, approximately 100 volunteers gathered for a day of major repairs to renovate and transform CSPH.

CNA

Egan Company Hones Competitive Edge with WennSoft Solutions

While some contractors are focused on weathering the storm of the current economic environment, others—such as Egan Company in Brooklyn Park, MN—continue to grow their business aggressively. To improve customer service and become a more sales-oriented company, Egan turned to its longtime partner WennSoft® for an integrated customer relationship management (CRM) system. Now, Egan is improving relationships with current customers, better identifying new prospects, and honing its competitive edge.

WennSoft

Victaulic Helps Rado Enterprises Maximize Efficiency

To maximize the benefits of using building information modeling (BIM), and to keep the Penn State Hershey Medical Center expansion project on schedule, Rado Enterprises of Bloomsburg, PA, turned to Victaulic. With proven experience installing grooved products in various HVAC systems since they began fabrication shop operations more than 15 years ago, Rado Enterprises knew that Victaulic grooved products provided a number of benefits over welding, such as ease of installation and maintenance, ability to meet demanding schedules, and decreased liability. What they learned with this project was the benefit of Victaulic’s project management services.

Victaulic

Entech Offers Hands-On Service Training for Older A/C Equipment

Where do you turn when an aging A/C unit needs service but the original manufacturer no longer supports the model? Entech provides handson training for technicians to enable them to dismantle and repair such equipment. Each week-long class is dedicated to products by a single manufacturer (Trane, Carrier, York, or McQuay). Field technicians with years of experience pass along knowledge and tricks of the trade that make service and troubleshooting easier.

Entech

Maxwell Systems Software Cuts Estimating Time at Dorvin D. Leis

To increase productivity, keep costs low, and achieve optimal profitability, Dorvin D. Leis Co., Inc. (DDL) turned to Maxwell Systems™ Estimation® software to automate its estimating and procurement process. With Estimation, DDL is able to tie together estimates, labor needs, and cost analyses and so bid more quickly and accurately to win more jobs. And, once a job is won, DDL can leverage Estimation to take control of their entire procurement process—achieving greater efficiency and cost savings.

Maxwell Systems

Tips for Choosing the Best Air-Handling Unit for the Job

With lots of air-handling units to choose from, such as YORK® Solution units from Johnson Controls, HVAC contractors have the flexibility to find the best unit for some of the most demanding applications, including hospitals, theaters, schools and universities, government facilities, and office buildings. Contractors can customize the size and components of air-handling units to accommodate a building’s space constraints, performance needs, and budget. Choosing the right unit can make installation simpler and faster, saving you time and money. When selecting air-handling units for a project, consider these questions.

Johnson Controls

TSI Tools Key to MCAA Members’ Joint Venture

MCAA members A.O. Reed & Co., Pan-Pacific Plumbing & Mechanical, and Murray Company united with Monaco Mechanical (a member of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau, an MCAA subsidiary) to form a joint venture (Monaco/RPM) to design and install the total mechanical package of the Camp Pendleton Replacement Hospital, taking advantage of Technical Sales International (TSI) software and technology to enhance the collaboration.

TSI Software

North Mechanical Counts on Viega When Timelines Are Tight

When the J.W. Marriott Indianapolis required some fundamental building systems to be completed ahead of the rest of the building schedule, North Mechanical Contracting, Inc. knew it could count on Viega ProPress® pipe fittings to get the job done. North Mechanical installed Viega ProPress for domestic water and hot water heating applications on all copper piping systems sizes 2” and below in the prestigious hotel. The 34-story J.W. Marriott opened its doors in February 2011; it is both the largest and tallest hotel in Indianapolis, with more than 1,000 rooms.

Viega

How Contractors Can Save Big on Taxes

The steps your company is already taking to remain competitive may qualify for federal and state research and development (R&D) tax credits, which can mean significant financial benefits for your company. Examples include increasing your use of building information modeling (BIM) and other 3D modeling techniques to avoid conflicts onsite and improve efficiency and expanding your services to increase your marketability.