Speakers

Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Garrison Wynn

Bestselling Author & Motivational Speaker
With talents that established him as a Fortune 500 leader and professional stand-up comedian, Garrison Wynn, CSP, fuses comic timing and research to deliver motivational business expertise. For 20 years, he has given keynote presentations to clients at corporate and association events. Additionally, he wrote the Amazon bestseller The Real Truth about Success, coauthored the Amazon #1 bestseller The Cowbell Principle, and contributed weekly to The Washington Post. He will help you become more influential regardless of circumstances.

Alex Sheen

Founder, because I said I would

Alex Sheen is the founder of because I said I would, a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to bettering humanity through promises made and kept. Sparked by the loss of his father, Alex and his organization send “promise cards” to anyone anywhere in the world at no cost. Alex is someone who truly honors commitment. He once walked over 240 miles across the entire state of Ohio in 10 days to fulfill a promise. In just two years, because I said I would has sent over 12.3 million promise cards to over 153 different countries. The promises written on these cards have made headlines around the world. Alex is a five-time Tedx Talk speaker and his charitable work has been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, CNN, The Today Show, NPR, The Los Angeles Times, and many other programs.

Chris Bashinelli

TV Host, National Geographic Explorer & International Speaker

"We need more people like Chris in the World,” says Dr. Jane Goodall. National Geographic Explorer Chris Bashinelli pulls from real life experiences in over 40 countries to empower organizations to create a culture of true human connection. He helps companies reignite employee inspiration, foster a culture of trust and empathy, and tap into the power of their greatest asset—their people.

Featured Speakers

Mark McManus

 General President, United Association

Mark McManus

General President, United Association

In August 2021, at the UA’s 40th General Convention, Mark McManus was unanimously re-elected to a second term as General President of the United Association (UA), where he will continue to lead the nation’s most progressive and influential trade union, representing more than 363,000 highly skilled mechanics in the plumbing and pipefitting industry.

Mark began his career with the UA in 1983 when he was initiated into Plumbers Local 24 in Newark, New Jersey. He was elected Business Agent in 1994 and Business Manager in 1997. His talents and leadership brought him to the United Association General Office in 2007, where he has served as International Representative and Administrative Assistant to the General President. He served five-year terms as General Secretary-Treasurer and as General President prior to being re-elected to a second five-year term as General President.

General President Mark McManus is responsible for supervising the day-to-day affairs of the United Association and for decisions concerning internal union governance, as well as rendering decisions and adjusting disputes and other matters affecting the organization. He is the Chairman of the UA General Executive Board, UA Strategic Planning Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees on multiple UA pension funds. Mark McManus supervises the development and implementation of all major policies and programs of the United Association, including the industry-leading UA Veterans in Piping®(VIP) Program.

In addition, he serves as Vice President of the Executive Council of the Metal Trades Department, is a member of the Building Trades’ Governing Board of Presidents, and serves on the Board of Directors of Helmets to Hardhats. In April 2020, General President McManus was appointed by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to serve on his Coronavirus Recovery Team, where he worked in part to advise the Governor on the necessary steps for restarting Maryland’s economy and reopening businesses across the state. Mark and the UA are extremely active in all aspects of the political world—national, state, and local—in a bipartisan manner.

Mark McManus has had a distinguished career in support of our nation's hardworking men and women and is unwavering in his commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between labor and management.

Rick Gopffarth

 President, MCAA

Rick Gopffarth

President, MCAA
Rick Gopffarth is VP of Preconstruction in Dynamic Systems’ North Texas Division and oversees business development, estimating and engineering activities. He manages mechanical projects within the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, mission-critical, healthcare, laboratory and large commercial industries. Additionally, Rick serves as President on MCAA’s Executive Committee and Chair of MCAA’s Education Committee.

Education Session Speakers

Bonus Program: The Empowered Communicator

Sunday, September 22, 2024
8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Keith & Rebecca Klein Scott

Keith & Rebecca Klein Scott

Keith Scott and Rebecca Klein, of TALLsmall Productions, coach clients internationally on how to communicate in a simple, confident style in which words, tone and body language are aligned. They provides private executive and leadership coaching; group workshops, keynotes and panel facilitation for corporate, government and non-profit clients. Niche topics include public speaking, LinkedIn strategy, media relations, banishing imposter syndrome, presentation creation, and conflict resolution. They have worked with clients including: PayPal, Graybar Electric Company, BGE, Coldwell Banker, SC&H Group, the USDA, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland Department of Labor, Chicago Public Schools and with many small businesses and entrepreneurs. You’ll also catch TALLsmall providing communications analysis on morning TV news segments.

Afternoon Education Showcase

Monday, September 23, 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Crystal Washington

 Futurist, Author & Hall of Fame Speaker

Crystal Washington

Futurist, Author & Hall of Fame Speaker

Crystal Washington, CSP works with organizations that want to leverage technology to increase profits and productivity.

As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Crystal takes complex social media, app, and web topics and makes them easy to understand and accessible for everyday people. Crystal’s clients comprise Fortune 500 companies including Google, Microsoft, and GE, and as a sought-after keynote speaker, she has entertained and educated audiences around the globe.

Crystal is the author of the books One Tech Action: An Efficiency Guide for Busy Non-techie Professionals to get More Done, Build Better Relationships, and Enjoy More Free Time and The Social Media Why: A Busy Professional's Practical Guide to Using Social Media Including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+, and Blogs for Business.

Michael Rosone

 Vice President of Service Sales, Arista Air Conditioning Corporation

Michael Rosone

Vice President of Service Sales, Arista Air Conditioning Corporation
Michael Rosone is the Vice President of Arista Air, located in New York City. He is also a member of the MSCA Board of Managers, and the MSCA Education Committee.

Negotiation Essentials – Tips and Tricks for Success

Sponsored by WiMI

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Shaabini Alford

 Seasoned Plumbing and Mechanical Professional

Shaabini Alford

Seasoned Plumbing and Mechanical Professional

Shaabini Alford is a seasoned professional in the plumbing and mechanical contracting industry, with a career spanning back to 2003. Shaabini has worked for two of Southern California's leading Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (M.E.P.) contractors and is known for consistently delivering excellence. As Executive Vice President of Southern California Operations, Shaabini led several departments to continuously deliver on-schedule and maximize profit. Shaabini’s strengths include contracts, crisis management, risk mitigation, conflict resolution, cultivating a culture of trust and accountability, teamwork, integrity, and, of course, fun!

Stay Cool – Navigating HVAC Refrigerant Trends

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Philip Johnston

 Sr. Director of Product Planning, Daikin Applied Americas

Philip Johnston

Sr. Director of Product Planning, Daikin Applied Americas
Philip Johnston, PEng, joined McQuay International (now Daikin Applied Americas) in June 2001, supporting purchasing and development activities in the Chiller business. He held a series of development, new product introduction, and product management roles in the Air Side business before becoming the Sr. Director of Product Planning in 2010. In 2012, Johnston became the Product General Manager for the Applied Terminal Business (W/GSHP, fan coils and unit ventilators). In 2019, Johnston became the GM in charge of transitioning to low GWP refrigerants and in 2022, Johnston became the VP of DAA’s Environmental Business Development Center

Woody Woodall

 MSCA and MCAA Instructor

Woody Woodall

MSCA and MCAA Instructor
Woody Woodall is an industry veteran contractor and instructor with over 30 years direct experience in the industry. Woody is a very popular and highly acclaimed instructor for MSCA and MCAA, having taught at numerous conferences and local service seminar programs, as well as being a past MSCA Chair.

Unlock Success – Inside Plumbing Service

Sponsored by PCA

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

John Geiling

 President, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services

John Geiling

President, JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services
John Geiling is President of JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services located in Jessup, MD. He is a member of the MCAA Board of Directors, current chair of the PCA committee and a past member of the MSCA Education Committee.

Kori Gormley-Huppert

 President, Gormley Plumbing + Mechanical

Kori Gormley-Huppert

President, Gormley Plumbing + Mechanical
Kori Gormley-Huppert is President and fourth-generation owner of Gormley Plumbing + Mechanical, based in McMinnville, Oregon. She is a member of the MCAA Board of Directors, a member of the PCA Board and the former Chair of the Women in the Mechanical Industry Committee.

Michael Wallenstein

 Co-President, Neptune Plumbing

Michael Wallenstein

Co-President, Neptune Plumbing
Michael Wallenstein is Co-President of Neptune Plumbing located in Cleveland, OH. He is a member of the PCA Board.

Demystifying Heat Pumps and Heat Pump Water Heaters – Myths, Deployment, and Strategic Advantages for Contractors

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Dan Lawlor

 Environmental Policy Analyst, United States EPA

Dan Lawlor

Environmental Policy Analyst, United States EPA
Dan Lawlor is an environmental policy analyst with the US EPA, in the ENERGY STAR Products Labeling branch. He works with key stakeholders, including manufacturers, utilities, and efficiency organizations to develop tools and resources that raise awareness of ENERGY STAR certified HVAC equipment, with a particular focus on heat pumps, and the new initiative from ENERGY STAR, the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade. Lawlor engages stakeholders on ENERGY STAR initiatives and in creating promotional efforts to educate consumers on the benefits of these products. Prior to his role at ENERGY STAR, Lawlor worked at The Cadmus Group, where he supported ENERGY STAR initiatives in strategic marketing, stakeholder facilitation, and program analysis.

Jamie Kono

 Building Research Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

Jamie Kono

Building Research Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Jamie is a Building Research Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) where she supports US Department of Energy decarbonization efforts. She supports residential energy efficiency workforce development efforts, helps manage open source building science education materials, and provides building performance standard technical assistance. Jamie’s background includes energy auditing large existing commercial buildings and residential energy efficiency research. She is active within ASHRAE and is a member of ASHRAE Standards 100 and 242P.

Jeff Wanner

 Systems Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

Jeff Wanner

Systems Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Jeff Wanner is a systems engineer at Pacific Northwest National Lab focused on technology deployment and market transfer for commercial and residential buildings. He has supported Dept. of Energy research, development and deployment efforts ranging from validations to implementations and adoption. He has extensive direct experience overseeing projects with federal agencies, state/local government and private sector building owners. His education includes Building Systems and Civil Engineering degrees.

Robert Vilches

 Training Specialist, UA ITF

Robert Vilches

Training Specialist, UA ITF
Robert Vilches began his apprenticeship in 2000 at UA Local 110 in Norfolk, VA. He worked in the field as an HVACR Service Technician and Foreman. He worked part time as an instructor for local 110 for 12 years. In 2014 he graduated the UA Instructor Training Program (UA ITP) and earned an AAS in Industrial Training from Washtenaw Community College. Robert left the field to become a full-time instructor for the UA Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program at the Naval base in Norfolk, VA. In 2018 he was invited to be an instructor for the UA ITP. In 2021 Robert was hired by the UA ITF as a Training Specialist where he continues working for the members of the UA.

Identify Tomorrow's Leaders Within Your Existing Workforce

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Steve Thomas

 Motivational Speaker

Steve Thomas

Motivational Speaker

Steve is not a motivational speaker. He is a speaker who will motivate and inspire you, but that is not his ultimate priority. Instead, Steve will challenge you to look at things with a new perspective and help you understand why being intentional in what you say and do, especially with your team, will bring higher productivity and an all-around better environment. Steve consistently ranks as MSCA’s highest rated speaker and is a popular speaker throughout the industry.

Building Resilience – Tackling Mental Health, Suicide and Substance Misuse in our Industry

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Brandon Anderson

 Vice President of Safety, AGC of Missouri

Brandon Anderson

Vice President of Safety, AGC of Missouri

Brandon Anderson, Vice President of Safety at AGC of Missouri, has 26 years of experience in the construction industry, holding various positions from leadership to senior safety and senior employee development specialist roles.

Mr. Anderson is not only a lifelong construction professional but also an advocate for total worker wellbeing, with a focus on Mental Health, Suicide, and Substance Misuse.

In 2022, he co-founded AGC of America’s National Task Force; Mental Health, Suicide Prevention. He currently serves as the co-chair; and on numerous other committees nationally. His passion and personal experience run deep, and his impact is recognized throughout the Midwest and nationally.

   

Margin Mastery – Creating Value to Elevate Your HVAC Business

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Frank Favaro

 Founder and President, ServeCentric Coaching

Frank Favaro

Founder and President, ServeCentric Coaching

Frank Favaro is the Founder and President of ServeCentric Coaching in Cleveland, OH.

As the first CX Coach certified by the renowned DiJulius Group, Frank has set a high bar in the customer experience domain. His approach, distinguished by impressive credentials and holistic methods, was shaped during his successful tenure as one of MSCA’s top account executives from 2016 to 2020.

Frank’s entrance into the industry was marked by the absence of traditional technical skills, product knowledge, or an established client base. Yet, he overcame these challenges to achieve extraordinary success, doubling the national average for net margin—a testament to his focus on authentic relationships and superior customer experience. "I've lived and breathed the challenges and triumphs of this industry," Frank says. "Now, my mission is to empower others with the strategies that led to my success."

At the core of Frank’s philosophy is the conviction that the pinnacle of sales and marketing effectiveness lies in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Hiring Your Next Technology – Mastering the Art of Technological Acquisition

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Jonathan Marsh

 CEO and Founder, SteelToe Consulting

Jonathan Marsh

CEO and Founder, SteelToe Consulting
Jonathan Marsh is CEO of SteelToe Consulting LLC, a firm that specializes in helping construction companies integrate and implement modern construction technology and workflows to improve and streamline their businesses. He also works as a construction startup advisor and as a software product manager for construction software. In addition to conducting research and reporting for industry groups, he helps develop hardware and software solutions for the construction space. Marsh is the former CTO of Wm. T. Spaeder Company, where he led IT, virtual design & construction, and engineering. While there, he championed technology adoption and the advantages of using progressive technological approaches. He has an extensive background in MEP construction and engineering, with projects ranging from commercial buildings to industrial refineries, and has over two decades of experience in the AEC industry.

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