2026 SMACNA Fab Forum

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Jeff Elwell serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at E.M. Duggan, a fifth-generation, family-owned business specializing in plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection. In his role, Jeff has been instrumental in driving innovation and technology adoption within the company, particularly through the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other advanced technologies.

Applications Support Specialist

Jessy James is an Applications Support Specialist at Hill Group, a $750 million Chicago and Indiana-based company specializing in the construction and maintenance of mechanical building systems, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Since joining the company in 2013, Jessy has played a key role in leading Hill Group’s transition from AutoCAD to Revit.

CEO and Founder of BuildFactory

Britton Langdon is the CEO and Founder of BuildFactory, an AI-powered marketplace and project management platform transforming off-site construction. He previously founded MSUITE, acquired by Stanley Black & Decker, and is recognized as a leading voice in prefabrication, DfMA, and the role of AI in the built environment.

CEO and Technology Strategist, Steel Toe Consulting

Jonathan Marsh is the CEO and Technology Strategist at Steel Toe Consulting, where he helps construction companies build better systems with the right mix of tools, tech, and strategy. He’s spent over 20 years in the mechanical trades—first working as a designer and engineer, then leading the engineering, IT, and VDC teams at a large mechanical contractor.

CEO, Stratus

Jake Olsen, P.E. has worked in the construction industry as an engineer and entrepreneur for over 20 years both in the USA and abroad performing engineering, building teams, starting companies, launching products, and developing software for the builders of tomorrow.

Vice President of Corporate Technology for The Hill Group

Dave Pikey is the Vice President of Corporate Technology for The Hill Group, a $300M Chicago-based organization engaged in the construction and maintenance of mechanical building systems – all with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. 

COO and Co-Founder of Kojo

Micah is COO and Co-Founder of Kojo, the industry-leading construction procurement platform that’s raised $84m to date from leading VC and industry partners.

CEO and Founder, Iron Man of IT

Jeff Sample has devoted the past 25+ years to transforming companies. Jeff optimizes companies throughout the construction industry by designing solutions, optimizing strategic advantages, and breaking down information silos. His passion for outdoor adventure and Ironman competitions garnered him the moniker "The Ironman of IT".
 
As an Industry Evangelist, Jeff promotes collaboration and the transformation of construction to help project teams reach their potential. His depth of IT experience in various industries and his passion for continuous improvement have made Jeff a popular speaker and vocal thought leader in construction, spending much of his time educating on multiple topics to better the industry. 

Thomas Santos is a results-oriented executive with over 35 years of experience in driving operational excellence. With expertise in Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma methodologies, he has led significant efficiency improvements while ensuring strict compliance with standards. 

Ryne Sullivan is a third-generation sheet metal professional with more than 16 years of metal manufacturing experience spanning heavy industry to HVAC fabrication.

Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication, SMACNA

Travis Voss is SMACNA’s Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication where he aids member contractors in identifying the critical technological trends within the industry and assist members in remaining at the forefront of these developments.

Director of Construction Technology, UMC

Darren Young has spent 30 years supporting the operations and strategy for manufacturing and construction technologies and sharing his knowledge with the industry. With a unique ability to see problems and solutions others don’t, he strives for pragmatic results using creative solutions others often miss. Always user focused, he strives for implementing solutions and revamping workflows without disrupting productivity in the process.