Adapt to Remain Competitive

Many of us came from similar backgrounds, shared a similar approach to work, and even had similar stories about how we found our way into the trades.

Fast forward to today, and our industry has changed dramatically. If you had told me back when I was working on the shop floor that one day we’d be talking about Artificial Intelligence helping us design, plan and execute sheet metal projects, I probably would have asked what science-fiction movie you’d been watching. But here we are.

As our workforce continues to evolve, our industry has to evolve with it. We need to broaden where we look for talent and recognize that the best person for the job may not fit the traditional image of a sheet metal worker. That is not something we should resist, it’s something we should embrace.

SMACNA and its members have already made tremendous progress, and we need to keep building that momentum. Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of how we operate, compete and grow. But technology alone isn’t the answer. We need talented people with new ideas, different perspectives and the skills to put those tools to work. Some may look back and wish the workforce still looked the way it did 20 or 30 years ago. I don’t. I’m proud that we are changing and evolving with the times. 

At Ventcon, we’ve had the opportunity to work on some incredible megaprojects. These are massive undertakings that require focus, ingenuity, creativity and teamwork to design, plan and execute. And if there is one thing those experiences have taught me, it’s this: our success comes down to our people.

SMACNA and our industry as a whole is only as strong as the people who make it up. As you read this issue of SMACNews, you will meet some of the people who are helping move our industry forward and see the incredible work being done by the next generation of business leaders.

The industry I entered as an apprentice all those years ago is not the same industry we see today, and I believe that is a good thing. If we continue to welcome new people, new ideas and new ways of doing things, there is no limit to where this industry can go.

We have come a long way. And I believe our best years are still ahead of us.