SMACNews July/August 2025

Making AI Work: Tips & Tricks for Contractors

We are in the midst of another technology revolution, one as important as the internet or mobile phones, with artificial intelligence (AI) tools becoming increasingly accessible and practical for contractors of all sizes.

Aug 28, 2025

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Architectural ARCHITECTURAL: Crafting a Custom Vision in Steel

Thompson Solutions Group brought Plan Architecture’s wood-look steel façade to life at Little Priest Tribal College, combining precision, speed and SMACNA-backed expertise.

READ TIME: 5 MINS

HVAC HVAC: Welded With Precision, Driven by Purpose

MechOne builds more than ductwork as it shapes the future of Colorado’s HVAC industry.

READ TIME: 4 MINS

Industrial INDUSTRIAL: Leading the Charge

Toronto Sheet Metal Contractors Association member Black & McDonald installed HVAC systems and duct for Ontario’s first electric vehicle battery plant. The work required extensive communication with numerous trades.

READ TIME: 6 MINS

Residential RESIDENTIAL: How Zipf-Air Boosted Profits by Going Residential

By flipping his business model and focusing on customer service, high-end brands and Indoor Air Quality, John Zipf turned a commercial-heavy HVAC company into a thriving residential operation.

READ TIME: 5 MINS

Artificial Intelligence: An Introduction

Since late 2022, when ChatGPT was introduced, we’ve been hearing more and more about AI, usually with more hype than explanation.

READ TIME: 15 MINS

Progress, Partnerships and Possibility

SMACNA's CEO examines some of the association's work in critical subject matter areas.

READ TIME: 3 MINS

A SMART Partnership

SMACNA's President reflects on his long history of collaboration with SMART General President Michael Coleman.

READ TIME: 3 MINS

AI in Construction: Navigating Opportunities and Risks for SMACNA Contractors

These next few years will be important for the construction industry, as artificial intelligence transforms key elements of how contractors operate.

READ TIME: 12 MINS

Workforce Evolution Trends: What Construction Leaders Should Know

The dynamics of the construction labor workforce are shifting, fueled by a growing labor shortage, evolving employee expectations and a sizable portion of the workforce nearing retirement.

READ TIME: 4 MINS

Trump Backs Biden-Era EO Mandating PLAs for Large Federal Construction Projects

In a surprising continuation of his predecessor’s labor policy, President Donald Trump’s administration announced on June 12, 2025

READ TIME: 4 MINS

What’s in H.R. 1, The New Tax Bill, and What It Means for SMACNA Contractors

READ TIME: 5 MINS

Welcome New SMACNA Members

READ TIME: 1 MINS

The SMACNA Advantage

SMACNA is dedicated to helping members run successful businesses by providing many benefits that create a competitive advantage.

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