Building Management
As America ramps up its focus on rebuilding infrastructure and domestic manufacturing, the skilled trades are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. With a national labor shortage in HVAC and related fields, companies are hungry for the next generation of technicians—and women are stepping into the space like never before. Only 2 percent…
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Building Management
Would Your Staff Know Their Role in a Disaster?
In this episode of Critical Response Stories, Kacie Chappell shares a hard truth many organizations face too late: a business continuity plan is only as strong as the people carrying it out. Kacie has seen that the most successful recoveries start long before the storm hits. They begin with preparation, practice, and a clear…
Building Management
What Proactive Planning Really Delivers in a Crisis
In this soundbite, Kacie Chappell shares how proactive planning can turn a chaotic emergency into a moment of calm leadership. For Kacie, preparation is not just about logistics. It is what allows teams to step up when it matters most. “When organizations plan before something happens, they really see the benefit in the heat of…
Building Management
AI in HVAC Speeds Up Troubleshooting, Automates Training, and Connects Techs to the Right Data Instantly
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming field service operations across skilled trades, and HVAC is no exception. AI in HVAC is reshaping how technicians access information, troubleshoot systems, and stay productive on the job. As the industry faces an ongoing labor shortage and rising equipment complexity, the need for smarter tools is urgent, especially as…
Articles Building Management
Passing the Torch: Why the Skilled Trades Must Build a Culture That Protects Technician Wisdom
The skilled trades are facing a demographic cliff. The reality is that far fewer people are entering the trades than leaving, creating a widening gap that threatens the stability of critical infrastructure across the U.S. At the same time, younger generations are bringing different expectations around work-life balance, culture, and purpose. As a result, service…
Articles Building Management
Field Engineer to Industry Leader: Coty Fournier’s 35-Year Journey in Construction
Construction is an industry where experience is currency. For many in the field, career paths become case studies in adaptability, strategic growth, and cross-functional expertise. With the U.S. construction market experiencing both highs and lows, the demand for leaders who understand field realities as well as business strategies remains critical to the industry’s success…
Building Management
What It Takes to Restore a Tornado-Damaged Clinic
When a tornado tore through Oklahoma City in April, BMS CAT was already on-site before many businesses even realized the extent of the tornado damage—including Valor Physical Therapy. Thanks to an existing relationship with Valor’s affiliated hospital, the BMS CAT team was positioned to respond quickly. “We were actually on scene before they knew…
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How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Transforming Workforce Education for America’s Frontline Employees
Work is changing fast. Automation and artificial intelligence aren’t just reshaping how we work—they’re redefining who gets access to opportunity in the first place. With frontline workers making up a significant share of the American workforce—and one in eight Americans having worked at McDonald’s—the discussion about education, skills, and upward mobility feels more urgent than…
How to Build a Purpose-Driven Career in the Age of AI and Acceleration
In a world reshaped by AI, global connectivity, and relentless technological advancement, the pace of disruption has never been greater. Careers are being reinvented as industries transform, and individuals everywhere are being challenged to find meaning, adaptability, and creativity in their professional paths. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 86% of…
Fashion, Identity, and Digital Life Collide: Why Brands Must Listen, Collaborate, and Co-Create With the Next Generation of Youth
As the lines blur between fashion, identity, and digital life, brands are racing to understand how today’s youth are reshaping culture and commerce. Pacsun’s new Youth Report 2025, produced in partnership with GlobalData, offers one of the most detailed portraits yet of Gen Z and Gen Alpha—two generations united by self-expression but divided by…
Grow Your Own Talent: How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Building a Culture of Lifelong Learning
The world of work is changing faster than ever. Automation is reshaping jobs, new technologies are rewriting what “qualified” means, and a new generation of workers is redefining what they expect from employers. From fast food to healthcare, companies are realizing they can’t just hire talent — they have to build it. They’re starting to…
Latest Articles Building Management
Articles Building Management
Grit, Growth, and Gaining Ground in a Male-Dominated Field: What It Means to Be a Young Female Tech in HVAC
As America ramps up its focus on rebuilding infrastructure and domestic manufacturing, the skilled trades are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. With a national labor shortage in HVAC and related fields, companies are hungry for the next generation of technicians—and women are stepping into the space like never before. Only 2 percent…
Passing the Torch: Why the Skilled Trades Must Build a Culture That Protects Technician Wisdom
The skilled trades are facing a demographic cliff. The reality is that far fewer people are entering the trades than leaving, creating a widening gap that threatens the stability of critical infrastructure across the U.S. At the same time, younger generations are bringing different expectations around work-life balance, culture, and purpose. As a result, service…
Field Engineer to Industry Leader: Coty Fournier’s 35-Year Journey in Construction
Construction is an industry where experience is currency. For many in the field, career paths become case studies in adaptability, strategic growth, and cross-functional expertise. With the U.S. construction market experiencing both highs and lows, the demand for leaders who understand field realities as well as business strategies remains critical to the industry’s success…
The Next Era of Workplace Safety Demands Stronger Leadership & Higher Safety Standards
Workplace safety is no longer just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about fostering a proactive culture of risk management and innovation. With ongoing discussions around the future of OSHA and the rise of AI-driven safety solutions, industries are reevaluating their approach to keeping workers safe. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), workplace fatalities have…
Articles Building Management
Women in HVAC: Pioneering Change in a Male-Dominated Industry
The HVAC industry is evolving, and with it, the roles within the sector are expanding beyond traditional boundaries. Amid rising tuition costs and strong demand for skilled labor, young people are increasingly choosing trade schools over a traditional college education. With such a shift highlighting the need for a more diverse workforce, the questions…
A Greener Future in HVAC: Balancing Innovation and Environmental Responsibility with Mike Donahue
In an industry grappling with unprecedented changes, from liquid cooling innovations to bridging labor gaps, the HVAC world is evolving rapidly. With sustainability and efficiency becoming central themes, it’s a critical moment for rethinking solutions and workforce development. The stakes are high—data centers alone, for instance, are expected to account for 3-4% of global…
Balancing Growth and Sustainability in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Sofia Lozoya
In the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, the spotlight shines on overcoming adversity, breaking into new industries, and leading with innovation. With industries like HVAC traditionally slow to adopt change, the conversation focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by integrating new technologies. A growing demand for energy conservation solutions makes the…
Empowering the Next Generation Through Trade Education: Building Confidence, Career Paths, and Bright Futures
The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, a challenge exacerbated by limited early exposure to the trades in schools. With projections showing a steady decline in the availability of qualified workers to support infrastructure and construction, programs like those led by Evin Jarrett are stepping in to bridge the gap. His…
Articles Building Management
How Relationship-Building was Vital to an Account Manager’s Journey from Technician
The HVAC industry has seen a number of changes in recent years. Many of those changes are due to technology and community increasingly intersecting, and professionals are finding that success lies not just in technical expertise but in the strength of relationship-building. Since automation and mechanical systems become even more complex, the need for…
Sustainability and Innovation in the Data Center Industry: Insights from Rob Ussher
The data center industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, spurred by the challenges of COVID-19 and an intensified focus on sustainable practices. These shifts have prompted innovations in energy efficiency and new strategies in business operations, reshaping how data centers address both technological demands and environmental responsibilities. In this episode of Straight…
Digital Marketing for the HVAC industry: Why Online Presence is the Key to Business Growth
For HVAC businesses, mastering online visibility and reputation management has become a critical factor in achieving success. With the internet increasingly becoming the first stop for customers seeking services, the practice of digital marketing for the HVAC industry has been gaining traction. Chris Lollini, founder and CEO of Reputation Igniter, specializes in helping businesses…
Navigating Success and Change in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Andy Graham
The HVAC industry is facing a pivotal moment, where the balance between maintaining strong relationships and adapting to new technologies determines the success of companies. With rapid advancements and shifting business dynamics, those who excel are the ones who have mastered the art of connecting deeply with clients and team members alike. But how…
Latest Podcasts
Building Management
AI in HVAC Speeds Up Troubleshooting, Automates Training, and Connects Techs to the Right Data Instantly
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming field service operations across skilled trades, and HVAC is no exception. AI in HVAC is reshaping how technicians access information, troubleshoot systems, and stay productive on the job. As the industry faces an ongoing labor shortage and rising equipment complexity, the need for smarter tools is urgent, especially as…
Targeted HVAC Training Boosts Careers, Retention, and Service Quality
The HVAC industry is evolving quickly, from advanced controls to new refrigerant standards, yet one principle remains timeless: skilled technicians are the backbone of the trade. What is changing is how companies are preparing those technicians for long-term careers through focused HVAC training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the…
Women in HVACR Are Driving Change Across the Skilled Trades
Trade school enrollment climbed 4.9% between fall 2020 and fall 2023, signaling a national shift toward skills-based careers as alternatives to four-year degrees. This modest but meaningful rebound underscores growing interest in trades like HVACR, where demand is high, but representation remains lopsided. For decades, women in the field have been overlooked despite playing…
Scale Smarter in HVAC: Balancing Growth with Employee Engagement
The HVAC industry is undergoing significant growth, driven by increased suburban migration and a surge in home renovations requiring system upgrades. The U.S. HVAC market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. As businesses scale to meet this demand, balancing expansion with retaining strong…
Building Management
What is Value Chain Optimization—and Why It Matters Now
In this episode, Aaron Berg breaks down how value chain optimization (VCO) extends beyond traditional supply chain models by integrating operational decisions with real financial impacts. He explains how VCO enables companies to rapidly simulate “what-if” scenarios—like onboarding new customers, shifting production, or adjusting sourcing contracts—while understanding profitability at every level. From strategic sourcing to…
Warehouse Automation Rollout That Works: Align Teams, Focus on Workflows, Skip the Feature Trap
Automation is rapidly gaining momentum in the warehouse and logistics world, but meaningful, scalable success remains elusive. While the technology is reliable and the benefits are clear, a mere 20% of warehouses in North America have implemented any type of automation, according to a 2024 McKinsey report. While the majority of logistics and supply chain…
Adaptive Warehouse Automation Is Your Edge in an Unpredictable Environment
As consumer expectations for rapid delivery tighten supply chain timelines, warehouses face a logistical balancing act: they must move goods faster while dealing with labor shortages and ever-changing operational environments. Unlike manufacturing facilities, which thrive on predictable workflows, warehouses change minute by minute based on human activity, delivery windows, and inventory flow. Reflecting this operational…
Robot Safety Is a Survival Skill—Not a Perk. Vecna Robotics Aligns People, Process, and Tech for Scalable and Safer Automation
Warehouse automation is rising sharply, with Gartner predicting that more than 75% of companies will have integrated cyber-physical systems into their operations by 2027. While this growth is driven by increasing demand for flexible, scalable fulfillment solutions, it brings new operational and robot safety challenges that traditional warehouse cultures and systems aren’t always prepared for….
Building Management
Lone Robots Fall Short, but Fleets Scale Warehouse Automation: Robot Orchestration Makes It Work
As supply chains face mounting pressure to meet faster delivery times and adapt to shifting global demands, robotics and automation are no longer optional—they’re essential. According to McKinsey, automation technologies could increase worldwide productivity by 0.8% to 1.4% annually. But the real payoff isn’t in deploying a robot—it’s in building a coordinated, intelligent fleet….
Scaling Warehouse Automation with Robots Demands Alignment, Education, and Collaboration for ROI Success
In a logistics landscape where labor shortages persist and pressure to optimize warehouse throughput intensifies, many organizations are looking to automation as a solution. Yet, despite growing investments in robotics, especially autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), scaling warehouse automation remains a major challenge. The problem? It’s not the robots. It’s how they’re used. So, what really…
Vecna Robotics Powers Scalable Warehouse Automation Through Human-in-the-Loop Support
Warehouse automation is no longer a fringe concept—it’s accelerating fast. According to McKinsey, robot shipments are expected to grow by as much as 50% annually through 2030, and warehouse automation spending is rising by over 10% each year. As companies race to modernize operations, it’s becoming clear that real performance doesn’t come from hardware alone——it’s…
Vecna Robotics’ CaseFlow Is Making Case Picking Smarter, Safer and Faster
Despite the growing buzz around warehouse automation, a major piece of the puzzle remains largely untouched: case picking. While autonomous vehicles and robotic arms are gaining traction, many warehouses still depend on manual labor to move cases from shelf to pallet. This inefficiency not only slows down throughput but also places strain on workers…
Latest Videos Building Management
Building Management
Would Your Staff Know Their Role in a Disaster?
In this episode of Critical Response Stories, Kacie Chappell shares a hard truth many organizations face too late: a business continuity plan is only as strong as the people carrying it out. Kacie has seen that the most successful recoveries start long before the storm hits. They begin with preparation, practice, and a clear…
What Proactive Planning Really Delivers in a Crisis
In this soundbite, Kacie Chappell shares how proactive planning can turn a chaotic emergency into a moment of calm leadership. For Kacie, preparation is not just about logistics. It is what allows teams to step up when it matters most. “When organizations plan before something happens, they really see the benefit in the heat of…
What It Takes to Restore a Tornado-Damaged Clinic
When a tornado tore through Oklahoma City in April, BMS CAT was already on-site before many businesses even realized the extent of the tornado damage—including Valor Physical Therapy. Thanks to an existing relationship with Valor’s affiliated hospital, the BMS CAT team was positioned to respond quickly. “We were actually on scene before they knew…
How One Florida GM Managed Two Hurricanes in Two Weeks
On this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Shadira Jones, General Manager of BMS CAT’s Tampa office, to talk about resilience, leadership, and preparation during back-to-back hurricanes that hit the Florida coast. With less than two years at BMS CAT under her belt, Shadira was thrust into emergency…
Building Management
What Businesses and Homeowners Should Know About Flood Protection
Many homeowners don’t realize that standard homeowner’s insurance excludes flood protection. That’s a risk worth correcting fast. Lori Callahan, Assistant VP and Account Executive for Personal Lines at B.F. Saul Insurance, stresses the importance of proactive flood coverage. “About 40% of flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk zones,” she explains. Because of that, her…
How to Prep for a Smooth Flood Insurance Claim
When it comes to flood insurance, preparation is key. Tyler Ardron, Executive Vice President at Floodproofing.com, often advises homeowners and businesses to take proactive steps before a storm hits. “We deal with this all the time with our clients,” Ardron explains. “Have a list of your belongings, include estimated values, and schedule everything out ahead…
Rebuilding After the Tornado with One Call
In April 2023, a powerful tornado tore through Shawnee, Oklahoma, leaving a trail of destruction—including severe damage to Valir Physical Therapy’s local facility. Half the building was left standing, the other half shredded beyond use. But before Valir staff even arrived on site, BMS CAT was already there. “They beat me to the site,”…
Why Healthcare Facility Managers Choose One Go‑To Company
In this edition of Restoration Journeys, Jason McClaren, Regional Director of Plant Operations for Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals, shares why having a healthcare‑trained restoration partner makes all the difference. A former firefighter and Air Force veteran, Jason brings a unique perspective to facility preparedness—emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, especially in healthcare where lives and operations…
Building Management
How BMS CAT Cleared an Amazon Warehouse After a Fire
In this installment of Restoration Journeys, we highlight Thomas Malone’s firsthand account of a crisis at his Amazon warehouse and how BMS CAT’s swift response made all the difference. Arriving for his shift early one morning, Thomas was met with flashing lights and an unexpected disaster—a lithium battery had ignited a fire in the…
Build a Supply Chain That Bounces Back
In this episode, Aaron Berg explores how River Logic’s value chain optimization platform empowers businesses to stay agile amid real-world disruptions—from global tariffs to port delays, weather events, and shifting demand. By simulating the financial and operational impact of supply chain decisions in real time, companies can rethink sourcing, pricing, and production strategies to protect…
From Tariff Shock to Strategic Advantage
In this episode, Aaron Berg reframes tariff disruptions as a strategic opportunity. With River Logic’s value chain optimization solution, companies can quickly model shifts in sourcing, manufacturing, and make-vs-buy decisions to gain a competitive edge. Whether it’s reshoring production or pivoting in response to new trade policies, VCO helps businesses react fast—and capitalize on change…
Tariffs Are Changing—Is Your Supply Chain Ready?
Aaron Berg highlights how shifting global tariffs are forcing companies to rethink their entire value chain strategies. With international production, sourcing flexibility, and layered tariff schedules, simple cost assumptions no longer cut it. River Logic’s value chain optimization platform enables leaders to model complex what-if scenarios—like staging production across borders—to find the most cost-effective, compliant…
