R&R Controls

As this year comes to a close, and another one starts, I see a change in the MEP industry that I do not feel is for the best. I’ve been doing MEP related work for over 35 years, wearing many different hats. Whether I was a Facility Manager /customer, Project Manager for a large BAS Company or in my current capacity as GM over a commercial mechanical/ BAS company, I have always strived to meet timelines and be able to give those that I work with/ for answers in a timely fashion. As of the last 2-3 years, this has become problematic more often than not. A lot of work is scheduled for the last 2-3 weeks of the year and what I’m seeing widespread, is the lack of available support personnel from equipment, BAS and technical support as a whole which really makes our industry look pretty bad, IMO. No longer is equipment “simple”, much of it is “one-off” or special order requiring specialized assistance when problems arise. I understand that our workforce is aging, people are accruing or negotiating more PTO but better planning needs to be enforced in organizations so that everyone isn’t off at the same time. It’s time for Managers to Manage! As an independent MEP, I’ll definitely look to those first that have provided continuous support and try to use them as a preferred alternate where I can. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year! Barry