For MCAA’s new President Brian Helm, technology is not just a passion, but a way of life. Helm is the president of Freeport, Illinois-based Mechanical Inc., part of the Helm Group of companies, which operates in the healthcare, industrial, education, aquatic, water/wastewater treatment, government, high rise, energy and mission critical sectors.

When Lenny Siers retired from active military duty in 1995, he decided to open his own residential home services company in Niceville, Florida. Siers’ background was heavy in air conditioning and heating and he saw an opportunity; however he had no experience as a businessman.

The inaugural event is scheduled for April 30-May 2, in Rosemont, Illinois, and will showcase the latest design and building processes, products and emerging technologies.

Four years ago, I attended my first AHR Expo in Chicago. And no matter how many times my colleagues warned me to bring my walking shoes, I was blown away by the sheer size of the event. I put in my daily 10,000 steps — and then some — walking back and forth between the halls learning about ductless mini-splits, cooling towers, boilers, water heaters and more.

Stuart’s Plumbing has been a family business for more than 28 years. The company was established in 1990 by the late Stuart Baldick Jr. But after 10 years of owning the franchise, he decided to branch out and establish his own brand.

Recent reports from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality show the lowest level of contamination since the water crisis began in Flint, Michigan in 2014. The agency reports 90% of Flint water samples had 4 parts per billion of lead or less in the last six months of 2018.

Marty Kirchner never specifies standard toilets anymore, instead opting for comfort height, ADA compliant options. Kirchner, the co-owner and vice president of La Crosse, Wisconsin-based Kirchner Custom Builders, notes that he helps his clients plan for the future during the design/build process.