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Xcel Mechanical Named 6th-largest Mechanical and Plumbing Contractor in California

SACRAMENTO, CA — California’s leading construction industry trade journal identified Xcel Mechanical Systems as Golden State’s 6th-largest mechanical and plumbing contractor, and 32nd-largest specialty contractor overall.

The rankings, published in the Dec. 5 edition of ENR California, compared 2015 company revenues submitted by the state’s top contracting firms.

Last October, ENR-California’s parent publication – Engineering News-Record – listed Xcel Mechanical Systems as the 93rd-largest mechanical contractor in the United States.

Also last year, Contractor Magazine listed Xcel Mechanical as the state’s nation’s 81st-largest mechanical contractor.

“These rankings are a testament to our ability to thrive and to grow in a competitive marketplace,” said Kevin Michel, president of Xcel Mechanical Systems. “And it clearly points to our company’s ability to consistently deliver on our promise of quality and value. “We value our clients, and appreciate the long-lasting relationships we have built with key industry partners. It’s all part of our success story.”

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems is recognized across Southern California as an industry leader in commercial and industrial mechanical and plumbing engineering, design-build, and construction. Building owners, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective, dependable solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. We specialize in the Aerospace, Healthcare, Education, Commercial, Data Center, and LEED Construction sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com

Xcel Mechanical’s Kevin Michel Introduced as CAL SMACNA’s 50th President

CARLSBAD, CA – The California Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (CAL SMACNA) introduced as its 50th president Kevin Michel of Xcel Mechanical Systems during the organizations four-day annual convention, which concluded here Saturday night.

CAL SMACNA is a non-profit statewide trade association representing more than 600 sheet metal and air conditioning contractors who employ more than 25,000 union employees and administrative personnel throughout the state. The organization focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy programs and services for its members.

Mr. Michel, who celebrates his 50th birthday this week, has grown Gardena, CA-based Xcel Mechanical Systems into one of Southern California’s most respected commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing and Piping contractors since co-founding the business in 1998.

“The 50th anniversary of a great association. It’s 50th convention. And I’m the 50th president on my 50th birthday. And those are just the first 200 reasons why I’m so happy you’ve chosen me,” said Mr. Michel.

“This is an honor, and I’m excited to serve,” he said. “I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas with my fellow contractors and chapter executives, and to us working together on the opportunities and challenges ahead. We work in a great industry with great people. This is going to be a great year.”

Mr. Michel is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and has worked in the commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing, and Piping industry for more than 25 years. He graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering before relocating to Southern California to take a job with Meadows Mechanical. There he worked for Ed Banks, who served CAL SMACNA for many years and in whose memory the organization created the Edward G. Banks Award for exemplary service to the association.

“Ed was more than an employer; he was a mentor and a teacher,” Mr. Michel said. “He helped me grow and develop. He taught me a lot about hard work, character, inner strength and common sense. I will always be grateful for that experience.”

Within a year of his arrival at Meadows Mechanical, Mr. Michel was promoted to lead the company’s engineering department. And not long after, with the help and encouragement of his peers and others across the industry, Mr. Michel co-founded Xcel Mechanical Systems.

As president of Xcel Mechanical, he oversees all company operations. He relies on the diligence, professionalism and project know-how of his seasoned team of project managers, engineers, and administrative unit heads to continue steering the company through customer project execution and overall company growth.

“We have been so busy since we began that I haven’t taken enough time to pause, look back and take stock of how lucky I am to run a successful business and have a loving family,” Mr. Michel said. “However, a night like tonight allows that opportunity.”

In addition to his own service, Mr. Michel encourages his senior managers and field teams to take full advantage of the training and service opportunities that local, state and national professional associations provide for their members.

“I always thought I was too busy to join SMACNA, but I didn’t realize this association would make me a better businessman and a better person. To sit on the Board of the Los Angeles Chapter – and later the CAL SMACNA Board – has proven to be one of the best career decisions I have made. Most of the time the other members are my competitors, but all of the time they are truly great friends. I know I can pick up the phone at any time and get great advice from the friendships I have developed here.”

Xcel Mechanical’s operations manager, Scott Burson, is on the Board of Directors of the California Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association, and on the Finance Committee of the Apprentice and Journeyman Training Trust Fund.

“These associations provide opportunities to have a presence, and to get involved,” Mr. Burson said. “We respect our industry. We bring value. And we’re in this to help more people than just ourselves. This is a great night for Kevin. And it’s a great night for CAL SMACNA.”

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems is recognized across Southern California as an industry leader in commercial and industrial mechanical and plumbing engineering, design-build, and construction. Building owners, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective, dependable solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. We specialize in the Aerospace, Healthcare, Education, Commercial, Data Center, and LEED Construction sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com

About CAL SMACNA
California Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (CAL SMACNA) is a non-profit statewide trade association representing over 600 sheet metal and air conditioning contractors who employ more than 25,000 union employees and administrative personnel throughout California. These contractors perform commercial and residential heating, ventilating, and air conditioning; architectural and industrial sheet metal; as well as stainless steel kitchen equipment, manufacturing, testing and balancing, siding and decking. Their range of work is from public works to private commercial and residential projects. Our mission is to provide legislative and regulatory advocacy and program services. For more information, please visit: http://www.cal-smacna.org/

Xcel Mechanical Engineers Completing Design Phase of UCLA Hoops Practice Facility

GARDENA, CA – Xcel Mechanical engineeers are wrapping up the all-important design phase of the new Mo Ostin Basketball Center at UCLA, a strategic Design-Build project that will highlight the respected Southern California mechanical contractor’s combined strengths in design and construction.

The new state-of-the-art training and practice facility will be home to the university’s storied men’s and women’s basketball programs. The new two-story, 35,700 square-foot building will include on its ground floor practice gyms, locker rooms and player’s lounges for both teams; a training area and film room; cardio and equipment storage areas; and a public lobby. The second floor will include a weight room; coaches’ conference rooms; staff offices and lockers; and a laundry room.

Mechanical equipment will be located in the basement.

Xcel Mechanical was awarded the HVAC portion of the project. “It’s Design-Build slated for LEED Gold status, and both are in the front of our minds,” said project engineer Joe Camacho. “It is imperative that we design with both a constructability and budget mindset. It’s about balancing superior design with cost and energy savings that can be passed through to the owner.”

Another strong performance will continue to lead to more projects of similar size and scope across Southern California, said Kevin Michel, president of Xcel Mechanical. “We continue to build an impressive resume in the Education sector, and this project provides another opportunity to deliver unique value to a very important client.”

The project rejoins Xcel Mechanical with general contracting partner PCL Construction Services. Industry-leading trade publication Engineering News and Record – California recognized both firms with its prestigious “Award of Merit 2013” for their work on the UCLA Pauley Pavilion Renovation and Expansion Project.

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems is one of Southern California’s recognized industry leaders in large-scale mechanical and plumbing engineering, design-build, and construction. Building owners, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. We specialize in the Aerospace, Healthcare, Education, Data Center, Government, Commercial, and Entertainment sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com

Xcel Mechanical Introduces New Safety Director

GARDENA, CA – When Steve Prisk walked into Xcel Mechanical Systems’ front door in early 1999, this proud third-generation union sheet metal worker became the new firm’s first-ever sheet-metal man.

“I was superintendent of myself,” he joked.

In the years since, Prisk has worn many important hats at Xcel Mechanical as the company has grown into one of Southern California’s recognized industry leaders in large-scale mechanical and plumbing engineering, design-build, and construction firms, including overseeing the company’s Sheet Metal Division and also its front-edge Building Information Modeling (BIM) team.

But with decades of construction industry experience under his belt, this former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter crew chief knows that this command might just be the most important of his career.

“My job is to make sure that all Xcel Mechanical employees stay healthy and safe, and go home to their loved ones each day. And in the construction industry, that’s huge,” he said. “We achieve this by doing all we can to create and provide a hazard-free, safe work environment for all employees.”

Prisk said Job No. 1 is to oversee the continued development of the company’s existing Injury and Illness Prevention Program. And just as importantly, to communicate as effectively as possible to all company employees where Xcel Mechanical is succeeding, and where tweaks are needed.

“Communication is the absolute key,” he said. “We have a solid safety program in place. But getting mission-critical information out to the field in a timely manner can be a challenge for safety directors across the contracting business landscape. But we have excellent tools in place, and they are working.”

Important, he said, because OSHA is ramping up its requirements that contractors get certain mandatory postings out to the field – and to job sites – in what can be a very fluid environment. “We will succeed, but our employees must know that we all have a stake in this. All contractors across the country must remain OSHA compliant to stay in business. It is a huge priority for this company, and we will continue to earn high marks on all safety compliance rules and regulations.”

It didn’t always used to be this way.

Prisk said he remembers the days when less emphasis was placed on worker and workplace safety. But those were also the days when, U.S. Labor statistics show, far more U.S. workers were getting severely injured on construction job sites, or worse.

“The entire construction industry is now very aware, because now it affects their bottom line,” he said.

“If our MOD rate isn’t where it needs to be, there are facilities we wouldn’t be allowed to enter, and projects we wouldn’t be allowed to bid. And that would not be good,” he said.

“Every employee has skin in this game. It’s their safety, first and foremost. But it’s time to think of safety as important to our core business as anything else we do.”

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems is one of Southern California’s recognized industry leaders in large-scale mechanical and plumbing engineering, design-build, and construction. Building owners, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. We specialize in the Aerospace, Healthcare, Education, Data Center, Government, Commercial, and Entertainment sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com

Xcel Mechanical Will Deliver the Goods to Kids

GARDENA, CA – Xcel Mechanical Systems employees will soon deliver some appreciated holiday cheer at a local children’s hospital in the form of dozens of unwrapped gifts and toys – items donated by employees during the company’s annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Project administrator Lisa Omel said that what makes Xcel Mechanical’s toy drive unique is that so many of the gifts are donated by members of the company’s shop and field teams.

“These are guys who work hard out there, and sometimes far away from the office. And yet they make it a point to come by and drop off a gift for these kids. It makes it even more special,” she said.

Mrs. Omel researched local charities for this year’s Toy Drive and selected the award-winning “Child Life Program” at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “Child Life” specialists there plan individualized and group programs to help children of all ages adjust to their hospital stay so that it is a more positive healing experience.

An important element of the program includes maintaining five themed playrooms located in different parts of the hospital, each with its own inventory of toys, books and games.

Xcel Mechanical President Kevin Michel said community programs like this are a double-win. “We’re proud of our employees, and it’s great to see their initiative and community spirit hard at work,” he said.

“And while there are more worthwhile causes than we could possibly support, we strive to be a good neighbor and help where we can. And how better than to bring joy to some deserving kids during the holidays.”

About the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach provides specialized pediatric care for children and young adults, with conditions ranging from common to complex — as well as maternity care for expectant mothers — all under one roof. Only five percent of all hospitals are children’s hospitals, making them unique not only to children’s health care needs in the community, but across the region. Miller Children’s is one of only eight free-standing children’s hospitals in California. For more information, please visit: http://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems designs, builds and services commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing and Process Piping systems for clients across the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Our cost-effective solutions make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. Our resume includes large-scale implementations across the Aerospace, Commercial, Data Center, Education, Entertainment, Government, and Healthcare sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com

UCLA Engineering VI Ready to Receive Students

WESTWOOD, CA – UCLA’s Fall Quarter begins on Thursday, but a rush of new and returning students have already arrived, greeted by the familiar and the new – including a gleaming new engineering building which now anchors UCLA’s esteemed Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science (HSSEAS).

UCLA Engineering VI is a two-part new construction project located in the heart campus, designed to accelerate the highly-regarded engineering school’s “ever-increasing leadership role in developing technological solutions to the world’s environmental challenges,” according to university officials.

The 60,000 square-foot North Wing, or “Phase I” is complete and ready to receive arriving students and faculty. The building’s second and final construction phase, a 90,000 square-foot facility that will ultimately connect to the North Wing, broke ground in March and is expected to be completed in 2017.

The new, state-of-the-art engineering complex will house labs for research into renewable energy sources, next-generation semiconductors, nanotechnology, and new materials for healthcare and other applications, as well as the B. John Garrick Institute for the Risk Sciences, and a technology-enabled 250-seat learning center. It will be home to the UCLA computer science department and the engineering school’s start-up incubator, the Institute for Technology Advancement.

UCLA Engineering VI was designed with advanced water- and energy-efficiency systems, and the school is seeking LEED Gold or LEED Platinum certification. As part of the overall effort, Xcel Mechanical Systems was hired to implement an end-to-end HVAC solution for the new building.

“This was a very important project for all stakeholders,” said Xcel Mechanical Project Manager Juan Zelda. “We understand how the client intends to use this building, and how fundamentally critical it is that all systems work to their precise designed intent.

Xcel Mechanical Systems has many years’ experience implementing cost-effective mechanical solutions at major research universities, colleges and K-12 campuses across Southern California. Xcel Mechanical teams have worked in new and existing campus buildings, classrooms, research facilities, arts & entertainment centers, and marquee athletic complexes.

“This is a highly technical, highly sensitive environment.” Zelda said. “We were up to the challenge, excited throughout the project, and proud of what are delivering to the client,” Zelda said.

The $130 million building is being funded by prominent donors, HSSEAS, the university – and also a $6 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, according to the school’s website.

Richard Cavanagh, director of the special programs office for NIST, emphasized in the story the importance of far-reaching research into renewable forms of energy and methods of reducing energy consumption.

Cavanagh said the Western Institute of Nanotechnology on Green Engineering and Metrology, a research center that will be housed in Engineering VI, is “a near and dear partner to what we want to see happen in this country.”

For more information about the project, please see: http://issuu.com/uclaengineering/docs/magazine_spring_2015_fa4

About the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science
The UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, established in 1945, consistently ranks among the top 10 engineering schools in public universities. In the last decade, the school’s teaching and research enterprise has grown and expanded greatly with a 30 percent net increase in the number of full-time faculty and a 70 percent increase in the undergraduate and graduate student population. Most significantly the research revenue of the school has grown more than 100 percent from approximately $50 million in 1997 to $110 million in 2011. For more information, please visit: http://engineering.ucla.edu/

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems designs, builds and services commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing and Process Piping systems for clients across the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Our cost-effective solutions make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. Our resume includes large-scale implementations across the Aerospace, Commercial, Data Center, Education, Entertainment, Government, and Healthcare sectors. For more information, please visit: https://xcelmech.com/

LMU’s New College of Science and Engineering Opens Today

WESTCHESTER, CA – Today marks the first day of classes at Loyola Marymount University, and the first opportunity for engineering students here to explore the campuses’ state-of-the-art Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.

The 103,000-square-foot facility is now officially home to LMU’s Life Sciences programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, health and human sciences, science education and urban ecology.
According to the school’s website, the building was designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and break down the silos among the different areas of study. The new building includes 35 teaching and research laboratories, about 9,000 square feet of faculty research space, shared public spaces, conference rooms, a 292-fixed seat auditorium, and one dramatic green roof that will also provide research collaborative opportunities. Faculty and students from different disciplines will use the same research equipment and work side-by-side.
University officials say the building also highlights LMU’s commitment to sustainability. For example, more than 8,200 square feet of solar panels will generate 10 percent of the facility’s electricity.
Other innovative sustainability strategies — including low-flow plumbing fixtures and independent climate control installed by Xcel Mechanical Systems – demonstrate why the building is expected to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification.
The LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering took about five years to complete and cost about $110 million to build. Located prominently on the bluff-top Westchester campus, it’s billed as the cornerstone of what will become the Seaver College Complex, including Pereira Hall for engineering and Seaver Hall for physics and mathematics.

About LMU Seaver
The Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering is committed to delivering science, engineering, and mathematics education to students through individual attention with emphasis on self-learning, service to society, and ethical behavior. Undergraduate students conduct sophisticated state-of-the-art research by working very closely with their professors and they participate in various undergraduate student research conferences and student design competitions. Graduate programs are offered in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, in environmental science, in computer science, and in engineering management. The programs are directed to full-time working professionals, and are more applied than theoretical. A wealth of experience is brought into the classroom by LMU faculty and by utilizing part-time faculty from local industry. For more information, please visit: http://cse.lmu.edu/

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems designs, builds and services commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing and Process Piping systems for clients across the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Our cost-effective solutions make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. Our resume includes large-scale implementations across the Aerospace, Commercial, Data Center, Education, Entertainment, Government, and Healthcare sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com.

HVAC Design-Build Win: Xcel Mechanical Nets UCLA Basketball Practice Facility

Westwood, CA – Xcel Mechanical Systems won today the HVAC portion of the new UCLA Basketball Practice Facility, and will team again with PCL Construction services following their award-winning work on the nearby Pauley Pavilion Renovation and Expansion Project.

The Mo Ostin Basketball Center will become the state-of-the-art training and practice facility for the university’s storied men’s and women’s basketball programs. The new two-story, 35,700 square-foot building will include on its ground floor practice gyms, locker rooms and player’s lounges for both teams; a training area and film room; cardio and equipment storage areas; and a public lobby. The second floor will include a weight room; coaches’ conference rooms; staff offices and lockers; and a laundry room. Mechanical equipment will be located in the basement.

“This win marks our fourth major project on the UCLA campus, and another opportunity for Xcel Mechanical to deliver our unique value to this important client,” said company president Kevin Michel.

“This is a Design-Build project – and that is significant,” said Mr. Michel. “It leverages Xcel Mechanical’s combined strengths in HVAC design and construction. We’re looking forward to getting underway.”

ENR California recognized the UCLA Pauley Pavilion project with its “Award of Merit” in 2013, adding to a list of awards and accolades the project received from local and national trade associations. PCL Construction Services was the general contractor on that project, and Xcel Mechanical delivered the mechanical elements of the project.

More recently, Xcel Mechanical delivered the HVAC project elements for the soon-to-open UCLA Engineering VI Building and the UCLA Luskin Conference Center.

According the university bid documents, the Mo Ostin Basketball Center will comply with the University of California Policy on Sustainable Practices and will be designed to achieve a LEED™ NC Gold Certification. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems designs, builds and maintains commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing and Process Piping systems for clients across the Aerospace, Data Center, Education, Entertainment, Government, Healthcare and Hospitality sectors. Our cost-effective solutions make buildings more comfortable and more energy efficient. Xcel Mechanical is licensed, bonded and insured, and can scale quickly to execute projects of any size.

Professional Engineers Pass the Test

Gardena, CA – Two Xcel Mechanical Systems project engineers were notified today that they passed a rigorous state licensing exam, great news for the company, its clients, and the pair of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo grads who took the eight-hour comprehensive test last month.

The Professional Engineer (PE) Exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Scores are reported to the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, which oversees the credentialing of Professional Engineers throughout the state.

“Passing the PE exam is a big deal,” said Stefan Owechko, who prepared for the test alongside colleague and fellow 2012 Cal Poly SLO mechanical engineering alum Joe Camacho.

“Everyone knew we took it back in April. And so everyone – including my family – was waiting on the results. This is good news, and a huge relief.”

To become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), one must earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, complete four years of progressive experience under a PE, and finally – pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

What does it mean?

Every state regulates the practice of engineering to ensure public safety by granting only Professional Engineers (PEs) the authority to sign and seal engineering plans. PEs shoulder the responsibility for not only their work, but also for the lives affected by that work, and therefore must hold themselves to high ethical standards.

“This is a good day,” said Mr. Camacho, who like Mr. Owechko said he has long had an interest in “how things come together”.

“And, it reflects a trend in our industry in which a growing number of clients expect that PEs are working on their projects.”
Mr. Camacho said he welcomes the additional responsibility and accountability that will surely result, and like Mr. Owechko said the long journey to PE certification will open important doors.

“I still have a lot to learn,” he said, “but I’m in the right place, and when the time is right, larger roles on larger projects await. Honestly, my plan is to continue helping however I can.”

Both Mr. Owechko and Mr. Camacho were quick to acknowledge the support they’ve received from their colleagues at Xcel Mechanical, and the direct role company president Kevin Michel has played in their continued professional development.

“Kevin has backed us 150-percent from Day One,” said Mr. Camacho. “Anything we needed – from additional classes to study materials, to study time – it was there. He understands the importance of it all, and it’s amazing to work for a company that supports you in this way.”

Mr. Owechko agreed. “I met Kevin when he came up to Cal Poly SLO for our Career Fair. I met with lots of companies, and interviewed with a few competitors. But none of them had the same feel. Kevin really cares about people here. It’s about quality. It’s about family. We all know that we’re taken care of here. Now, I look forward to doing more to help Kevin and the company out.”

MCAA Program Delivers Purdue Intern

Gardena, CA – Xcel Mechanical Systems today officially added its name to a growing list of Mechanical Contractor Association of America (MCAA) member firms that are helping to drive the organization’s ambitious 2015 “Year of the Intern” initiative.

Through grants made available by MCAA and its education foundation, the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation, Xcel Mechanical hired and began onboarding this morning Purdue University junior Marc Dombrowski, a mechanical engineering student from Scottsdale, AZ.

Mr. Dombrowski’s summer internship is one of 228 positions funded by the MCAA and MCERF thus far in 2015, according to the organization’s website.

“I think it’s awesome that they’re giving students the chance to come in and show what they can do,” said Mr. Dombrowski, who comes from a family of engineering and contracting professionals. “I’m getting valuable experience in a field that I want to pursue. It’s good preparation for the future. I feel like when I graduate, I’ll be ahead of the game.”

Mr. Dombrowski said a family friend recommended he take a look at Xcel Mechanical, a fast-growing commercial HVAC and Plumbing contractor based in Gardena, CA. He learned that the firm was a member of MCAA. He joined Purdue’s MCAA student chapter, researched the “Year of the Intern” program, reached out to Xcel Mechanical President Kevin Michel, and the match was made.

“He’s smart, and showed some real ingenuity in finding his way here, which of course we liked,” said Mr. Michel. “It’s great that MCAA is making these opportunities available. It’s a win-win.”

Mr. Dombrowski is currently working in the firm’s Estimation Department, coming up with estimates on HVAC and plumbing drawings. Soon he’ll be participating on job walks while shadowing project engineers and project managers.

“This is the first time I’ve seen something like this,” he said. “I’m ready to help anyone with anything they need. There’s a lot to learn, but that’s why I’m here.”

About MCAA

The MCAA is a national trade association representing more than 2,800 of the industry’s most innovative and forward-thinking mechanical construction, plumbing and service firms across the United States. These companies install and service technologically advanced and energy-efficient heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing and piping systems. MCAA also counts among its membership the industry’s leading manufacturing and supply firms.

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.

Xcel Mechanical Systems designs, builds and maintains commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing and Process Piping systems for clients across the Aerospace, Data Center, Education, Entertainment, Government, Healthcare and Hospitality sectors.  Our mechanical solutions make buildings more comfortable and more energy efficient. Xcel Mechanical is licensed, bonded and insured, and can scale quickly to execute projects of any size.