Media
OUR UNIQUE VALUE
Blog
Project News
Industry Events
Industry Publications
Media

Xcel Mechanical Recognized as “Procore Groundbreaker Award Finalist”

Industry-leading construction management software provider Procore hosts a two-day conference each Fall to announce new product releases – and also to recognize and celebrate innovative “Procore Groundbreaker” customers and partners.

During yesterday’s 2021 Conference Kickoff, Procore Founder and CEO Tooey Courtemanche recognized Xcel Mechanical Systems as a “Procore Groundbreaker Award Finalist” for our Office and Field Team’s collaborative work on the LAX TBIT Terminal Core and APM Interface Project.

Mr. Courtemanche recognized Xcel Mechanical Systems along with five other award finalists from around the world.

The Procore Conference is being broadcast on a proprietary platform to thousands of attendees from more than 60 countries. And while in-progress, this content is only available to registered attendees.

No matter the outcome of today’s final announcement, we would like to recognize the hard work and diligence of our internal Procore Champions; our Project Team; our Superintendents and Foremen; and members of our Engineering, Detailing and Field Teams who together have already positioned our company as one of the most innovative Procore users in the world.

 

S.A.F.E. Jobsite Recognition: UCLA Franz Tower

The most recent edition of our company’s Safety Incentive and Recognition Program was inspired by a recent meeting between a Cal OSHA investigator and Company Safety Director Steve Prisk, who invited the investigator’s review of an already strong safety program.

“The Safety Incentive Program should be focused on encouraging direct employee involvement. Examples could include employee participation on the safety committee, hazard identification, safety suggestions, and correcting unsafe conditions,” said Bob Middo, associate safety engineer for Cal OSHA.

The high-level feedback was delivered during a conference call between Prisk, Middo and members of the Rudolph & Sletten construction team now overseeing our company’s current project at California State University, Los Angeles.

And, it came just months after Prisk had launched the company’s first-ever Safety Technician Initiative with Manuel Madrid, Jr. and Charles Juarez, Jr.

“Sometimes things just fall into place. Manny and Charles were already covering every major Xcel project site,” Prisk said. “Their primary responsibility is still to help me and support our Foremen’s jobsite safety efforts. But with this new Cal OSHA guidance, they will now begin actively recommending those who they see going ‘above and beyond’ for incentive checks and company-wide recognition.”

The S.A.F.E. Jobsite Incentive and Recognition Program is named after the team’s moniker (Safety Affecting Field Employees).

The first to be recognized under the new program is Sheet Metal Foreman Jessie Gaytan for his work at the UCLA Franz Tower jobsite.

“Jessie seems to always have an eye on his jobsites, even when he’s not there,” said Juarez Jr. “He was splitting time between the UCLA Franz Tower jobsite and work he was doing at LAX. He’d call me or text me after working all night at the airport and ask me if I was going to UCLA that day and if yes, to make sure I had safety vests, gloves and goggles on my truck for his guys,” he said.

“Our guys are good, but that just doesn’t happen all the time.”

“It starts with the Foremen,” Gaytan said. “I help Sean as much as I can. He’s always there whenever I need him. We both look out for each other. We respect each other and what we do. And when we do that, our teams follow.”

Xcel’s Performance at LAX Lands Another Big Win

With a past-performance resume and experienced project team that has gained the respect of decision-makers across LAX, Xcel Mechanical just added another significant win – a $2.8 million plumbing project at Terminal 5.5 and Terminal 7.

The new contract award builds on our company’s growing backlog of major projects at the world’s third busiest airport. It is also the third major contract awarded to Xcel Mechanical by new G.C. Partner Austin Commercial.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) awarded Austin Commercial a $336.5 million contract to design and build three ‘terminal cores’ as part of the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) at LAX.

The terminal cores will consist of new and upgraded facilities that will be built in key locations around the terminal area to provide staircases, escalators, elevators and walkways that will connect LAX’s terminals with the new Automated People Mover (APM).

Last August, Austin Commercial awarded our company a $15 million contract to design and build similar improvements at Tom Bradley International – the busiest terminal at LAX.

It was the largest design-build contract—and largest single-contract award overall—in the company’s 22-year history, said Kevin Michel, company president.

“This began last summer as a strategic and targeted new business pursuit that required a total team effort. But it will take more than manpower to deliver quality to this new and very important customer. It is up to all of us – Office, Shop and Field – to deliver on our promise to this new client.”

Elsewhere at LAX, our teams continue work on the $4.6 million American Airlines Terminal Core Project, which is also part of LAWA’s Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) and was awarded by new G.C. Partner Hensel Phelps.

In February, Xcel Mechanical teams completed work on the $2.5 million LAX Delta Maintenance Hangar project, awarded by new G.C. partner Skanska USA.

Just in Time! Meet our Safety Techs

“The GC’s were impressed with our response,” said Charles Juarez, Jr., one of our company’s two new Safety Techs.

“When COVID-19 first hit we went really heavy on jobsite inspections: posting our Safe Jobsite Guidelines; conducting Toolbox Talks; and distributing masks, gloves, goggles, hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays to our field teams. Basically, supporting our Foremen however we could,” he said.

“And in the beginning, Xcel was the only trade doing it, and on some jobsites the only contractor doing it,” he said. “In fact some of the GCs asked for me copies of our postings for their jobsites while their programs came around,” he said. “Xcel obviously hit this thing head on.” 

Juraez and counterpart Manuel Madrid, Jr. transitioned from our Field Construction Team to the role of “Safety Technician” in January.

The first two Safety Technicians ever at Xcel Mechancial.

The initial plan Prisk laid out called for both men to complete OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training to begin with. They would then shadow Prisk during his new-hire safety training and employee re-currency training. Once up-to-speed, they would then split evenly all of Xcel’s project sites, each assuming responsibility for half.

At a high level, their job was to keep an eye on each jobsite, help each Foreman, and to make sure all our Field Teams are supported so their jobsites are operating safely.

They made sure required signs were posted; that all tools and equipment were serviceable; that safety barriers were built and tie-off locations secure; that hand-wash stations were accessible; and that our teams had and wore PPE at all times

The two men even came up with a moniker for their Team: S.A.F.E, or Safety Affecting Field Employees.

Then the COVID-19 crisis hit.

“It was a crazy time,” Madrid said. “Charles and I going out to the jobsites showed our guys that we care, and that the company cares. They appreciated us going out. And, if our guys felt safer and it saved our Foremen some time, than it was all worth it,” he said

[Company President] Kevin Michel made a big call here. I see the other contractors now looking at this, and I’ll bet they’ll try to copy it, if they can.”

“It was kind of scary,” Juarez said. “When California first issued the Stay at Home order, it didn’t clarify the `construction as essential’ part. I have a young child at home and we ‘re expecting another baby. Manny is too,” he said.

“We knew that if we didn’t take it seriously and push hard to make sure our jobsites were compliant and that our guys were as safe as they could be, we’d run the risk of bringing something home,” he said. “But Xcel did take it seriously. We are all battling through. And now, especially with Paramount opening back up, it seems like it’s all trending in the right direction.”

Juarez said the message Prisk has been preaching from Day One hits the nail on the head. “I really feel – especially in light of the COVID-19 situation – that what we do is just as essential as installing the ductwork or hanging the pipe.”

“We are helping to keep you safe and also protecting the company. If we don’t take this seriously, nobody wins.”

Said Prisk of his latest safety initiative: “This could not have come at a better time.”

Expertise Helps Drive Strategic LAX Projects

Xcel Mechanical continues to play an increasingly critical role in the $14 billion Capital Improvement Program at LAX – considered the largest public works program in the history of the City of Los Angeles.

Our company’s Engineering, Project Management and Field Teams are working under two separate contract awards as part of LAX’s Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP). The goal of the program is to integrate existing LAX Terminals with the soon-to-be-constructed Automated People Mover (APM) system.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) awarded Austin Commercial a $336.5 million contract to design and build three ‘terminal cores’ as part of the LAMP Program. The terminal cores will consist of new and upgraded facilities that will be built in key locations around the terminal area to provide staircases, escalators, elevators and walkways that will connect LAX’s terminals with the new APM.

Austin Commercial released two terminal core packages in late summer. Our company generated competitive proposals for both, winning the larger of the two— the “Tom Bradley International Terminal Cores & APM Interface”, a contract to design and then build both the Mechanical and Plumbing scopes. Last Spring new General Contracting partner Hensel Phelps our company the American Airlines 4.5 Terminal Core Project.

Both contact awards were the result of strategic business pursuits that built upon the solid resume of our veteran LAX Project Management and Field Teams, said company President Kevin Michel.

“These were targeted business pursuits that required demonstrated Proof of Performance at LAX, and a total team effort. Now it’s up to all of us to deliver to our new clients.”

Project Delivered: Large K-12 HVAC Modernization Project Complete

Our Sheet Metal, Plumbing and Piping field teams have completed their work on the massive Long Beach Unified School District’s Lakewood High School HVAC modernization project.

The project – which began last summer – required our teams to move across multiple buildings at the site while school was in session to upgrade facilities, equipment and systems to bring cool air to warm classrooms under the direction of General Contracting partner McCarthy Building Companies.

The work was completed as part of the District’s $1.1 billion school bond and campus modernization program. Xcel Mechanical teams engaged in similar work at LBUSD’s Burcham Elementary and Keller Middle schools.

Our Field Leaders Get It – Leadership by Example to Get the Jobs Done

Gardena, CA — With each new sizable project win comes the all-important question — who will manage the work? It’s a mission-critical question for both the office and the field.

“Our union craftsmen are the best in the industry. In fact, I routinely have clients call to request our Project Foremen by name,” said Jason Gordon, Vice President of Operations for Xcel Mechanical Systems.

“And because of our continued growth we have many new faces in our ranks. As a result, the role of the Field Foreman has become increasingly critical,” Gordon said.

“The Foreman is arguably the most important person on the project,” said Angelo Snedeger, Xcel Mechanical’s Sheet Metal Superintendent. “Take any job; they’re at the center of it. They’re out there every day with boots on the ground, dealing directly with the General Contractor’s onsite team, their own Project Manager, their own Superintendent, and other trades that are working onsite. Plus, they’re responsible for the overall safety of the jobsite, managing their own guys, and making sure the job has the needed equipment and tools. It’s an overarching responsibility for sure.”

Xcel Mechanical Piping Superintendent Wes Whittle concurred, emphasizing the mentorship opportunity and role that most Foreman understand and embrace.
“They’re the coaches of our future,” Whittle said. “They are turning out guys who are going to be here in 10 years. And, if those guys are here in 10 years, it’s because of their Foreman. I’m one of those guys. I was a first-year apprentice right here at Xcel. I had a good Foreman and that’s why I’m here now. Take that coaching. Utilize it. Be part of the team. Go the extra mile. That will go far with us. With the growth we’re experiencing, we need good guys. They are our future.”

Xcel Mechanical Systems Recognized as Safest Mechanical and Plumbing Contractor in the U.S.

GARDENA, CA — Xcel Mechanical Systems was recognized by an industry-leading trade association and one of the nation’s largest insurance carriers on Wednesday as the safest commercial mechanical and plumbing contractor in the United States in the 100,000 to 250,000 hours-worked category.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) represents more than 2,600 union contracting companies nationwide. CNA is the eighth largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance company. On Wednesday, MCAA President Greg Fuller recognized the Gardena, CA design-build firm with the MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Award.

“There is nothing more important to anyone in this room than the safety and health of the people who work at our companies,” Fuller told a room filled with an estimated 2,000 industry representatives who attended the awards show, held this week during MCAA’s annual convention in San Antonio, Texas. “The winners of this award have truly excellent safety programs and should be proud of their accomplishments.”

“Xcel Mechanical Systems now belongs to an elite group of contractors nationwide,” said Peter Chaney, MCAA’s Director of Safety and Health. “These companies have made a profound commitment to programs that are achieving measurable results and are keeping their employees and project partners safe.”

Kevin Michel, president of Gardena, CA-based Xcel Mechanical Systems, said winning MCAA’s top safety award marks a significant milestone in the company’s 20-year history. “Our employees work in high-risk environments, and so their safety is a huge priority for us,” Michel said.

“A good safety program starts with teamwork, accountability, and personal responsibility,” he said. “And so, this award represents the diligence of our entire company. It really is the most important thing that we do. And the best part is, our people are going home to their families at night.”

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.

Xcel Mechanical Systems is an award-winning engineering and construction firm specializing in commercial HVAC, plumbing and process piping systems. Building owners, property managers and general contractors trust us to deliver cost-effective solutions that make their buildings more comfortable, energy efficient and easier to manage. Now entering our 20th year in business, Xcel Mechanical’s client list includes global aerospace firms, large metropolitan hospitals, major research universities, Fortune 500 companies, and all manner of mid-sized companies. Based in Gardena, CA, Xcel Mechanical is one of the largest mechanical and plumbing contractors in California, and one of the safest in the United States. Please visit: www.xcelmech.com

Company’s Top Safety Officer Attends National Safety Director’s Conference

San Diego, CA — Xcel Mechanical Systems continues to build its case as one of the safest mechanical contractors in the nation, and in the process, sent the company’s top safety official here to network and collaborate with peers and thought leaders during the industry’s top safety conference.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) serves the unique needs of approximately 2,600 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service.

The MCAA 2018 Safety Directors’ Conference provided world class, industry-specific safety and health education opportunities for 225 officers representing large and small union mechanical contractors from across the United States.

“The speakers were excellent, the conference was informative, and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who work tirelessly to keep their employees safe was invaluable,” said Steve Prisk, company safety director.

“We all know that our employees work in high-risk environments, so as safety directors we face big challenges in achieving our daily goal, which is for our people to return home safe each night,” Prisk said. “During this conference, we were able to share our experiences and perspective with, and gain valuable insight from, our colleagues. “The embers are stoked. I leave this conference with great ideas and will begin implementing them upon my return.”

Topic experts from around the country presented sixteen educational sessions throughout the three-day conference. The conference’s keynote presenter, Neil Pasricha, is a New York Times best-selling author of five books including The Happiness Equation, which debuted at #1 on the international bestseller list last year and is still there today.

Other educational topics included safe bolting practices, power tool safety technology, working safely around manganese, workplace violence prevention and protection, and much more.

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems is an award-winning engineering and construction firm specializing in commercial and industrial HVAC, plumbing, and process piping systems. Xcel Mechanical was founded in 1998, is headquartered in Gardena, CA, and is now entering its 20th year in business as a full-service union mechanical contractor with a client list that includes global aerospace firms, large metropolitan hospitals, major research universities and Fortune 500 companies. Our project scopes include New Construction, Retrofits, Tenant Improvements, Preventative Maintenance, and Emergency Services. Our Project Delivery methods include Pre-Construction Consulting, Design Assist, Design Build, and Plan & Spec Construction. Building owners, property managers, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective, dependable solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com

 

About MCAA

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) serves the unique needs of approximately 2,600 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service. We do this by providing our members with high-quality educational materials and programs to help them attain the highest level of managerial and technical expertise. MCAA includes the Mechanical Service Contractors of America, the Plumbing Contractors of America, the Manufacturer/Supplier Council, the Mechanical Contracting Education and Research Foundation and the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau. For more information, visit: https://www.mcaa.org/

Xcel Mechanical Employees Bring Holiday Cheer to Neighborhood Kids

GARDENA, CA — Giving back to the local community was the theme of Xcel Mechanical’s 2017 Holiday Toy Drive as employees here partnered with the Gardena Police Department and the Gardena Police Officer’s Association to put a sled-full of donated gifts and toys into the hands of underprivileged children from across the company’s host city.

To the delight of our employees, Santa’s Sleigh arrived at the company’s headquarters on December 13 to collect several over-sized boxes filled with unwrapped gifts collected during the company’s annual holiday toy drive. Later that evening, Xcel Mechanical elves helped Santa and other community volunteers distribute the toys to local boys and girls at nearby Amestoy Elementary School.

“We’re so happy to have the employees of Xcel Mechanical join our team, because it’s so important that local businesses get involved in this very important, community-wide effort,” said Detective Luis Villanueva, School Resources Officer for the Gardena Police Department. “Your employees should know that for some of these kids, these will be the only toys they get for Christmas.”

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.

Xcel Mechanical Systems is an award-winning engineering and construction firm specializing in commercial and industrial HVAC, plumbing, and process piping systems. Xcel Mechanical was founded in 1998, is headquartered in Gardena, CA, and is now entering its 20th year in business as a full-service union mechanical contractor with a client list that includes global aerospace firms, large metropolitan hospitals, major research universities and Fortune 500 companies. Our project scopes include New Construction, Retrofits, Tennant Improvements, Preventative Maintenance, and Emergency Services. Our Project Delivery methods include Pre-Construction Consulting, Design Assist, Design Build, and Plan & Spec Construction. Building owners, property managers, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective, dependable solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com