Success Stories: Transformation Achieved Through Union Collaboration

Growing up on job sites and learning the trade from my grandfather, I’ve always understood the value of quality workmanship, grit, and doing things the right way. After nearly two decades in the sheet metal and HVAC industry, I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the finest contractors in the state of California. Today, as Director of Business Development for SMART Local 104, I’m proud to help those same contractors succeed — and bring new partners into the fold.

This blog is for the HVAC, HVACR, and sheet metal contractors out there who are looking to grow, scale, and gain an edge in today’s market. You might be facing labor shortages, struggling with compliance, or just trying to figure out how to bid bigger work. The solution? Union collaboration.

Union Partnership: A Blueprint for Business Growth

Becoming a signatory contractor with SMART Local 104 isn’t just about labor, it’s about partnership. It’s a business decision that opens the door to growth, legal protection, talent pipelines, and a network of support that helps you operate at a higher level.

Here’s what signatory contractors are experiencing:

1)       Access to a Skilled and Trained Workforce

SMART Local 104 members come ready to work. From apprentices to seasoned journeypersons, these professionals are trained in world-class programs and meet California’s Skilled & Trained Workforce requirements, a must for public works and high-end private contracts.

2)       Workforce Scalability

Need 5 more workers for a rush job? Need to reduce your crew size after a big closeout? Union affiliation lets you scale your workforce up or down without the hiring-and-firing rollercoaster. Flexibility gives you a serious advantage in bidding and delivering projects.

3)       Legal Compliance and Support

With SMART 104, you avoid misclassification risks and wage violations. Collective bargaining agreements spell everything out, from wages to benefits to grievance procedures. And we offer mediation support and even ADR programs for workers' comp disputes. Less legal stress. More focus on growth.

4)       Competitive Bidding Advantage

Want to go after public works? You’ll need Skilled & Trained Workforce certification, and union labor delivers that. Our signatory contractors are positioned to win larger and more profitable contracts.

5)       Built-In Administrative and Industry Support

From managing health benefits to retirement funds, we take a huge administrative load off your shoulders. Plus, you gain access to SMACNA events, pre-apprenticeship outreach, and other tools to grow your brand and workforce pipeline.

Real Contractors. Real Results.

Some of the best contractors in California are signatory to SMART Local 104. These companies are leaders in innovation, safety, and growth, and they’re thriving with union support:

• Lawson Mechanical Contractors, LLC (Sacramento)

• Therma LLC (San Jose)

• Champion Industrial Contractors, Inc. (Modesto)

• Silicon Valley Mechanical, Inc. (San Jose)

• Frank M. Booth Inc. (Marysville)

• West Coast Mechanical. (San Jose)

• Peterson Mechanical.  (Sonoma)

• ACCO Engineered Systems (San Leandro)

• Southland Industries (Union City)

• Marina Mechanical Services (Livermore)

• Comfort Air, Inc. (Stockton)

• Critchfield Mechanical (San Jose)

• Patton Sheet Metal (Fresno)

• Simpson Sheet Metal, Inc. (Santa Rosa)

• Innovative Mechanical (Burlingame)

These companies represent just a snapshot of our network. There are hundreds more, all excelling in their fields and growing their businesses through the power of collaboration. You can find them in our contractor directory at https://www.smw104.org/find-contractors.  

The Transformation is Real

Contractors who go signatory often experience:

• Stronger reputations with clients and general contractors

• Improved safety records and lower liability

• Greater access to public and private project opportunities

• Reliable workforce and reduced turnover

• Increased profitability and operational stability

Final Thoughts from the Field

After spending most of my life in this industry, from swinging a hammer to mentoring apprentices to now leading business development department, I can tell you that the union path isn’t just about tradition. It’s about smart business. It’s about building something that lasts.

If you’re an HVAC/HVACR or sheet metal contractor in Northern California and you’re ready to grow your business, let’s talk. Visit us at www.trade-tradition.com and see what union collaboration can do for your future.