The Unified Group hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting and Owners’ Forum in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, providing attendees with an experience as enjoyable as it was productive. The group discussions, presentations and networking provided valuable insights, and the Caribbean setting offered peaceful vacation vibes at the end of each day.

Gary Griffin of B&I Contractors (Fort Myers, Florida) kicked off day one as the master of ceremonies. A major highlight on the first morning included the unveiling of the Unified Group’s Core Values, which will be emphasized and incorporated into all meetings moving forward. After this, Stacy Shiflet of Blauch Brothers Mechanical Contractors (Harrisonburg, Virginia) gave a presentation on fraud awareness and rationalization, focusing on identifying potential red flags and understanding the importance of vigilance in protecting organizations.

“Being new, all of it was a highlight,” said Danielle Lang of Glassman Corporation (Hays, Kansas). “It was apparent from day one that this is a group that’s dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and comfortable to share their ideas and thoughts.” 

Many Unified Group members visited each other’s businesses in the past year. Gary Myers of Intech Mechanical (Roseville, California) shared valuable takeaways from these visits, highlighting the connections and collaborations within the group. 

“I love seeing these visits posted on social media and seeing them shared in the newsletter,” said Garrett Alstrup of Legacy Mechanical (Denver, Colorado). “I personally have had great takeaways from our visit with Gary Myers.” 

The next day began with recaps of all 2024 Unified Group forums followed by a panel discussion on company culture and core values. Panelists discussed what they’re doing to build successful company cultures and how their organizations show employee appreciation. Afterward, members split into smaller groups for a strategic plan breakout.

“The breakout table discussions are always enriching,” said Pansy Romo of Intech Mechanical. “The diversity of experience across the groups of table attendees is priceless.”

On the final day of meetings, members showcased tactics or technologies that’ve made a positive impact on their businesses. Mike Kerner of Cox-Powell Corporation (Williamsburg, Virginia) shared his experiences working with XOi technologies, Alstrup gave a presentation on BuildOps and Carol Duncan of General Sheet Metal (Clackamas, Oregon) spoke on open book management. 

The Unified Group’s 2024 Annual Meeting gave members fresh ideas, strengthened connections and a renewed sense of unity.

“One of the many great things about this group is that when you share one of your challenges, the other people at the table get very engaged to help you with solutions, with as much care and consideration as if it was their own company,” said Kevin Cowley of Mechanical Service and Systems, Inc. (Salt Lake City, Utah).

This culture of collaboration is what makes the Unified Group such a valuable resource, and every year a member organization is honored for their outstanding contributions to the Unified Group with the Making the Difference Award.
 
Making the Difference Award

Air Controls, of Billings, Montana received the 2024 Making the Difference Award for their exemplary leadership, engagement and support.

In the past year, Air Controls actively participated in every Unified Group meeting, with 17 of the company’s representatives attending in total. Their team is actively engaged in essentially every aspect of the Unified Group, providing valuable support and insight through panel discussions, webinars, email Q&As and member visits. The company has been a Unified Group member for 19 years.

Paul Gosserand, president of CMC Corporate Solutions (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) said Air Controls was “a great choice,” and added he was thankful for all the company ¾ and its president, Chris Schaff ¾ does to support the Unified Group.

“I feel honored to be a part of this amazing company, and I’m proud of my father (Chris Schaff) and of everyone on the team back home,” said Air Controls representative Tyler Schaff.

The Making the Difference Award celebrates the recipient’s commitment to excellence and sets an example for others to follow, encouraging collaboration, support and continuous improvement in the Unified Group.

Upcoming Unified Group forums include Service Management, BIM/Prefab and Small/Special Projects. If you’re interested in attending a forum or becoming a member, contact Janet Kelleher at KelleherJ@TheUnifiedGroup.com.