By / Jessica Kirby, Editor
If there is a theme to the Fall issue of Sheet Metal Journal- Western Washington it is keeping an open mind and an eye on the future. This is, of course, on everyone’s mind as the construction trades and workplaces in general are inundated with innovation, changing social theory, and a new generation. The workforce is sparse, the experience is retiring, and the technology is overwhelming. It is both an interesting and exciting time to be in business. One of my favorite expressions is, “The difference between and adventure and an ordeal is attitude,” and I think it applies to all things chaotic. What kind of attitudes are we taking to our workplace development? To recruitment? To change in general? Now is the time to think deeply and make important changes about how to move forward into a bright but intense future.
This issue of Sheet Metal Journal-Western Washington features a guest editorial on how to upgrade one’s leadership skills. The focus is being open minded and ready to adapt— change is the only constant in this world, and it never hurts to brush up on old skills while keeping and eye on the future. Giving new ideas a forum and, more importantly, a try creates a more cohesive, respectful, and motivated workplace environment, and you never know when someone else’s idea is going to revolutionize the way you do business.
Everyone is talking about intergenerational differences in the workplace. The experienced, the new, the retiring, and the just-trained are working together with different perspectives and with different intentions, but all for the same reason— interest and passion for the construction trades. As anyone skilled in building social harmony will tell you, the only place to begin is on common ground. Check out page 12 for advice and tips on how to do that.
The SMART Heroes program is expanding at a rapid rate with classes running across America. Graduates from the program may end up with the training required to tackle an apprenticeship in sheet metal, but most importantly they are finding camaraderie, confidence, and connection within their training centers and going into the field. Read about how graduates are learning so much more than the craft on page 14.
ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc. took on a complex project last year that brought a legacy company forward about five decades. The ground-up construction project required state of the art plumbing and HVAC systems and some innovative heat and air management programs. See page 17 for a look at what they did and how they did it.
Finally, be sure to take a peek at our columnists’ work. Every issue these brilliant professionals share updates about the issues and topics most timely and important to the readership. Let us know your feedback so we can pass it on.
In the Winter issue of Sheet Metal Journal-Western Washington we will cover some of the most important trends affecting the sheet metal industry in Western Washington and across the United States. We are always looking for fabulous projects to feature, so please feel free to reach out and drop me a line with ideas at jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com. Although it seems early and you’ll be reading this in advance of Thanksgiving, this is the last issue of 2019, so I wish you all happy holidays and a prosperous 2020. ▪