Name: Phil McDonald, co-owner / junior partner of Summit Sheet Metal Company scope and specialty: High-rise construction
Board position: Director
Length of current term: Four-year term
Previous involvement in SMACNA-BC Board: First SMACNA- BC board term. Phil has been on the Young Executive Committee for ten years member, and on the Joint Conference Committee going on three years.
Number of years in the industry: 25 years as a career
Why did you get into this industry?: I got into sheet metal, at the time, for the money. My friends were going to university/ college spending money and I wanted to take the time to make some money before deciding what I wanted to do long term. I loved it from the beginning, and after a couple of years, I decided it was going to be my career. I liked moving around and seeing what we built, knowing it isn’t going to go away. I stayed in sheet metal over the years because it was never boring. It was always interesting, always something new. Something new always came up, there were always new challenges, and I never sat stagnant.
Professional philosophy or “words to live by”: “If you’re not going to do it at your house, don’t do it at work.” Success is all about relationships and how we treat each other. We spend more time together than with our families. So we might as well work together and get ‘er done.
Greatest challenge the industry has faced over the years: Low- bidding and poaching labour are the biggest challenges we face now. It is a large enough industry that we should learn to work together. There is enough work for everyone, why shoot ourselves in foot? These are your SMACNA brothers and sisters and some companies are enticing them with “grass is greener” offers. I’m trying to convince others to respect one another.
Biggest change in the industry over the years: Probably social media and how everything is at your finger tips. You are able to get answers right now, which is good because if someone needs something in a crunch you can draw a sketch or take a photo and send it it. Instant information has its downfall, too, because you don’t necessarily have the time to consider all the options or do your research. You can easily get overwhelmed with information.
Biggest opportunity in the industry for the future: It’s booming right now and I don’t see an end to it so there is plentiful work and plentiful opportunities to work though the industry’s challenges.
What is SMACNA’s most important role in the industry? They are definitely a way for us as competitors to become friends and see eye to eye. SMACNA also sets high standards and provides a common ground for its members. It is an important avenue for us to share labour, ideas, stories, and challenges.
