More than 50 HVAC professionals from 21 companies gathered recently for The Unified Group’s 2026 Construction Forum, where peer presentations and small-group breakouts covered everything from prefab cost control to developing the next generation of leaders. It also featured a tour of Unified Group member company Air Control’s facility.

The Forum was led by MC Mike Keenan of VHV Company. Day one opened with a presentation by Kyle McKague of Johnson & Jordan and Ryan Ress of Peterson Sheet Metal, “Prefab Cost & Quality Control, Tracking Field & Shop Costs, Profitability, Time Savings.” Donnie Grimes of Intech Mechanical and Ben Robertson of Air Controls followed with their presentations, “Coordination to Installation: Capturing Changes,” “Managing Jobs Through Coordination” and “Tracking Shop-to-Field Quantities.”  

Later, Al, Chris and Tyler Schaff of Air Controls kicked off a tour of their Billings facility with an overview of the company and its operations before leading attendees through the shop. Members got a firsthand look at the company’s processes for sheet metal, skyline stainless, safety, engineering and more.

“The Air Controls tour was a highlight. I was especially impressed by the pride and culture demonstrated by the entire Air Controls team,” Tom Dacres, president of VHV Company, said. “Tyler, Chris, Chris, Ben and the entire team were incredibly welcoming and great hosts. They should all be very proud of what they’ve built.”

Pansy Romo of Intech Mechanical said the shop tours are always informative and inspiring. “It’s an honor for us to have member companies open the doors to their business to help elevate the whole group,” she said. “I always feel energized seeing friends and business peers at the Forums. It’s encouraging to hear about the great things they are doing for their people and businesses in different parts of the country.”

The final day of the Forum began with “Bridging the Office and Field” small-group breakouts discussions, which focused on strengthening interdepartmental communication and improving collaboration between trades. Garrett Alstrup of Legacy Mechanical and Eric Porsch and Chad Gravenish of CW Suter then presented on addressing the labor shortage and developing new leaders. They explained how their companies invest in workforce development through Legacy U and Suter University, and how those programs are helping to build the next generation of talent.

The 2026 Construction Forum underscored the value of bringing members together to share openly, learn from one another and build lasting relationships. Attendees left with practical ideas for their shops, crews and offices.

“The best part for me was being in a group of people that are in the same industry that have the same problems, and we can talk about them because we aren’t competitors,” Tyler LaValle of Peterson Sheet Metal said. “That was a first for me, and I 100% see the value in it.”

“If I hadn’t attended, I would have missed hearing different ideas and ways of operating, finding out that we all struggle with the same things and that it’s not necessarily something I or we are doing wrong — and meeting a bunch of good people,” Tory Anderson of James Craft & Son said.

Upcoming Unified Group Forums include Technicians, Small/Special Projects and the Annual Meeting & Owners’ Forum. If you are interested in learning more about attending a Forum or becoming a member of The Unified Group, contact Janet Kelleher at [email protected].