CUTTING EDGE BAY
NEWS & UPDATES
03 PRESIDENT’S REMARKS 09 2026 SAVE THE DATES
12 UNITED MECHANICAL, INC: CELEBRATING 23 YEARS OF GROWTH, COMMUNITY AND COMMITMENT
13 IN LOVING MEMORY OF NANCY PIRRONE
MEMBER FEATURES
06 MEMBER FEATURE: MARINA MECHANICAL SERVICES 14 ASSOCIATE MEMBER FEATURE: MILWAUKEE
EVENTS & RECAPS
04 RECAP: MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
LEGISLATIVE
05 2026 HVAC CODES ARE NOW EFFECTIVE
08 CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS FACE NEW “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS” REQUIREMENTS
11 BOARD DECISION KEEPS GYPSUM IN 2027 UMC
APPRENTICES
10 BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES: 185 APPRENTICES JOIN LOCAL 104 SINCE 2025
10 COLLEGE OR THE TRADES? WITH THIS PARTNERSHIP, APPRENTICES CAN DO BOTH
SAFETY
11 HAVE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR 2026 SMACNA SAFETY SURVEY?
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS | Update from Brian Pyle
BUILDING A STRONGER CHAPTER IN 2026
As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to our association. Stepping into the role of President is both an honor and a responsibility, and I do not take lightly the trust you’ve placed in our leadership.
We’re fortunate to have a very strong, engaged executive committee that recently met to discuss strategic priorities for the upcoming year. We look forward to sharing those goals and updates with you at future meetings.
Brian Pyle PRESIDENT
bpyle@svminc.com
Tel: 408-943-0380
One recent development is the appointment of Frank Wall as the new CEO of SMACNA National. Early indications suggest a renewed focus on collaboration, transparency and constructive engagement with local and regional associations like ours. While meaningful progress takes time, we’re optimistic that improved dialogue and alignment at the national level will strengthen advocacy efforts and better reflect the realities faced by our members at the chapter level.
Locally, our association will continue to prioritize practical value for our members, including effective labor relations, workforce development, safety, legislative advocacy or sharing best practices that help us all compete and succeed. We also look forward to building out a robust offering of educational opportunities for our members and their employees.
As we move forward, strong participation from our members will be essential. Last year, we implemented a new general membership meeting format that’s open to all members. I encourage you to attend these events whenever possible. These meetings are an important forum for sharing information, hearing directly from leadership and ensuring the direction of the association reflects the priorities and concerns of our contractors.
My goal is to foster open communication, encourage member participation and ensure our collective voice remains strong and credible. This association is at its best when our contractors are engaged, informed and working together toward a common goal of building a stronger industry. Here’s to a strong 2026 for all our members!
EVENT RECAP | March Membership Meeting
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: INSPIRATION, UPDATES AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
At our general membership meeting on March 5, members had the exciting opportunity to welcome new National SMACNA President, Frank Wall. The meeting offered a chance to connect, learn more about his vision and hear priorities for our association moving forward.
The meeting began with Bay Area SMACNA President Brian Pyle calling the meeting to order and providing an industry forecast and introductions, followed by SMACNA President Todd Hill, who shared an update and recent changes at the national level. Wall then spoke about his goals for strengthening SMACNA, including establishing core values:
SERVICE TO MEMBERS
MEMBER ACCESS TO RESOURCES
ACCOUNTABILITY IN COMMUNICATION AND FIXING MISTAKES
COLLABORATION TO SHARE BEST PRACTICES
NATIONWIDE STANDARDIZATION FOR QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY
ALLIANCE TO UNIFY CHAPTERS AND MESSAGING
Wall also emphasized member engagement, visiting chapters and building a strong and supportive community.
UPDATES WERE ALSO SHARED BY:
CHRIS WALKER, EVP CAL SMACNA – ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION, LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY AFFAIRS, 2026 ANNUAL CONVENTION AND 2026 DAY AT THE CAPITOL (NOTING REGISTRATION FOR DAY AT THE CAPITOL ENDS MARCH 27)
LARRY JIMENEZ, BAS TREASURER – FINANCIAL REPORT
SEAN O’DONOGHUE, BAS EVP – 2026 BOARD NOMINATIONS, UPCOMING BAS CHAPTER EVENTS AND TRAINING TRUST REPORT
The meeting was both inspiring and informative, leaving members energized about the opportunities ahead.
Thank you to everyone who attended, we look forward to working together under the leadership of our new National President and continuing to grow and strengthen our association.
LEGISLATIVE | HVAC Codes
2026 HVAC CODES ARE NOW EFFECTIVE
California’s 2025 Title 24 Building Codes took effect January 1, 2026, bringing important changes for HVAC and sheet metal contractors statewide.
These updates directly impact system design, installation, testing and documentation — making code compliance essential to protecting your business and keeping projects on track.
Here’s what contractors should keep top-of-mind in 2026:
Energy Code Updates – Title 24 changes impact mechanical system design and efficiency testing.
• Duct & Mechanical Testing – UMC updates align with SMACNA’s SALT and TAB manuals.
• Fire & Smoke Safety – NFPA 80, 90, 105, 204 updates affect damper inspections.
• Acceptance Testing (ATTCP) – New certification and documentation requirements.
• Indoor Air Quality – ASHRAE standards + state legislation affect ventilation and filtration.
• SMACNA Standards – Ensure you’re using the latest editions for fabrication, installation, and testing.
Bottom line: Codes are live. Review your processes now to stay compliant, avoid rework and protect your projects!
*As of the time of publication, members should have received an email from CAL SMACNA with additional details. Contact Emily Mills at emily@cal-smacna.org with questions.
MEMBER FEATURE | Marina Mechanical Services
SOLUTIONS-DRIVEN AND PEOPLE-FOCUSED
Marina Mechanical Services has been part of the Bay Area’s commercial HVAC landscape for nearly seven decades. While the name has evolved over time, the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and customer service hasn’t changed.
Founded in 1958 by Bob Hussey as WC Sheet Metal in San Leandro, the company relocated during the BART expansion and became Marina Heating & Air Conditioning. In 1991, under Bob’s son Jim, it merged into Bay Point Control dba Marina Mechanical. Most recently, the company moved to Livermore in June 2023 and rebranded as Marina Mechanical Services — a change that reflects both growth and a forward-looking approach.
Today, Marina employs 86 team members across office and field operations, delivering comprehensive commercial HVAC services throughout the Bay Area.
The company performs primarily plan-and-spec work, partnering closely with general contractors and owners to execute complex mechanical scopes. While most projects are engineer-driven, Marina occasionally supports value engineering when opportunities arise to identify cost savings.
“We’re good at providing customers with solutions by really listening to their problem, inconvenience or challenge they’re dealing with,” said CEO Sheri Learmonth.
THEIR CAPABILITIES INCLUDE:
COMMERCIAL HVACR INSTALLATION
SHEET METAL FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION
ROOFTOP PACKAGE UNITS AND LARGE-SCALE EQUIPMENT CHANGE-OUTS
TENANT IMPROVEMENTS
HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS
SCHOOL AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
SERVICE, MAINTENANCE AND RETROFIT WORK
That solutions-first mindset is backed by strong field expertise. Marina self-performs sheet metal fabrication and installation, giving the team greater control over quality and scheduling. Their experience in high-density residential and educational facilities has made them a trusted partner on projects where efficiency and reliability matter most.
Learmonth’s leadership reflects the same balance of technical understanding and people-first values.
“
Construction has always been part of her life. One grandfather was a teamster, another a boilermaker and her father was a machinist. She started helping out at the machine shop her father managed in the summers at just 12 years old, though she didn’t initially see construction as her future.
finance, and she’s been in the industry ever since. She first joined Marina in the early 2000s, returned eight years ago to help guide the company through its ESOP transition and now serves as CEO.
“For me, Marina is about the people. Our employees are what make us successful and making sure they feel appreciated and heard, that’s everything,” Learmonth said.
We’re good at providing customers with solutions by really listening to their problem, inconvenience or challenge they’re dealing with.
SHERI LEARMONTH CEO
After high school, Learmonth tried to land a secretarial role, but didn’t pass the test due to limited experience.
“My boyfriend at the time, his dad owned a construction company, so he gave me the test he would give his field crew,” she said. “I was the only person who had ever gotten 100% on the test and he hired me on the spot.” That opportunity launched her career in construction
“In addition to leading Marina, Learmonth serves as a Commissioner on the California Apprenticeship Council and chairs the Equal Opportunity in Apprenticeship Committee.
A Bay Area SMACNA member since the early 2000s, Marina values the relationships built through the association.
“The best part is the camaraderie and the help members give each other,” Learmonth said. “Even though we’re competitors, you build friendships and have a network of mentors ready to help you through common challenges.”
Nearly 70 years after its founding, Marina Mechanical Services continues doing what it does best: delivering dependable mechanical systems, solving problems creatively and investing in the people who make it all possible.
LEGISLATIVE | Workplace Rights
CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS FACE NEW “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS” REQUIREMENTS
California employers must comply with new employee notice and recordkeeping requirements under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, enacted through Senate Bill 294 (Reyes) and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
As of February 1, (and every year hereafter), all employers are required to provide employees with a written notice outlining key workplace rights, including workers’ compensation, immigration protections, the right to engage in concerted activity and constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement. The Labor Commissioner has developed a notice template that complies with the law, available in English and Spanish. Employers must maintain records of compliance for at least three years, including documentation of when notices are distributed.
The law also requires employers to allow employees to designate and update an emergency contact. By March 30, 2026, employers must give both current employees and new hires the opportunity to name an emergency contact
and indicate whether that contact should be notified if the employee is arrested or detained at the worksite or during working hours.
Contractors should review their onboarding, annual notice and recordkeeping practices to ensure compliance with these new requirements.
SCAN TO VIEW NOTICE TEMPLATE
Learn more about (SB) 294
https://bit.ly/4uOiSVt
2026 SAVE THE DATES
APPRENTICES | Our Future
BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES: 185 APPRENTICES JOIN LOCAL 104 SINCE 2025
Since the start of 2025, the Bay Area SMACNA JATC has indentured 185 new apprentices into its training program — a great sign of momentum in developing the next generation of skilled workers.
Recent upgrades to Local 104 facilities, in part made possible by ITI grants, include environmental improvements and new lab equipment that give apprentices hands-on experience in modern, high-quality learning spaces. These improvements help ensure that our apprentices are ready for the demands of today’s projects and the evolving technologies shaping the future of the sheet metal and HVAC industry.
APPRENTICES | Foothill College COLLEGE OR THE TRADES? WITH THIS PARTNERSHIP, APPRENTICES CAN DO BOTH
Through a partnership between Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 Bay Area Industry Training Fund and Foothill College, apprentices can earn an Associate in Science degree while completing their five-year apprenticeship.
The TAB, BT Service and BT Sheet Metal apprenticeship programs are now approved Foothill degree pathways. Beginning July 1, apprentices in these programs are eligible across all JATCs (Fairfield, Livermore, San Jose and Castroville).
Most degree requirements are fulfilled through the apprenticeship curriculum, with English and humanities courses offered at training centers or online.
Previously completed college credits may also transfer. It’s just one more benefit of apprenticeship, proving you don’t have to choose between a degree and a career in the trades!
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Contact your training coordinator
https://bit.ly/4qXUYnh
LEGISLATIVE | Mechanical Code
BOARD DECISION KEEPS GYPSUM IN 2027 UMC
On February 6, 2026, the IAPMO Board of Directors denied petitions from SMART Local 104 and Western States challenging prior rulings on the 2027 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC).
The decision confirms that gypsum and concealed building spaces remain permitted for use in return air systems under the 2027 UMC.
The Board’s decision upheld earlier rulings by the IAPMO Standards Council, which reversed technical committee proposals that would have effectively banned gypsum in return air applications. Appeals filed by SMACNA and ASHRAE in late 2025 were granted after a formal hearing, and the Board found no procedural or accreditation issues in those decisions.
CAL SMACNA is pleased with the outcome and thanks contractors, engineers and industry partners who participated in the process. While the issue is settled for the 2027 UMC, IAPMO will convene a Concealed Building Space and Independent Construction Task Group during the 2030 code cycle and encourages broad industry participation.
Bay Area SMACNA members — this is your reminder to complete the 2026 Safety Survey before May 31!
Beyond eligibility for national safety awards, the survey gives you real-world data to measure how your company stacks up against similar contractors. It’s a practical tool to evaluate performance, identify opportunities and strengthen your safety program moving forward.
Participation also positions your company for national recognition through SMACNA’s Safety Achievement Awards and Safety Innovator of the Year Award.
Take time to share your data and showcase the safety culture you’re building every day! SAFETY | Safety Survey
SCAN TO TAKE SURVEY
Please submit survey by May 31st!
https://bit.ly/4rAFohq
MEMBER NEWS | United Mechanical, Inc.
CELEBRATING 23 YEARS OF GROWTH, COMMUNITY AND COMMITMENT
February marked a meaningful milestone for United Mechanical as the company proudly celebrated its 23rd anniversary.
Founded in February 2003 by Jon Gunderson and Tom Sosine, the company was built on a shared philosophy that no client is more important than you, and no project is more important than yours. That mindset laid the foundation for steady growth, collaboration and a strong sense of community.
Within its first year, the company relocated to a larger facility to expand into architectural sheet metal services. By year six, UMI opened its North Bay Service Group.
Three years later, a dedicated piping shop was added, growing the campus to three buildings. Today, multiple satellite offices extend its geographic reach and broaden the range of services offered. Along the way, the company launched its annual Golf Tournament and introduced a variety of employee-focused events that have become valued traditions.
As the company experienced physical growth, its leadership evolved as well. What began with two original
owners has grown to five, all leading with the same passion and forward-thinking approach that has guided the company since day one.
Each February, a companywide anniversary celebration brings employees together to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and look ahead to what’s next. More than a celebration, it’s an opportunity to recognize the people, partnerships and progress that continue to shape the organization.
Beyond the anniversary event, UMI emphasizes connection and culture throughout the year. Monthly gatherings foster engagement, appreciation and teamwork across offices and roles. These traditions have become a hallmark of the company’s culture, continually investing in and developing their employees, one year and one celebration at a time.
In loving memory of... Nancy Pirrone
March 31, 1956 - January 9, 2026
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Nancy Pirrone, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, colleague and friend, who left this world far too soon after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Nancy was the very definition of kindness. She had a generous heart and a welcoming presence that made everyone feel at home. She truly never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making others feel valued, appreciated and accepted. Her warmth, and easy-going nature left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Nancy devoted more than two decades of her professional life to serving the Bay Area SMACNA community with heart and dedication, from 1999 until her retirement in 2021. Though new to the sheet metal industry when she began, Nancy embraced its challenges with enthusiasm, curiosity and determination. Over the years, Nancy formed deep and meaningful relationships with her Bay Area SMACNA team and members, fondly referring to them as her “family by choice.” She cherished witnessing generations grow, watching children take over family businesses, celebrating new babies and seeing those same
children graduate from college. Reflecting on her career, Nancy said it had been an amazing ride. In her personal life, she loved traveling with her husband and spending cherished time with her family and friends.
Throughout her illness, Nancy showed remarkable strength, grace and selflessness, always thinking of others before herself. Her courage and dignity will forever be an inspiration. Our sincerest condolences go out to her husband, John; her son Eric Buth, his wife Candice, their son Cameron, and another one on the way; and her daughter Lauren Fuller, her husband Mike, and their children Seth, Ethan and Wyatt.
Though her time was far too short, Nancy’s legacy of love, generosity and kindness will never fade. Her impact will continue to be felt for years to come, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER FEATURE | Milwaukee Tool
BUILT FOR THE TRADES: HOW MILWAUKEE TOOL KEEPS THE BAY AREA MOVING
He called it the Petersen Hole-Shooter, and weighing in at only five pounds, it was a revolution compared to the two-handed behemoth drills of the day. The A.H. Petersen Company was founded in 1922 on this success. The company almost didn’t survive a catastrophic fire the very next year, but co-owner Albert F. Siebert bought the remaining assets and resurrected the Milwaukee-based manufacturer as the Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation in 1924.
As decades passed, the spirit of innovation remained the catalyst for Milwaukee’s growth. Innovations like the 1951 launch of the now legendary Sawzall® reciprocating portable electric hacksaw. By the mid-1970s, booming business required the company to build an additional manufacturing facility — an indicator of the company’s growth into a household name across the nation. Today, Milwaukee Tool is a multi-national household name with an extensive catalog of power and hand tools and accessories, innovative jobsite lighting systems and more.
“The CEO of our company always says, ‘We innovate, or we die,’” Milwaukee’s Bay Area Territory Manager in the mechanical trades Bridget Dunphy said. “Our secret sauce involves aligning ourselves with partners in the trades, working closely with training centers and trade organizations, and a relentless drive for disruptive innovation.”
Milwaukee’s relationship with Bay Area SMACNA goes back many years, as does its relationship with SMACNA National and many other regional branches. Milwaukee offers Bay Area SMACNA members safety trainings, new product demonstrations, event support, partnership agreements, productivity consultations and more. Bridget noted that she’s dedicated to supporting SMACNA contractors and is always interested in chatting with contractors to understand how Milwaukee can add value to their companies.
The Milwaukee Tool story begins with power tool innovation. In 1918, a young Wisconsin manufacturer named A.H. Petersen developed a portable, lightweight power drill at the behest of Henry Ford.
“Milwaukee Tool understands the value of aligning with trade organizations like SMACNA, especially to get a pulse on the industry trends and collaborate on providing solutions,” Bridget said. “We stand out from the competition because we design solutions by working directly with tradespeople on research and development, ensuring that our innovations are solving real-world jobsite problems.”
Some of the company’s solutions came out of jobsite R&D with Bay Area SMACNA contractors. “The Milwaukee product team visits the Bay Area monthly to conduct research with my contractor partners, seeking pain points of current solutions, looking for validation on prototypes, or receiving essential feedback on products before they launch to the public,” Bridget said. “Several Bay Area SMACNA contractors have provided vital feedback and shaped the future landscape of tools, which is so exciting to think about.”
“I travel in and out of SFO frequently, so anytime I’m dropping off a demo tool or conducting a safety training at SFO, I get really excited to see the progress and imagine the experience once it’s complete,” she said. This same kind of investment in the future drives Milwaukee’s community work, too. And their commitment to the trades extends beyond the jobsite.
“Our secret sauce involves aligning ourselves with partners in the trades, working closely with training centers and trade organizations, and a relentless drive for disruptive innovation.
BRIDGET DUNPHY
Bay Area Territory Manager in the Mechanical Trades, Milwaukee Tool
Speaking of exciting, Bridget mentioned a glut of new Milwaukee products she’s hyped about, including their line of Made in the USA hand tools, their safety award-winning BOLT™ Type 2 safety helmets, PackOut racking for service vehicles, and the world’s first cordless roll groover.
Milwaukee’s innovative tools are at work on dozens of jobsites across the Bay Area, day after day. In her role, Bridget sees many of them. But the one she’s most excited about is the Terminal 3 West Modernization project at San Francisco International Airport.
As a major donor and partner of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), the company supports the HMSE mission to introduce young people to career opportunities in the building trades through immersive summer “camps” hosted by contractors and other organizations across the country — including ACCO in San Leandro, Silicon Valley Mechanical and Cupertino Electric in San Jose, the Sequoia Union High School District in Redwood City, and Western Allied, who’ve been heavily involved with HMSE since the 2021 pilot program.
“Bridget says Milwaukee’s charitable work with HMSE is one of her favorite ways the company gives back to local communities.
“I’ve helped pack donated Milwaukee tool bags to the supporting camps, to leading tool trainings with the campers at Western Allied and ACCO, to attending graduation events. This will be my third year working with HMSE, and it’s truly incredible to see the impact on these young folks,” she said. “Overall, we are deeply committed to making the construction industry as safe, productive and efficient as possible.”
Duane
