EDGE
NEWS & UPDATES
MEMBER FEATURES
EVENTS & RECAPS
APPRENTICES
20
TECHNOLOGY
23
EDUCATION
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS | Update from Brian Pyle
FROM KAUAI TO THE CAPITOL: BAY AREA SMACNA IN ACTION
As we move through the year, I want to thank our members for the continued support and engagement that make this association strong.
I continue to be impressed by how the Bay Area shows up for our industry. Our chapter had outstanding attendance at the recent CAL SMACNA Convention in Kauai, and we had a strong showing at Day at the Capitol in May, where members had an opportunity to connect directly with legislators on the issues impacting our industry. It’s encouraging to see so many contractors coming together to share ideas, strengthen relationships and represent our industry with a unified voice.
Brian Pyle PRESIDENT
bpyle@svminc.com Tel: 408-943-0380
That same level of involvement and energy also matters at the local level. Our general membership meetings continue to be one of the best opportunities to stay informed, discuss industry issues and help shape the direction of our association. I encourage every member to attend whenever possible. Your voice and perspective make a difference.
Looking ahead, we have several valuable events on the calendar, including the Advisory Retreat in Yosemite this June. The retreat will include updates on the association, member discussion and planning for the months ahead. We’ll also accept nominations for the Board of Directors. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of contractors spanning different market segments, geographic areas and unique expertise. Serving as a Bay Area SMACNA Board member is a rewarding experience, and I encourage you to consider getting involved at that level.
Thank you again for your participation and commitment. With the continued involvement of our membership, we are well-positioned for a productive and strong remainder of the year.
EVENT RECAP | CAL SMACNA Convention
BUILT ON PEOPLE: MEMBERS GATHER FOR CAL SMACNA’S 60TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
Over 100 Bay Area SMACNA members attended the 60th Annual CAL SMACNA Convention April 8–11 in Kauai, Hawaii.
The convention celebrated six decades since the first gathering in 1966. What began as a collective effort to unify voices and strengthen representation in Sacramento has grown into a movement built on community, advocacy and shared purpose. Members have worked together through the years to support their companies, advance the industry and create opportunities for future generations.
This year’s workshops reflected this same theme of people. The AI workshop explored how technology helps teams work smarter. The Building a Multi-Generational Workplace workshop examined how differing perspectives and experiences become strengths when channeled toward a shared goal, creating environments where people feel valued and perform at their best.
Keynote speaker Father Gregory Boyle brought the theme to life through stories from his gang intervention and rehabilitation work with Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. He drew a direct parallel to construction: strong teams and successful projects are built not only through skill and execution, but through a culture of belonging, trust and community.
At the President’s Banquet, Brian Pyle received the gavel from outgoing President Mike Hilgert and delivered
remarks on the year ahead and the importance of working together.
The banquet also marked the debut of the Stan Capelli Award, created in 2026 to honor a CAL SMACNA contractor or association manager who best exemplifies Stan’s extraordinary standards.
• A rare blend of old-world values and modern insight — tireless work ethic, street smarts, deep industry expertise and emotional intelligence.
• Uncompromising integrity — treating others with respect, empathy and genuine kindness in both professional and personal life.
• Passionate leadership as a mentor and advocate, always willing to step up in whatever role the moment required.
Bay Area SMACNA’s Chapter Night was held at The Plantation House in Kilohana’s original courtyard, where the historic setting provided a fitting backdrop for meaningful conversation and connection among members.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to the CAL SMACNA team who made it such a success. Here’s to 60 remarkable years — and many more to come!
EVENT RECAP | Safety Awards
SAFETY FIRST: BAY AREA SMACNA MEMBERS EARN TOP HONORS
Congratulations to the following on earning awards — and thank you for your hard work, leadership and commitment to safety excellence!
During the President’s Awards Luncheon at the 60th Annual CAL SMACNA Convention in April, Bay Area SMACNA was proud to have many members recognized for outstanding safety records.
2026 WINNERS
UNDER 25,000 MANHOURS WORKED
*Martinez Sheet Metal, Inc. Mauck Sheet Metal.
25,001 - 50,000 MANHOURS WORKED Bullard’s Heating & Air, Inc.
100,001 AND OVER MANHOURS WORKED ACCO Engineered Systems AGC, Inc.
*All Temperature Service and Air Conditioning, Inc. Bell Products, Inc.
Control Air Enterprises LLC
ICOM Mechanical, Inc.
Marina Mechanical Services
Matrix HG, Inc.
National Air Balance Company, Inc.
Silicon Valley Mechanical, Inc.
Therma LLC
*Best safety record in their category
EVENT RECAP | Congrats Brian!
BRIAN PYLE ELECTED 20262027 CAL SMACNA PRESIDENT
Join us in congratulating Brian Pyle, current Bay Area SMACNA President, on being named the 2026-2027 President of CAL SMACNA!
Brian is a Partner at Silicon Valley Mechanical (SVM) in San Jose, where he oversees all aspects of construction operations, including safety, detailing, sheet metal and piping fabrication, and field installation. He leads a workforce of more than 750 union shop and field personnel across northern California and Nevada, helping ensure every project meets the company’s high standards for quality, safety and performance.
As a registered California Professional Engineer, Brian brings both technical expertise and hands-on leadership to the industry. Before joining SVM in 2014, he spent 15 years in engineering and project management roles at United Mechanical, Aire Sheet Metal and ACCO Engineered Systems, managing commercial HVAC projects throughout the Bay Area.
Brian has also dedicated years of service to the industry community, serving on numerous boards over the past decade with a passion for helping shape the future of the trade.
MEMBER FEATURE | Kamran and Company
BUILDING A FOOD SERVICE EMPIRE FROM THE GROUND UP
For four decades, Kamran and Company has carved out a distinctive position in the commercial food service equipment industry. Not by following the conventional playbook, but by writing their own.
What began in 1988 as a modest operation with founder Kamran Amiri, his wife, Faye Amiri, one salesman and a single technician refurbishing used equipment has transformed into a national powerhouse completing multi-million-dollar projects across the U.S.
Once the company was established, Kamran took a different approach than typical industrial kitchen equipment dealers. Kamran and Company performed its own installations rather than farming work out to subcontractors. For larger projects, they supplemented their crew with local talent. But over the years they’ve amassed an impressive number of staff installers.
“There’s no dealer in U.S. in food service that has the quality and number of installers we have. All our competitors use subcontractors,” Kamran explains. “Our installers are company employees — some of them have been with us for 25 years. That sets us apart as a very high-quality installation company.”
Today, the company maintains a core team. When projects get big enough to overwhelm their staff installers, they tap SMACNA for quality union labor.
“When we call down and say we need qualified hands, working with union labor has been beneficial,” said Daniel Rios, Kamran and Company General Manager. “They’re not just throwing journeymen out there; they’re giving us assistance to provide clients the best product available.”
Ten years ago, one of these big projects shifted Kamran and Company’s trajectory. Apple awarded the company a large multi-million contract to handle the kitchens for their new headquarters, which was beyond their capacity at the time. But they made it work. This opened a door to more big projects.
Three years ago, Kamran and Company landed a nearly $100 million project with Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which they completed in less than a year and a half. Kamran says his company’s worked on approximately 90 percent of the
major casinos on the Vegas Strip in the past decade or two. Kamran and Company maintains a diverse client base spanning from mom-and-pop restaurants, celebrity chef establishments, Army bases, hospitals, churches and school districts.
Kamran and Company’s capabilities extend well beyond basic installation. Rios describes the scope: “Kamran is a refrigeration organization, but our team has done small HVAC systems, air balancing, assistance and coordination — we’re a one-stop shop when it comes to food service and commercial kitchens.”
“There’s
The company also maintains its own metal fabrication shop dedicated to stainless steel work, producing its own fabricated products. When casino projects or hospital serving areas require millwork, Kamran and Company can handle that as well.
expand the operation.
Safety stands as a cornerstone of Kamran’s operations. On the technology front, the company is in the final stages of fully implementing project management software and exploring AI-powered features to enhance efficiency.
Kamran and Company’s competitive advantages crystallize around two key factors: self-performing installation with highly skilled talent and strong bonding capacity enabling them to secure large-scale projects that others cannot.
no dealer in U.S. in food service that has the quality and number of installers we have. All our competitors use subcontractors.
KAMRAN AMIRI FOUNDER
Two years ago, the company underwent a significant transformation when Kamran sold 85 percent of the business to partners.
As President, Kamran Amiri remains deeply involved with the company, working alongside his team. New executive leadership is also joining the firm to further scale and to
““That combination allows us to take on these major projects while maintaining the quality control that comes from using our own people,” Kamran said.
From a two-person installation crew to a national operation completing
projects coast to coast, Kamran and Company exemplifies how commitment to self-performance, strategic growth and strong industry partnerships can build something exceptional. As the company sets its sights on international markets while maintaining its reputation for quality and safety, the foundation laid over four decades continues to support increasingly ambitious goals.
EVENT RECAP | Day at the Capitol 2026
SMACNA MEMBERS MAKE THEIR MARK AT 2026 DAY AT THE CAPITOL
This year’s Day at the Capitol, held in May, gave attendees a more dynamic Capitol environment than previous years. With legislative sessions running throughout the day, participants could follow floor activity in real time on screens in waiting areas and offices.
Because many Assembly members were still on the floor, meetings with legislative aides allowed for more detailed conversations about our industry and key issues.
The event began the evening before with a legislative reception, where CAL SMACNA members had the opportunity to network and connect with legislators who stopped by. The reception was followed by dinner and an issue forum featuring guest speakers Dan Walters and Ashley Zavala.
DISCUSSIONS FOCUSED ON SEVERAL KEY ISSUES, INCLUDING:
“HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON” — a call for legislators to evaluate the cumulative cost of every bill and regulation on employers, and how those burdens affect their ability to remain viable job providers.
AB 1898 — a proposal that would have required employers to provide 90 days’ notice before deploying or using any new technology in the workplace, a measure that would have expanded exposure to PAGA-style litigation.
SB 33 — legislation that would eliminate the sunset provision on the cost-savings framework for public contracts.
In a follow-up email from CAL SMACNA, members learned that AB 1898 was ultimately killed in the Appropriations Committee — a significant win for our industry. The voices heard during Day at the Capitol, combined with CAL SMACNA’s advocacy efforts, were part of the broader push to stop this harmful bill.
We look forward to returning to the Capitol next year for another meaningful and productive Day at the Capitol!
Join us on Monday, July 20, for the 31st Annual Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament! This special event brings our industry together to raise funds in support of students pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.
Registration is limited to the first 144 players, and spots are expected to fill quickly. The tournament will be played on the Hill Course at The Club at Castlewood. Please note: player registrations are not confirmed until payment is received.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors, whose generous support helped make it possible to award 24 scholarships last year!
20,
The Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship Trust helps students meet the rising costs of higher education by providing annual tuition and book scholarships up to $6,000 EACH! Proceeds from the tournament directly support the Scholarship Trust, and a portion of all sponsorships are tax deductible (tax ID # 68-0455765).
2026 SAVE THE DATES
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY RETREAT
JUN 18 JUN 20
JUNE 18-20
Tenaya at Yosemite Yosemite National Park
BAY AREA SMACNA ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS
OCT 2
31ST ANNUAL BAY AREA SMACNA SCHOLARSHIP TRUST GOLF TOURNAMENT
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Watch email for registration details. SEP 8 OCT 15
SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 15
Carmel Valley Ranch One Old Ranch Rd. Carmel, California SEP 13 SEP 15
SEPTEMBER 13-15
OCTOBER 2
Birds Landing Hunting Preserve 2099 Collinsville Rd. Birds Landing, California
2026 SMACNA ANNUAL CONVENTION
OCTOBER 25-28
Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando Orlando, Florida OCT 25 OCT 28
ANNUAL DINNER & INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
NOV 14
NOVEMBER 14
Appellation Healdsburg 101 Dovetail Ln. Healdsburg, California
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
DEC 10
DECEMBER 10
Bay Area SMACNA Training Room 6689 Owens Dr., Ste. 200 Pleasanton, California
EVENT RECAP | Fire Life Safety
FIRE LIFE SAFETY TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS SMOKE CONTROL AND SAFETY SYSTEMS
On March 12, SMW Local 104 and Bay Area SMACNA hosted a Fire Life Safety Training on the 2026 Oakland Fire Code amendments at the Oakland Fire Training Division.
With a focus on fire smoke dampers, smoke and heat vents, smoke control systems and mechanical smoke removal systems, the session featured presentations from industry leaders Duane Davies of National Air Balance, Chris Ruch of NEMI, Pat Pico from the Apprenticeship Program and Zac Unger, who previously served as an Oakland firefighter for 27 years, was president of IAFF Local 55 and is an Oakland District 1 Councilmember.
Attendees also toured the FLS mobile training unit, which demonstrated real-world fire scenarios, simulating how failed dampers can allow smoke to rapidly spread through rooms and corridors. A powerful demonstration of airflow pressurization differentials highlighted the difficulty of opening doors during a fire emergency, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.
EDUCATION | Fall PM Program
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH 2026 PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The 2026 Bay Area SMACNA Project Management Certificate Program Registration is now open! Sign up by Friday, August 28, to secure your or your employee’s spot. Each member firm is limited to five registrations.
Cost to register is $1,500; however, member firms receive 100% reimbursement upon successful completion of the program. Payment can be made by check payable to Bay Area SMACNA and mailed to:
ATTN: Kelly Avila
6689 Owens Dr., Ste. 200 | Pleasanton, CA 94588
Designed for individuals with at least one year of project management experience, this program focuses on the skills needed to successfully manage people, resources and project timelines while staying on budget and building strong internal and external customer relationships. Because the program covers a substantial amount of material, consistent attendance is required. While we understand emergencies can happen, missed sessions may impact a participant’s ability to successfully complete the program and receive a certificate of completion. With multiple instructors leading the course, makeup sessions and individual follow-ups are not available. Please ensure participants can fully commit to attending all scheduled class dates before registering.
CLASS SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER
8-10: PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW & TIME MANAGEMENT FOR PROJECT MANAGERS | KEVIN DOUGHERTY
15: BLUEBEAM
16: CONSTRUCTION LAW | CRAIG KISYLIA
17: ENABLING SUCCESS
22: THE LIFE CYCLE OF ESTIMATING
23: JOB COST MANAGEMENT
24: CHANGE ORDER MANAGEMENT AND DELAY DAMAGES
29: LEAN CONSTRUCTION | HENRY NUTT
OCTOBER
1: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS/NETWORKING | CHRIS BENNETT
2: MANAGING CONFLICT & DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE | RAE ANN INNIELLO
6: CHANGE AGILITY | RAE ANN INNIELLO
7: LEADERSHIP SELF AWARENESS | ANDREW PATRON
8: NEGOTIATION SKILLS | ANDREW PATRON
13: SEISMIC BRACING | ELI HOWARD
14: VENTILATION FOR ACCEPTABLE IAQ | ELI HOWARD
15: PANEL DISCUSSION AND CERTIFICATE AWARDS
ASSOCIATE MEMBER FEATURE | Benesys
HOW BENESYS SERVES THE TRADES
Long before most contractors had heard of benefit fund administration, BeneSys Administrators was already building the tools and expertise to support the trades.
Founded in 1979 in Michigan, the company got its start developing computer software purpose-built for the Taft-Hartley industry — a specialized corner of labor law governing the benefit plans negotiated through collective bargaining agreements. In 1986, BeneSys expanded into full administrative services, and hasn’t stopped growing since. Today, the company serves over 250 clients representing more than 500 Trust Funds across the U.S., with a team of over 900 professionals and offices coast to coast.
“Our relationship with Bay Area SMACNA and Local 104 started when we began administering their Trust Funds in 2004,” said Charles Besocke, BeneSys Chief Client Officer. “At that time, we were a midsize administrator doing business throughout the Midwest and growing. When the trustees were looking for a new administrator, we were more than ready for the challenge. The trustees saw that we were dedicated to providing the best service for our clients and took a chance on us.”
For more than two decades, BeneSys has worked closely with Bay Area SMACNA contractors and labor partners to support the benefit infrastructure that helps keep the union sheet metal industry strong and competitive throughout the Bay Area.
WHAT DOES A TAFT-HARTLEY ADMINISTRATOR ACTUALLY DO?
For contractors who don’t work closely with union benefits, “Taft-Hartley administration” can feel abstract. In practice, it’s anything but. The Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 paved the way for the jointly managed, multi-employer benefit plans that union trades rely on today — covering health insurance, pension, vacation disbursements and more, each uniquely structured around the members of a specific trade, their collective bargaining agreements and the contributing employers.
In short: BeneSys makes sure that the money contractors contribute ends up delivering real benefits to real workers — accurately and on time.
BUILT-IN TECHNOLOGY, BUILT FOR RELIABILITY
One of the things that sets BeneSys apart is its investment in proprietary technology. Rather than relying on outside vendors, the organization built, maintains and continuously improves its own in-house benefit administration software, BenefitDriven. Alongside it, SpyGlass — developed by Beacon Technologies Group, part of the BeneSys family of companies — serves as the premier medical claims processing software in the industry.
“Because BenefitDriven and SpyGlass are continuously updated behind the scenes, our clients benefit from reliable system performance, strong data controls and the ability to adapt to regulatory and operational changes without disruption,” Besocke said. “Our software capabilities are our tools for solving many of the financial, compliance, liability, security and staffing needs of our clients.”
Data security is another area where BeneSys takes no shortcuts. The Trust Funds they administer hold some of the most sensitive personal information a person can have on file: Social Security numbers, medical histories and banking information. For a union member who’s spent a career in the trades, a breach isn’t an inconvenience — it can mean stolen identities, disrupted benefits and years of personal fallout.
Chief Information Officer
Jason Wolan and the BeneSys security team stay proactive on cybersecurity, implementing rigorous procedures, providing ongoing compliance training and meeting all applicable industry and regulatory guidelines to keep that information safe.
KEEPING TRUSTEES IN THE KNOW
“and attorneys to keep the trustees up to date on the latest regulations and laws, as well as to provide guidance to ensure the plan operates smoothly,” Besocke said.
For contractors, the most common compliance misstep is also the most preventable: the accidental underreporting of work hours. The fix is straightforward — consult the collective bargaining agreement when preparing monthly reporting. Bay Area SMACNA contractors with questions about their contribution obligations can reach the BeneSys Contributions team directly.
A PROUD BAY AREA SMACNA ASSOCIATE MEMBER
We work as a team with Trust Fund professionals including consultants, actuaries, investment advisors and attorneys to keep the trustees up to date on the latest regulations and laws, as well as to provide guidance to ensure the plan operates smoothly.
CHARLES BESOCKE Chief Client Officer
The regulatory landscape surrounding benefit plans is constantly shifting, and keeping up can feel like a second job for fund trustees. BeneSys takes much of that burden off their plates through a cross-functional team of professionals backed by an in-house Compliance Department.
“We work as a team with Trust Fund professionals including consultants, actuaries, investment advisors
With a West Coast headquarters in Pleasanton, BeneSys combines national resources with a local presence. As a Bay Area SMACNA associate member, the company has grown into a trusted Taft-Hartley administrator and partner to the Bay Area’s union sheet metal industry.
““Fund administrators exist to help members receive their hard-earned benefits, and we can best do that by building strong relationships and working closely with trustees to improve member service,” Besocke said. “It’s a privilege to support the Trust Funds that have helped us grow.”
For contractors looking to better understand their obligations or get more from their relationship with BeneSys, Besocke’s message is simple: reach out. The Contributions team is ready to help, and BeneSys remains committed to making sure every hardworking union member receives the benefits they’ve earned.
APPRENTICES | Our Future
NEW ACM WALL PANEL TRAINING LAUNCHES AT LIVERMORE TRAINING FACILITY
The Sheet Metal Workers and Bay Area Industry Training Fund have launched a new architectural wall panel installation course at the Livermore Training Facility.
Built around the facility’s steel training structure, the hands-on course focuses on ACM wall panel installation with fully integrated layout technology, including realworld application of the Trimble Total Station in a vertical plane — a skill increasingly in demand on today’s job sites.
PARTICIPANTS ALSO GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN:
OSHA REGULATIONS RELATED TO SCAFFOLD ERECTION AND USE
ARCHITECTURAL PANEL INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
TRIMBLE TOTAL STATION SETUP, OPERATION AND BREAKDOWN
The program is designed to replicate actual job site conditions, combining modern technology with a strong focus on safety and precision.
UPCOMING ARCHITECTURAL WALL TRAINING SCHEDULE
6/15/2026 - 6/19/2026 6/22/2026 - 6/26/2026
7/20/2026 - 7/24/2026
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
https://bit.ly/4e9HQH0
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COURSE AVAILABILITY AND REGISTRATION
APPRENTICES
| Stratus
STRATUS TRAINING PILOT FOCUSES ON REAL-TIME PRODUCTIVITY
The Sheet Metal Workers and Bay Area Industry Training Fund, in partnership with the International Training Institute (iTi), recently hosted the first pilot class on Stratus training for both shop and field applications at the Livermore Training Facility.
Held in March, the course focused on improving efficiency and establishing best practices for using Stratus to monitor performance and enhance productivity across project workflows.
Stratus is a software platform designed to track productivity and generate data-driven metrics throughout a project’s lifecycle. Integrated with Revit, it provides valuable insights across all phases of construction, including detailing, shop fabrication, prefabrication, hanger assemblies, deliveries, installation and overall job completion.
For more information or to express interest in future sessions, please contact yout training facility.
EDUCATION RECAP | CPR Training CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING RECAP
On March 20, 47 students earned CPR certification through Bay Area SMACNA’s CPR/First Aid training.
Participants learned a variety of life-saving techniques, including CPR for both children and adults, the use of AEDs, oxygen administration and strategies to prevent choking incidents.
By the end of the session, students left with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence needed to
This training is offered at no cost for SMWIA Local 104
EDUCATION | Invest in the Future
INTERN TRAINING DAY SET FOR JUNE 24
Registration is open for the Bay Area SMACNA Intern Training Day, with scholarships available to eligible interns.
In accordance with our long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104, Bay Area SMACNA contractors may recruit and hire one high school, community college or college student per company for designated shop/field internship positions outlined in the agreement. All interns participating in these positions must register through the Bay Area SMACNA Intern Program.
INTERN REQUIREMENTS AND REGISTRATION
TO QUALIFY UNDER THE MOU, INTERNS MUST: PAID A MINIMUM OF $24 PER HOUR
BE ASSIGNED WORK BETWEEN MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 AND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026
ATTEND AN INTERN TRAINING DAY WITH BAS ON JUNE 24, 10AM-1PM
Scan the QR code to register your shop/field interns as well as any office interns.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Any intern who completes an internship with a Bay Area SMACNA contractor, receives a Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship and attends the Intern Training Day will be eligible for an additional 50% scholarship.
*Note: scholarship deadline was May 31st.
Questions? Contact lheaney@bayareasmacna.org or kavila@bayareasmacna.org.
JUNE 24, 2026
Livermore JATC 1401 Greenville Rd. Livermore, CA 94550 JUN 24
SCAN TO REGISTER
Registration is now open! https://bit.ly/4veEF7Q
TECHNOLOGY
| AI Integration
AI IN CONSTRUCTION: 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING
Recent industry research from Dodge Construction Network shows that 87% of contractors believe AI will have a meaningful impact on the construction industry — from improving estimating accuracy and project management to streamlining administrative work and supporting faster, better decision-making.
As adoption ramps up, nearly every vendor is now claiming to be “AI-powered.” But not all tools are created equal. Before investing, contractors should ask a few critical questions to cut through the hype.
DOES IT SOLVE A REAL WORKFLOW PROBLEM?
If the software can’t clearly explain how it saves estimators, PMs or field teams time, it’s probably not ready for your business. Contractors increasingly care less about the AI label and more about labor savings, speed and accuracy.
WAS IT BUILT FOR CONSTRUCTION — OR ADAPTED TO IT?
Generic AI tools often struggle with real-world drawings, revisions and messy project data. Platforms developed specifically for construction workflows perform better because they’re trained to handle the realities of estimating, coordination and project execution.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SOFTWARE GETS IT WRONG?
No AI platform is perfect. Contractors should understand how much manual review and verification is still required. A tool that creates additional cleanup work instead of reducing it won’t improve productivity.
HOW SECURE IS YOUR PROJECT DATA, AND WHO OWNS IT?
AI procurement now raises cybersecurity and data ownership concerns. Contractors upload valuable information into these platforms — drawings, takeoffs, pricing history and project data — so they should understand where it’s stored, who retains ownership, whether vendors can use it to train AI models and what protections are in place to prevent unauthorized sharing or misuse.
CAN THE VENDOR PROVE ROI?
Flashy demos are easy. Measurable results are harder. Ask vendors for real examples of hours saved, estimating speed improvements, reduced rework or increased bid capacity. The strongest tools should be able to demonstrate a clear return on investment.
CYBERSECURITY ALERT !
AI is making contractors bigger targets for cyberattacks. Scams and phishing tactics are becoming more sophisticated, and security experts continue to warn that ransomware is among the biggest cybersecurity risks facing construction firms today. As contractors adopt more cloudbased and AI systems, now is the time to treat cybersecurity as a priority investment: audit your systems, train your employees, test your backups and keep software current.
Duane
