Synergy Wraps Up Special Projects Forum

AURORA, Colo. — The 2024 Special Projects Forum, held July 14, 15, and 16 in Aurora, Colorado, brought together Synergy Solution Group members focused on improving project management and processes.

Synergy Solution Group provides training resources for commercial HVAC professionals as well as helps them build connections among their peers.

The event began with a presentation by contractor coach Frank Favaro on building effective teams in a time when employee engagement is at an all-time low.

Favaro said engagement is suffering due to distractions, disengagement related to remote work, and lack of appreciation, which also impacts customer satisfaction. He introduced the concept of the “four-minute barrier,” encouraging attendees to identify and overcome their limitations.

Favaro stressed the importance of trust and relationships, advising that treating internal customers as external ones can enhance business success.

“This opened my eyes again to things we have in place but need to utilize more to grow closer to our team members,” said Ryan Grady (CSE).

Sharing proud moments was a key part of the forum, providing members with opportunities to learn about best practices from peers. 

Michael Hoyt (ACIS) shared how the company has transitioned 18 plumbers to focus on special projects due to customer demand, creating leadership opportunities and reducing the pull from service work. Lisa Cassaday (Vital Mechanical Service) shared how her company has revamped processes and grew special projects. Her efforts included improving project management, developing turnover packets, and streamlining billing.

Day one ended with Baker Group sharing its capital planning strategy, which involves equipment end-of-life charts to guide clients in replacing equipment ahead of schedule. Storer Services shared its proactive estimates, which aid customers in planning future expenditures, and   Atomatic shared how it leverages clients’ fiscal year data, ASHRAE charts, and XOi to help budget for equipment needs.

Day two started with a presentation from Synergy partner XOi on how its platform can be used in the special projects world.

After XOi’s presentation, members talked about engineering and turnover processes. Some of the big takeaways from the small-group discussions were the importance of having project managers involved throughout to simplify the turnover process, ensuring those who walk the job also quote it for continuity; and the need for clear roles for safety and permitting.

The last topic of the session was post mortems, with both CSE and Pacific Rim Mechanical sharing experiences and methodologies.

The forum concluded with action plans and evaluations designed to implement the insights gained.

“The best part of the meeting was connecting with the other members and talking about things that we are struggling with in our day-to-day operations,” said Peter McLean (Cox Engineering).