Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association presented three major awards during its 77th Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii.
Randy Novak, president of Novak Heating & Air, is this year’s SMACNA Contractor of the Year.
“Not only has Randy’s perseverance, integrity and problem-solving abilities helped him grow his own company, but his drive has helped push through key initiatives for SMACNA and the industry as a whole,” said Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “His dedication as a small business owner combined with his passion for growing the workforce make him an exceptional industry leader at the local and national levels.
IOWA SMCI
Locally, Novak is an active member of the Sheet Metal Contractors of Iowa (SMCI), where he serves on the Board of Directors. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, SMCI consists of three independent chapters throughout the state – Cedar Rapids, Central Iowa and Sioux City.
Novak brings a rich background of industry experience to SMACNA, having served more than three decades in sheet metal and HVAC. Starting at his family business in 1986, Novak worked as an apprentice and moved his way into sales as well as management before assuming the role of president. Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Novak Heating & Air has grown and evolved under Novak’s leadership. He has been instrumental in implementing new technologies, changing the way in which employees are trained, and offering a fresh perspective on business operations and the customer experience.
John Sindyla
John Sindyla, chief executive officer of SMACNA-Cleveland, is this year’s Chapter Executive of the Year.
“John’s impressive background as an attorney has successfully contributed to his pursuit of legislative affairs work and policies on behalf of SMACNA at the local and national levels,” said Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “John is an exemplary association advocate in all he does. No one is more deserving of the 2021 Chapter Executive of the Year Award than him.”
Cleveland Rocks!
Known for his strategic thinking and ability to solve problems, Sindyla leads SMACNA-Cleveland with compassion. This past year, he helped implement an initiative for local contractors to submit safety costs for reimbursement through SMACNA. He also helped create a voucher program for safety equipment, lessening the burden of cost for contractors when it mattered most.
Sindyla is an active chapter executive, working on behalf of SMACNA-Cleveland to support local members through networking events, education, training, and labor relations activities. He takes advantage of the chapter executive resources and programs offered by SMACNA, such as Chapter Executives Institute, Board Liaison Program, and Supervisory Training, in order to better serve those in his region.
Tom Martin
Tom Martin, president of T.H. Martin, Inc., Cleveland, Oh., was elected by the Board of Directors to serve as SMACA vice president. Martin’s year-long term in office began at the close of SMACNA’s 77th Annual Convention during which he was also named Legislative Contractor the Year, a distinguished honor given to a contractor in recognition of their exceptional effort and unsurpassed leadership in legislative and political action on behalf of their company, their association, and their industry during the preceding year.
“Tom Martin’s commitment to improve the industry and SMACNA is exemplary. He has made a powerful personal commitment to advance the industry and theAn Innovator
Martin is an industry innovator and highly regarded member of SMACNA-Cleveland, which represents more than 60 contractor firms in northeast Ohio. He has served as the chapter’s president since 2014. Martin’s advocacy efforts span across legislative issues, education, training, and recruitment. His lobbying work at the local, state, and Congressional levels made his company more competitive within his state.
SMACNA reports that, on the national level, Martin’s involvement is unmatched. His activism amplifies the impact of SMACNA's national reputation, and helps increase the effectiveness of legislative efforts and the success of SMAC PAC. He is a critical player in ongoing lobbying efforts to reform registered apprenticeship laws and regulations, pension reform, infrastructure policies, and prevailing wage enforcement legislation. Martin also attends political events from coast to coast to expand SMACNA’s influence with Congress, his state’s governor and other leaders in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he participates on committees and trusts while running a thriving business.
T.H. Martin, Inc. is a family-owned business started in 1985 by Martin’s father, Thomas H. Martin. In his role as president, Martin works alongside his brother, Mike, who serves as vice president of the company.
SMACNA is an international trade association representing 3,500 contributing contractor firms and is a leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.