Xcel Mechanical’s Kevin Michel Introduced as CAL SMACNA’s 50th President
CARLSBAD, CA – The California Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (CAL SMACNA) introduced as its 50th president Kevin Michel of Xcel Mechanical Systems during the organizations four-day annual convention, which concluded here Saturday night.
CAL SMACNA is a non-profit statewide trade association representing more than 600 sheet metal and air conditioning contractors who employ more than 25,000 union employees and administrative personnel throughout the state. The organization focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy programs and services for its members.
Mr. Michel, who celebrates his 50th birthday this week, has grown Gardena, CA-based Xcel Mechanical Systems into one of Southern California’s most respected commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing and Piping contractors since co-founding the business in 1998.
“The 50th anniversary of a great association. It’s 50th convention. And I’m the 50th president on my 50th birthday. And those are just the first 200 reasons why I’m so happy you’ve chosen me,” said Mr. Michel.
“This is an honor, and I’m excited to serve,” he said. “I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas with my fellow contractors and chapter executives, and to us working together on the opportunities and challenges ahead. We work in a great industry with great people. This is going to be a great year.”
Mr. Michel is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and has worked in the commercial and industrial HVAC, Plumbing, and Piping industry for more than 25 years. He graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering before relocating to Southern California to take a job with Meadows Mechanical. There he worked for Ed Banks, who served CAL SMACNA for many years and in whose memory the organization created the Edward G. Banks Award for exemplary service to the association.
“Ed was more than an employer; he was a mentor and a teacher,” Mr. Michel said. “He helped me grow and develop. He taught me a lot about hard work, character, inner strength and common sense. I will always be grateful for that experience.”
Within a year of his arrival at Meadows Mechanical, Mr. Michel was promoted to lead the company’s engineering department. And not long after, with the help and encouragement of his peers and others across the industry, Mr. Michel co-founded Xcel Mechanical Systems.
As president of Xcel Mechanical, he oversees all company operations. He relies on the diligence, professionalism and project know-how of his seasoned team of project managers, engineers, and administrative unit heads to continue steering the company through customer project execution and overall company growth.
“We have been so busy since we began that I haven’t taken enough time to pause, look back and take stock of how lucky I am to run a successful business and have a loving family,” Mr. Michel said. “However, a night like tonight allows that opportunity.”
In addition to his own service, Mr. Michel encourages his senior managers and field teams to take full advantage of the training and service opportunities that local, state and national professional associations provide for their members.
“I always thought I was too busy to join SMACNA, but I didn’t realize this association would make me a better businessman and a better person. To sit on the Board of the Los Angeles Chapter – and later the CAL SMACNA Board – has proven to be one of the best career decisions I have made. Most of the time the other members are my competitors, but all of the time they are truly great friends. I know I can pick up the phone at any time and get great advice from the friendships I have developed here.”
Xcel Mechanical’s operations manager, Scott Burson, is on the Board of Directors of the California Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association, and on the Finance Committee of the Apprentice and Journeyman Training Trust Fund.
“These associations provide opportunities to have a presence, and to get involved,” Mr. Burson said. “We respect our industry. We bring value. And we’re in this to help more people than just ourselves. This is a great night for Kevin. And it’s a great night for CAL SMACNA.”
About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems is recognized across Southern California as an industry leader in commercial and industrial mechanical and plumbing engineering, design-build, and construction. Building owners, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective, dependable solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. We specialize in the Aerospace, Healthcare, Education, Commercial, Data Center, and LEED Construction sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com
About CAL SMACNA
California Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (CAL SMACNA) is a non-profit statewide trade association representing over 600 sheet metal and air conditioning contractors who employ more than 25,000 union employees and administrative personnel throughout California. These contractors perform commercial and residential heating, ventilating, and air conditioning; architectural and industrial sheet metal; as well as stainless steel kitchen equipment, manufacturing, testing and balancing, siding and decking. Their range of work is from public works to private commercial and residential projects. Our mission is to provide legislative and regulatory advocacy and program services. For more information, please visit: http://www.cal-smacna.org/