VDCT Classification Paves the Way for New Local 469 Signatory Contractors

By Mark Oden

September 4, 2018

UA Journal BIM Designs Inc. July 2018

Josh Wakeham, who is responsible for business development for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 469 in Phoenix, AZ, recently announced the signing of two new signatory contractors, BIM Designs Inc., and MLP Consulting.  Wakeham stated that Local 469’s new classification of a Virtual Design Construction Technician (VDCT) is responsible for the exciting new partnerships. BIM Designs Inc., Porter Ranch, CA. Drew Miller, who is a member of Local 78 in Los Angeles, CA, and a fourth-generation plumber, founded BIM Designs Inc. in 2016. Prior to what economists refer to as the Great Recession [2007], Miller had been detailing for EMCOR in Las Vegas out of Local 525. When the recession hit, he decided to go back to school, graduating at the top of his class at the age of 32 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He had definitive goals in mind for his startup company and realized in order to meet those goals, he would need a partner. He found the perfect match in Mark Oden, who today is the company’s CEO. Mark had 10 years of experience in product management, business development, and mergers and acquisitions for Cisco Systems. His vast knowledge of cutting-edge technology, along with Drew’s ambition have helped this company acquire an impressive portfolio, which includes projects such as the Skyline B12 Community College, Google Caribbean, and Apple Campus 2, to name just a few. Fellow brother Miller stated that he is very excited about the new classification of a VDCT in the UA. As a company, they were exploring career paths for those individuals they employ. He said, “There are not enough detailers now. There won’t be enough detailers in the future. We have to start to get people trained. When Josh met with us, they brought to the table a developed plan that they have in action. We are very excited to communicate and work with Local 469.” Moving forward, Miller is going to take advantage of every incentive the UA is offering. He would like to move into new markets in different cities, offering plumbing, piping, electrical, and mechanical BIM services. He stated that with the support of Local 469, he feels that this will be very doable. MLP Consulting, Phoenix, AZ. founder, Michael Pair, is a third-generation proud union sheet metal tradesman whose extended family of uncles and cousins are also sheet metal workers. He understands the value of union membership. He said, “I started MLP Consulting to accomplish this goal: Make 3D MEP modeling, BIM coordination, and laser scanning available to anyone tackling a major project. With our union affiliation and construction experience, we strive to show that BIM can help to save the project money, regardless of BIM requirements.” MLP Consulting provides construction consulting services that top contractors have used to help coordinate their projects and keep them under budget and on time. With over 20 years of experience in both field construction and design/ drafting, they utilize the most-current technology. Michael Pair said, “We joined the sheet metal local first, because I grew up as a sheet metal worker. The union offers quality work. It is sometimes hard to get projects because of our prices, but the quality is something I can feel good about. More of our clients were asking us to do piping work, and in order for that side to be quality as well, I knew the natural progression was to start talking with the UA. Local 469 has helped us more than I ever imagined with getting our piping division started. I see them as brothers now too, as well as my brothers on the sheet metal side.” The company is just three years old but already has an impressive portfolio that includes notable projects such as the Banner Casa Grande Medical Center refurbish project, Tucson LDS Temple new build, and the Linda Abril Educational Academy new build, to name just a few.