Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

September 19, 2024
 7:45 AM - 8:45 AM

Presenters
Angela Richie & Scott Norman

Session Description

Accidents happen.  People do make mistakes. Disgruntled employees like to file OSHA Complaints. And, when these things happen, OSHA will show up at your fabrication shop or the Project site and begin their investigation. If they see any violation in the course of their inspection, they will give you a citation.  This session will cover lessons we have learned on how to be ready for OSHA inspections, as well as what you need to do if an accident occurs, or you have to proceed into a hearing challenging a citation. 

About Presenters

Angela Richie is Managing Partner of the Louisville office of Gordon & Rees and is Co-Chair of the Construction practice group. She frequently consults with steel fabricators and other members of the structural steel industry on issues such as: claims for non-payment; allegations of defective fabrication and erection of structural steel; OSHA violations and related retaliation actions; application of the Buy America(n) statutes and regulations; and contracts between steel fabricators, general contractors, and downstream detailers, structural engineers, and erectors. Ms. Richie is a frequent presenter at regional steel fabricator association meetings.

R. Scott Norman is an experienced litigator in the Louisville office of Gordon & Rees and a member of the Construction, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law, and Real Estate practice groups. He represents and advises contractors, steel fabricators, subcontractors, and design professionals nationwide in all phases of commercial and residential construction, including contract review and negotiation, construction and design claims, payment disputes, workplace injuries and OSHA violations, labor and employment issues, mechanics’ liens, and other construction disputes. He brings an unconditional commitment to providing his nationwide clients with prompt and strategic professional services to achieve favorable and cost-effective outcomes.

September 19, 2024
 8:55 AM - 9:45 AM

Presenter
John Morello

Session Description

My presentation will discuss the automation solutions for assembling and welding structural steel. we will also touch upon steel part sorting and smart factory options for the industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Automation on welding
• Automation on assembling
• Automation on part sorting

About Presenter

John Morello is the North American Sales Manager for Zenam (a Lincoln Electric Company) since August 1st, 2023. Before, he was a Technical Sales Representative for Lincoln Electric covering Houston, TX from 2021 to 2023 and Northern California/Northern Nevada from 2017-2021.

September 19, 2024
 9:55 AM - 10:45 AM

Presenter
Pete Dumont

Session Description

About Presenter

Peter Dumont is the CEO of PrairieDog and the Chief Innovation and Digitalization Officer and CEO/President, Americas, for AG&P. He has 30 years of engineering and construction experience developing and executing projects across the U.S. and globally. He has significant experience in contracts and risk management, project planning and control, off-site fabrication and modularization, innovative labor and productivity solutions, and integration management on complex capital projects. He also has an extensive background in construction technology, including digital project management systems, AWP platforms, smart contracts, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.

Peter is active in various industry groups such as the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, where he is a Board member of both organizations. He also serves on several advisory boards for construction technology firms.

Peter has presented at over 60 industry events and conferences; taught multiple classes at the university level; and written over 40 articles for forums such as ENR, The Voice, LinkedIn, Construction Executive, BIC Magazine, and ASCE’s Journal of Management in Engineering, among others.

Peter holds a Master’s degree in Construction Engineering & Project Management from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine. Peter is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina and Maine.

September 20, 2024
 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Moderator
Carly Hurd

Panelist
Michael Fiore & Matt Montgomery

Session Description

About Moderator & Panelists

Michael Fiore, Fought & Co. and REFA Erectors: With more business experience than steel experience, Michael brings his team building, analytical, and business development skills to this group of companies.  As an engineer and recovering business owner Michael has bought and sold a few businesses over the years and knows how to deploy capital and build organizational alignment to achieve goals.  As a firm believer in peer leadership groups, he is a strong collaborator and relishes making new connections that open opportunity and market capacity.  His relationships within Andersen Construction and their holding company will certainly be value added for this new leader in the fabrication space.  

Matthew Montgomery, Precision Industrial Manufacturing: Matthew Montgomery brings over 30 years of expertise in operations management, manufacturing, and business development, consistently driving substantial revenue growth and revitalizing underperforming facilities. His strategic planning, sales acumen, and leadership have led to significant achievements, including a 470% revenue increase in one year. Matt's experience spans various industries, including infrastructure development, Industrial,  and government projects, making him an asset in any business setting.

September 20, 2024
 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

Presenter
Teresa Petrie, Perkins
Phil Czajka, Washington Trust

Session Description

About Presenter

A Principal with Perkins & Co. and Practice Leader for their CFO Advisory group, Teresa has a cross-functional background in accounting and manufacturing.  She holds a BS in Accountancy from Northern Illinois and received her MBA from Oregon State. 

Capitalizing on traditional accounting and Controller positions, Teresa developed a specialty in cost accounting, integrated inventory systems, applying management metrics, and providing in-depth analysis and financial reporting.  What's more, her work in a wide range of production environments has given her first-hand expertise in inventory control, manufacturing operations, shop floor control, capacity planning, and scheduling.  Teresa has a proven track record of success in implementing mid-market ERP systems in a number of manufacturing and distribution environments. 

As a CFO and VP of Operations in the manufacturing arena, Teresa's focus was both short and long-range -  delivering tactical day-to-day improvements and identifying strategic initiatives on the horizon.  Her responsibilities included streamlining operations as well as actively driving strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting, assessing the viability of future business directions, uncovering opportunities and reducing risks.  She enjoys helping clients tackle initiatives where these two disciplines intersect, which often relates to managing adequate cash flow and working capital.

Phil Czajka has over a decade of experience serving commercial clients in Portland and southwest Washington. As a second-generation banker here in the Northwest, Phil has a deep understanding of the industry and maintains relationships with clients across the region. He is passionate about developing relationships and leaning on his experience to help clients succeed by providing financial solutions tailored to their industries and needs.

Phil attended Oregon State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in psychology. He continues to serve as a guest lecturer to incoming finance and accounting students.

September 20, 2024
 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Presenter
Lacey Faught

Session Description

Social media isn't hard to do, but it does take work. In this presentation Lacey J. will teach 3 important strategies to reinforce your reputation using social media. If you want to establish a stronger personal brand, bring in more business, or establish more brand awareness, you're going to want to attend this session. 

About Presenter

Lacey J. Faught is the founder of Spry, the Pacific Northwest’s most established social media agency. She’s been running the company for 13 years and, along with her 8 remote employees, has helped hundreds of businesses improve their online presence. Lacey J. and her team specialize in social media marketing for companies and organizations in industrial markets such as fabrication, manufacturing, shipping etc.
Her mission is “social media for good.” She and one of her employees are currently writing a book with the objective of slowing the spread of misinformation and propaganda on social media. The book “Down the Rabbit Hole” is slated to come out this fall. Lacey J. is also a dancer for the Portland Winterhawks Ice Hockey team.