15 minute read
COVER STORY
by subcusa.com
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
It is a great responsibility and privilege, serving as CEO of MCA. My dad, Rick Cortez, is the most influential mentor in my life. Working with him and seeing his success growing up constantly fueled my motivation to build upon the foundation laid by him. He built MCA on the belief that if we take care of our employees and our customers, then the business will grow itself. My goal, along with my siblings, is to continue that tradition.”
—Ricky Cortez, CEO of MCA Communications, Inc.
Communications technology solutions are ever-changing and progressing. And if you are not evolving with it or ahead of it, you may find your company and projects at-risk, drifting in the background behind the competition. With consistent forward-looking principles and results, since 1983, headquartered in Houston, TX, MCA Communications, Inc. (MCA) continues to serve its clients with first-rate safety, quality, and customer service. Rick Cortez founded the company 38 years ago, and with his three children now leading the company, this next generation is driving MCA forward, continuing to build on their father’s legacy as a trusted technology integration firm.
Ricky Cortez, the oldest, took over as CEO earlier this year, with his siblings, Jennifer and David Cortez managing the human resources and operations departments. “All three of my children gained experience in this field, working in numerous positions at MCA before earning a leadership position with the company. Also attending the University of Houston, that just enhanced their knowledge at MCA, learning the technical and business side of the company. It was important to me that they learn the business from the ground up, so they could fully understand what it takes to run a successful business. I am very proud that my children have proven themselves as leaders at MCA, building upon the foundation I have laid to continue to successfully serve our clients,” Rick said.
This widely recognized and award-winning minority-owned telecommunications integration and services company has an impressive client roster that includes MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann Hospital, the University of Houston, Houston ISD, Chevron, and ExxonMobil. MCA offers a wide selection of quality solutions, with the installation of network cabling and audio visual systems for schools and hospitals a core service contributing to the company’s rapid growth. “This firm’s innovative technology solutions, competitive pricing, and exceptional installation standards exceed expectations. There is a high demand for MCA’s service in this area for education and health facilities, as we have a proven, solid, and longstanding reputation for work in this area,” said Ricky.
The firm’s growth in the AV market continues to birth its expansion, with MCA recently moving into a new facility in 2018. This 50,000 sq ft office and warehouse includes a stateof-the-art training facility, AV lab, and technology showroom. With the ability to train and develop their own skilled workforce, MCA maintains one of the largest skilled workforces in Texas. “This AV solution as the core service is the main reason we were able to move into this new facility, allowing us to better serve our clients and to offer a more collaborative work space for our employees,” Ricky said. During the pandemic, MCA’s training room has also served as a web-streaming studio, hosting organizations like the City of Houston, Harris County, and the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) for virtual events.
Over the last 38 years, with a proven track record, reputation, and notable supremacy in safety, MCA has earned recognition and formed long-standing partnerships with other esteemed organizations like the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBP) and the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC). And MCA can boast receiving honors that include being ranked as a Top 50 Systems Integrator in the U.S. by Systems Contractor News and 2020 Technology Firm of the Year by the GHBP.
MCA is transitioning to the next generation, and I am very proud to see all three of my children now leading the company. They have the experience, energy, and passion to take MCA to the next level.”
—Rick Cortez, Founder / Chairman
Q&A with MCA Communications:
SUBC: Tell us about your company’s approach to client projects, with a focus on safety, quality, and customer service.
MCA: Many technology integrators are focused on just selling products and chasing new projects. But our talented team at MCA is focused on building long-term customer relationships and becoming a trusted resource and technology partner. A majority of our clients today have been our partners for over 25 years, and through those relationships we have grown our business by adding services for those clients, as opposed to just adding more clients to the roster. Though growth is important, our mindset is about quality over quantity. At MCA, we put our employees and customers first, resulting in a culture focused on providing excellent customer service and an amiable work environment.
SUBC: Regarding the new facility/addition in 2018, how have you already seen the facility support MCA's long-term goals?
MCA: The biggest benefit of our new facility is that we now have space to show and educate customers on the new AV and IT solutions we provide. We like to think of our office as a working demo space, and many clients have found a lot of value using our space for making decisions on which technologies to use for their new building.
SUBC: With continuous advances for the installation of network cabling and audiovisual systems for schools and hospitals, how has MCA stayed current/ahead of the curve to successfully serve this clientele in this specific area of services?
MCA: Technology is constantly evolving, so we built an AV lab in our new office, and our team of technology engineers use that space to test out new products before recommending them to our clients. In addition, our training room is used to educate our employees and our customers on the latest technology trends.
SUBC: What does it mean to you to be a minority-owned firm in this competitive field, with great success and longevity for 38 years?
MCA: I believe it means that we have a unique culture, because we are a very diversified company. We have employees at MCA who come from all different backgrounds, yet the company feels like one big family. We believe our culture is why our employees chose to work at MCA and why our customers have worked with us for so long.
SUBC: We are in a place where speed is important, especially when it comes to communications, but talk about MCA prioritizing quality and safety over speed.
MCA: A focus on safety and quality has always been a major part of our culture. Throughout our 38 year history, we have maintained one of the best safety records in our industry and have won numerous safety awards.
SUBC: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your field, and how do you overcome those challenges with a successful outcome for clients?
MCA: One of the biggest challenges in our field is managing our manpower, as our schedules are typically dependent on other trades, and our window to complete our scope of work is very small compared to other trades. This is just the nature of our business, and through the many years of experience working on fasttrack projects, we have developed strong teams that excel in these situations. In addition, MCA maintains over 250 full-time field employees throughout Texas and has recently built a training center that provides entry level training and continuing education opportunities to ensure we always have the resources available to handle any challenge.
SUBC: There are companies that take advantage of businesses, providing subpar communications services. Have you ever had to overhaul a competitor’s work for clients? And what was the outcome?
MCA: Yes, in many instances, our competitors will cut corners in an effort to reduce the cost to win bids and then hope to make it up on change orders. This will usually result in a poorquality system that will have to be replaced within a few years. Due to our commitment to providing quality work, MCA provides all customers with a 25-year warranty for network cabling projects and has a reputation for excellent customer service.
SUBC: In the midst of COVID-19, how has MCA adapted, continuing to provide quality services, while keeping employees and clients safe?
MCA: The key to survival for any business is being able to adapt, and when the pandemic started we quickly implemented new safety precautions to ensure our team of essential workers would remain available to support our clients. We also converted our training center into a live broadcast studio and assisted with live streaming events for our clients and partners. In addition, we have installed numerous Zoom video conferencing rooms and back to work solutions, such as temperature sensors to assist our clients in safely returning back to the office. MCA’s service team has also installed wireless antennas for COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites throughout Houston.
SUBC: In your quest to maintain zero accidents, tell us about your safety program.
MCA: Our safety program consists of a dedicated team that includes a full-time safety manager, a full-time Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) trainer, and 10 full-time field safety PSRs who help train and enforce all safety procedures directly in the field. In addition, all 250-plus employees at MCA are OSHA trained.
SUBC: Are there any new solutions you now offer that you can tell us about?
MCA: Because technology is always evolving, we are always adding new solutions. Some of our newest solutions include video collaboration systems, digital signage, distributed antenna systems, LED video walls, and sound masking systems.
Under MCA’s new generation of leadership, Ricky, Jennifer, and David will expand upon the strong foundation built by their father and founder of the company, Rick Cortez, investing in and developing the future generation of leaders in this field.
For more information about MCA Communications, Inc. and to schedule an appointment for a demo or tour of their new office and training center, please email info@mcacom.com or call (281) 591-2434. You can visit MCA on the web at mcacom.com.
ENERGY CenterPoint Energy
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. recently announced two senior Finance leadership appointments that will further strengthen its management team and position the company for execution of its new long-term growth strategy. "As we position ourselves to become a premium valued utility while supporting a transition to a cleaner energy future, central to our company's future growth will be a proven, experienced leadership team and energized, dedicated employees," said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jason Wells. "These senior Finance leadership appointments will be critical to our commitment to maximize the advantages of our growth for our customers, shareholders and communities."
Stacey Peterson has been named Senior Vice President, Financial Planning & Treasurer, effective Jan. 11. Peterson will lead the company's financial planning and analysis, investing activities, balance sheet and capital markets strategy, cash management, bank relationships, benefit plan administration, and compliance reporting. She will be responsible for managing financial risk as it relates to CenterPoint Energy's annual interest expense, debt, the company's commercial paper program, and revolving credit facilities. Peterson will report to Wells. "Stacey joins CenterPoint Energy's leadership team with a proven track record in the energy industry, finance and capital markets. She will be an ideal fit for our company as we execute on our new long-term growth strategy," said Wells. "Under Stacey's leadership, our Financial Planning and Treasury organizations will play a critical role in our five-year $16 billionplus capital investment plan, which will drive organic growth opportunities in our utility businesses, as well as the reliability and resiliency of our existing infrastructure to better serve our customers."
Peterson said, "With its new long-term growth strategy recently launched, it is a unique and important time in the long, proud history of CenterPoint Energy. I am excited to join this exceptional team and, together, execute the strategy to position CenterPoint Energy for an outstanding future."
Peterson has held roles of increasing responsibility over her 20-year career. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Head of Investor Relations at Talen Energy, one of the largest privately owned independent power generation infrastructure companies in North America. Prior to this role, Peterson spent 11 years at Calpine, a power generator with more than 26,000 megawatts of generating capacity in 16 states and Canada, wholesale power operations and retail electricity businesses. Following leadership roles in Structuring, Financial and Strategic Analysis, and Power Trading, Peterson served as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer from 2013 to 2018.
Peterson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Finance from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.
Philip Holder has been named Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning & Investor Relations, effective Jan. 25. Holder will lead CenterPoint Energy's corporate strategy, investment analyses, and business and corporate development activities in support of the company's long-term growth strategy. In addition, he will be responsible for the company's Investor Relations function and its relationships with shareholders, sell-side analysts and potential investors. Holder will report to Wells. "Under Phil's leadership, our Strategic Planning and Investor Relations organizations will be instrumental as we grow our utility businesses and identify additional investment opportunities during and beyond the current five-year planning window," said Wells. "Phil's background, experience and relationships, particularly in the utility industry, will be valuable assets as we continue to strengthen the financial community's trust in CenterPoint Energy through execution and clear communications on our progress, including our efforts to further enhance our growth, positioning and value proposition."
Holder said, "I believe CenterPoint Energy has a clear and unmistakable path to becoming a premium valued utility, achieving top-tier operational excellence, and realizing outstanding organic growth opportunities. I look forward to being a part of this great company and working alongside a talented team to deliver on the strategy."
Holder has held roles of increasing responsibility over his 15-year career. Most recently, he served as Managing Director, Energy, Power & Renewables Investment Banking at Guggenheim Securities, the investment banking and capital markets business of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. In this capacity, Holder led Guggenheim's relationship with the State of California, including advising Governor Gavin Newsom on the PG&E Bankruptcy and the creation of the California State Wildfire Fund. Prior to this role, Holder spent eight years at Citigroup where he served as Director, Power & Utilities Investment Banking. He led strategic and M&A advisory assignments for several utility and energy holding companies, including AES, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Energy Future Holdings, InfraREIT, Iberdrola, PG&E, Southern Company and Vistra Energy.
Holder earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Emory University in Atlanta.
The company also announced the departures of Vice President & Treasurer Robert McRae and Director of Investor Relations David Mordy from CenterPoint Energy to pursue other career opportunities.
Wells said, "I want to take this opportunity to thank Robert and Dave for their many contributions to CenterPoint Energy and wish them every success in their future endeavors."
For more information, please visit www.centerpointenergy.com.
Source: CenterPoint Energy
ENGINEERING National Engineering Society Announces New Executive Director and CEO
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
The National Society of Professional Engineers is pleased to announce the selection of Monika Schulz, CAE, as the Society’s new executive director and chief executive officer effective February 15, 2021. Schulz has a long history in associations and a passion for the contributions they make to society, both of which align with NSPE’s future focus and direction.
“As we embark on the new year, we are starting a new chapter in NSPE’s history,” said NSPE president Tricia Hatley, P.E., F.NSPE. “It is thrilling to be in this place where NSPE’s volunteer leadership recognized the value that Monika’s expertise and authentic leadership style will bring to our organization. Her collaborative, yet-data-driven, approach to management will facilitate the successful execution of our strategic plan, and she’s demonstrated her ability to collaborate with state and local chapters to increase impact at her prior organizations.”
Before joining NSPE, Schulz served for over five years as the CEO of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) in Fairfax, Virginia. In this role, she collaborated with the organization’s board on strategic planning, implementing data-driven decision making, and carrying out a rebranding initiative. She also built stronger ties among the organization’s 50 state and local chapters, bolstered member engagement, and expanded a national conference and tradeshow as well as a national orchestra festival.
“I’m very excited to be joining the NSPE team,” said Schulz, “and I look forward to collaborating with leadership, state societies, and the NSPE management team to further NSPE’s vision, mission, and initiatives. Engineers make the world a better place in which to live, and I feel incredibly fortunate and proud to champion the important work of professional engineers.”
Prior to serving as ASTA’s CEO, Schulz spent 18 years at the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, in multiple leadership roles including six years as chief operating officer.
The Virginia Tech graduate is active in the American Society of Association Executives and holds the CAE designation as a certified association executive.
For more information, please visit www.nspe.org.
Source: National Society of Professional Engineers
