Recruiting & Retention Successes

Tues, February 17 | 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.   

Through collaborative partnerships, local unions and contractors have developed practical recruitment and retention strategies that include initiatives to incorporate the younger generation into their workforce both demographically and culturally. Industry partners will share their experiences, discussing the challenges faced and the successes achieved by collaborating for recruitment and retention. This session aims to equip attendees with actionable strategies for filling the recruitment gap for tomorrow’s workers, and strategies for encouraging career-long employment in the industry.

Speakers:

Moderator:
Angie Simon
Heavy Metal Summer Experience

Angie Simon is a nationally recognized leader in the construction industry and a passionate advocate for the next generation of tradespeople. As the Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), she is pioneering a hands-on, high-impact summer program that introduces high school students — particularly women and underrepresented youth — to rewarding careers in the trades.
With over 35 years of industry experience, Angie served as the President and CEO of Western Allied Mechanical, where she led with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to workforce development. She also made history as the first female National President of SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association), breaking barriers and paving the way for others. Angie is also a Director with Maxim helping to facilitate peer groups.
Angie is a sought-after speaker known for her authentic storytelling, strategic insights, and no-nonsense style. Whether she’s speaking on leadership, inclusion, or workforce strategy, her message is clear: the future of construction is diverse, skilled, and built to last.

Ginger Slaick
Georgia SMACNA

Ginger Slaick brings nearly three decades of distinguished leadership to the sheet metal and HVAC industries. She began her career with Georgia SMACNA in 1996, serving as Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President until 2014. In 2015, she was appointed Executive Vice President of Georgia SMACNA, a role in which she continues to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and member support. Her vision and guidance led to SMACNA issuing the charter for the North Carolina chapter in 2020, which she also leads as Executive Vice President.

In her role, Ginger advises on labor-management relations and contract negotiations while advancing advocacy, education, and professional development across two dynamic state chapters. Her contributions have been recognized nationally, including the Petersen-Dunn Chapter Executive of the Year Award (2020) and the Chapter Executive Legislative Award (2021).

Guided by a deep commitment to innovation, growth, and community impact, Ginger blends strategic vision with practical support to help members in Georgia and North Carolina succeed in an ever-changing industry landscape.

Stephen Langley
SMART Local Union 85

Steve was accepted into SMWIA Local 85’s apprenticeship program on July 20, 1990: graduating the apprenticeship program June 1995. He was referred to Mallory and Evans where he spent 19 plus years serving his apprenticeship; became a foreman managing some of the largest projects awarded in the Atlanta area including the Federal Reserve Bank, Redmond Hospital and several Data Centers, to name a few. In September 2009 he had an opportunity to work for R.F. Knox Co. for approximately one year and was then appointed to the Business Representative position by the SMART Local 85 Executive Board on August 24, 2010 to start September 12, 2010 to fill the unexpired term of Retiring Business Representative Mike Spivey. On November 30, 2020 he was nominated and elected unopposed to the position of Business Manager / Financial Secretary Treasurer and this is his current position.

Matt Gugala
SMART Local Union 265

Matt Gugala is the President/Business Manager of SMART Local 265. Matt has been in the sheet metal trade since 1995 and was accepted to the apprentice program in September of 2002. Through a well-rounded background, Matt has worked on various projects from residential sheet metal to custom fabrication, commercial/industrial service, and Test and Balance. He was the local 265 TABB night instructor, among his various certifications, attained the NEBB CP, and was a subject matter expert in developing the ITI’s TABB Supervisor test. Matt’s desire to ensure working people are treated with dignity in the workplace drove him to apply for the organizingposition in 2016. Matt was elected in 2022 as the Financial Secretary Treasure/Business Representative, and elected to President/Business Manager in June of 2024.

Tony Adolfs
SMACNA Greater Chicago

Tony Adolfs began his career with the Chicagoland Sheet Metal Contractors Association (later renamed SMACNA Chicago) in 1990. In 2006, he became Executive Director of Northeastern Illinois SMACNA in addition to his role with SMACNA Chicago. Under his leadership, the two organizations merged in 2014 to form SMACNA Greater Chicago — now recognized as one of the industry’s leading chapters. Today, Tony continues to serve as Executive Vice President, guiding the chapter with a focus on collaboration, innovation and progress.

A member of the SMACNA College of Fellows and 2015 recipient of the Petersen-Dunn Chapter Executive of the Year Award, Tony is known for strengthening relationships between union labor and management, embracing new technologies and sharing best practices to elevate the sheet metal industry. He is passionate about providing high-quality training and educational programs that give members the tools to drive the success of the association and support the future of the industry.