TIAC WEBINARS

If you are interested in making a presentation, or have a topic that you would like to learn about, email us at info@tiac.ca.

Upcoming Webinars

Tuesday, January 21, 2025
12:00 pm EST

Optimizing Equipment and Asset Management: Best Practices & Digital Solutions for Insulation Contractors

This presentation dives into practical strategies that help contractors streamline equipment management operations, improve safety compliance, increase revenue, decrease costs and ultimately, strengthen their bottom line. The presentation focuses on areas like:

  • Best Practices for Managing Equipment– from owned and leased assets to those installed for clients.
  • Financial Impact– looking at how efficient management can reduce operational costs.
  • Digital Tools for Maintenance and Tracking– with tips on choosing and using the right tech to meet goals.

The session is designed to be interactive and engaging, with real examples and live polls that let participants reflect on their own approaches. The goal will be to spark some great discussions among members and provide them with actionable insights for today’s leaner, tech-savvy job sites.

Email us at info@tiac.ca to register.

Corey Shelson, Cofounder, Appello Inc.
Corey Shelson, a Canadian Forces veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, is the visionary behind Appello, a game-changing software platform for mechanical insulation contractors. Since its launch at the 2023 TIAC Conference, Appello has rapidly expanded, now supporting contractors across multiple provinces in Canada and four states in the U.S.

Corey has closely collaborated with mechanical insulation executives, managers, and field workers, regularly attending events hosted by organizations like NIA, ESICA, MICA, and CSIA. This deep, customer-centric approach has allowed Corey to gain a thorough understanding of the administrative, operational, and financial challenges facing the industry. Leveraging insights from union and non-union contractors across North America, he and his team have introduced exciting new features, automations, AI-driven enhancements, and seamless integrations that are transforming how contractors operate.

His commitment to working with TIAC members, who have provided invaluable feedback, introductions, and support, has been instrumental in guiding Appello’s development. Corey’s mission is clear: to help mechanical insulation contractors streamline operations, improve efficiency, and thrive in a competitive market. He currently resides in London, Ontario, where he’s a proud father, hockey coach, and “Chief Toy Picker-Upper” to his two children.

Can’t wait until January to connect with Corey? Feel free to reach out to him at corey@useappello.com.

 

The TIAC Innovators are working to confirm the next webinar. Stay tuned to TIAC’s eZINE for the notice and registration details.

Past Webinars

Forging a Sustainable Future with Mechanical Insulation

Join us for an enlightening presentation on the pivotal role of mechanical insulation in shaping a sustainable future. Discover how mechanical insulation not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to significant cost savings and carbon emissions reduction. Gain insights into innovative programs, industry collaborations, and impactful initiatives driving positive change within the mechanical insulation industry.

Hosted by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada

Tristan Bertram, Director of Industry Affairs, Thermal Insulation Association of Canada
As Director of Industry Affairs at the Thermal Insulation Association of Canada (TIAC), Tristan plays a vital role in advancing the industry’s interests and promoting mechanical insulation solutions for a more sustainable future. Passionate about environmental sustainability, Tristan leads efforts to position mechanical insulation as a critical component of Canada’s commercial and industrial landscape. A deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities drives Tristan’s commitment to creating a more sustainable world without sacrificing industry.

 

Unveiling a Technological Revolution in the Thermal Insulation Industry

Witness the future as Corey Shelson presents a game-changing software platform, the result of over two and a half years of collaboration with an Ontario-based thermal insulation company. The platform, an industry-first, has become the backbone of their operations, managing administration, finance, and reporting. In his session, Corey will address common challenges faced by thermal insulation contractors, showcasing how technology can automate and streamline solutions to these enduring problems. The system brings together and digitizes documentation, enables real-time safety and inspection from completion, and enhances health and safety compliance. It simplifies project planning, workforce scheduling, and timesheet and expense management, cutting down on time, effort, and overhead costs traditionally tied to manual processes. Join Corey’s session to get a glimpse into the technological future of the thermal insulation industry and participate in discussions around the larger implications of digital transformation. Don’t miss this innovation set to redefine industry standards.

Corey Shelson, CD, MBA, Co-Founder, Appello Inc.
Corey Shelson, a distinguished technology entrepreneur and military veteran, brings an exceptional fusion of skills to TIAC. His credentials span technical engineering, strategic marketing, and expertise in safety-regulated environments, making him an instrumental figure in the evolution of the thermal insulation industry.

A graduate with distinction from the Royal Military College of Canada and the Richard Ivey School of Business, Corey has a unique understanding of operating in high-stakes and challenging environments. This knowledge was applied in the Canadian Armed Forces and during his tenure in the Canadian Nuclear sector, where he contributed to critical safety initiatives at Curtiss Wright Nuclear Canada.

As a testament to his entrepreneurial prowess, Corey transformed 44 North Digital Marketing into one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies. He demonstrated his tech savviness by integrating software development capabilities within the company, delivering high-impact projects to large enterprises.

At the webinar, Corey will introduce a groundbreaking software platform that addresses persistent challenges in the thermal insulation sector. The platform digitizes and automates many cumbersome processes, improving safety compliance, project planning, and workforce management. Its latest module simplifies the creation of technical job specifications, linked to corresponding price sheets, further enhancing the efficiency of operations.Corey’s proven track record in innovation and his profound understanding of industry hurdles make him the perfect presenter to shed light on the digital future of the thermal insulation industry. His session promises to be insightful, inspiring, and a conference highlight.

Corey delivered this presentation at the 2023 TIAC Conference in Whistler, BC.

 

Join TIAC for their first information session on the 9th Edition of the North American Commercial and Industrial Insulation Standards Manual!

Background
Since 2019, TIAC, specifically the TIAC Innovators Committee, has been working with the Midwest Insulation Contractors Association (MICA) to set up an agreement to endorse their National Commercial and Industrial Insulation Standards Manual. The agreement was finalized in late 2021 and the 9th edition has been published as the North American Commercial and Industrial Insulation Standards Manual.

May 11 Information Session
What is the North American Commercial and Industrial Insulation Standards (NACIIS) manual? Join Peter Gauchel, Chairman of the MICA Manual Committee, who will be presenting an overview of the NACIIS Manual, reviewing the various sections and plates it includes, and explaining the value of the manual to contractors.

A follow-up presentation is being planned for the 2022 TIAC Conference, being held in Ottawa from August 17-20.

Presenter Bio
Peter J. Gauchel is president of L&C Insulation, Inc. in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, which he started in 1990. The company specializes in contracting commercial and industrial insulation.

Pete was the 2006-2007 NIA President and the 2009-2010 MICA President. He is also a recipient of the NIA Presidents Award.

Pete is a certified energy appraiser and has been a mechanical insulation estimator for 32 years. He has served as the chairman of the MICA Manual Committee for the 8th and 9th Editions and is currently the committee chairman.

Don’t Forget!
In support of this endorsement agreement, TIAC has purchased one copy of the manual for each member company. Members will be able to use the purchase code for either an electronic or printed copy of the manual (shipping fees for printed manual to be paid by the member).

To claim your MICA Manual purchase code, please email info@tiac.ca.

Note that there is only one single-use purchase code per member company. All membership dues must be paid. Companies paying for multiple brands under a single membership will receive one purchase code.

TIAC Panel Discussion: Adaptation in these Challenging Times

During this moderated discussion, the panellists will share with attendees what the pandemic taught them in terms of operations, managing projects, employees, accounts receivable, transportation, safety, etc. Time will be available at the end of the session for audience Q&A.

Moderator: Shaun Ekert, President, Thermal Insulation Association of Canada

About Our Panelists

Malcolm Robertson, Vice President – Operations, Guildfords Inc.
Guildfords are the oldest insulation contractor in North America, having been established in 1906.

Malcolm has over 40 years’ experience in insulation and passive fireproofing, primarily in the United Kingdom and Canada, but has also project managed insulation projects in USA, Middle East and Africa. Whist he has primarily worked in the Oil & Gas Industry, both onshore and offshore, he has also worked in the power generation, mining, and marine industries.

Key work highlights:

  • Project managed insulation and PFP scope on construction of Canada’s first offshore oil production facility (Hibernia)
  • Project managed insulation scope on Canada’s first LNG project, including the insulation of 3 160,000 cubic metre LNG storage tanks (Canaport,, Saint John, NB)
  • Part of a team that developed Insulation and coating solutions to combat CUI issues the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

Mathieu Hamel, Vice President, Isolation Élite Inc.
Mathieu Hamel joined the insulation industry in 1992. He started out in customer service at Nadeau, one of the largest distributors of insulation materials in Canada. He stayed in this role for 5 years and then became an external representative, a position he held for 10 years. During this time, he had a rather self-taught type of training, learning the business by attending conferences, training sessions and reading. He has specifically received training in energy saving and energy audit directly related to the application of mechanical insulation. Mathieu joined Isolation Élite Inc. in 2007, which brings him to nearly 30 years of experience in the Quebec insulation industry.

The industry is close to his heart and he has been involved in the Association d’isolation du Québec (AIQ) for over 18 years as a member of the Board of Directors and supporting various working committees. Mathieu was the President of AIQ from 2015 to 2019. Since 2020 he has been the Quebec representative on the TIAC Board of Directors.

Joey Fabing, President, Custom Insulation Systems Ltd.
Joey Fabing is a contractor from Toronto. He has been in the business 31 yrs. His career started within the family business and he has worked his way from the ground up. Joey now owns the company in partnership with his wife.

Joey is Vice President of both the Mechanical Insulation Contractors of Ontario and Thermal Insulation Association of Canada.

Mark Trevors, Insulation Manager, BrandSafway Inc.
Mark Trevors is a hard-working team player with extensive experience in insulation, estimating, sales and project and operation management. With almost 40 years in the industrial insulation business, he is well versed in material and labour applications for piping, equipment, ducting and tanks for both hot and cold scenarios.

He is a true believer in job controls and diverse ways of performing and approaching all projects through lean initiatives, safety cultures and material processes.

Over the last 16 years Mark has served on both the Thermal Insulation Association of Alberta (TIAA) and the Thermal Insulation Association of Canada’s Board of Directors.

Brad Haysom, Owner, Tight 5 Insulation Contracting
Brad Haysom started his business in 1995 as a hands-on journeyman ticketed insulator. After a year of estimating and working he started building a work force to help with the growing needs. The company has had steady growth based on quality workmanship, reliability, competitive quoting, and employee retention.

Tight 5 Insulation Contracting
Est: 1995
Location: Burnaby
Employees: 75
Goal/Purpose: Establish a competitive workforce in the commercial mechanical insulation market.

Industrial Noise Control: Strategies for Acoustical Insulation
In this one-hour webinar, we will cover:

  • Basic principles of sound control;
  • Influencing sound control;
  • How materials are tested for acoustical performance;
  • Understanding and using ISO 15665;
  • ISO 15665 test results; and,
  • Designing effective thermal-acoustic systems.

Scott Sinclair, National Specification Manager – Industrial Insulation, NIA Certified Insulation Inspector, Johns Manville, A Berkshire Hathaway Company
Scott Sinclair started with Johns Manville Industrial in June of 2019 as the Regional Technical Manager for the Eastern and Midwest US and Eastern Canada. In April of 2020 he assumed the role of National Specification Manager for all of North America. Prior to joining Johns Manville, he was the National Sales Manager for Scott Manufacturing, an insulation fabricator for the OEM HVAC and appliance markets. From 2012 to 2015 he was the North America Sales and Technical Manager for ULVA Insulation Systems, a supplier of non-metallic insulation cladding solutions to combat corrosion under insulation in the oil & gas and chemical/petrochemical markets. Before joining ULVA he was the Sales/Technical Manager for the Industrial, Marine & Chemical/Petrochemical markets for Armacell North America (an insulation company). He managed these markets for Armacell since joining the company as Sales/Product Manager for the Marine and Offshore markets in 2005. Prior to that he had over twenty years of experience in various technical, operations and sales/product management positions within the semiconductor and telecommunications industries. Scott has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech.

Building with the Business Model Canvas
You’ve got a great idea, now you need to turn it into something that actually adds value to your business or organization. This session will introduce you to the Business Model Canvas, a powerful tool that will help you brainstorm an idea and explore critical aspects necessary for it to be successful. While it does not replace the traditional business plan, it has been used by many to quickly turn ideas into a usable blueprint to move forward!

Jim Ewing, Co-Founder, Pro-Vision Solutions Inc.
Jim Ewing brings more than 40 years’ experience in small business development and the financial industry to his clients and enjoys helping entrepreneurs find success. In his professional career, Jim managed the Client Service Team at one of Canada’s most successful and innovative Business Service Centres for entrepreneurs.

As Co-Founder of Pro-Vision Solutions Inc. Jim works with entrepreneurs, business communities and organizations in the facilitation of successful small business start-up and growth, business plan development, presentation coaching, and effective mentorship programs. At the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Jim volunteers to assist business and management students in the classroom, and is Chair of NAIT’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program Advisory Committee at the JR Shaw School of Business.

Proposal Management and Writing Tips to Help you Win the Next Bid!
There is no doubt the market is more competitive than it has ever been. Organizations invest a lot of time and resources to win work, and often just to get on that bid list! Now that you’ve made it on the bid list or have the opportunity to submit your proposition, how do you intend to win the work? Good chances are that a lot of time and resources is also being put into your proposal, bid, tender, and presentation. So how do you make the most out of your time invested? Are you confident your bid is going to get the work? Join us on this webinar where Mark Ryan, a member of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), shares some tips and best practices on how to help elevate your next bid!

Mark Ryan, Proposal and Content Manager, Acuren Group Inc.
Mark Ryan is currently the Proposal and Content Manager at Acuren Group Inc. His 20-year career in the oil & gas and mining industries has taken him from the owner side of the table where he worked in contract formation and administration to the contractor side of the table where his focus has been on contract management, proposal writing and proposal management. Mark has successfully developed proposal processes for three companies and has managed proposals ranging in value from $25,000 to $1 billion across multiple industries.

Entrepreneurial Thinking
The future belongs to those individuals and organizations that can transform an innovative idea into a highly prized, value-added solution! Many organizations are now looking for fresh, entrepreneurial approaches to meet the new and emerging competitive challenges they face. Tap into your ‘inner entrepreneur’, and harness the modalities needed to champion innovative ideas through to a successful outcome!

Jim Ewing, Co-Founder, Pro-Vision Solutions Inc.
Jim Ewing brings more than 40 years’ experience in small business development and the financial industry to his clients and enjoys helping entrepreneurs find success. In his professional career, Jim managed the Client Service Team at one of Canada’s most successful and innovative Business Service Centres for entrepreneurs.

As Co-Founder of Pro-Vision Solutions Inc. Jim works with entrepreneurs, business communities and organizations in the facilitation of successful small business start-up and growth, business plan development, presentation coaching, and effective mentorship programs. At the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Jim volunteers to assist business and management students in the classroom, and is Chair of NAIT’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program Advisory Committee at the JR Shaw School of Business.