The 2025 Executives Forum brought Synergy members together in Carmel, California for three days of peer learning, open conversation, and future-focused strategy.
With 66 leaders in attendance, the event showcased the strength of Synergy’s member community and the value of sharing real-world challenges and solutions in the commercial mechanical contracting industry.
DAY ONE: Kicking Off with Big Ideas
The forum opened with a warm welcome to Synergy’s newest members and a heartfelt thank you to outgoing board members Andy Foster (Pacific Rim Mechanical) and Kyle Pennington (A.J. Monier). Members then dove straight into the annual Best Idea Challenge, where 10 companies shared high-impact, practical innovations they’ve implemented over the past year.
After lunch, attorney Anthony Bottenfield from Cohen Seglias delivered an insightful session on “Killer Contract Provisions for Service and Construction,” equipping members with legal strategies to protect their businesses. The afternoon wrapped with “Ask to Action: Tough Nuts to Crack,” a member-led problem-solving activity where leaders tackled pressing challenges surfaced through pre-event homework.
The day closed with dinner on property and the announcement of this year’s Loving Heart Award, presented to Nick Davis of MSD for his unwavering positivity and generosity.
DAY TWO: Innovation, Lessons, and Looking Ahead
Tuesday kicked off by celebrating the Best Idea Challenge winner: Store Services. The group then moved into a Synergy R&D Task Force update and a dynamic AI roundtable discussion, where members shared how they’re using artificial intelligence in areas like:
- Contract and document review
- Field support and technical assistance
- Time savings and data reporting
- Creative applications in branding and communication
The afternoon brought updates on Synergy’s 2026 training roadmap, followed by a lessons learned session. Members reflected on mistakes made over the past year and used those reflections to set future-focused goals. Each small group selected one takeaway they felt every contractor in the room should hear.
DAY THREE: Reimagining Work and Planning for What’s Next
On Wednesday, members dove into a workshop with guest speaker Steve Thomas, who returned to the Synergy stage with “Reimagine Work: Let’s Make It Make Sense Again.” Through stories, laughter, and even a metaphor about the Three Little Pigs, Steve challenged members to rethink the purpose of work and how we support meaning within our teams.
The afternoon shifted to a conversation on employee transitions, from workforce aging to internal succession planning. Four Synergy companies, CSE, R.W. LaPine, Vital Mechanical Service, and ABM Mechanical, shared how they’re preparing to pass the baton across leadership roles and departments.
In small groups, members reflected on what’s next for their own organizations: who’s preparing to hand off responsibilities, who’s ready to take them on, and what’s been learned from the process so far.
The forum concluded with the announcement of the 2025 Sam DeAngelis Peer of the Year Award, awarded to Archer Mechanical of Salt Lake City.
From legal insights and AI strategies to leadership transitions and goal setting, the 2025 Executives Forum gave Synergy members the space to reflect, recharge, and move forward – together.
If you’re a mechanical contractor looking for a peer group that brings real value, real sharing, and real relationships, learn more about becoming a Synergy member.
