Strategic collaboration drives Firestop market advancement in New York
In a step to reclaim critical Firestop market share, three Insulators Local Unions and some of their signatory contractors recently participated in the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Firestop Market Recovery Program (FMRP)
Held October 6–9 in Rochester, N.Y., representatives from Local 30 Syracuse, Local 26 Rochester, and Local 4 Buffalo attended the intensive workshop, led by Superior Industrial Insulation’s Founder Tom Dake and Director of Fire and Life Safety Adam Carter.
The Firestop Market Recovery Program is not a primer on the fundamentals of firestopping. Rather, it is a targeted, solutions-driven program designed to equip union leaders and contractors with advanced market recovery strategies, business development techniques and technical insights necessary to regain jurisdiction and expand Firestop opportunities for union members.
Reclaiming jurisdiction: beyond the basics
Unlike introductory training, the FMRP is for participants who already understand the critical role of firestopping in life safety and building integrity. The focus of the class is on actionable strategies to reclaim Firestop work and ensure that highly skilled Insulators Union members are at the forefront of performing these specialized installations.
Participants explored advanced work techniques and materials similar to those used in Mechanical Insulation, recognizing that Firestop applications often align with the timing and specifications of Mechanical Insulation projects. The workshop emphasized that Firestop requirements are frequently embedded within Mechanical Insulation specifications, underscoring the union’s natural fit for this scope of work.
Leadership, partnership and practical application
The LMCT FMRP fosters collaboration between Local Union leadership and signatory contractors, uniting both sides in a shared mission: to increase Firestop market share and expand work hours for union members.
The program was further enriched by a hands-on burn demonstration of firestop systems, providing real-world context for the life-saving impact of proper Firestop installation.
“This class, including a hands-on burn of firestop systems, presented information specifically focused on preventing the unnecessary loss of life through the use of specialty contractors and installers,” said LMCT Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist Jim Petrides, CEM, CEA, CTII, CIEA.
A key theme throughout the workshop was the necessity of top-tier training programs to develop and sustain a workforce capable of meeting the industry’s rigorous demands.
Addressing historic challenges and charting a path forward
For more than 35 years, the Firestop industry has experienced both successes and setbacks, often due to misconceptions and fragmented control over the work. The FMRP represents a strategic vehicle for change, providing the tools and knowledge needed to overcome longstanding barriers and drive sustainable growth.
The event drew strong representation from labor-management leadership, including New York-New England States Conference International Vice President James R. Lister, Regional Organizer John Hoey, and Business Managers Matt Hughes (Local 26), Lorenzo Tesoriero (Local 30), and James Malby (Local 4). Signatory contractors in attendance included Travis Gominiak and Colin Henn (OCM Insulation), Tim Honsinger and Daniel Mullen (Griffin Insulation) and Murry Elizabeth Hopper (Coldwater Insulation, Inc.), underscoring the program’s commitment to true partnership.
Open, candid discussions enabled participants to share both positive and challenging experiences, fostering mutual respect and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build an effective, vested partnership. These dialogues were instrumental in shaping actionable strategies for future initiatives.
Market assessment, best practices and key takeaways
As part of the workshop, participants conducted a comprehensive market assessment, benchmarking local realities against best practices from other regions. The agenda included in-depth exploration of:
- Basic Firestop concepts
- The Local’s market analysis
- FM/UL contractor qualifications
- Types of training needed for Labor and Management
- Basic understanding of building codes and fire codes
- Approved firestop systems overview
- QA/QC modes
- Liabilities
- Developing relationships with the fire inspection community
- Where to locate Firestop in bid specifications
- Salesmanship from both the workers and contractors
“It was a great presentation,” said Lister. “Tom Dake and Adam Carter covered everything possible to educate contractors on how to bid and the market they are missing. We have a trained workforce ready!”
A launchpad for growth
This workshop marks the beginning of a sustained, collaborative effort to capture the Firestop market across Central and Western New York. Both union leadership and contractors left with a clear understanding of the commitment and cooperation required to achieve long-term market success.
Interested in hosting the FMRP?
If any Insulators Local Union is interested in hosting the LMCT Firestop Market Recovery Program, please contact Jim Petrides.