Message from the CEO

Submitted by: Jim Boland

The Big Picture

October brings the start of the 4^th quarter and our final push to achieve our 2023 objectives. I am very proud of everyone’s contributions and dedication throughout the year. It’s also the month we celebrate Halloween and the thought of goblins and ghosts and spirits from another time. Whether we like it or not, the start of another Presidential election year has began, only 13 months until we vote again.

Swimming around in my head these days is the BIG PICTURE in life. Yes, we need to plan and execute on plans to ensure success in our professional lives. However, I worry that in the Big Picture we sometimes forget to be grateful and Thankful for our many blessings in life. US currency captures this sentiment very well ---- ”In God We Trust “.

When we look around to the issues plaguing our Nation today, it’s often due to a limited view of life. We are still in recovery mode from COVID and the greatest health crisis since the Spanish Flu. I never want to experience another 2020 when Covid took hold in our Nation. The experience separated us in a very personal manner. We lived in fear of ourselves and isolated from one another. We are still trying to regain the fundamental rituals and ceremonies critical to a meaningful life.

No institution took a greater hit than our religious institutions. It’s easy to witness this sad reality, just attend any Mass or services and look around, a lot of empty seats await the return of the congregation. I believe we need this time to be alone with our Creator----to give glory and have those special private conversations with Our Creator.

We are a Blessed nation and still a noble experiment in the World of Human Events. Our Forefathers established a Representative Republic of the People. My simple mind believes that God endorsed this Government of the People by the People for the People. However, we can never forget without a foundation based on our belief in the Almighty----our experiment is doomed to failure.

So, its time to resurrect our understanding of the Big Picture in Life and return to our practices that make this possible. And Yes, you have to practice!!

Lets practice Humility in life while being Thankful and Grateful for the chance to contribute to Life!!

Message from the President

Submitted by: Sean Boland

I can feel the excitement building. Every day people ask me, “How is the renovation going? Are we getting close?” The answers are that things are progressing nicely, and we are getting close. With a substantial completion date in about 6 weeks, things are really moving.

All of the drywall has been installed, sanded and primed. Ductwork has been modified and new VAV boxes and split systems have been installed. The sprinkler system has been modified, and new light fixtures are going in every day.

Over the next few weeks, the ceiling will be painted white, more light fixtures, ceilings, and diffusers will be installed. Then we will install glass partitions, carpet, tile, cabinetry and furniture. The progress is visible every day. I have included a few pictures so that you can see the progress as well. Two of the pictures are of the same open office area. The third is inside of our new training room. I’m really excited for you all to see the new space soon.

I look forward to seeing many of you and your families at the upcoming Boland Picnic on October 15, and I look forward to discussing our 2024 Strategic Plan with you on November 17.

Ring the Bell!

Congratulations and many thanks to the people who were recognized with a "Ring the Bell" over the past month for their hard work and contributions. Great job, everyone!

Executive Team Update

Submitted By: Vince Dawson

Executive Team - Kevin Bradley, Julie Wolfington, Dan Spruill, Jerry Taylor, Kim Winokur, Brendan Dowd, Vince Dawson

2023 is winding down and it is hard to believe we have closed three quarters already. As we prepare to finish this year strong and prepare to enter 2024 running, the following is a quick 2023 goal update:

• Develop Space Plan and Policies to facilitate collaborative work by 3/31 with implementation by 6/30.

 I’m sure all of you are looking forward to the renovated space as well as all the opportunities to collaborate in person!

• Draft Boland Sustainability Plan by 3/31.

 Completed and looking forward to our next steps.

•  Account Leadership Plans, including all business streams, developed and communicated for 8 target accounts by 6/30.

 Completed and going great! Thank you to all involved! The feedback I received is all positive!



• Develop Data Governance Policy, facilitating consistent organization of data, by 3/31. Fully implement by 12/31.

The policy is complete along with some documentation to go along with it. The next step is a roll out by business stream along with capturing the most important data needs. The first meeting took place on Friday, September 22nd with the Rental Business. I am excited about this one! A lot of thought has been put into this goal to ensure success. A significant amount of back-end and preparation work has been handled by our IT department to automate as much as possible.

• Implement Sales and Sales Support Hiring and Development Plans in order to best serve our Clients in 2023.

Completed

• Build teamwork within Boland interdepartmentally by holding monthly in person all-associate events, including some healthy competition.

These events have been great and a lot of fun! If you haven’t made it to one, you are missing out. We would encourage you to attend one before they are gone.

• Communicate and achieve corporate Financial Goals all year.

We have been including a goal update bi-weekly in the Boland Daily News (BDN). We’ve enjoyed sharing different financial aspects of the business along with their importance to everyone’s success. 

 Target areas for high revenue growth per:

• Higher Education by 12%

We are on track to reach this target in 2023 but will require continued focus.

• Data Centers by 15%

We are on track to achieve this target in 2023 but will require continued focus.

• Life Sciences by 20%

continued focus.

•  Healthcare by 12%

 We are not too off on this target but it is one that requires some increased focus to ensure we end the year strong.

As we prepare to close out 2023 strong, we are also planning for 2024 so we can hit the ground running. We would like to thank everyone who submitted goal ideas for 2024. They will all be reviewed for common themes and taken into consideration for 2024 corporate goals or department goals. The 2024 goals will be rolled out during our all-associates meeting in November.

Thank you! Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the Executive Team Members with any questions, ideas, or suggestions you may have. {Executive Team: Kevin Bradley, Vince Dawson, Brendan Dowd, Dan Spruill, Jerry Taylor, Julie Wolfington & Kim Winokur}

Open Enrollment 2023-2024

Submitted By: Min Oh

It’s that Time of Year!

Overview

During our negotiations, Boland addressed the concerns that were shared in the Benefits Survey and the carriers will do their best to resolve the issues that were brought to their attention. If you have a specific concern, please reach out to me directly and we can work with our Benefits Advisors to discuss it more in detail and assist in finding a resolution. Boland marketed our plans to other major carriers to ensure we are still offering the most affordable and comprehensive medical benefits available. Only one carrier came back and offered us a quote. Our paid claims have increased by 54% over last year and Kaiser initially proposed an increase of 13.5%. Medical inflation continues to rise, and it is predicted that medical expenses will cost between 8-10% more next year. Moving away from Kaiser would result in 100% disruption to all participants. This year, we were able to negotiate a 6% rate increase with no plan changes to our medical plan and therefore, Boland has decided to renew with Kaiser for our 15^th year.

We are extremely pleased that we have been able to hold our medical costs at single digit increases for 10 years. This is largely attributed to the fact that our associates are in our HMO and HDHP plans. Currently, 93% of our participants are in HMO or HDHP/HSA plan, while only 6% are in our POS plan. We are pleased to begin another plan year with Kaiser.

HMO:  We feel that we need to be consistent with other companies as we continue to grow. In order for us to keep costs of premiums low in spite of the high volume of medical claims and medical inflations, please see the change in the employee only premium contribution. The HDHP employee only premium will continue to be $0.

HDHP / HSA:   We added a Health Savings Account (HDHP/HSA) medical plan to our benefits offerings ten years ago.

High Deductible Health Plans combined with an HSA are a valuable offering to both associates and the Company. Participants benefit from:

-Pre-tax savings vehicle (reduce your taxable income, save for expenses in retirement)

-Funds roll over year to year, and can be used for your current and future medical expenses tax free!

-Significantly lower medical premiums

-Boland pre-funds your Health Savings Plan for you!

-At retirement, you will be able to access withdraw these funds for any reason, at your current tax rate.

New Participants who enroll in the HDHP/HSA Plan for the first time: We will fund your HSA in the first month as follows, which represents the entire first-year deductible!

Single Plan:         $1,500 (This amount is equal to the single deductible)

Family Plan:       $3,000 (This amount is equal to the family deductible)

Existing Participants: As an incentive to continuing participants, we will fund your HSA as follows, on a per pay period basis:

Single Plan:                $750 / plan year

Family Plan:               $1,500 / plan year

In many ways, participating in a Health Savings Account Plan, especially with the generous company funding of your account, is like finding “free money”. 



Our Benefits Advisors will be hosting both in person and virtual meetings to assist in understanding the benefits of the HDHP/HSA plan.

Talk to your financial advisor about Health Savings Account Plans, and the generous plan that Boland is offering. 

Visit https://www.optumbank.com/health-accounts/hsa.html for videos, tools, and resources to learn more.

Dental Plan/Premium Rates

Our goal has been to offer strong dental benefits to our associates at a reasonable cost to them and to the Company. We have made the decision to renew our current plan through Delta Dental, with no plan changes or increase, with a 2-year rate guarantee on our plan. This will be our 7th year with Delta Dental.

Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Supplemental Life/AD&D

Company-Provided Life:

The Company provides group term life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage to all full-time employees at no cost to the associates. Associates will be provided group life benefits of 2x annual earnings to a maximum of $100,000 life plus $100,000 AD&D. 

Voluntary (Employee-paid) Life Plan:

The offering and rates will remain the same. If you have not been previously denied coverage, current associates who currently have voluntary coverage are eligible to increase your current coverage amount up to $40,000, up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of $150,000 for New Hires, without providing Evidence of Insurability for Supplemental Life/AD&D Insurance coverage. Associates who are not enrolled for Supplemental Life/AD&D can enroll for any coverage amount but must submit evidence of insurability. Additionally, associates can elect $10,000 in Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage for each child. Associates may elect up to $500,000 in coverage for themselves, and up to $250,000 in coverage for their spouse, with Evidence of Insurability. The associate is responsible for the premium for Supplemental Life/AD&D coverage. This is offered at group rates, which depend on age and other factors.

Optional Vision Plan:

We will continue to offer an Optional Vision Plan through United Healthcare for our upcoming plan year with no plan changes or increase in premium. 

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2024 Calendar Year

Infinisource will continue to be our carrier for 2024. Open enrollment will run separately from our health insurance open enrollment.

Please remember: You must enroll in in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) each year.

Charitable Savings Program

The Charitable Savings Program is intended to offer a way for associates to save money for charitable giving via after-tax payroll deductions throughout the year.

To enroll, you will need to make an election during the FSA/Charitable Savings Open Enrollment. You must enroll in this benefit each year.

Deductions will be from 1/1 – 11/30 and will be paid out on the first December paycheck each year.

NEW THIS YEAR!

Pet Insurance

The Benefit Survey Results showed that 30% of the respondents were interested in Pet Insurance. Therefore, we are happy to announce that we will be offering Pet Insurance through Pet Benefit Solutions (PBS). The Pet Insurance benefits are paid for by you the associate at a discounted group rate. The group rate is based on your pet(s) age, breed & zip code. For information to follow as we finalize the offering.

Legal Benefits and Identity Theft Protection

About 60% of respondents showed interest in identity theft protection and additional legal benefits. We are partnering up with LegalShield and IDShield to offer you proprietary services. More information will follow in the coming weeks.

Your Action:

Please review your current benefits elections via iSolved under Benefit details. Information regarding the dates of open enrollment for Medical/Dental/Vision/LifeAD&D and FSA/Charitable Savings Plan for 2023-2024 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Recorded presentations and Benefits Guides will be available in the coming weeks.

We will conduct an in person and virtual meeting to discuss the benefits of the High Deductible Health Plan/ Health Savings Account and answer any questions you might have.

Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 @ 2pm

In person Meeting: Monday, October 16, 2023 @ 11am (Louis J. Boland Business Center – Gettysburg Room)

If you’d like to conduct a one-on-one session with one of our Benefits Advisors from One Digital or me, please contact me, Min Oh @ [email protected], and I can set these up for you.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out! 

Local 602 Apprenticeship Application Changes

The application process for Steamfitters’ Apprenticeship for the Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Process Piping and Environmental Systems Fields, for the Local 602 has undergone several major changes.

​​​​​​​Applications will no longer be held in person or held in January. Applications will be online and during the month of November (11/1 – 11/30).

For more information on the application process, please click here.

If you have any questions regarding the apprenticeship program, please call the office at 301-341-1555.

2023 Boland Family Picnic

Please join us for this year's Boland Family Picnic on Sunday, October 15th, 2023 at 12-6pm.

Please RSVP so we have a count for who will be attending.

We look forward to gathering with you!

Please click the photo above, or click here to RSVP

Professional Development Courses

Submitted by: Melissa Herazo

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES

Fall 2023 schedule is now live! Classes will be limited this year and seats will also be limited to 12 per class (seat limit for associates is 3 in each class). All in-person Boland training classes will be held in Lanham, MD (4720 Boston Way Unit J&K, Lanham, MD 20706).

For associates interested in taking any courses: Please contact Von Rowan ([email protected]) if you would like to register for any of the classes. 

We highly encourage that associates advise ahead of time if they will NOT be attending the course. We already have associates on a waitlist, and we would love to have the opportunity for those who can attend. Please email Von Rowan ([email protected]) to cancel. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. We hope to see those of you who are unable to attend this semester attend the next one in our new training center!

• 2-Day Basic HVAC: October 10-11
• 3-Day VRF City Multi® Startup & Service Essentials: October 17-19
• Schematics and Wiring Diagrams: October 26
• Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Theory: November 2
• Voyager® Rooftops: November 9
• 3-Day VRF City Multi® Startup & Service Essentials: November 14-16
• IntelliPAK® Rooftops: November 30
• Direct Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) Horizon® KCC: December 7
• 3-Day VRF City Multi® Startup & Service Essentials: December 12-14



If you have any questions, please email Melissa Herazo ([email protected]).

2023 Football Season Kick-Off

Submitted By: Von Rowan

On September 21, all associates were invited to the Lanham Warehouse location for the Kick-Off The 2023 Football Season social event. Associates enjoyed delicious BBQ food, fun games, healthy competition to win prizes, and great conversations. Thank you to all who were able to attend and we look forward to the next social event. 

Jeremy John, Vince Dawson, Bill Hopfer

Andy Fowler competing against his son, Chase Fowler in a pushup contest. Andy won with 56 pushups in 1 minute.

Jeff Campos Aviles, Kenny Wooten, Aileen Klippel

Shawn Brant and Wayne Daniel 

Jillian Newby, Bri McDonald, Dina Chahalis, Cam McCaskey, Ty McDonald, Ron Anderson competing in Jenga.

Kyle Richardson, Dina Chahalis, Doug Beard

Paul Grant, Kurt Kruger, Sam Murphy

Jo Sanders and Kevin Lewis

First Aid Kits

Submitted by: Safety Committee

First aid is important for a number of situations that don’t require a trip to the hospital or emergency room. These situations include minor falls, bee stings, burns, allergic reactions, and other common accidents. A first aid kit is helpful for these types of situations. Many people put together a first aid kit for home and their car. A well-stocked first aid kit provides you with the supplies you need to be ready for most minor emergencies.

Putting a first aid kit together is as simple as placing some basic items in a small container that you can keep with you. Store the container in the medicine cabinet in your home to keep it away from young children. You can also keep one in your car or carry one with you when you’re out of the house.

A kit can be large or small. It can contain every possible thing you might need. Or it can contain a few basics. Consider what you need for you, your family, and your lifestyle.



Build Your Own Basic First Aid Kit:

Examination gloves

Adhesive bandages

Medical tape

Cold compresses

Medical scissors

Tweezers

Gauze pads

Gauze rolls/Kling rolls

For emergencies, always remember to call 9-1-1.



Social Engineering Attacks

Submitted By: Mick Suray

Caesars Entertainment, which owns famous hotel-casinos such as Caesars Palace, confirmed on Sept. 7, hackers had stolen a six-terabyte copy of the customer loyalty program database, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The hackers broke into computer systems via "a social engineering attack" on an IT support contractor, according to the filing.

Hackers stole Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers from a "significant number" of loyalty program customers of Caesars Entertainment.

What was the result of this attack?

• Caesars paid ~ $30 million in ransom.
• Caesars will pay for credit monitoring services for “a significant number of loyalty program members”.
• Caesars is now a defendant in a class action lawsuit.
• Caesars reputation for keeping customer information confidential is ruined.

Their board of directors probably buried the CIO under the Atlantic City boardwalk.

How did this happen? An outsourced IT support vendor was coerced into changing a password for a person pretending to be an employee. 

This can happen to us. If hackers can “Ocean’s Eleven” a multi-billion-dollar corporation, they can get anyone.

How can I prevent myself from being “that guy” responsible for destroying my employer’s reputation? Trust no one…ever. Unfortunately, humans are the weakest link. Hackers will try to manipulate victims by instilling a sense of urgency to motivate immediate action. The hacker will take previously collected information about the victim or the victim’s worksite to gain trust.

There is a great article regarding social engineering of the SpiceWorks site from a couple years back. Worth the read.



Boland Cares in the Community

Submitted By: Karen Walker

Coming up on October 4th is the Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Build. This event will take place in the parking lot at 30 WWM so stop by and say hello if you are in the office. This year we have two teams who will be building and painting playhouses! This will be a great team building event for all!

Our annual Ride Allegheny Rest Stop is coming up on October 8th. We have a great crew who have already registered to volunteer but this event has no limit to the number of volunteers we can have... the more the merrier! The event takes place near the Antietam Battlefield on Sunday morning from 7:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

This is a great family event—students can get community service hours, too!

A brand new event has just been announced! We will be serving dinner at the Children's Inn at NIH on October 18th. 8 spots are available for this very special event. More details will be forthcoming in the Boland Daily News!

Consider volunteering WITH your clients for Boland Cares events! It's a great way to build a relationship while serving those in need! Customized events can also be arranged such as serving a lunch at Central Union Mission in Washington, DC. or packaging meals for Rise Against Hunger.

For more information or to register for any Boland Cares events, please email [email protected]

Rick's Quick Fit Tip

Just finished lunch of dinner? ...........Go take a walk!

Yep, after your lunch or dinner, instead of walking to the living room and sitting to watch TV.....Go take a walk! 

There are studies that show huge benefits of walking and being active after meals. Getting moving after meals may help control blood sugar levels and stave off type 2 diabetes. Simply walking up and down stairs, or walking around the block within 30 minutes of your meal (even just three minutes of activity) can decrease blood sugar and insulin concentrations. And.......after 10 minutes of activity, insulin sensitivity showed significant improvement!!

Bottom line.......just three to ten minutes of activity after your meal could have an amazing impact on your health! The activity helps prevent high blood sugar levels after eating! Skip desert and go for that ten minute walk!

Need help?  [email protected]

Associate Professional Development

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Full Schedule: linked here

Boland Professional Development Catalog: Click Here

We encourage associates to attend training to deepen knowledge, develop and strengthen their skills. This catalog offers a robust variety of Boland's professional development options. Please contact 

[email protected] for any questions.

Our goal is the provide educational and training opportunities which will help our associates along on their successful career path. These sessions are open to all associates.

Please click here to view all courses

Boland also offers online courses (role and industry-based) which are available via Trane Education Center. Please see your manager to review courses, and once approved, contact [email protected] for registration.

Trane Education Center (TEC)

Safety Training (TPC)



Associate in the Spotlight

Submitted By: Noel Wright-Foster

Maitland Morrisey

Renewal Specialist - Owner Sales

Describe your job: Renewal Specialist, I handle all the service contract renewals and make sure we keep our clients up to date in an effort to not miss a beat with service.

What is your favorite thing about working for Boland? The flexibility of the job and having a supportive community of intelligent individuals.

How have you grown your career? (What was your first job, what training have you had, what have you learned along the way etc)

I started working in HVAC with my dad at a very young age and then worked in restaurants most of my teenage years/early 20’s. January of 2022 I became a coordinator in our service department. In December of 2022 I accepted the Renewal Specialist position and have been loving every second of it. Boland has taught me a lot of patience and communication skills.

What is your hometown? I was born in PA but spent most of my life in Frederick.

Is there something interesting your associates may not know about you? I love to bake!

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show, book, magazine? Greys Anatomy!

What was your favorite class when you were in school? Why? Spanish, I was the teacher’s assistant. 

Do you enjoy music? What is your favorite artist / band? Have you ever seen them in concert? Maroon 5 and unfortunately, I have never seen them play.

Do you have any pets? I have 3 pets. 2 dogs, Millie and Rico, and my cat’s name is Tippy.

Are you celebrating any personal milestones? I recently just moved out of state into my first apartment alone.

What is your favorite restaurant and food? Anything involving a potato!

What is your favorite sports team and who is your favorite athlete? Penn State Football!

What do you do in your spare time - do you have any hobbies? Reading, watching TV and cuddling my pets.