Client Background

A leading HVAC/MEP firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems secured opportunities to bid on and execute large-scale commercial projects across the Northeast U.S. The firm needed to rapidly scale its skilled trades workforce to win and complete these projects, while also strengthening its internal leadership to support long-term growth, with a 16-month timeline to deliver the first major project.

The Challenge

The project opportunities and corporate growth required a robust workforce for field execution and internal management. Key challenges included:

  • Skilled Trades Requirements: Recruiting HVAC technicians, sheet metal workers, and pipefitters for project execution, alongside project managers to oversee complex MEP installations.
  • Corporate Hiring Needs: Sourcing a CFO to enhance financial strategy, a director of HR to improve talent retention, sales/business development leaders to secure new bids, and accounting/administrative staff for operational support.
  • Workforce Scaling: Hiring over 80 skilled trades professionals and 12 corporate roles to support project bidding, execution, and corporate growth.
  • Compliance and Safety: Ensuring field workers met OSHA certifications, site-specific safety protocols, and MEP industry standards.
  • Logistical Complexity: Coordinating travel for field crews and managing executive search for corporate roles across multiple regions.

Without access to skilled trades and leadership, the firm risked missing bid opportunities and project delays.

The Solution

Advastar provided a comprehensive staffing solution for project and corporate needs. Our approach included:

  • Skilled Trades Acquisition: Sourcing HVAC technicians, sheet metal workers, and pipefitters with expertise in commercial MEP systems, plus project managers to lead installations.
  • Executive Search and Corporate Hiring: Placing a CFO to strengthen financial oversight, a director of HR to enhance workforce management, sales/business development leaders to win new contracts, and accounting/administrative staff for operational efficiency.
  • Strategic Hiring Process: Deploying over 80 skilled trades professionals and 12 corporate roles over 6–8 weeks, ensuring thorough vetting and alignment with project and growth goals.
  • Compliance and Safety Management: Verifying OSHA certifications and safety training for field workers to meet MEP project standards.
  • Logistical Support: Coordinating travel for field crews and executive onboarding for seamless integration.

The Outcome

Advastar’s efforts enabled the firm to bid, win, and complete its projects while building a stronger corporate structure. Key results included:

  • Project Success: The first major project was completed within 16 months, meeting client expectations.
  • Quality Standards: Skilled trades ensured MEP systems met rigorous commercial standards.
  • Corporate Growth: The CFO, HR director, and sales leaders improved financial stability and secured additional bids.
  • Safety Excellence: Zero safety incidents across project sites.
  • Market Expansion: Successful projects led to new opportunities in the commercial sector.

Why Use Advastar as Your HVAC Recruiters?

Advastar’s network of skilled trades and corporate professionals, paired with our expertise in compliance and logistics, makes us a critical partner for HVAC/MEP firms. Our strategic deployment of talent and placement of leadership ensures clients win competitive bids, deliver high-quality projects, and achieve sustained growth.