‘I intend to open two more offices’: MAS Construction Services is a market leader, making your facilities safer, efficient and reliable through robust building automation services

"Learn how to manage your finances. This is the most important aspect of your business, and if it is managed well, you'll have the freedom to work on projects and draw excellent collaborators to join you on your journey."

Having the ability to remotely monitor and optimize your building’s systems—everything from heating and cooling equipment to lighting, ventilation, and more—isn’t a dream of the future. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and the efforts of innovative building automation companies, buildings of any size can take advantage of cost-effective automation solutions that help save money, increase operational efficiency and productivity, and boost the market value of a facility.

Sherie McCarty is an esteemed figure in the field of engineering. She is creating innovative building automation solutions, providing construction services and maintaining the highest safety standard through her firm MAS Construction Services.

MAS Construction Services is a performance-driven, safety-oriented company specializing in HVAC/R construction inclusive of plumbing, building automation ATC/BMS controls, and commissioning for commercial buildings. It is a Disadvantage Business Enterprise headquartered in Camden, NJ.

Sherie McCarty spoke exclusively to The Silicon Review, and here’s what she had to say.

Interview Highlights

Q. How would you describe your professional journey so far? Tell us about a few roadblocks and learning lessons that helped you grow through the years.

Great question. I had to learn to pace myself. I started on the sales side of the industry, and there was a learning curve for a process sale. I had to go on a lot of self-made appointments, meet face-to-face, and ask a lot of questions so I could understand the client's needs. Then, carry out a site inspection to ascertain the kind of equipment they possess, create a proposal, arrange a time to present it, and follow up to complete the sale. I would next need to schedule the technicians to complete the work as I had specified in the proposal after being given the project. On average, each project's selling and completion cycle might last three to four months. Then an average of five years for continued work. Numerous firms benefit from the commercial and industrial applications of HVAC and building automation. A hospital would be a good illustration of this. They have operating rooms with various systems and requirements for air flow and temperature. To avoid bacterial and viral illnesses, you typically need seven full air changes each hour flowing through filtration. They feature comfortable offices and patient rooms with adjustable temperatures. Working in a hospital with varying systems that serve the entire hospital and then different systems for more of the specialized environments meant that I had to have a vast working knowledge of these site conditions. I also worked in manufacturing, food preparation, and oil and gas plants; all of these have different types of air cooling and heating systems, and some of these systems are tied to the processes for these institutions.

Working in several industries enabled me to gain insight about building automation and launch my own business. Today, MAS Construction Services is a market leader offering mechanical, plumbing, and automatic temperature control construction services as well as unique project management solutions that is unmatched in our sector.

Q. Trust is one of the most important currencies of leadership that requires authenticity and consistency to maintain. What’s your take on this?

This makes sense. You have to earn trust and be forthright in your actions and words. Most of the time, I had to tell clients about delays in equipment or when we could get a technician to respond. So, at times, the information I had was inaccurate. While making the calls was unpleasant, the majority of the recipients were grateful that I gave them the bad news up front and would hire me again since they trusted me.

Q. Who do you look up to as a leader, and how did that person influence you to become the inspiring leader you are today?

George, my first manager, helped me get on the correct track. He was structured, and he taught me how to organize my ideas for projects, how to handle the freedom I had because I didn't have a 9 to 5 job, and how to choose the ideal days for conferences calls and meetings. He dealt with information honestly and accurately. And to this day I implement what I learnt from him to manage my company.

Q. As the CEO of MAS Construction Services, what are your major roles and responsibilities?

In essence, I am in charge of the daily operations. I handle most of the paperwork we need to submit to get permission to work on-site, and I make sure our license and certificates, along with all of our safety standards, are up to date. I oversee our finances, inspire other staff members, respond to inquiries, and provide guidance. All of my staff members are aware that they must resolve any issues on their own before bringing them to my attention, which they all do.

Q. What can you tell us about MAS Construction Services? What are its focus areas?

Our primary focus is to continue on the existing path while being proactive with our clients regarding all ongoing projects and upcoming work.

Q. How do you see MAS Construction Services changing in five years, and how do you see yourself creating that change?

I intend to open two more offices in the coming years. Our services in other locations have increased, and the team is ready to work elsewhere; everyone is committed. The majority of our work over the last 12 years has been in the data center and hospital environments, and I see outdated equipment and systems that will need to be updated and streamlined.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?

As a business owner, I have learned that you need to be knowledgeable about sales and the project execution cycle, manage risk by paying attention to details, read all contracts, purchase orders, and fine print, have a reliable insurance agent, and a contracts lawyer; don't be afraid to ask questions; and take good notes. And learn how to manage your finances. This is the most important aspect of your business, and if it is managed well, you will have the freedom to work on projects and draw excellent collaborators to join you on your journey. Having the best people is the secret sauce to a successful business.

About | Sherie McCarty

Sherie McCarty is the founder and CEO of MAS Construction Services. She’s also a CxA (Certified Commisioning Authority). The recipient of a Bachelor of Science from Washington College and a second bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, Ms. McCarty is licensed and insured to provide the best possible service for her clients. She is certified in refrigeration engineering, licensed by the Society of Universal Refrigerant and certified in back flow device inspector.

"Our primary focus is to continue on the existing path while being proactive with our clients regarding all ongoing projects and upcoming work."