‘Make the best of your opportunities’

We asked new SMACNA Board member Todd Hill, president of Ventcon Inc., Allen Park, Mich., to share the lessons he has learned, personally and in business, and the advice he would pass on to others.

The thing most people notice first about my shop: The large size of the office and shop, and the fact that everyone has their own office.

My secret weapon for making jobs run smoother: Our CAD Detailing Department, which is equipped with the latest technology, helps create efficient project coordination resulting in tremendous shop and field support.

I tell newbies: To have fun with the industry, challenge yourself, and make the best of your opportunities.

My secret to running a successful business: Having trustworthy, long-term, talented employees. We have had great success promoting the talent from within our company, which makes retirement transitioning seamless.

My outside interests: Time with my family, golfing, boating, skiing, and traveling.

The sports teams I cheer: Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, Pistons

My first car: 1980 AMC Spirit

On the national level, Mr. Hill currently serves on SMACNA’s Business and Financial Management Committee, Contractor Operations Manual Task Force, and the Pre-Insulated Phenolic Duct Construction Standard Task Force.

Locally, he serves on the SMACNA Metropolitan Detroit chapter’s Board of Directors, Pension and Annuity Joint Trust Funds, Local Joint Adjustment Board, Joint Apprenticeship Committee, Labor Relations Committee, Fire Damper Committee, and Market Recovery Committee.

Entering the industry in 1990 as a sheet metal apprentice with Ventcon, he received his associate’s degree in applied science in computer-aided and mechanical design from Schoolcraft College.

At Ventcon, Mr. Hill then became a CAD operator and advanced through several management positions, becoming president in 2005. In 2010, Mr. Hill and his two partners acquired the business. As one of the largest employers in SMACNA Detroit, he prides himself on his good working reputation and relationship with labor and management partners.

Ventcon is a 45-year-old mechanical HVAC/sheet metal firm with 70 percent commercial and 30 percent industrial projects. Learn more at www.ventcon.com.