Two-term Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) president Dave Holek was clearly shocked to receive the association’s Life Member Award at MCAC’s recent conference in Napa, Calif.
Holek’s surprise turned to gratitude as he reflected on 35 years in the mechanical sector. The resident of Belle River, Ont. is the president of Lekter Industrial Services, subontractors in the HVAC sector.
“I didn’t have a clue this was happening. Thank you very much,” said an emotional Holek after he was introduced by current MCAC president Derek Ermen in the midst of conference sessions Oct. 19.
“I have been involved with everything starting back in 1988 as a small contractor. I’m still a current UA card-holding member and have been in the trade since 1979. And I’ve always said about the mechanical industry, we are the best out there. It’s an amazing industry. It is an adventure every day.”
Ermen paid tribute to Holek’s decades of volunteer service to his local, provincial and national associations.
“He has a strong belief in the value of industry collaboration and has served on several committee and boards locally, provincially and nationally. He truly believes in doing what is best for the industry as a whole,” said Ermen.
Holek agreed to take on a second term as MCAC chair when COVID hit in 2020. Throughout his terms, he “always brought to the table a sense of calm and optimism,” said Ermen.
Holek responded, “I was the lucky one, or the unlucky one, who was president through COVID. And yes, we did survive through that too. You know, mechanically, we were an essential service.
“It was an incredible time. Everybody can say, ‘Would we ever think we would live through something like that in our lives?’ Crazy times. But here we are today, enjoying being here in Napa, together again.”
The conference is a time for the next generation to mix with the veterans of the industry, Holek said.
“We got great hands coming up to take things over along the way here. It’s always great to meet the people that get involved and love this industry.”
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