The Unified Group had the opportunity to talk to three of our lifetime members - Denny Mann (Marina Mechanical), Mike Houghton (Dowling Corporation), and Randy Stone (Nashville Machine) - about what it’s been like to be a member for 15 years.

What was your company’s primary reason for joining The Unified Group?

                Denny: Consolidation was in full swing and the industry was in uncharted waters.  We had several tempting offers to purchase the company (multiples of earnings) but we were not looking for an exit strategy. After several conversations with The Unified Group we decided that it was the right fit at the right time…having some of the advantages that consolidation offered but allowing us to stay independent.

                Mike: The company began with The Unified Group 15 years ago.  I acquired the company eight years ago and after a presentation and discussion with Julie about the value of the group, I quickly decided to remain a member.

                Randy: Nashville Machine Construction Department had a project in Chicago with CSX and needed help from a high quality mechanical contractor (Air Comfort). When I joined the company in 2001 I attended my first Unified Group meeting and the rest is history!

What was your first Unified Group meeting like?

                Mike: The first meeting I attended was the owners’ meeting in 2005.  It was a particularly positive meeting for me.  I was not in this industry and had little knowledge as to how it operated prior to buying Dowling Corp.  Following five days on the high seas with this group I was convinced I made the best decision of my life and was comforted in knowing there was a solid group of people who were ready and eager to assist in helping me with whatever challenge I might face along the way. 

                Randy: My first meeting was in Cleveland. I realized what a powerful tool the group could be to me and for all our team members.

                Denny: I honestly don’t remember the first meeting, but I do remember coming away with the feeling that the reasons that Jim and Tim talked about for starting the group hit home with me.

How has the group changed and where do you hope to see it evolve to in the next 15 years?

                Denny: The vision that was presented to us 15 years ago is still in place. The next 15 years will see transfers of ownership, new management teams, emerging technologies, etc. One of the strong suits of this group is staying relevant with the industry. I’m confident this will continue going forward.

                Randy: The group has grown with quality members and the meetings have continually improved to meet the evolution of the group and the individual member. The next 15 years will see the development of our emerging leaders and young professionals within the group.

                Mike: I think the group has continued to evolve and strengthen - driven by the addition and retention of high quality companies.  This is not a group where members take a passive role.  You see their high level of engagement in meetings, after meetings, volunteer efforts and constantly through the e-mail tools.  It is amazing and gratifying to see how willing they are to give freely of their time in support of the success of other members and the group overall. Fifteen years from now I hope I am playing a lot of golf somewhere warm.  For The Unified Group and its members it would be great to see them become widely known across the industry as THE standard bearers for technical competence and dedication to customer satisfaction. I’ll be cheering all of you on!