Recently, Gaston Low Voltage Division Manager Scott Hall sat down with Joe Kelly of the Mass Construction Show Podcast to discuss the increased use of Power Over Ethernet and how this technology will continue to change the way buildings function. To access the full podcast, click here.
Thank you for visiting our new “Spotlight ON” feature where we will be speaking with members of the Gaston Team and asking them questions about their careers, backgrounds, and interests.
We’re kicking off this new series with Journeywoman Heather MacMaster. At the time of this post, Heather is working at the Boston University Center for Computing and Data Sciences Building.
How long have you been an Electrician?
Nearly 20 years.
Tell me how things have changed regarding Women on jobsites over your 20 years?
I went from being one of the only females onsite to being one of five on my current job. Females currently make up 10% of construction in Mass and are more accepted on jobsites.
I know you started a Facebook Group recently with some friends. What’s the name of it?
It is called Boston Union Trade Sisters.
How did you start this group?
During the pandemic last year, I was talking to an old friend from another Local about the idea of starting a Facebook Group for all Women in the trades. It started with 5 Women and has grown to almost 700 in one year.
Why did you start this group?
We wanted to create a safe space for Women in the trades to network, get advice on work-related issues and personal matters, and build a community of strong, confident females working in the construction field.
What has surprised you about this group of Women?
Seeing the amount of support people receive from strangers. It’s an uplifting group of Women; we really feel like sisters.
I understand you hold events throughout the year. What kind of events has your group hosted?
We’ve held bowling nights, self-defense class, cookouts, dance lessons, a double-dutch tournament – and soon we’re hosting our first Gala.
Can you talk more about the Gala? Tell me about the inspiration for this event and what should people expect if they attend?
The Facebook Group founders wanted to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished this past year. The Gala takes place on April 2nd in Quincy. We’ve already sold out and expect nearly 300 people. We’re going to have female speakers talking about the importance of Women in construction as well as dinner, dancing, and raffles to raise funds for the group and community.
What can we expect to see from Boston Union Trade Sisters in the future?
We’re hoping to grow, offer more continuing education for Women, and inspire other cities/states to create their own community of Tradeswomen.
Recently, Mike Weber spoke with Catherine Carlock of the Boston Business Journal regarding the rise in Office-To-Lab Conversions within the Boston/Cambridge Construction Market. This cover story also featured Steve Lynch of King Street Properties and Bob Coughlin of JLL Boston.
Due to increased life science tenant demand, many building owners are making the jump to lab space in submarkets that were not historically known as lab hotspots – including Kenmore Square, Fort Point, Allston, and Watertown.
Additionally, an office-to-lab conversion requires significant planning, budget considerations, and a review of building infrastructures to be sure that a conversation is feasible.
From the article:
“Labs require redundant power sources, sophisticated HVAC and mechanical systems and higher floor-to-floor ceiling heights than a standard offices, which can make it difficult to convert an older building,” said Mike Weber, a principal at Gaston Electrical in Norwood. It’s also common for biotech tenants to rapidly grow in their physical space needs once they have a commercial product, or receive FDA approval for their work.
“We’ve done a job for a customer in a 10,000-square-foot lab area, and two years later, we’re doing 200,000 square feet,” Weber said.
Boston Business Journal / October 1, 2021
To read the entire article. please click here. And to learn more about our recent Life Sciences Projects, visit our portfolio page here.
We’re excited to announce that Scott Hall has joined the team as Low Voltage Division Manager. Scott will be reporting directly to Mike Weber, Gaston Principal as the company continues to expand services across the Greater Boston region.
In his new role, Scott will develop and lead growth strategies for the Low Voltage Division – fostering new industry relationships and partnerships, while ensuring the success of existing accounts and clients. His addition to the team represents the ongoing growth and depth within Gaston’s Senior Leadership Team, and goal to become the preferred electrical and low voltage service provider in the region.
“Technology is playing an ever-increasing role in today’s built environment. From tenant connectivity requirements to building security, and the internet of things – buildings are smarter than ever before,” commented Mike Weber. “As we expand and strengthen our services, we’re assembling the most-talented professionals in the market who operate at the leading-edge of their respective disciplines. Scott has just the right mix of industry and product knowledge, management background, and proven sales success to deliver tailored solutions for our clients and end-users.”
Hall brings over 15 years of professional experience to his role, having worked for top telecommunication and distribution companies during his career. Most recently, he led a regional sales team, where he developed Master Sales Agreements with large end-user clients in the healthcare, broadcasting, and high-tech sectors.
“Having come from the distribution side of the telecommunication business, I’m excited to bring my industry knowledge and relationship network to complement and grow Gaston’s busy Low Voltage Division,” said Hall. “I look forward to working with my talented Team members as we expand Gaston’s footprint in the Greater Boston market.”
Recently, Gaston Principal Bill Weber joined NECA “Innovation Overload” Podcast hosts Amanda Harbison and Tauhira Ali for a discussion coving topics such as construction innovation, best practices for coordination, the importance of peer groups, and building company culture within the Electrical Industry.
Listen to the full podcast by clicking here.
You can find previous installments of NECA podcasts here.
Recently, Gaston Principal Mike Weber sat down with Joe Kelly of the Mass Construction Show Podcast to talk about Construction Marketing, Prefabrication, Efficiency, and Continuous Improvement (among other topics). In this return visit, Mike and Joe take a deep dive into construction trends, leading/emerging technologies, LEAN construction, and the importance of relationship-building in the construction industry.
Check out the full podcast video here:
New Year – New Space. The Gaston home office at 85 Morse Street in Norwood has always been a dynamic and bustling space. Those who have visited in the past will remember that the front area has been occupied by all of our support teams, while the rear of the building was home to our Warehouse and busy Prefabrication Shop.
This past year, Warehouse and Prefab Teams made an exciting move into approximately 15,000 square feet of new (larger and more functional) space just across the road – leaving awesome possibilities for the vacated space.
Fortunately, years of hard work have led to growth in Gaston’s capabilities, field manpower, and office employee headcount. To support this continued growth, a plan was made to transform the vacant space into new offices and conference rooms that would blend seamlessly with the existing space in front.
New office spaces for Project Managers, Operations, and Project Coordination were designed along with three new conference rooms – including Gillette Stadium, Conte Forum, and Alumni Stadium.
While all companies were adjusting to the new reality of Covid-19, planning continued to move forward and take shape. Construction progressed smoothly and safely throughout the process – with team members moving into their new spaces during the holidays.
Construction progress shots are placed throughout this post – with the final photo below showing our newly-installed graphics on the glass of the Alumni Stadium Conference Room – featuring our Core Purpose and Core Values.
We look forward to a time in the future when all of our friends and clients can stop in for an in-person visit. Until then, be safe – and Happy New Year!
We’re excited to announce that John “Coco” Cocorochio was recently named Safe Employee of the Month as part of the Gaston Safety Recognition Program.
Coco was recognized for his commitment to safe work practices on the jobsite – and rewarded with a $150 Visa Gift Card.
Safety Director Rick Coakley was on hand at one of our ongoing tenant fitup projects in Boston’s Financial District to present Coco with his prize – photo below.
To learn more about Gaston’s Commitment to Safety, please visit the Safety page of our website by clicking here.
In Mid-October, the Boston University Myles Standish Hall Renovation Project was recognized by the Boston Preservation Alliance with a 2020 Preservation Achievement Award.
In this 14-month, multi-phase renovation, Gaston Team members including Jake G., Ron P., Mike R., Adam S. and Crew worked alongside General Contractor Shawmut Design & Construction (and other project partners) to provide a complete overhaul of this iconic Kenmore Square Building.
To learn more about the Myles Standish Hall project, please visit the Boston Preservation Alliance page by clicking here.
Below are some photos of the Project and Team throughout the renovation process.
On October 8th, Team Members from Gaston Electrical joined Consigli Construction to participate in the Blackstone Valley Educational Foundation STEM Webinar Series.
The series was developed to introduce middle school students to the many exciting career paths and opportunities that exist in STEM fields – including construction.
HR Director Nina Radzim spearheaded Gaston’s involvement and coordinated an overview of the subcontractor role which included Estimator Selene Burke, BIM Manager David Fiorini, and Prefabrication Shop Manager DJ Murray.
Each Team Member took time to explain their respective roles within the company, their responsibilities relating to projects, and their backgrounds. Students then asked questions via the webinar chat function. Of particular interest was the use of BIM in construction coordination, and the important role of women and minorities in the industry.
To learn more about the Blackstone Valley Educational Foundation, please visit https://bveducationfoundation.org/
