Schedule of Events
2025 Fall Technical Meeting
October 5-7
Westin Copley Place • Boston, MA
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8:00 AM – Noon
Board of Directors Meeting
Sunday, October 5, 2025
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Committee Meetings
All Committee Meetings will be held on the 7th floor of hotel
Committee Meetings
Past Presidents’ Reception
This reception gets together the past presidents of the organization for cocktails, connection and laughter.
5:00 – 6:00 PM
First Timer Orientation and Reception
First time attendees are welcomed by the Institute and their Ambassador at this orientation and reception. This event helps first-time attendees get familiar with the group and some of the members before heading over to the Opening Reception.
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Opening Reception - America North / Foyer - 4th Floor
Join Us on Sunday evening for a night of Glitz, Glamour, Jackpot Thrills and Giving Back at SWR Institute’s Casino Night!
Ready to roll the dice for a cause? Get ready for a high-stakes evening filled with excitement, fun, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of our industry! All proceeds collected from the Casino Night will go towards the SWR Foundation.
Monday, October 6, 2025
Breakfast & General Session will take place on the 4th floor of hotel, America Center & South
7:30 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
Start the day right by grabbing coffee and breakfast before visiting with our exhibitors about their innovative and tried and true product offerings.
8:00 –8:10 AM
President’s Opening Remarks
SWR Institute’s President, Tom Gormley, will give important updates and kick off the day’s general session.
8:10 – 8:40 AM
Scott Greenhaus, PULLMAN
Hard Hats to Helmets
The traditional hard hat has been essentially the same for the past 60 years. Helmets offer superior protection for construction workers. Traumatic Brain Injuries are responsible for 25% of all construction fatalities, and many life altering injuries. These safety helmets are inspired by the best features of hard hats for construction and head protection for sports such as rock climbing and cycling. They incorporate energy-absorbing liners, and other technologies to ensure the head is better protected from impact. Construction activities expose the workforce to significant risk of head injuries. Helmets can help the construction industry reduce these avoidable fatalities and injuries. The history of the hard hat, the development of alternative means of protecting construction works from the ravages of TBI’s, research into TBIs, statistics that indicate the need for change, new and advanced technology development and hearing lifesaving stories will help educate the participant of the need to make this change.
8:40 – 9:25 AM
Justin DeWolfe, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc. and Frank Zhong, Dow Silicones
Refurbishing an Oakland Icon
This presentation features a case study of the 1976 Clorox Building, an iconic office tower in Oakland, California, designed by renowned architect César Pelli. The project involved comprehensive curtain wall restoration efforts, including metal panel cleaning, recoating, resealing, and the installation of custom drip flashings aimed at resolving both aesthetic and performance concerns. The building’s original metal panel system, a product of its era, presented a persistent 45-year window streaking issue. This case study highlights the specific challenges posed by the unique materials and design choices of the time, and outlines the tailored solutions developed to overcome them. The lessons learned offer a practical roadmap for the rehabilitation of similar aging curtain wall systems across the country.
9:25 – 10:10 AM
Mike Bernhard, Metro Caulking & Waterproofing
Traffic Coating - What Could Go Wrong
Traffic coating installation of large car dealership parking garage project from beginning to end. Things that can go wrong with estimating, product installation, weather, and warranty and how to handle them all for a customer you want to impress and retain!
10:10 – 10:40 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:40 – 10:55 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Sika Corporation, Bruce Zhu
Innovation in Below Grade Waterproofing
10:55 – 11:40 AM
Bruce Panico and Mike Orzechowicz, PULLMAN
Thomas Graves Landing Condominium Plaza Repair Project
Thomas Graves Landing, a condominium complex housing approximately 200 units in Cambridge, MA, faced significant structural challenges due to years of wear and deterioration in its plaza area. Water infiltration in the parking garage below had become a growing concern, threatening the integrity of the structure. The root cause of this issue was an aging waterproofing system that had exceeded its lifespan, leaving the garage vulnerable to moisture damage. Recognizing the urgency of these problems, the condominium trust engaged PULLMAN to restore the structure, mitigate water damage, and transform the plaza into a more durable and visually appealing space. The project required a strategic approach that combined investigative analysis, targeted repairs, and the application of modern waterproofing solutions. The scope of work included installing a new waterproofing system, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems for improved efficiency, and adding high-end finishes such as granite veneer planters, fresh plantings, and stylish pavers to the plaza. Given the high occupancy of the condominium complex, careful coordination with residents and board members was essential to minimizing disruptions throughout the construction process.
11:40 – 11:55 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Errol Bull, Momentive
Optic
11:55 AM - Noon
Lunch Sponsor Presentation - The Barrett Company
Noon – 1:00 PM
Lunch - American North
Enjoy a nice lunch while visiting with fellow members.
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Robert Forrer, Bond Façade Services and Mike Fritz, Vertical Access
MOVING THE NEEDLE: Advances in Material Replacement though Digital Technology; Review of a Previous Case Study
Bond Façade Services and Vertical Access VA4D return to SWRI with updates to their ongoing partnership aimed at streamlining the standard process of replacement material acquisition in terra cotta through 3D scanning, digital modeling, and collaborative design. Together, Bond Facade Services and Vertical Access will provide valuable insights on challenges faced and solutions found with their completed project (Fairfield Inn) featured at SWRI 2023. This will be followed by workflow refinements made with subsequent projects and a look towards future advances. Focus points include reducing scope uncertainty, costs related to access, and the time on delivery of finished product. The team will emphasize the impact that placing powerful technologies in the hands of contractors can have in gaining control over process, design, and quality of replacement materials. The presentation explores a myriad of proven advantages of early documentation, collaborative design, and acquisition of deliverables for contractors and navigates the implementation of digital technologies to benefit owners, project teams, and manufacturers.
1:45 – 2:15 PM
Refreshment Break
2:15 – 4:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt
Plan to get out of your seats to uniquely explore Boston during this fun Scavenger Hunt. Attendees will be randomly placed in teams of six to encourage connections with people you might not already know. Teams will hit the streets in search of landmarks and other designated locations using an app to track progress. We’ll all meet back at the hotel for a cocktail reception and to award prizes to the winning teams.
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Cocktail Reception - American Center & South
Enjoy cocktails as we celebrate the winners of the Scavenger Hunt.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Breakfast & General Session will take place on the 4th floor of hotel, America Center & South
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
Start the day right by grabbing coffee and breakfast before visiting with our exhibitors about their innovative and tried and true product offerings.
8:30 – 8:35 AM
Opening Remarks
President Tom Gormley will kick off the day’s session.
8:35 – 8:40 AM
Member Meeting – Bylaws Change
This quick meeting will be held for members to vote on a bylaws change.
8:40 – 8:50 AM
Next Gen Awards
Help us celebrate this year’s Next Gen Award winners.
8:50 – 9:20 AM
Kara McCaffrey, Houck & Company, Inc.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health – Best Practices in Construction
Did you know that construction workers are 5-6x more likely to die by suicide than from all other work-related fatalities combined? The mental health crisis in the construction industry is urgent – and preventable.
Join us for an in-depth session with Kara (Houck) McCaffrey, Chief Wellness Officer at Houck Group of Companies and Vice Chair of Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Kara will explore how companies can raise awareness, equip teams with practical tools, and educate staff on suicide prevention strategies. Drawing from Houck’s real-world experience, this session will offer actionable insights and free resources to help employers foster a culture of well-being and support their workforce’s mental health.
9:20– 10:05 AM
Don Zuidema, RestoreWorks Masonry Restoration
Restorative Cleaning Techniques for Masonry
A technical discussion covering various cleaning techniques used in masonry restoration, alongside best practices, common challenges, and successful applications.
10:05 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Silas Dust & Steve Slack, Keim Mineral Coatings of America
Mineral Masonry Paint
10:45 – 11:30 AM
Jake Holland, SUMMIT Sealants, Inc.
Margins, Manpower, and Mayhem: The Realities of Running a Restoration Firm
Running a restoration firm requires far more than technical expertise—it demands a delicate balance between margins, an ever-evolving workforce, and the chaos of project unpredictability. Aimed at contractors and engineers alike, this presentation pulls back the curtain on the real-world challenges owners and managers face in today’s restoration industry. From managing crews and inflationary pressures to navigating change orders, juggling overlapping scopes, insurance requirements, and client expectations, attendees will gain an honest look at the operational, financial, and human hurdles that come with the territory. Whether you run field operations, manage budgets, or design repair solutions, this session will deliver practical insights and hard-earned lessons from the field.
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Mike Cioffi, IR Analyzers
High Voltage and Low Voltage and Platform Scanning, OH MY!
Demystifying Electronic Leak Detection. How the systems work - advantages and disadvantages of each.
11:45 – 12:45 PM
Lunch - America North - 4th Floor
Sponsored by Innovative Waterproofing Solutions
12:45 – 1:30 PM
Jake Smithwick, Simplar
From Trends to Tools: Workforce Shifts, Economic Signals, and Getting Started with AI
What’s really happening with the workforce? Where’s the economy headed? And how do tools like AI fit into the mix? We'll provide a look at the latest trends that matter to contractors: labor, pricing, and market signals. Then we’ll dive into how AI is starting to show up in real ways: estimating, documentation, safety, and more. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can actually use.
1:30 – 2:00 PM
Calvin Carter, Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC and Frank Duarte, Keystone Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC
Integrating AI: Our Journey Toward Smarter Operations
This hands-on session created by two waterproofing contractors is designed for SWR Institute members who want to start using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools—without needing any tech skills or coding experience. You’ll see exactly how AI can save you time, improve accuracy, and help you stay competitive in today’s fast-moving construction world. Real examples using common tools like Office 365-Copilot, Adobe, Power BI, Chat GPT, etc. will show how AI fits right into what you already do—no buzzwords, just practical value. Whether you’re prepping a bid, reviewing a contract, building a job description, or creating your company's social media posts, this presentation will help you take the first steps with confidence while taking in consideration the ethical risks.
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Open Discussion about AI in Construction
We all have questions about AI and this open discussion session will not only allow you to ask questions but also hear what questions other audience members have along with the answers. Jake Smithwick, our AI keynote speaker, will be available to take question along with Frank Duarte and Calvin Carterr, SWR Institute members who have put AI tools to use in their businesses.
3:00 PM
Closing Remarks/Meeting Adjourns
October 5-7
Westin Copley Place • Boston, MA
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8:00 AM – Noon
Board of Directors Meeting
Sunday, October 5, 2025
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Committee Meetings
All Committee Meetings will be held on the 7th floor of hotel
- Membership - Empire Room
- Technical Resources - Great Republic Room
Committee Meetings
- Validation - Empire Room
- Safety - Great Republic Room
Past Presidents’ Reception
This reception gets together the past presidents of the organization for cocktails, connection and laughter.
5:00 – 6:00 PM
First Timer Orientation and Reception
First time attendees are welcomed by the Institute and their Ambassador at this orientation and reception. This event helps first-time attendees get familiar with the group and some of the members before heading over to the Opening Reception.
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Opening Reception - America North / Foyer - 4th Floor
Join Us on Sunday evening for a night of Glitz, Glamour, Jackpot Thrills and Giving Back at SWR Institute’s Casino Night!
Ready to roll the dice for a cause? Get ready for a high-stakes evening filled with excitement, fun, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of our industry! All proceeds collected from the Casino Night will go towards the SWR Foundation.
Monday, October 6, 2025
Breakfast & General Session will take place on the 4th floor of hotel, America Center & South
7:30 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
Start the day right by grabbing coffee and breakfast before visiting with our exhibitors about their innovative and tried and true product offerings.
8:00 –8:10 AM
President’s Opening Remarks
SWR Institute’s President, Tom Gormley, will give important updates and kick off the day’s general session.
8:10 – 8:40 AM
Scott Greenhaus, PULLMAN
Hard Hats to Helmets
The traditional hard hat has been essentially the same for the past 60 years. Helmets offer superior protection for construction workers. Traumatic Brain Injuries are responsible for 25% of all construction fatalities, and many life altering injuries. These safety helmets are inspired by the best features of hard hats for construction and head protection for sports such as rock climbing and cycling. They incorporate energy-absorbing liners, and other technologies to ensure the head is better protected from impact. Construction activities expose the workforce to significant risk of head injuries. Helmets can help the construction industry reduce these avoidable fatalities and injuries. The history of the hard hat, the development of alternative means of protecting construction works from the ravages of TBI’s, research into TBIs, statistics that indicate the need for change, new and advanced technology development and hearing lifesaving stories will help educate the participant of the need to make this change.
8:40 – 9:25 AM
Justin DeWolfe, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc. and Frank Zhong, Dow Silicones
Refurbishing an Oakland Icon
This presentation features a case study of the 1976 Clorox Building, an iconic office tower in Oakland, California, designed by renowned architect César Pelli. The project involved comprehensive curtain wall restoration efforts, including metal panel cleaning, recoating, resealing, and the installation of custom drip flashings aimed at resolving both aesthetic and performance concerns. The building’s original metal panel system, a product of its era, presented a persistent 45-year window streaking issue. This case study highlights the specific challenges posed by the unique materials and design choices of the time, and outlines the tailored solutions developed to overcome them. The lessons learned offer a practical roadmap for the rehabilitation of similar aging curtain wall systems across the country.
9:25 – 10:10 AM
Mike Bernhard, Metro Caulking & Waterproofing
Traffic Coating - What Could Go Wrong
Traffic coating installation of large car dealership parking garage project from beginning to end. Things that can go wrong with estimating, product installation, weather, and warranty and how to handle them all for a customer you want to impress and retain!
10:10 – 10:40 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:40 – 10:55 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Sika Corporation, Bruce Zhu
Innovation in Below Grade Waterproofing
10:55 – 11:40 AM
Bruce Panico and Mike Orzechowicz, PULLMAN
Thomas Graves Landing Condominium Plaza Repair Project
Thomas Graves Landing, a condominium complex housing approximately 200 units in Cambridge, MA, faced significant structural challenges due to years of wear and deterioration in its plaza area. Water infiltration in the parking garage below had become a growing concern, threatening the integrity of the structure. The root cause of this issue was an aging waterproofing system that had exceeded its lifespan, leaving the garage vulnerable to moisture damage. Recognizing the urgency of these problems, the condominium trust engaged PULLMAN to restore the structure, mitigate water damage, and transform the plaza into a more durable and visually appealing space. The project required a strategic approach that combined investigative analysis, targeted repairs, and the application of modern waterproofing solutions. The scope of work included installing a new waterproofing system, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems for improved efficiency, and adding high-end finishes such as granite veneer planters, fresh plantings, and stylish pavers to the plaza. Given the high occupancy of the condominium complex, careful coordination with residents and board members was essential to minimizing disruptions throughout the construction process.
11:40 – 11:55 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Errol Bull, Momentive
Optic
11:55 AM - Noon
Lunch Sponsor Presentation - The Barrett Company
Noon – 1:00 PM
Lunch - American North
Enjoy a nice lunch while visiting with fellow members.
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Robert Forrer, Bond Façade Services and Mike Fritz, Vertical Access
MOVING THE NEEDLE: Advances in Material Replacement though Digital Technology; Review of a Previous Case Study
Bond Façade Services and Vertical Access VA4D return to SWRI with updates to their ongoing partnership aimed at streamlining the standard process of replacement material acquisition in terra cotta through 3D scanning, digital modeling, and collaborative design. Together, Bond Facade Services and Vertical Access will provide valuable insights on challenges faced and solutions found with their completed project (Fairfield Inn) featured at SWRI 2023. This will be followed by workflow refinements made with subsequent projects and a look towards future advances. Focus points include reducing scope uncertainty, costs related to access, and the time on delivery of finished product. The team will emphasize the impact that placing powerful technologies in the hands of contractors can have in gaining control over process, design, and quality of replacement materials. The presentation explores a myriad of proven advantages of early documentation, collaborative design, and acquisition of deliverables for contractors and navigates the implementation of digital technologies to benefit owners, project teams, and manufacturers.
1:45 – 2:15 PM
Refreshment Break
2:15 – 4:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt
Plan to get out of your seats to uniquely explore Boston during this fun Scavenger Hunt. Attendees will be randomly placed in teams of six to encourage connections with people you might not already know. Teams will hit the streets in search of landmarks and other designated locations using an app to track progress. We’ll all meet back at the hotel for a cocktail reception and to award prizes to the winning teams.
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Cocktail Reception - American Center & South
Enjoy cocktails as we celebrate the winners of the Scavenger Hunt.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Breakfast & General Session will take place on the 4th floor of hotel, America Center & South
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
Start the day right by grabbing coffee and breakfast before visiting with our exhibitors about their innovative and tried and true product offerings.
8:30 – 8:35 AM
Opening Remarks
President Tom Gormley will kick off the day’s session.
8:35 – 8:40 AM
Member Meeting – Bylaws Change
This quick meeting will be held for members to vote on a bylaws change.
8:40 – 8:50 AM
Next Gen Awards
Help us celebrate this year’s Next Gen Award winners.
8:50 – 9:20 AM
Kara McCaffrey, Houck & Company, Inc.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health – Best Practices in Construction
Did you know that construction workers are 5-6x more likely to die by suicide than from all other work-related fatalities combined? The mental health crisis in the construction industry is urgent – and preventable.
Join us for an in-depth session with Kara (Houck) McCaffrey, Chief Wellness Officer at Houck Group of Companies and Vice Chair of Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Kara will explore how companies can raise awareness, equip teams with practical tools, and educate staff on suicide prevention strategies. Drawing from Houck’s real-world experience, this session will offer actionable insights and free resources to help employers foster a culture of well-being and support their workforce’s mental health.
9:20– 10:05 AM
Don Zuidema, RestoreWorks Masonry Restoration
Restorative Cleaning Techniques for Masonry
A technical discussion covering various cleaning techniques used in masonry restoration, alongside best practices, common challenges, and successful applications.
10:05 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Silas Dust & Steve Slack, Keim Mineral Coatings of America
Mineral Masonry Paint
10:45 – 11:30 AM
Jake Holland, SUMMIT Sealants, Inc.
Margins, Manpower, and Mayhem: The Realities of Running a Restoration Firm
Running a restoration firm requires far more than technical expertise—it demands a delicate balance between margins, an ever-evolving workforce, and the chaos of project unpredictability. Aimed at contractors and engineers alike, this presentation pulls back the curtain on the real-world challenges owners and managers face in today’s restoration industry. From managing crews and inflationary pressures to navigating change orders, juggling overlapping scopes, insurance requirements, and client expectations, attendees will gain an honest look at the operational, financial, and human hurdles that come with the territory. Whether you run field operations, manage budgets, or design repair solutions, this session will deliver practical insights and hard-earned lessons from the field.
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Manufacturer Presentation
Mike Cioffi, IR Analyzers
High Voltage and Low Voltage and Platform Scanning, OH MY!
Demystifying Electronic Leak Detection. How the systems work - advantages and disadvantages of each.
11:45 – 12:45 PM
Lunch - America North - 4th Floor
Sponsored by Innovative Waterproofing Solutions
12:45 – 1:30 PM
Jake Smithwick, Simplar
From Trends to Tools: Workforce Shifts, Economic Signals, and Getting Started with AI
What’s really happening with the workforce? Where’s the economy headed? And how do tools like AI fit into the mix? We'll provide a look at the latest trends that matter to contractors: labor, pricing, and market signals. Then we’ll dive into how AI is starting to show up in real ways: estimating, documentation, safety, and more. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can actually use.
1:30 – 2:00 PM
Calvin Carter, Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC and Frank Duarte, Keystone Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC
Integrating AI: Our Journey Toward Smarter Operations
This hands-on session created by two waterproofing contractors is designed for SWR Institute members who want to start using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools—without needing any tech skills or coding experience. You’ll see exactly how AI can save you time, improve accuracy, and help you stay competitive in today’s fast-moving construction world. Real examples using common tools like Office 365-Copilot, Adobe, Power BI, Chat GPT, etc. will show how AI fits right into what you already do—no buzzwords, just practical value. Whether you’re prepping a bid, reviewing a contract, building a job description, or creating your company's social media posts, this presentation will help you take the first steps with confidence while taking in consideration the ethical risks.
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Open Discussion about AI in Construction
We all have questions about AI and this open discussion session will not only allow you to ask questions but also hear what questions other audience members have along with the answers. Jake Smithwick, our AI keynote speaker, will be available to take question along with Frank Duarte and Calvin Carterr, SWR Institute members who have put AI tools to use in their businesses.
3:00 PM
Closing Remarks/Meeting Adjourns
