Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association (SPIDA) members met in Austin on Thursday and Friday to recognize rising talent in the industry and share valuable insights between peers.
“I find it super valuable when you're able to meet people that you're not competing with, butting heads with on a day-to-day basis in your own market,” said Reid Boydstun, president and CEO of Spiral Pipe of Texas Inc. (SPOT). “You can find out that your challenges aren't that unique – that someone three states away is facing the same sort of challenges and it's just really encouraging to be with people who understand your industry.”
Morgan Simpson from DMI company Ductmate Industries was one of three nominees for the new Bill Bradford Jr. memorial. Funded by an annual golf outing, the memorial recognizes rising talent who also embody the traits of the SNIPS NEWS Industry Icon and Ductmate’s first employee.
Bradford passed away in January and is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Joanne (Kaiser) Bradford, Joanne’s sister Jeanne J. Zeigler; his children Renee J. (Shawn) Pennington, William C. (Lori) Bradford; and many grand and great grandchildren. His character aligns with nine words his family think best represents his legacy: hardworking, selfless, positive, patient, mentor, steadfast, respectful, and loyal with integrity.
After deliberations by SPIDA board members weighing these traits among finalists, among other considerations, Simpson won the inaugural award.
“Bill Bradford and so many of you in this organization have been blessed in your businesses by showing care for your workers and your customers,” Simpson said. “I've been so fortunate to have individuals who have invested in me both professionally and personally. I would not be as successful as I am today if it weren't for people like Bill Bradford.”
“Your company gets two votes for nominations for this award,” added board member Robin Stegall of the Hamlin Companies as she pitched the next round of nominations due next year. “You might choose to nominate your own employees or you might choose to do someone outside of your organization that has served you and the business so well.”
SNIPS NEWS matched the $1,000 award with another $1,000, and also announced it would be the diamond sponsor for the 2024 meeting – which will take place in Charleston, South Carolina. The next time SPIDA members meet will be in Chicago for the AHR Expo Jan. 22-24.
“As a younger professional in the industry, I've personally experienced how far encouragement and positivity can go,” Simpson said, concluding the contributions of SPIDA members to the ductwork fabrication industry exhibit "many of the qualities that made Bill Bradford legendary.”
