Event Speakers

Benny Baltrotsky, is the Vice President of Partnerships and Go To Market at DEWALT Construction Technology. In this role, Benny's primary focus is on developing and bringing to market cutting-edge technology solutions to the construction industry. With over 15 years of experience, Benny Baltrotsky has an impressive track record of successfully establishing and growing construction technology companies. His expertise lies in optimizing the customer experience to ensure maximum satisfaction and adoption of new technologies. In 2020, Benny joined MSUITE as Chief Operating Officer, where he played a pivotal role in developing and expanding various crucial aspects of the startup. Before his tenure at MSUITE, Benny was a cofounder and Chief Strategy Officer at eSUB Construction Software, a prominent cloud-based project management software company catering to trade contractors. In addition, Benny is Board Member of the Construction Progress Coalition and was one of its founding members. With Benny Baltrotsky's extensive knowledge in construction technology and deep understanding of trade contractors' needs, he continues to drive innovation and shape the construction industry's future.

Brian Tocci graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston with a degree in Construction Management. He started his career as a Field Engineer for John Moriarty & Associates before moving into construction technology and prefabrication. Brian is now an Account Manager for DEWALT Construction Technology where he oversees customer relationships and advises customers on new technology.

Chris Haslinger is an accomplished professional within the United Association (UA), currently serving as the Administrative Assistant to the General President. Over his distinguished career, he has been instrumental in shaping the organization's strategic direction, bringing an invaluable blend of technical proficiency and leadership acumen to his role. Haslinger possesses a deep understanding of pipe fabrication operations and the fabrication agreement, informed by hands-on experience in the field and administrative capacities.  He currently has oversight of the National Minimum Standard Agreement for a Commercial Pipe Fabrication Shop and co-chairs the UA-PFI Strategic Planning Committee. Beyond his contributions to the UA, Haslinger is a respected figure within the broader mechanical contracting sector. His industry insights and cooperative spirit have fostered fruitful partnerships with entities such as the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the Piping Fabrication Institute (PFI). Always at the forefront of industry innovation and standards, Haslinger’ s unwavering commitment to excellence & continuing education and his dedication to worker rights and safety remain his driving forces. His ongoing efforts continue to solidify the UA’s standing as a leader in the pipe fabrication industry.

CJ currently serves on the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Fabrication Committee, helping share the industries best known methods around prefabrication, manufacturing, and technology. An interest in engineering and DECA (a business and marketing club) led CJ to pursue an Engineering Management degree at Gonzaga University. Professionally, he is interested in lean manufacturing practices and driving out waste within the construction industry.

Curt Baker serves as the Director of Fabrication at The Waldinger Corporation in Des Moines, Iowa. Curt attended University of Northern Iowa where he received his degree in Construction Management. Since his graduation in 1994, he has been an integral part of The Waldinger Corporation, contributing significantly to the development and expansion of their pipe fabrication division. Curt has played a crucial role in leading innovation and growth in The Waldinger Corporation’s pipe fabrication, including supporting the design and construction of the organization’s new 120,000 square feet cutting-edge fabrication facility. His efforts have been pivotal in incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, such as digital workflows, robotic welding systems, automated cutting stations, 5S methodology, and adherence to ISO 9001 standards. By leveraging these advancements, Curt has been a leader in elevating the efficiency, precision, and overall performance of the fabrication processes at The Waldinger Corporation.

Jessica Luke is a Senior Account Manager on the DEWALT Construction Technology team at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Jessica specializes in advising and supporting MEP contractors in utilizing MSUITE for prefabrication. With a people-first approach, she promotes innovation and offers high-level adoption and implementation support. She is also a skilled community leader and engages the industry in fostering new connections. Throughout her nearly 9-year tenure at Stanley Black and Decker, Jessica has also served as a Senior Account Manager and Sales Technical Advisor for the U.S. Southeast at Stanley Access Technologies. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jonathan is CEO of SteelToe Consulting LLC. a firm that specializes in helping construction companies integrate and implement modern construction technology and work flows to improve and stream line theirs businesses. Jonathan is the former CTO of Wm. T. Spaeder Company, a mechanical contractor in Northwest PA, where he headed up IT, virtual design & construction, and engineering. Jonathan has over two decades of experience in the AEC industry. He has an extensive background in MEP construction processes and engineering, along with a deep knowledge of IT and technologies solutions both inside and outside the construction space. While at Spaeder, he championed technology adoption, modular fabrication, BIM, and the advantages of using progressive technological approaches to project and company challenges.

Melissa McEwen helps people build on their passions, creativity, and craft expertise to embrace the industrialized future of construction. With nearly 30 years of experience in the AEC industry, Melissa brings a deep knowledge of the mindsets and business models that have made us successful, as well as an understanding of how those mindsets and models can hold us back. Melissa leads Haley & Aldrich’s Lean Consulting practice and co-developed the Industrialized Construction Maturity Assessment, which has guided scores of clients as they’ve worked to change mindsets and embrace advances in manufacturing, AI, and other innovations. Melissa wants to propel the AEC industry’s capacity to grow, and she understands how to drive change across organizational settings — from the shop floor to the job site to corporate headquarters — so that big shifts put people first and are data driven and practical. An engineer by training, Melissa is a Lean Black Belt and has been on a lean journey since 2005.

Nick Masci guides owners, designers, and builders through the mindset shift from traditional to industrialized construction. A leader of Haley & Aldrich’s Lean consulting practice, Nick co-developed the company’s Industrialized Construction Maturity Assessment. This comprehensive tool has helped scores of clients chart a path from good to great as they adopted industrialized construction practices across their projects and organizations. He also works with individuals in the fab shop, on the job site, and in the board room to achieve personal breakthroughs — creating the enthusiasm, commitment, and credibility that lead to transformative business results. Nick, a Lean Black Belt, has worked in the construction industry for nearly 30 years, holding positions in mechanical contracting, fire protection, and design/build. He attended Villanova University on a U.S. Navy scholarship and served onboard an aircraft carrier as an officer.

Steve Hinshaw is a key figure at P1 Group, where he applies his vast knowledge and experience in the mechanical and industrial engineering sectors. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in areas such as pipe fabrication, design-build processes, and project management. Hinshaw's deep understanding of the industry's technical nuances, coupled with his strong leadership capabilities, has been pivotal in steering P1 Group to new heights of success. His work in fostering collaborations, including the relationship with the United Association (UA), has contributed significantly to P1 Group's reputation as a leading provider of construction services. Beyond his immediate responsibilities at P1 Group, Hinshaw has been an active participant in broader industry discourse. He has shared his insights and perspectives at several major conferences and events, enhancing the understanding of the sector's evolving landscape among professionals and stakeholders alike. His commitment to promoting best practices, driving innovation, and improving industry standards is well recognized. His forthcoming co-presentation with Chris Haslinger at the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Fabrication Conference exemplifies his ongoing dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the industry.

Trent Leinenbach is an incredibly diverse and experienced professional, currently serving as a Partner and the Productivity Strategist for Steel Toe Consulting. With a background that spans across multiple disciplines, Trent has developed a unique set of skills, demonstrating his flexibility and adaptability in varying environments. His professional journey began in the U.S. Army where he dedicated 8 years as a Psychological Operations Specialist. This experience laid the foundation for his expertise in strategy, operations, and mental agility. Serving his country taught him the value of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork – traits that have since remained with him and been invaluable in his subsequent career paths. Following his military service, Trent pursued a career in the mechanical contracting industry. Over a span of more than a decade, he worked in various roles, including Plumber, Project Manager, and VDC Director. This experience exposed him to the intricacies of physical labor, project planning, and team management. His tenure in this industry has not only equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of mechanical systems but also nurtured his project management skills. Currently, Trent is making significant strides as a Productivity Specialist at Steel Toe Consulting. Here, he combines his extensive experience in psychological operations and project management to help businesses improve their productivity and efficiency. Trent's unique skill set, coupled with his innovative thinking, has proved instrumental in identifying bottlenecks and proposing viable solutions. Beyond his professional pursuits, Trent possesses a vibrant personality reflected in his hobbies. He is an accomplished drummer, showcasing his rhythm, timing, and musical passion. His thrill-seeking side is evident in his love for racing Porsches, a hobby that provides a high-adrenaline counterpoint to his professional life. Trent Leinenbach's career journey is a testament to his dynamic character, showcasing the ability to adapt and excel in a range of environments. His unique combination of military service, practical trade experience, and consulting acumen provides him with a broad perspective that he successfully applies in his current role. Whether on a construction site, in a boardroom, or behind a drum set, Trent's passion, dedication, and drive shine through.