Shapiro is founder of Shapiro & Duncan Inc., a mechanical contracting company in Rockville, Md. While his two sons now run the business, Shapiro is focusing on providing training programs for educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to engineering colleges. He also provides advice and coordinates donations of needed materials and fixtures for eight different vocational-technical schools and two night training centers in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

PHCC says that Shapiro is known for his development of hands-on displays of HVAC and plumbing systems at construction shows at the National Building Museum, trade shows, shows at area schools, community colleges, and engineering colleges. He also has helped Boy Scouts earn their plumbing merit badge.

On behalf of Trane, last year's HVAC Contractor of the Year, Ron Newman of Lakes Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc., Spirit Lake, Iowa, presented a $2,500 check and trophy to Shapiro at the PHCC convention's awards banquet.

There were also three runners-up, who will receive $500 from Trane. They were: