“Not only has Randy’s perseverance, integrity and problem-solving abilities helped him grow his own company, but his drive has helped push through key initiatives for SMACNA and the industry as a whole,” says Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “His dedication as a small business owner combined with his passion for growing the workforce make him an exceptional industry leader at the local and national levels.”

Novak brings a rich background of industry experience to SMACNA, having served more than three decades in sheet metal and HVAC. Starting at his family business in 1986, Novak worked as an apprentice and moved his way into sales as well as management before assuming the role of president. Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Novak Heating & Air has grown and evolved under Novak’s leadership. He has been instrumental in implementing new technologies, changing the way in which employees are trained, and offering a fresh perspective on business operations and the customer experience. 

In addition to his strength as a leader at his own company, Novak has played a significant role within SMACNA. He served as National SMACNA President from 2013 to 2014, where he had a laser sharp focus on workforce development and apprenticeship training. In addition to his service on SMACNA’s leadership team, he has also been involved in a variety of other SMACNA committees and task forces, including the Budget and Finance Committee, Convention Committee, Duct Cleaning Task Force, Credentials Committee, ITI Board of Trustees and more. 

Locally, Novak is an active member of the Sheet Metal Contractors of Iowa (SMCI), where he serves on the Board of Directors. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, SMCI consists of three independent chapters throughout the state – Cedar Rapids, Central Iowa and Sioux City. 

Outside of his professional experience and industry involvement, Novak is a board member of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and an avid golfer. He resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with his wife, Donna.

Chapter Executive of the Year 

John Sindyla, Chief Executive Officer of SMACNA-Cleveland, is this year’s Chapter Executive of the Year. Announced at SMACNA’s 77th Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii, this special award is given to the person who has made a positive and significant impact on SMACNA as a national association and the local chapter. 

“John’s impressive background as an attorney has successfully contributed to his pursuit of legislative affairs work and policies on behalf of SMACNA at the local and national levels,” says Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “John is an exemplary association advocate in all he does. No one is more deserving of the 2021 Chapter Executive of the Year Award than him.”

Since 2012, Sindyla has served as the CEO of SMACNA-Cleveland, the local chapter representing more than 60 contactor firms in northeast Ohio. In his role, he maintains positive relationships with city and state officials, collaborates with local politicians on the importance of workforce development – particularly for the local JATC sites, and expands membership within the region. Sindyla also strongly advocates on SMACNA’s behalf at legislative functions, where he addresses critical issues facing the industry.

Known for his strategic thinking and ability to solve problems, Sindyla leads SMACNA-Cleveland with compassion. This past year, he helped implement an initiative for local contractors to submit safety costs for reimbursement through SMACNA. He also helped create a voucher program for safety equipment, lessening the burden of cost for contractors when it mattered most.

Sindyla is an active chapter executive, working on behalf of SMACNA-Cleveland to support local members through networking events, education, training, and labor relations activities. He takes advantage of the chapter executive resources and programs offered by SMACNA, such as Chapter Executives Institute, Board Liaison Program, and Supervisory Training, in order to better serve those in his region.

Sindyla graduated from Miami University and received his juris doctor degree in law from Cleveland State University. He resides in North Royalton, Ohio with his family.

Legislative Contractor of the Year

Tom Martin, president of T.H. Martin, Inc., has been elected by the Board of Directors to serve as vice president. Martin’s year-long term in office begins at the close of SMACNA’s 77th Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii, during which he was also named Legislative Contractor the Year, a distinguished honor given to a contractor in recognition of their exceptional effort and unsurpassed leadership in legislative and political action on behalf of their company, their association, and their industry during the preceding year.

“Tom Martin’s commitment to improve the industry and SMACNA is exemplary. He has made a powerful personal commitment to advance the industry and the capabilities of SMACNA’s contractors,” said Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “He brings an incredible level of passion and drive to all he undertakes, particularly as he spearheaded development of SMACNA’s Contractors Operations Manual and led research to improve market share. He will be a huge asset to SMACNA’s leadership team.”

Martin is an industry innovator and highly regarded member of SMACNA-Cleveland, which represents more than 60 contractor firms in northeast Ohio. He has served as the chapter’s president since 2014. Martin’s advocacy efforts span across legislative issues, education, training, and recruitment. His lobbying work at the local, state, and Congressional levels made his company more competitive within his state.

On the national level, Martin’s involvement is unmatched. His activism amplifies the impact of SMACNA's national reputation, and helps increase the effectiveness of legislative efforts and the success of SMAC PAC. He is a critical player in ongoing lobbying efforts to reform registered apprenticeship laws and regulations, pension reform, infrastructure policies, and prevailing wage enforcement legislation. Martin also attends political events from coast to coast to expand SMACNA’s influence with Congress, his state’s governor and other leaders in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he participates on committees and trusts while running a thriving business.

T.H. Martin, Inc. is a family-owned business started in 1985 by Martin’s father, Thomas H. Martin. In his role as president, Martin works alongside his brother, Mike, who serves as vice president of the company.