Tom Martin Reflects on a Year of Challenge and Change as SMACNA Welcomes New Leadership
Outgoing president Tom Martin looks back on labor shortages, innovation, and the power of partnership – while new president Todd Hill sets a tone of gratitude and opportunity
PASSING THE TORCH: At the 2025 SMACNA Annual Convention in Maui, President of T.H. Martin Inc. Tom Martin passed the torch to the sheet metal association's new president, Todd Hill of Ventcon.
Tom Martin, president of Cleveland-based T.H. Martin, Inc., just completed his term as Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) national president last year, capping an administration marked by major industry shifts, workforce challenges, and new opportunities for contractors across the country. In a recent interview, Martin reflected on the issues that shaped his presidency and the progress made by the association, which recently welcomed its first new CEO in four years, Frank Wall.
“Labor shortages have really defined the year – especially in the Midwest, where those big data centers, chip plants, and mega healthcare projects are all competing for skilled workers,” Martin said. “We’ve had to get creative. Partnering with contractors in other regions, collaborating more closely with the unions, and just making sure we’re communicating early and often about what we need. It’s all about trust and making sure everyone’s treated fairly – so these big jobs get done right, and everyone can win.”
He’s especially proud of the expanded focus on value for SMACNA members. “We grew our Associate Member program, launched a new website, turned white papers into podcasts and webinars – contractors are five times more likely to engage with a podcast than a white paper,” Martin explained. “We kicked off new task forces around testing and balancing, AI, and technology. The industry is changing fast, so we’re making sure contractors have what they need to adapt.”
Martin pointed to new hybrid educational programs as a major step forward: “We’re not just sending project managers to week-long trainings anymore. Now we’re doing two days virtual, one day in-person, or bringing education right to a region. That flexibility helps contractors keep up without losing time on the job.”
Asked about the most valuable lesson for contractors in today’s market, Martin is quick to point to collaboration and adaptability: “You can’t do these jobs alone anymore. The scale is just too big, and the market changes too fast. Whether it’s modular builds, airport retrofits, or those huge office-to-residential conversions, you need partners you trust. And you have to be ready for things like tariffs and price swings – so communication with vendors, customers, and your team is more important than ever.”
Martin also highlighted the ongoing need for advocacy, especially as tariffs and supply chain uncertainties impact contractors. “It’s about communicating with vendors and customers – making sure everyone’s on the same page when things change, so we can protect our businesses and keep projects moving forward.”
Martin sees promise in emerging technologies, especially AI. “It’ll help with everything from equipment selection to estimating and even pulling together presentations for clients. But you still need the human touch to make sure it all makes sense on the ground.”
As the interview wrapped, Martin expressed gratitude for the relationships and progress made during his tenure. “I’m proud of what we accomplished as a team, and I know SMACNA is in good hands moving forward.”
Martin often returned to the importance of relationships and trust within the SMACNA network, saying, “There’s a certain level of confidence you have when you’re working with a fellow SMACNA contractor. Those relationships are what make it possible to take on bigger, more complex projects and know you have partners you can count on.”
At the 2025 SMACNA Annual Convention in Maui, President of T.H. Martin Inc. Tom Martin passed the torch to the sheet metal association's new president, Todd Hill of Ventcon. As SMACNA turns the page, new president brings his own story, optimism, and deep sense of gratitude to the role.
“My journey began in this metal trade in 1990. I was 19 years old… Looking back now, I think it’s all worked out,” Hill recalled. He credits his family – and especially his parents and wife – for their unwavering support throughout his career: “Thank you, Tammy, for all your support. You’re the biggest part of our success at home and with my career.”
Hill’s message to the membership is one of opportunity and connection. “The sheet metal industry continues to evolve with many opportunities, not only within your companies, but also with SMACNA locally and nationally. I’m looking forward to working with SMART General President Mike Coleman and his leadership team, and to build on the progress that we have made over the past two years. I am excited to continue our momentum.”
He encouraged members to get involved, seek out committees and task forces, and seize the personal and professional growth that comes with SMACNA engagement: “Look for these opportunities and take advantage of them. They will help you with your personal growth in our industry and within your company. Over the years, I’ve served on multiple committees. Not only do you get to serve with your peers, but many of them will become your closest friends.”
With a nod to the future, Hill closed the ceremony with an open invitation: “I am looking forward to working with all the SMACNA staff and to get in and visit as many of you as possible … Thank you all for this opportunity to be your 2025-2026 national president. Mahalo.”
Tom Martin’s term reflected the complex, rapidly changing environment contractors face today – and pointed toward a future defined by partnership, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new ways of working. With Todd Hill at the helm, SMACNA’s story of progress and community continues.
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