The Milwaukee chapter of the Association for Facilities Engineering recently honored TOTAL Mechanical with its Project of the Year award. The award was presented on January 17, 2012 for a solar water heating system TOTAL Mechanical designed and constructed at the employee fitness center at GE Healthcare’s headquarters in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Jim Leuzinger (Sales Engineer) accepted the award on behalf of TOTAL Mechanical.

The award-winning system is comprised of 16 solar panels, two 260-gallon storage tanks, and electronic controls manufactured by IMC Instruments. It is capable of contributing 48% of the fitness center’s annual hot water needs. Over its lifespan, it is expected to save GE over $180,000 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 281 tons – the equivalent of 648 barrels of crude oil.

The AFE’s Project of the Year award recognizes members of the facilities engineering field whose extraordinary vision results in equally extraordinary outcomes.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Jim Ciechanowski to TOTAL Mechanical's Commercial HVAC division. Jim has worked in the construction industry for over thirty seven years as a steamfitter, piping estimator, project manager, and department manager. Over the course of his career, he has worked on a wide variety of plan-spec and design-build projects with values of up to fifty five million dollars. In his role as an Estimator, Jim's responsibilities will be to prepare bids and to conduct turnover meetings with project managers to ensure that jobs proceed according to their approved estimates.

Jim and his wife live in the town of Vernon. They have two adult children. Jim's interests include golf, camping, and raising and showing Newfoundlands.

The first US Amateur golf championships to be held in Wisconsin is taking place this week at Erin Hills and Blue Mound Golf and Country Club. TOTAL Mechanical is proud to have been a part of Erin Hills' construction, having installed HVAC systems in the Manor House and the cottages as well as plumbing and electrical systems in the club's maintenance building, chemical storage building, and barn.

We wish all of the competitors the best of Irish luck!

TOTAL Mechanical has recently promoted Andrew Boeck to the position of Vice President of the company’s Commercial HVAC division.

Boeck holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. Boeck began his career at TOTAL Mechanical in 2001 as an intern in the Commercial HVAC group. He was subsequently hired after his graduation from MSOE. Prior to his promotion, he served as a Project Manager in TOTAL Mechanical’s Industrial division.

TOTAL Mechanical’s Commercial HVAC division had previously been managed directly by President/CEO Dennis Braun. “I am extremely pleased to announce Andrew’s promotion to Vice President of the Commercial HVAC division. Andrew is a natural-born leader and has demonstrated his ability to direct a team and manage complex projects,” said Braun. “The Commercial HVAC division is critical to our success as a company, and it requires full-time leadership. I am confident that Andrew will be able to provide the leadership we need to succeed in spite of challenging economic conditions. Furthermore, entrusting my operational responsibilities to him will enable me to devote my full attention to the strategic leadership of TOTAL Mechanical, including our Industrial and Residential divisions.”

Boeck assumed his new responsibilities on Monday, July 18, and will continue to manage his active projects through their completion. He will be assisted in his new role by Benjamin Patterson, who has been promoted to the position of Project Engineer. Patterson had previously worked as an Assistant Project Manager in TOTAL Mechanical’s Industrial division.

TOTAL Mechanical was proud to sponsor the June edition of the Midwest Cycling Network’s monthly networking ride. Approximately 25 area business leaders participated in the ride, including a number of TOTAL Mechanical customers and business partners. After leaving from Attitude Sports in Pewaukee, the group pedaled 32 miles at a conversational pace, then rehydrated at Seester’s Mexican restaurant.

Click here to see GPS data from the ride, including the route, elevation profile, and pace.

The next Midwest Cycling Network ride will take place on July 13.

On Saturday, May 21, TOTAL Mechanical competed in the first annual Salus Wisconsin Corporate Championship, a 5K run sponsored by Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The event’s purpose is to promote corporate wellness through competition and camaraderie.  The run and a non-competitive 2.1 mile walk started and finished at the Harley-Davidson Museum located at 400 West Canal Street in downtown Milwaukee.

TOTAL Mechanical sent a team of 13 runners to compete in the race, making us one of the better-represented mid-sized companies in the event. A number of our customers and business partners were there as well, including The Boldt Company, Bucyrus International, GE, Harley Davidson, and WCTC.

All proceeds from the event benefitted the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

TOTAL Mechanical has recently made three new hires to better position the company for anticipated growth.

Bob Wells joined the company on March 1 as a Fire Sprinkler System Designer. Bob has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and brings over 35 years of experience in design, project management, hiring, training, sales, service and scheduling in the fire protection industry. He and his wife, Cheryl, have a son, Justin, and a daughter, Liz. He enjoys reading.

Denny Yunk joined the company on March 28 to fill the newly-created Marketing Manager position. Yunk holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and an MBA from DeVry University. He brings over ten years of sales and marketing experience to the role and most recently held the position of Account Supervisor at Nelson-Schmidt, a full-service advertising agency based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Denny lives in Wauwatosa with his wife, Kelley, and their one-year-old son, Caleb. He enjoys bicycling and home-brewing.

Gary Hamielec joined the company’s Industrial group on April 4 as a Sales Engineer, bringing over 28 years of experience in the construction industry. He has worked extensively in food production facilities performing fabrication and installation of mechanical systems to meet USDA and GMP standards. In an earlier role, he created an industrial division at a large mechanical contractor, where his duties included hiring and training of trades people, sales development, design review, and scheduling. Gary’s specialties include stainless food-grade fabrication standards, process and high-purity welding, hydraulic piping, and HVAC for industrial/food production. He and his wife Joani have two sons, Tom and Wil.

TOTAL Mechanical has received a Certificate of Commendation for safety excellence from the Mechanical Contractors Association of America in recognition of our zero lost workday cases in 2010.

TOTAL Mechanical is proud to announce that out of a field of over 100 contractors, MSI General has named our Plumbing division Contractor of the Year. This award is a reflection of the continued effort of our entire team, including Sales, Project Management, Design, Project Coordination, field personnel, and safety and warehouse staff. Everyone at TOTAL Mechanical is grateful to MSI General for recognizing us with this prestigious award.

The Winter 2010 release of the Total Mechanical Pipeline is now available for download on our Newsletter page. Grab yours now!

On August 21, 2008, Total Mechanical was awarded a “Patriot Award”, a Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation, for Total’s support of the National Guard and Reserve.  Total was nominated by SFC Kevin Brehmer, who, in August of 2007 returned from Guard duty in Iraq. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presents this award to employers who support the employment laws protecting the rights of workers serving in the Reserve component.  Total has long demonstrated a deep and genuine appreciation for individuals serving our country through the armed forces.  Thank you Kevin, for your contribution, and for recognizing Total’s commitment.

Left to Right:: Mike Smith, SFC Kevin Brehmer, Dennis Braun

Pewaukee, WI - May 27, 2008

Total Comfort of Wisconsin announced today that it has changed its company name to TOTAL Mechanical. The goal of the name change is to better reflect the company's extensive integrated capabilities in mechanical contracting.

The company also announced that it has acquired Lombard Electric, a full-service electrical contractor located in Waukesha. The acquisition complements TOTAL Mechanical's HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and building automation services.

TOTAL Mechanical serves commercial and industrial customers throughout Wisconsin. The company has also split off its residential services business under the name TOTAL Residential, a division of TOTAL Mechanical.

"Since 1988, our company has continuously evolved to better serve our customers who build and maintain commercial buildings and private residences. Meeting their needs has always been our goal," said Dennis Braun, president and CEO of TOTAL Mechanical. "Today, as the largest locally-owned mechanical contractor in Southeast Wisconsin, we are proud to provide totally integrated mechanical contracting services on any size commercial, industrial or residential building project - from small to large - including design, engineering, construction, installation, maintenance and 24-hour emergency service. Today, we truly are a single-source for meeting all of our customers' mechanical contracting needs."

TOTAL Mechanical, headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, is privately-owned by Dennis Braun. "With more than 75,000 total square feet of facilities fully outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, and over 300 highly experienced professionals using safe and proven systems, more than ever, we have the total capabilities to provide the highest quality services, with impeccable integrity and ultimate responsibility on all projects," Braun said.

"Now, to better convey all that we have to offer, we've changed our name to TOTAL Mechanical," Braun announced.

"While our company name is changing, all core elements of our organization will remain the same. TOTAL Mechanical will continue to provide our customers with the same level of superior service and total satisfaction," promises Braun.

Along with the name change, TOTAL Mechanical has introduced a new logo. The changes are effective immediately, and all future business activity will be undertaken with the new identity.

For More Information, contact:  

Dennis Braun
President and CEO
TOTAL Mechanical
Phone: (262) 523-2500 main

Pewaukee, Wisconsin  October 23, 2006

TOTAL Mechanical received a Mid-Market Growth Award. Dennis Braun, President/CEO, accepted the award on behalf of everyone at TOTAL Mechanical of Wisconsin, Inc. The Mid-Market Growth Awards honor companies that have $5 million to $250 million in annual revenue and that have experienced substantial growth over the past three years. TOTAL Mechanical has a growth rate of 57.3 percent since 2003! That growth has allowed TOTAL Mechanical to become the largest locally owned mechanical contractor in southeast Wisconsin.

Twenty-five Milwaukee area companies were presented with this award at a luncheon at the Pfister Hotel on October 23rd. Thank you to all TOTAL Mechanical employees and friends for your help in enabling TOTAL Mechanical to receive this award. As Dennis Braun stated, "employees are key to TOTAL Mechanical's success since they are the ones who deliver on the company's promise of providing the best possible service.

Pewaukee, Wisconsin  May 1, 2006

TOTAL Mechanical of Wisconsin, Inc. today announced that it has acquired key operating divisions of Downey Inc. This acquisition solidifies TOTAL Mechanical's position as the largest locally owned and managed mechanical contractor in southeastern Wisconsin. TOTAL Mechanical will assume operational control immediately and the acquisition will be finalized later this month. The terms of the sale are not being disclosed.

"I am pleased about the tremendous opportunities this acquisition provides for our employees and the company to continue growing into the future," said Dennis J. Braun, President and CEO of TOTAL Mechanical. "Downey has a long-standing tradition of being a high-quality mechanical contractor, and we are excited to be able to strengthen TOTAL Mechanical with the addition of Downey's hard-working team of experienced professionals."

TOTAL Mechanical was established in 1968 and is a mechanical contracting firm specializing in the design, installation and service of commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing systems as well as mechanical systems that support industrial and manufacturing processes. With the acquisition of Downey, TOTAL Mechanical now has approximately 300 employees, including more than 230 skilled trade workers representing four Milwaukee area labor unions - Sheet Metal Workers Local 18, Plumbers Local 75, Sprinkler Fitters Local 183, Steamfitters Local 601, and Racine/Kenosha Steamfitters/Plumbers Local 118.

Gregory M. Coffman, President and CEO of Downey stated, "In considering joining with another mechanical contractor, there were two equally important objectives for Downey - employee opportunity and uninterrupted service to our customers. Joining TOTAL Mechanical greatly exceeds both of these objectives. TOTAL Mechanical has the vision, leadership and the resources to continue Downey's spirit. TOTAL Mechanical is strongly grounded by commitments to customer service and employee success through ethical business practices - the same key elements that Downey values."

Coffman will lead the Downey transition and join with TOTAL Mechanical executives in strategic planning, construction management, employee development, and business development. Downey was established in 1863 and is also a full-service mechanical contractor serving commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Downey has provided total mechanical construction on such notable projects as MGIC Corporate Headquarters, Northwestern Mutual Life Home Office, Froedtert Hospital, Reuss Federal Plaza, The Bradley Center, and The Midwest Airlines Center.

The Downey acquisition is TOTAL Mechanical's third major acquisition in recent years. The company also acquired Hampton Plumbing in 2002 and Wenninger Mechanical in 2004. Braun stated, "We believe this is a sound business decision that  fits our strategic plan that calls for a blend of organic growth, growth by acquisition, and continued diversification of the services we offer. The acquisition of Downey enables TOTAL Mechanical to enter the fire protection business with an established, experienced group of professionals. This acquisition will enhance our ability to design, build and service with the same attention to detail and focus on quality that our customers have come to expect. As with our previous acquisitions, we are pleased to be able to bring so many talented individuals together."

According to Braun, there will be no immediate staffing changes at either organization. Once the transition is complete, employees will be working out of TOTAL Mechanical's Pewaukee headquarters.

TOTAL Mechanical has an established customer base in Southeastern Wisconsin and has done work throughout the upper Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota.