General Sheet Metal (GSM) started in Portland in 1932. The firm grew steadily, weathered the storms of fluctuating economics and is now one of the largest, most comprehensive sheet metal contractors in the Pacific Northwest.

Carol Duncan, President and CEO, is the second generation at the helm. Following her father’s retirement, she recognized the advantages of COBID certification and qualified for certification and recognition as a MWESB firm in 2000.  Currently, of over 240 employees, 43 (17%) are women and 50 (20%) are minorities.

“We’re committed to diversity,” said Duncan. “We have been for decades. Recruiting, engaging with people at all levels and being aggressive in making a culture that strives for goals in diversity has become part of who we are.”

Duncan cites the company mission statement, “Successfully build through innovation, industry leadership and collaborative relationships,” as including COBID and diversity as integral parts of how the company functions.

In addition to having a number of employees, including management, who have graduated from COBID training, several employees regularly attend community outreach events as well as mentor other emerging COBID firms. Applicants for employment regularly express their appreciation for GSM commitment to those goals. GSM’s involvement in the community reflects their commitment to diversity as well.

The company has led tours for Oregon Tradeswomen and Portland Youth Builders, participated in the Portland Workforce Alliance career fair, worked with Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs on meetings and trade shows, serves on the board for Workforce Southwest Washington, Clackamas Workforce Partnership, several high school programs and job fairs and supports the ACE Mentorship Program.

Outside of industry groups, the company has actively mentored Fulcrum Construction, a COBID contractor, for the past three years. Duncan attributes their success to creating a culture where leadership and employees share a commitment to racial and gender diversity.

General Sheet Metal has been featured on Oregon Business’ 2018 list of 100 Best Workplaces and 100 Green Workplaces.

The company often hires WBE and COBID firms to support other businesses in building diverse workforces. In the past decade they’ve grown from $8 million annual revenue to over $50 million and at the same time has experience increases in the ratio of women and minorities in its growing workforce.

Their continued expansion has also grown in the services the firm offers. GSM has expanded into mechanical, HVAC, architectural services and fabrication, routinely working with a variety of materials including fiberglass, plastic, brass, aluminum, composites, steel, galvanized, stainless steel and coated materials.

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Daniel Miranda grew up working in his father’s sheet metal shop in Mexico, and swore he wasn’t going to do the same work for a living when he was older. But when he moved to the United States, he joined the apprenticeship program with the Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association Local 16 and now owns Just Right Heating and Cooling with his wife, Jodie Marion.

The company specializes in commercial and industrial HVAC projects in Oregon and Southwest Washington. In its newly opened shop, the company fabricates ductwork and architectural sheet metal, which its crew installs along with HVAC equipment. Just Right Heating and Cooling also services HVAC systems. It partners with architects, engineers, owners, plant managers, contractors and suppliers and other project team members.

Its portfolio of projects includes Portland 5, the city of Vancouver Operations Center, and the Oregon Zoo and its AfriCafe. The company is now partnering with General Sheet Metal and Hoffman Construction Co. on the Multnomah County Central Courthouse project and the Gladys McCoy Health Department Headquarters. It also will replace the HVAC equipment at the Gresham Library later this season.

Just Right Heating and Cooling, a member of Professional Business Development Group, hires MWESB businesses as subcontractors and “we share our story and insights as much as possible and listen to theirs – that’s how we learn from each other,” Miranda said.

“We value the traditions and experiences of being a Local 16 signatory, and we combine that strength with diverse outlooks, experiences, and behaviors to drive innovation and efficiency,” the company states on its website. “We know the best way to build trust and long-term relationships is to treat our partners fairly, perform above expectations, and work together to solve problems.”

Miranda and Marion believe that environmental stewardship is their duty and consistently look for ways to “green it up.” Just Right volunteers to drive trees for Friends of Trees as participants in plantings. The company will raise money for pancreatic cancer research this fall in the PurpleStride 5K. In addition, the company and many of its field crew provide pro bono work for people who lose heat and have no means to pay for repairs.

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