Passing the Torch

(L to R) Carmine Puniello–Former Arden Owner, Len Heroux–Service Manager, Bob Bolton–CEO, Mark Audette–Superintendent, and John Puniello–President

For many years, Arden Engineering Constructors has had the privilege of working with two talented individuals whose dedication and expertise have tremendously impacted the company’s mechanical construction and service success and provided endless support to our customers and colleagues. We have asked them to share some of their history working at Arden in honor of their years of service.

Mark Audette, Superintendent

Hired 1978 | 46 Years of Service

Tell us about your background and how you came to work at Arden.
“I interviewed with Bob Bolton Sr. in June 1978 while waiting for my 18th birthday to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. However, my father would not sign my application and told me about Arden, who was hiring for a back shop position. I interviewed, was hired on the spot, and started on July 1st. I had no trade credentials and was 17 years old. I worked in Arden’s back shop until October 1979. I had been accepted into the Steamfitters Local 476 Apprenticeship Program, started school, and was sworn into the union in June 1980. I worked through my apprenticeship and had my first project as a Foreman in 1983 – the Mobil Oil Pipeline. I worked my way up from there.”

Forty-six years ago, Arden and the industry were very different. What stands out most for you?
“Communication was definitely different. There were no cell phones. If you were on a job site, you had to find a pay phone. You never went to work without a good supply of dimes for making calls. When Nextel’s arrived, we thought they were hi-tech. Construction is an old-school industry, and I remember the ‘old timers’ not allowing any journeyman or apprentice they were working with to view the drawings; they were concerned they would take their jobs.”

Over the years, are there any projects that stand out inparticular?
“For the Providence Place Mall project, crews worked seven days a week for as many hours as we physically could. The week prior to the grand opening several of us worked over 100 hours.

During the winter of 1984, working at the Mobil Oil Tank Farm, we installed piping and davits for uploading tankers. It was so cold that Narragansett Bay froze. The Coast Guard sent an ice breaker to Mobil to open the channel so tankers could unload their gas and oil. We even drove golf balls across the frozen Providence River from East Providence to Cranston during our lunch break.

The T. F. Green Airport Expansion was my first job as a Superintendent. Arden was awarded all three trades – HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection – a first for the company. My role was to get all the trades to work together and share resources to complete the job.

While working and supervising Arden’s projects, I never felt that we were ‘in over ourhead’. We always had the support from the office to secure the resources, tools, and fabrication needed to complete the work safely and efficiently.”

What aspect of the job and company will you miss the most or be happy to never encounter again?
“I will miss my fellow employees. Over the years, I have developed friendships with people I watched grow to become tradesmen/women, managers, and executives. I will miss hiring Apprentices and mentoring them to become Journeypersons and Foremen. Projects have changed with modern technologies and products. It seems like every job is fast tracked ensuing pressure to meet deadlines. When I started at Arden, we were going from gas to stick welding. Today, Arden performs orbital and cobot welding processes. I will not miss layoffs and dismissals.”

Passing the Torch

“The Superintendent position was originally a two-person job and will now fulfill that need again. The new Superintendent Team brings 19 years of experience, each with the capability to handle various mechanical work Arden performs.

Jason Jenkins, Superintendent

19 Years of Service

At nineteen, Jason was working miscellaneous jobs and unsure about his career direction. His father, a pipefitter, suggested applying to the Union. He said, “Try it out and see if you like it.” He did! Jason joined Arden in 2005 and worked through his apprenticeship becoming a journeyman. Jason explained he had mentors who encouraged him to realize the value of his work and that you work as a team. If you are not holding up your end, everyone is affected. Jason strived to be a well-rounded welder and a master of his trade. He wanted to be known as a dependable worker who could complete a job on time and without errors. From the start, Jason has been goal-oriented and driven to move forward and be a leader. He expressed his interest in running jobs and becoming a Foreman, and felt ready to take on additional responsibility. Jason is excited about his new role and its challenges. He explained, “I’m not a big hobby guy, so I love what I do. I could work 10 hours a day, seven days a week. It is my comfort zone.”

Lou Raposa, Superintendent

19 Years of Service

Lou has been exposed to mechanical construction through his father and uncle’s business since he was 14. He joined the union and began working through his apprenticeship. When the family business slowed down, he went to work for Arden on a two-week job and never left. Lou has worked on a diverse range of projects, mainly in HVAC and refrigeration. He is always prepared for the next challenge, and his confidence in his abilities led him to take the role of Foreman in 2010, where he began running projects. He is enthusiastic about his new position and said, “It’s all about the workers in the field—helping them to succeed. I try to set examples and treat people with respect and fairness.”

Len Heroux, Service Manager

Hired 1990 | 34 Years of Service

Tell us about your background and how you came to work at Arden.
“I was hired back then after working at Gilbane Properties (now Gilbane Development) by Bob Bolton Sr. who told me I was hired because I had short hair. We had a good chuckle over that some 30 years later as we were reminiscing about the old days during one of his visits to the office. At that time, I was a Refrigeration Journeyperson, a Stationary Engineer in Providence Rhode Island, and a Boiler Technician Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy Reserve – aka, the short hair. I started at Arden as the second of two refrigeration technicians and utilized my military leadership skills and continuing education to become a leader among the expanding service department.”

Thirty-four years ago, Arden and the industry were very different. What stands out most for you?
“At inception, Bob Bolton Sr. and Carmine Puniello had great vision and perseverance to surround themselves with quality people enabling employees and the company to prosper. Bob Bolton and John Puniello continue this admirable practice both in the office and the field. In the past, controls were either mechanical or pneumatic for most larger systems. Today controls are primarily digital. And in the not to distant future systems like HVAC, lighting, and fire protection will be operated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Communication is still the largest challenge today. Technology can assist with communication, but staff that are willing and open to exchanging ideas will move themselves and the company into the future. The United States Navy used Dbase III to track material and work requests in 1990. Over the years Arden has used COINS, SAP, and are currently using SAGE database. Each software system comes with its own benefits and limitations. As with any program, the more precise the input is, the more accurate costs are captured, trends are identified, and substantial profit is realized. Using the best tools available is key. Training and the willingness to accept new ideas and methods of performing service and understanding the regulations and laws, have and will continue to provide a positive impact.”

You have experienced numerous kinds of issues with HVAC equipment or lack of proper care. Are there some that immediately stand out for you?
“My most memorable is an emergency cooling tower fan replacement that was performed overnight in about 12 hours, with Bob Bolton directing the crane as three technicians worked in 85-degree heat and 110-degree condenser water/cooling tower vapor engulfing us.

Another was the mobilization and installation of three temporary chillers powered by three emergency generators on the lawn of Hasbro Children’s Hospital while the temperature was over 90-degrees. The job was completed in about 18 hours with pipefitters and service technicians.”

What aspects of the job and company will you miss the most or be happy to never encounter again?
“I will miss people. Peers and management alike. Getting to know what currency a coworker has is priceless. Everyone can influence the outcome of any situation. I’ll miss the daily in person interaction with Jeff Potter, Sr. VP of Service and Gordon Fletcher, CFO. A good laugh can be very productive and a reminder of what is truly important. I hope to continue teaching and mentoring in some capacity.

Passing the Torch

Can you convey why Tyler Orzechowski is a good fit for his new role as Service Manager?
Tyler is a Licensed Master Refrigeration in Rhode Island and a Refrigeration Contractor in Massachusetts. He is self-motivated, takes responsibility for himself and his team’s actions, and maintains a positive attitude. Tyler is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the HVAC industry. His perspective on “work/life balance” is more in line with his team members. He has also attended Service Manager training sponsored by MSCA and has implemented soft skills training at the technician and service coordinator level. Tyler is very levelheaded and continuously has Arden’s best interests at heart. He uses every opportunity as a learning experience for his peers, his team and himself. Most importantly, he is willing to ask others for input and checks his ego at the door. He is a leader.

Tyler Orzechowski, Service Manager

3 Years of Service

Tyler began his HVAC journey by attending Diman Regional Voc-Tech School in Fall River, Massachusetts. During his time there, he also worked for an HVAC/refrigeration company during the summers and continued after graduation. In 2021, Tyler joined Arden as a Service Technician and has enjoyed working in the field.
While his new position involves spending significant time in the office, Tyler will also work in the field, helping other technicians. Tyler collaborates with Service Coordinators, Account Managers, and Service Technicians daily to perform his job.