2019 News

International Building Automation Group Gathered at Baker Group

International Building Automation Group Gathered at Baker Group
05.06.2019

Q. What do you get when nearly 60 building automation contractors from as far away as Australia and the Netherlands gather in Des Moines for three days of meetings?

A. You get a free exchange of ideas, information and best practices that ultimately benefits contractors, their clients and the product manufacturer.

That’s what happened when Baker Group hosted InsideIQ: Building Automation Alliance’s spring educational conference April 28-30, 2019.

Daryld Karloff, Executive Vice President of Building Services at Baker Group, is the current President of InsideIQ. He says, “The organization was formed decades ago by contractors from around the world who share a common interest – we all represent Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation. Our membership communicates about what’s working and what’s not working, and then feeds that information back to Schneider Electric. In return, members receive insight into the manufacturer’s product development initiatives. That allows us to stay on the leading edge of building automation technologies for our clients. It’s a win-win.”

Each of the three annual InsideIQ conferences focuses on business best practices, technical education and industry trends. For example, contractors worldwide are currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. “We know people don’t leave jobs, they leave bosses. Therefore, our spring conference will include a full day of leadership training aimed at helping members be the best leaders they can be. Strong leadership improves team moral, productivity and employee retention,” Karloff says.

Other sessions addressed the technical product knowledge of member sales teams, addressed new contracting trends and included a tour of Baker Group’s office and Advanced Manufacturing facility.

“Baker Group is not only a building automation contractor, but we are also a mechanical and electrical contractor. Every automation contractor in the world sells to mechanical and electrical contractors. This was a rare opportunity for the InsideIQ membership to gain firsthand knowledge of changes in mechanical and electrical contracting,” Karloff adds.  “InsideIQ members have become leaders in their local market by understanding industry trends and offering world-class service to their clients. The Des Moines meeting continued this road to excellence.”  

About Baker Group

Founded in 1963 and with 650 employees across Iowa, Baker Group is the Midwest’s premier full-service specialty contractor providing mechanical, sheet metal, electrical, compressed air, building automation, process automation, security systems, fire alarm systems, parking/revenue controls and 24/7/365 service. For more information, call 855.262.4000 or visit https://www.thebakergroup.com/.

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