Archive for June, 2025

Smart Refrigeration Controls Lead to Smooth Skating for Ice Arena Management

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Maintaining optimal ice quality for indoor ice arenas requires reliable, consistent temperatures and maintenance. Outdated temperature controls compromise the quality and care of the rink, leading to uneven playing surfaces, temperatures that are difficult to manage, and undesirable conditions for skaters. From increased maintenance demands, ongoing repairs, and inconsistent performance, outdated refrigeration controls make ice arena management difficult and costly.

LACE UP: CUSTOM CONTROL DESIGNS

Before you can hop on the ice, you need skates that fit. The same goes for the refrigeration system in your rink. Ice arenas serve many different purposes, from weekend hockey tournaments to open skating to community events that don’t require ice at all. Having an updated control system that is designed to fit your unique building is key to maintaining control and keeping everything running as it should. No matter how many rinks your arena has, or if the uses of the building change throughout the year, your custom refrigeration system should integrate seamlessly with your operations. Integrating fire alarm & life safety systems with the design can further improve the safety, comfort, and management of the building overall. 

Egan Company’s Industrial Refrigeration Controls team partners with facility managers to learn what a well-designed system means for each facility, and how new controls and integrated systems can improve the way your rink is run.

GLIDE EFFORTLESSLY WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT

Outdated or obsolete equipment can quickly become a pesky opponent blocking every attempt at reducing costs and stress when it comes to ice arena management. Modern advanced systems are designed to optimize energy and water consumption, leading to cost savings and ease of use. Built-in alarm systems offer instant notifications of malfunctions, expediting responses to emergency situations and keeping temperatures in check. Modern controls, including Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ Controls, can also improve equipment operation with a user-friendly interface, automation features, customizable adjustments, and load sharing configurations. If unexpected downtime does occur, Egan’s 24/7/365 Service team is available to help get you back online and back on the ice quickly. 

A ZAMBONI FOR YOUR CONTROLS SYSTEMS

Bringing in specialized experts for updated refrigeration system design, fire alarm, and building control integration is crucial for smooth ice and easier operations. Egan’s dedicated control team can provide in-house expertise and support needed to customize systems to your specific ice arena’s requirements and bring it all to life. With non-proprietary equipment and 24/7/365 service support, Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ Controls can help make managing your facility smoother, giving you greater control of your temperatures and a higher quality of ice. Get in touch to upgrade your arena.

National Safety Month: A Closer Look at Egan’s Safety-Driven Culture

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Creating a safe work environment takes more than a checklist. It takes people—engaged, committed, and looking out for one another. At Egan Company, safety is a leading core value, and during National Safety Month, it becomes the spotlight. This annual observance is a reminder to pause and refocus, not only on policies and protocols, but on the people they’re designed to protect.

Egan’s approach to safety extends beyond compliance. It’s built into the company culture and reinforced through daily decisions. Whether it’s a daily safety planning exercise or training, the focus remains the same: prevent injuries, protect each other, and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.

Building a Culture of Safety—Together
A strong safety culture is driven by shared responsibility. At Egan, that means encouraging every team member to speak up, ask questions, and offer solutions. In honor of National Safety Month’s “employee engagement” theme, Egan invited team members’ families to contribute their perspectives—with kids submitting safety-themed artwork that reminded everyone why we do this work in the first place. The message was clear: safety doesn’t stop at the jobsite. It impacts families, friends, and communities.

Keeping Our Guard up Outdoors
Outdoor Electrical projects present their own challenges—from moving equipment and changing weather conditions to limited visibility near roadways. That’s why Egan places special emphasis on outdoor safety, particularly when crews are working near traffic. Staying visible, alert, and protected with proper PPE isn’t just protocol—it’s essential.

Wellbeing Is Part of the Plan
Physical safety is only one part of the equation. Mental and emotional wellbeing are equally important. Recognizing this, Egan promotes resources that support the whole person—from hydration and rest to stress management and mental health tools. A well-supported team is a safer team.

In May, Egan observed Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing practical tools, resources, and reminders to prioritize mental wellness. That message carries directly into National Safety Month, reinforcing the idea that safety isn’t just about avoiding injuries—it’s about protecting the people behind the helmets and high-vis vests, in every sense of the word.

As one of America’s Safest Companies, Egan continues to uphold its reputation by cultivating a culture that places safety and wellbeing at the forefront. This recognition reflects not just past achievements, but a continued commitment to improvement, accountability, and the belief that every person deserves to work in a safe and supportive environment. National Safety Month may happen once a year, but at Egan, the commitment to safety is constant. The goal is always the same: continuous improvement, zero injuries, and a workplace where safety isn’t just expected—it’s embraced. By listening, engaging, and supporting one another, Egan continues to build a culture that protects people, supports wellbeing, and raises the bar for what it means to work safely. Want to see what safety looks like in action? Check out how the Egan team celebrated Safety Month across the company by following us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Investing in the Future: Egan Welcomes Reily, New Electrical Intern and LSW Graduate

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

From a spark of curiosity in high school to a full-time internship and a fully sponsored college education—Reily Islas Vasquez’s journey into the industry is just getting started, and Egan is proud to be part of it.

Islas Vasquez’s interest in electrical construction was first ignited in high school, where he participated in a project building a shed. “It was when we did the electrical that I got into it,” Islas Vasquez recalled. “We connected electricity to this one light bulb. But it just fascinated me. I don’t know why.” That one light bulb became the moment that lit the path toward his future in the industry.

Seeking to explore this passion further, Islas Vasquez applied for an opportunity with Lake Street Works (LSW), a workforce readiness program that equips youth with technical and life skills to pursue careers in construction. Throughout the program, Egan supported LSW through a multi-year partnership that included mock interviews, internship prep workshops, facility tours, and mentorship opportunities—efforts that are all part of a larger goal to invest in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Islas Vasquez stood out in his cohort. His hard work and promise earned him LSW’s Golden Hammer Award, a recognition given to standout students who show exceptional commitment to their craft.

After graduating from LSW this past spring, Islas Vasquez started as a full-time electrical intern at Egan Company. “I was really excited—really happy. I felt blessed,” he shared. “There were a couple other companies that wanted to interview me, but I feel like I had the most connection with Egan since we came here.”

But that’s not where his story ends. With the support of Wallin Education Partners, Islas Vasquez is enrolling at North Hennepin Community College in the Construction Management & Supervision associates degree program, —a two-year path that combines classroom learning with real-world experience. Through the collaboration between Egan, LSW, and Wallin, Islas Vasquez’s education will be fully funded.

This opportunity is the result of thoughtful collaboration and shared commitment. “We are excited to see the culmination of our partnership with Lake Street Works at work with Islas Vasquez as he closes the chapter on his high school education and LSW experience and begins a new chapter at North Hennepin Community College,” said Brian Harren, Vice President of Electrical Solutions and Prefabrication. “During his internship, we look forward to providing hands-on work experiences that parallel and amplify Islas Vasquez’s studies, in order to ensure his future success in the industry as well as growing a talented employee.”

Egan’s partnership with LSW is more than just community outreach—it’s about shaping strong, sustainable career pathways and creating real opportunities for young people like Islas Vasquez. This isn’t just a win for one student. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible when companies, schools, and nonprofits work together to build a better future—for individuals, for the trades, and for our communities.

Total Control: Engaged. Smarter Systems Power Smarter Buildings

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

In a world where facility managers face mounting pressures to do more with less—less energy, less downtime, and fewer resources—modern building automation systems offer an essential edge. From helping schools improve air quality to supporting high-performance dispatch centers, Egan Company’s Building Automation group is focused on delivering smarter, more responsive spaces.

We had the chance to sit down with Kirk Wahlstrom, Building Automation Group Manager, and Ryan Haller, Building Automation Engineering Manager, for a conversation about what it really takes to deliver smarter, more responsive buildings. At Egan, they focus on complex integrations and long-term system strategies that help keep facilities comfortable, efficient, and ready for what’s next. For them, it’s not just about cutting-edge technology—it’s about building relationships that last.

Delivering Comfort, Control, and Customization
Whether it’s a pharmaceutical plant, a K–12 school, or a government facility, the Building Automation team works behind the scenes to optimize how indoor environments function. Think of it as the industrial-grade version of a home thermostat—scaled across campuses and coordinated through interconnected systems of air, water, and energy controls.

Haller sums it up simply: “We don’t control the thing—we control the air around the thing.” The group is laser-focused on managing space comfort and critical environmental needs for both occupants and operations. At its core, the team’s work translates to increased efficiency, cost savings, and elevated comfort. But as Wahlstrom points out, that’s just the beginning. “We try to make the technology fun—to make it exciting for

customers to engage with their buildings in new ways.” Wahlstrom also believes in giving end users the confidence and control to operate their own systems. “I tell people our goal is that you do 90 percent of things with the system and your building—and we are just that small technical icing on the cake.”

Migration That Meets the Moment
Replacing outdated systems is often easier said than done. Legacy hardware—some installed 30 years ago—is still operational in many buildings today. But as manufacturers stop supporting old platforms, a proactive migration strategy becomes critical.

Instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all upgrade, the team tailors plans that align with a customer’s financial realities, whether through full capital projects or phased improvements. The goal: to move clients from reactive maintenance toward predictive performance. “Do you want to be broken down on the side of the road,” Haller asks, “or do you want to plan for a brake replacement ahead of time?”

Recent projects like the multi-year system overhaul at Mystic Lake’s central plant or the complete modernization at Centennial Lakes Office Park show how Egan is helping customers bridge the gap between now and next.

Thinking Bigger With Building Data
Automation is evolving—and Egan is helping clients evolve with it. Leveraging data to identify inefficiencies and monitor performance is key to optimizing system operations.“We’re seeing more interest in fault detection diagnostics,” says Haller. “It’s about identifying issues before they become expensive problems, which leads to smarter decision-making.”

New tools like AI and machine learning are starting to influence how buildings are modeled and maintained. The challenge, however, is access to data at scale. While large cloud-based datasets can train predictive systems, most buildings today still lack the infrastructure to collect and leverage that information effectively.

That’s why Egan places heavy emphasis on designing networked systems that can scale—and why it partners closely with vendors and industry organizations to stay ahead of emerging trends.

Collaboration That Builds Confidence
Every building has its own challenges, and collaboration is critical to finding the right solution. As a third-tier contractor, Egan often works behind the scenes, interfacing with general contractors, engineers, and mechanical partners to bring a project’s vision to life.

“We strive to make sure that we’re not the fly in the ointment,” says Wahlstrom. “We try to make their lives as easy as possible by providing timely communication, timely execution, and minimal warranty callbacks.”

That commitment to seamless delivery extends beyond the install. Follow-up trainings, visits months after handoff, and system customization are part of what differentiates the Building Automation team. Stakeholders can count on more than technical execution—they can expect a collaborative partner who helps them own and optimize their systems.

Future-Proofing With Purpose
Whether it’s enabling remote monitoring, integrating nonproprietary controls, or simply offering the flexibility to evolve over time, the group’s focus is long-term scalability. Their advice for customers just starting their building automation journey? Start where the impact is highest—large-scale systems like boilers and chillers—and build out from there.

Keeping technology current is another area customers often overlook. “Getting a system upgraded after 30 years is a milestone,” says Wahlstrom, “but the truth is, technology moves so fast that staying current is now a continuous process.”

At Egan, delivering high-quality, tailored systems is more than a technical mission—it’s a cultural one. The Building Automation group stands behind its work, prioritizes customer needs, and refuses to settle for good enough. As Wahlstrom puts it, “we don’t walk away. Egan works to make sure we’re delivering something we’re proud of—and that the customer trusts.”

HVAC Controls: Out with the Pneumatic, In with the Digital

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

When a building’s HVAC system is working correctly, no one should notice. Modern HVAC makes facilities cool when it’s warm outside and warm when it’s cold, but outdated controls and building automation systems can draw a lot of attention to themselves, whether it is due to fluctuating temperatures, excessive maintenance, or increasing energy bills. 

Pneumatic systems were once the standard in controlling a building’s heating and cooling 70 years ago, but are quickly becoming outdated and obsolete. Upgrading to direct digital controls (DDC) can significantly improve your building’s comfort and its energy efficiency. 

Energy Efficiency: Savings Over Time

Modernizing commercial building automation systems can lead to significant energy savings over time. In a building with variable air volume (VAV) devices, using sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, air flow, and air quality can automatically adjust the building’s central plant to maximize energy use and meet the specifications of your building without requiring manual adjustments or monitoring. By integrating this smart technology to buildings of all ages and sizes, building engineers and property managers have seen significant reductions in energy consumption and operating costs. 

How Do You Work This Thing?

Transitioning away from pneumatics also gets ahead of maintenance issues that are prevalent with older systems. Modern training programs rarely cover pneumatic technology, leaving technicians guessing or in the dark when they encounter it in buildings. The ability to service the antiquated systems is becoming increasingly specialized and rare, and in turn more expensive. Updating to DDC building automation equipment helps future-proof your facility and  will prevent larger cost discussions down the line. Installation and maintenance costs rarely, if ever, decrease for old equipment, while the availability of new technology makes it more accessible and affordable.  

Project Spotlight: Driving 33% Energy Savings for HealthPartners Headquarters

HealthPartners HQ

The HealthPartners headquarters in Bloomington, Minn., originally constructed in the 1960s, consists of multiple office towers totaling 530,000 square feet. As part of an extensive remodel, HealthPartners partnered with Egan Company’s Building Automation team to replace its legacy pneumatic controls system with direct digital control (DDC) technology, offering numerous advantages. The upgrade has resulted in a 33% reduction in energy consumption along with other significant cost savings. In addition, the troubleshooting and maintenance of 650 VAV boxes throughout the complex was made significantly easier for the building engineers, using graphic screens, trending, and the other tools that a state-of-art BAS provides. With improved digital controls, the longstanding HealthPartners headquarters has seen notable improvements in both operational efficiency and occupant comfort.

The DDC technology upgrade from Egan’s team was a game-changer. We have seen a huge reduction in energy consumption, and the expertise and professionalism of Egan made the whole process smooth and efficient.

Chief Building Engineer, HealthPartners

Upgrade Your Building’s Comfort

As legacy pneumatic devices continue to become obsolete, building costs, maintenance requirements, and comfort levels all become negatively affected. If the HVAC systems in your commercial building are demanding your attention, it may be time to consider upgrading to DDC technology. Get in touch with Egan Company’s Building Automation team and make a plan to phase out antiquated equipment.