Archive for September, 2025

The Secret to Long-Lasting Plumbing Systems

Monday, September 29th, 2025

Getting ahead of building maintenance is an important aspect of a property manager’s and building engineer’s role. It can be easy, however, to overlook the less visible aspects of a commercial property, including the plumbing and piping systems that run throughout. Losing track of the health of the plumbing in a building can be costly, but knowing what to look for and conducting regular check-ups can keep commercial plumbing systems running without cause for concern well into the future. 

Environmental Considerations

Extreme temperatures can affect the plumbing and pipes in commercial buildings. In Minnesota, this often means the risk of freezing pipes in the winter. Getting ahead of seasonal changes and taking stock of the internal systems in buildings can help prevent long-term damage or disastrous emergencies when freezing temperatures set in. Proper insulation and regular inspections are preventative measures building engineers and property managers can take to keep everything intact year-round. 

Water Quality Checks

Keeping a pulse on what is running through the pipes in a building helps maintenance experts get ahead of necessary repairs, changes, and updates. The quality of the water in the plumbing can be a big indicator of the health of the pipes. Hard water, for example, can cause extra corrosion and potential buildup. Water filters and commercial-grade softeners ease the strain on plumbing and piping systems, keeping the insides clean and cared for. 

Additionally, occupant usage can affect the water quality and plumbing health in the facility. If grease or non-biodegradable contents are being poured into drains, then the building systems will suffer. Educating occupants and encouraging proper waste disposal are key to extending the lifespan of the plumbing and piping in commercial buildings. 

Inspections and Maintenance

Establishing a regular inspection schedule for the plumbing in your facility keeps building engineers and property managers in the know of the health of the building and safeguards against emergency repairs or lasting damage. Inspections should include taking a close look at pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and other relevant equipment that may need maintenance tune-ups. These annual inspections can be conducted by building engineers, or by a trusted service partner such as Egan Company. Know what to look for and have a plan to make necessary repairs before potential issues escalate into major problems. 

Achieve Healthy Pipes

The responsibility of building maintenance does not have to fully rest upon property managers and building engineers. Let Egan Company help take care of necessary inspections, repairs, preventative maintenance, and emergency service for plumbing equipment. Our goal is to educate property managers and building engineers, supporting facility maintenance where needed and providing necessary resources to keep your commercial building systems healthy for the long run. Looking for a partner for your commercial property? Get in touch with our team and take some responsibility off your shoulders. 

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From Jobsite to Local Community: A Story of Service

Friday, September 26th, 2025

Building Community Through Service
When he’s not working as an electrician in Southern Minnesota, Pete Ulbricht can often be found volunteering his time and skills to help others in the Rochester community. Whether lending a hand on projects, supporting people through difficult times, or simply offering encouragement, Pete is committed to showing up for others.

Giving Time, Talent, and Care
That support often goes beyond conversation—it means stepping out of comfortable surroundings to meet real needs. Whether it’s preparing meals for someone who is ill, repairing a shed roof, tackling home maintenance projects, or even changing a hard-to-reach light bulb, Pete and his fellow volunteers from his church community look for ways to lighten the load for others.

Recently, Pete put his skills to work on a local property project, painting exterior areas high above the ground. Thanks to the generosity of a lift rental company, who provided a boom lift, he was able to safely complete the task. The job was more than just fresh paint—it was another example of people coming together to share resources, time, and energy for the greater good.

Community That Extends Beyond Work
“Growing up on a farm in southwest Minnesota I was fortunate enough to see family and friends set aside what they were doing and lend a hand when a need presented itself,” Pete said. “I knew growing up I wanted to be part of a community like that. Community isn’t limited by geographic location and can be found where people care for others.”

That same philosophy drives Pete’s approach at Egan. “What many of us do at Egan daily isn’t much different,” he said. “Developing relationships with customers, coworkers, and other trades builds trust and, hopefully, shows them we value them and have their back when a need presents itself.”

Whether on a jobsite or in the neighborhood, Pete strives for the same goal—living life alongside others and helping whenever possible. “It’s pretty sweet,” he said, “living life together and lending a hand, knowing we’re in this thing called life, together.”

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IntelliBatch: Behind the Controls of Smarter Concrete Production

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

When it comes to building complex infrastructure, every detail matters—down to the precision of concrete batching. At Egan Company, IntelliBatch® is the software solution that keeps production running smoothly, consistently, and efficiently. Recently, we sat down with Jeremy Quam, Concrete Batch Operations Supervisor, and Matt Haan, Concrete Batch Project Manager, to learn more about how IntelliBatch helps plants gain control, minimize downtime, and maximize performance.

Meeting the Needs of Every Customer
No two plants are the same—and neither are their batching requirements. IntelliBatch is built and tailored for supporting precast, pipe, dry packaging, architectural, and hardscapes. “IntelliBatch is the front-end PC software that runs these systems,” Quam explained. “It’s the user interface that allows operators to control everything from a simple keyboard and mouse or touchscreen. Intellibatch  adapts to nearly any configuration a customer needs.”

Safety is always central. “We can design systems from Category B all the way up to Category 4,” Haan shared. “That means using safety-rated components and approved programming methods that keep operators and equipment safe.”

Accuracy, Consistency, and Scale
To deliver accuracy and consistency, Egan follows a standardized process—from CAD and design to panel fabrication and programming. Some systems push limits, like Cambridge Pavers, where multiple mixers and destinations need to sync seamlessly. “It can be a complex process—but IntelliBatch makes it possible,” Haan noted.

Minimizing Downtime, Maximizing Output
For existing plants, downtime is the biggest concern. That’s why the team prefabricates panels in advance, runs factory acceptance testing, and creates crossover plans before arriving on site. “Our goal is always to minimize downtime,” Quam said. “As much fabrication as possible is done at our facility in advance so production is back online with minimal interruption.”

Data Integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like NetSuite is one of today’s biggest trends. “We continue to get more  requests for ERP integration,” Haan explained. “We’ve developed APIs that let IntelliBatch share real-time data like material usage, recipes, and production data across multiple sites.”

Built to Last
Concrete batching plants operate in tough environments, but IntelliBatch is built to last. Many systems have been running for 15+ years, with backup processes in place to keep operations moving if a component fails. “Every night at midnight, IntelliBatch creates a backup,” Quam said. “If a PC ever goes down, customers can restore it to a new one in minutes and be running again.”

Every IntelliBatch system includes prefabricated panels built in Egan’s UL 508A Panel shop. Prior to leaving the shop floor, each system goes through a complete validation process—simulating the customer’s plant to mirror real-world conditions.  “That preparation makes commissioning smoother,” Quam said. “When the system arrives on site, we are positioned to get the plant producing as quickly as possible.”

Delivering IntelliBatch systems requires tight coordination across Egan’s project managers, engineers, CAD designers, purchasing, and panel shop technicians. From schematic drawings to as-built documentation, every step is tracked to ensure seamless integration and a successful startup.

The commitment doesn’t end at commissioning. With dedicated project managers, account managers, and a concrete batching service line, customers have support for plant expansions, retrofits, or emergency needs long after the first batch is produced.

A Team Effort for Long-Term Success
Early planning is always critical. As Haan says, “That’s why communication and preparation make all the difference.”

The IntelliBatch team at Egan brings many disciplines together, from engineering and design to fabrication and service, to deliver systems that work the way they’re meant to—day one and years down the road. With these combined expertise, customers can count on a partner who truly understands their batching needs.

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How Egan Service Delivers Beyond the Call

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

When the unexpected happens—whether it’s a boiler failure in the dead of winter or a production line coming to a halt—Egan Company’s Service team is the call customers count on. With 24/7 coverage and all trades under one roof, the team delivers more than quick fixes; it provides peace of mind and long-term reliability.

We sat down with Kristen Nelson, Internal Operations Manager, and Travis Brown, Project Manager, to talk about how the team supports facilities of every kind. From the skilled trades, including plumbing, pipefitting, electrical, and low-voltage experts in fire alarm and security, to the support of dedicated account management and more, Egan Service is designed to cover it all. “Customers often don’t realize just how many services we can provide,” Nelson said. “We encourage them to start with us no matter the need. Even if it’s something Egan doesn’t directly provide, we can connect them with a trusted partner.”

24/7 Coverage Across Industries
The  Service team works around the clock to support facilities with urgent needs. Industrial production plants, high-end hospitality spaces, schools, property management firms, and even senior living communities rely on the team to step in when unexpected issues arise.

“Our industrial customers are running 24 hours a day, and they need us frequently,” said Brown. “From there, we support everything from schools to hotels, where reliability is just as critical.”

What Sets Egan Apart
Unlike contractors who focus on a single trade, Egan’s approach is intentionally broad. With multiple trades under one roof, customers have one point of contact to solve complex issues—without the runaround.

“One of our customers jokes they can call us for anything—even if it’s not directly service-related,” Brown said. “That’s what sets us apart: we don’t say no, we figure it out.”

The relationships between Egan technicians and facility staff are central to this service model. In many cases, customers call technicians directly, knowing they’ll receive guidance immediately—even if it’s just troubleshooting by phone before a visit is scheduled. “Our skilled craftspeople and the relationships they build are what really make the difference,” Nelson said.

Fast Action and Preventative Planning
Sometimes the difference Egan makes is measured in minutes. Brown recalled a case where a customer’s boiler failed, threatening to shut down operations.

“Our technician found replacement equipment locally, stayed late, and had everything replaced within eight hours,” Brown said. “The customer expected days of downtime. Instead, they were back up the same night.”

These quick-turn solutions are balanced by long-term Preventative Maintenance Plans. By tailoring maintenance schedules to customer needs, Egan helps reduce unexpected situations and extend the life of critical systems. “The goal is to guide customers on what their facility really needs,” Brown said. “It’s proactive, not reactive. Preventative maintenance helps remove surprises, plan for repairs, and prevent catastrophic events.”

Building Trust, One Call at a Time
From emergency calls to creative, multi-trade projects like installing high-efficiency rooftop systems for a local nonprofit shelter, Egan’s Service team proves its value through consistency, safety, and care.

“Customers know they’re not just a number to us,” Nelson said. “We listen, provide options, and back it up with results. Over time, that’s how trust is built.” For customers, that dedication means fewer headaches, faster solutions, and confidence that someone is always ready to answer the call. And with every trade under one roof, they have more to leverage when they partner with Egan—whether it’s 24/7 emergency service, preventative maintenance, or long-term facility planning.

Ready to simplify your facility needs and gain a trusted service partner? Contact Egan Service today >

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