Careers in Construction Month Spotlight: Eric Adams

With nearly four decades in the HVAC industry, W. M. Jordan Building Systems Group Engineer Eric Adams has seen—and solved—it all. From his early days as a sheet metal apprentice in Alabama to his current role leading MEP coordination and commissioning efforts, Eric’s career is a testament to dedication, expertise, and continuous learning.

Eric began his journey in 1988, working as a sheet metal apprentice. By 1992, he transitioned to a firm specializing in HVAC testing and balancing, where he honed his skills for over a decade before relocating to Virginia in 2003. There, he continued in testing, balancing, and commissioning roles until joining W. M. Jordan in 2019.

“My first role in the industry was quality control and troubleshooting—as a ‘fixer,’ I was brought in to resolve issues with HVAC systems,” Eric recalls.

Testing, balancing, and commissioning are critical components of any construction project’s Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) scope. These processes ensure HVAC systems operate efficiently and meet design specifications by calibrating air and water flow throughout the building.

“At W. M. Jordan, I’m involved from the beginning to the end of a project’s lifecycle,” Eric explains. “Collaborating with our MEP and HVAC trade partners early on helps prevent issues before they arise. We review project documents together to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.”

Eric’s approach aligns closely with Lean Construction principles. He describes it as a kind of “Pull Planning” for MEP systems.

“For example, when installing rooftop HVAC units, we start with the final installation and work backward to confirm that every preceding step is scheduled and executed correctly. This proactive planning helps us avoid surprises and stay on track.”

One of Eric’s current goals is to streamline and refine our checklist and documentation tools for trade partners, guiding them through each project phase and keeping schedules tight.

“Pre-planning the installation process allows us to simplify complex systems and ensure everything fits and functions as intended before work begins,” he says. “This builds trust with our partners and helps us gain valuable time early in the project rather than scrambling at the end.”

After nearly 40 years in the field, Eric still finds joy in the challenges.

“I love being a problem solver,” he says. “These systems are incredibly complex, and success depends on planning and teamwork. I’m fortunate to work with talented individuals, and I learn something new every week. It’s a constantly evolving industry—and that’s what keeps it exciting.”

For those considering a career in HVAC or MEP, Eric offers this advice:

“Do your research. Find a company that values its people and invests in their growth. This field is always changing, so take advantage of every training and certification opportunity. It’s the best way to stay ahead.”