--- title: Webinar | Value of Hiring Qualified Contractors description: Join the International Masonry Institute on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. ET for a webinar on the Value of Hiring Qualified Contractors. --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/new-stone-construction/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/new-terrazzo-construction/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/new-tile-construction/) - RESTORATION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/brick-restoration/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/concrete-restoration/) - [Plaster](https://www.imiweb.org/plaster-restoration/) - [Stucco](https://www.imiweb.org/stucco-restoration/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/stone-restoration/) - [Terra Cotta](https://www.imiweb.org/terra-cotta-restoration/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/terrazzo-restoration/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/tile-restoration/) - SEGMENTS - [Cultural and Civic](https://www.imiweb.org/cultural-civic/) - [Higher Education](https://www.imiweb.org/higher-education/) - [Multifamily Residential](https://www.imiweb.org/multifamily-residential/) - [Healthcare](https://www.imiweb.org/healthcare/) - [K-12 Education](https://www.imiweb.org/k-12-education/) - [Retail and Hospitality](https://www.imiweb.org/retail-and-hospitality/) - SERVICES & TECHNICAL RESOURCES - SERVICES - [Architect, Engineer, & Designer Services](https://www.imiweb.org/designer-services/) - [Contractor Services](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-services/) - [Specification Services](https://www.imiweb.org/specification-language/) - RESOURCES & TOOLS - [Detailing Series](https://www.imiweb.org/detailing-series/) - [Software & Design Aids](https://www.imiweb.org/software-and-design-aids/) - EDUCATION & TRAINING - EDUCATION FOR AEC PROFESSIONALS - [A/E Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/ae-education/) - [Contractor Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-education/) - TRAINING FOR CRAFTWORKERS - [About IMTEF](https://imtef.org/) - [Become an Apprentice](https://imtef.org/careers/) - [Find a Local Training Center](https://imtef.org/imtef-training-directory/) - [Health & Safety Training](https://imtef.org/safety-health/) - [International Training Center](https://imtef.org/national-training-center/) - INSTALLER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - [Adhered Masonry Veneer Program](https://www.imiweb.org/adhered-masonry-veneer-program/) - [Advanced Certifications in Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/advanced-certifications-in-tile/) - [Flashing Upgrade Training Program](https://www.imiweb.org/flashing-upgrade/) - [Grouting and Reinforcing Training](https://www.imiweb.org/grouting-reinforcing-training/) - [Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/historic-masonry-preservation-certificate/) - [Rainscreen Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/rainscreen-certificate-program/) - [Supervisor Certification Program](https://www.imiweb.org/supervisor-certification-program/) - [Terra Cotta Installation and Repair Program](https://www.imiweb.org/terra_cotta_installation_and_repair_program/) - ABOUT IMI - ABOUT IMI - [About IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/about/) - [Team IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/team-imi/) - [News](https://info.imiweb.org/blog) - [Contact IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/contact/) - PROGRAMS & AWARDS - [BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest](https://imtef.org/iac/) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://www.imiweb.org/jbcaward/) - [Masonry Camp](https://www.imiweb.org/imi-masonry-camp/) - [CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) # MASONRY, TILE, AND RESTORATION WEBINAR SERIES ## PANEL DISCUSSION: Value of Hiring Qualified Contractors ### Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 12-1 p.m. Eastern Time 1 LU Project success from a general contractor and construction management perspective depends on more than executing good design and installing appropriate materials. It requires collaboration between the project construction team, experienced sub-contractors, and a highly trained workforce.   Join us as we explore the full value of partnerships in construction, including the roles of union sub-contractors, skilled craftworkers, and the training system in delivering quality, safety, and schedule performance. You'll learn how IMI, on behalf of our partners (International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and their signatory contractors), provides technical support and project-specific training programs for the trowel trades. This support helps equip teams to meet the evolving demands of projects. We'll also examine how IMI facilitates collaboration among contractors, designers, and other key stakeholders to streamline communication and support successful outcomes.  **Learning Objectives:** - Recognize how experienced subcontractors and qualified craftworkers contribute to higher construction quality, safety, and schedule reliability. - Understand how collaboration between general contractors, subcontractors, and craftworker training systems supports successful project execution. - Examine how technical support and customized training from industry partners like IMI enhance workforce capabilities in specialized trades such as masonry, tile, and restoration. - Discuss how a well-trained local workforce improves project performance and supports broader goals like safety, compliance, and long-term industry sustainability. ## Get to know the Panelists ### Francis Noviello Vice President - Labor Coordinator, AECOM Tishman ![Noviello Frank - Headshot 2019](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Noviello%20Frank%20-%20Headshot%202019.jpg?width=279&height=279&name=Noviello%20Frank%20-%20Headshot%202019.jpg) Francis Noviello joined AECOM Tishman in 1983 and leads its labor relations efforts, having successfully negotiated and implemented Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for over $15.3 billion in active construction work, including the World Trade Center redevelopment, the Jacob Javits Convention Center, and the Tappan Zee Bridge. Known for developing strategic labor approaches that respond to a changing industry landscape, Francis coordinates across teams throughout a project’s lifecycle. He has played a leadership role in numerous high-profile developments such as One Vanderbilt, JFK Terminal One, the NYPL Midtown Campus, 270 Park Avenue, and the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, among many others across New York and beyond. ### ANTHONY DIPERNA National Director of Apprenticeship and Training, IMTEF ![Anthony DiPerna](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Anthony%20DiPerna.jpg?width=279&height=279&name=Anthony%20DiPerna.jpg) Anthony is the [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation‘s (IMTEF)](https://imtef.org/?__hstc=51734774.6ec608b724e0f8373eec644b9e09c2bb.1679408451809.1709147201338.1709152715693.364&__hssc=51734774.1.1709152715693&__hsfp=1530836998) National Director of Apprenticeship and Training and has been a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) for 35 years, serving in a number of leadership positions. In his current role, he oversees the National Training Center and works with all local training centers in implementing training and education. Anthony started as a journeyworker in BAC Local 3 and quickly rose through the ranks becoming a foreman in the early 90s. By the late 90s, Anthony earned the title of Superintendent, leading many high profile jobs in Upstate New York. In 2002, Anthony became a local trustee for all benefit funds for BAC Local 3. After about 22 years in the field, Anthony was elected to the position of Vice President for Local 3, and just a couple of years later, was elected to Secretary Treasurer office. In 2015, Anthony was voted into the role of President of BAC Local 3. During his presidency, Anthony took on various roles in his community such as becoming President of the Rochester Building Trades in 2019. In 2020, Anthony was promoted to National Director of Apprenticeship and Training for IMTEF. ### Jeremy rivas North central regional director, iubac ![Copy of Untitled Design](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Untitled%20Design.png?width=279&height=279&name=Copy%20of%20Untitled%20Design.png) Jeremy supports the Executive Board of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) in advancing the union’s mission and policies throughout the North Central Region. His career in the masonry industry began through the BAC Local 4 IN/KY apprenticeship program. While completing the apprenticeship program, Jeremy also received an associate degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Over the years, he has served on the Health & Welfare and Pension Fund, as well as Local 4 IN/KY’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Jeremy later became a Field Representative and Secretary-Treasurer for Local 4 IN/KY before joining the International Union. He is also in his fourth term on the Porter County Council in Indiana. ### tOM sNEED PRESIDENT - project manager, John Jackson Masonry  ![Tom Sneed](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Tom%20Sneed.jpg?width=279&height=279&name=Tom%20Sneed.jpg) Tom is President of John Jackson Masonry and has worked more than 35 years in the masonry trade. He started in the field and was promoted to the position of estimator/project manager. Tom sits on the board of directors for the Masonry Institute of America and is the chair of the board of the California Masonry Council. Tom holds a B.S. in Geology and a Construction Management Certification from the University of California, Davis.   ## Driving the Dialogue ### Alan Feltoon, AIA, AICP Director Of Industry Development And Technical Services, IMI ![Alan Feltoon-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Alan%20Feltoon-1.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=Alan%20Feltoon-1.jpg) Alan is a registered architect, certified planner, and neutral for the American Arbitration Association (AAA), with degrees from Pratt Institute and the University of Pennsylvania. He founded and led his own firm, served as managing principal for two prominent Washington, D.C., architecture firms, and has taught at Pratt and The Catholic University of America. His award-winning work,  recognized by AIA, UNESCO, IIDA, IESNA, and others, spans domestic and international projects and has been widely published. Alan has spoken at conferences across the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East, and has served as a juror for prestigious competitions, including IMI’s JBC Masonry Innovation Competition and BIA’s Brick in Architecture Awards. ### Sunup Mathew, SE, LEep AP Director Of Industry Development And Technical Services, IMI ![Sunup Mathew](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sunup%20Mathew.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=Sunup%20Mathew.jpg) Sunup is a structural engineer with more than 20 years of experience in masonry, concrete, and steel design. He has expertise in the design of new structures, evaluation and retrofitting of existing structures, and identification and resolution of field construction problems.   Sunup is an active member of the Masonry Society (TMS), Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MACS), and C 12 and C 15 committees of ASTM. He has co-authored structural engineering papers in TMS, American Concrete Institute (ACI), and Precast Concrete Institute (PCI) publications. He actively participated in the editing and drafting of several sections in Building Code Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures (TMS 402 and TMS 602), Masonry Designers Guide (MDG), and standards under the jurisdiction of C 12 and C 15 ASTM committees.  [View all Upcoming IMI Webinars](http://imiweb.org/training-education-for-designers/) ### Register: #### ![logo-ftr-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-ftr-1.png?width=200&height=41&name=logo-ftr-1.png) BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive Bowie, MD 20715 [Privacy Policy​](https://imiweb.org/imi-privacy-policy/) | [Contact Us​](https://imiweb.org/contact-imi/) **Related Organizations** [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation](https://imtef.org/) [International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://bacweb.org/) [International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://www.icebac.org/) [Tile Contractors’ Association of America](https://www.tcaainc.org/) ### Sign up for updates from IMI © International Masonry Institute. 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