Paul Camara

Three DIY Storage Solutions

Following two decades of experience as a construction contractor and sales professional, Paul Camara started his consulting firm, Axion Specialty Contracting. Beyond his professional work, Paul Camara enjoys skiing and completing do-it-yourself (DIY) projects at his Brooklyn, Connecticut home.

Small improvements in the home can be created with materials already on hand or that can be obtained cheaply at the hardware store. Some DIY projects to increase storage space include the use of the following:

1. Pegboards – These flexible storage solutions can be made with a flat surface, such as cork board or plywood. Pushpins, dowels, or small metal hooks can be arranged as pegs to hold light items such as jewelry or scarves.

2. Storage bench – This DIY has dual usage, providing seating and storage. One easy way to make this type of storage solution is to place a study bookshelf on its side and create seating by upholstering a plank of plywood and foam cut to size.

3 Hanging baskets – Simple plastic or woven baskets can be used as shelving in a pinch. Smaller baskets can be hung on the inside of cabinet doors to provide extra storage, while larger baskets can be nailed to the wall for a decorative and functional addition.

Axion Specialty Contracting Receives ConstructSecure Award

During his years as section chief of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, Paul Camara earned several military awards, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. Several years after leaving the Guard, Paul Camara relocated to Brooklyn, Connecticut, and started his new role as president of Axion Specialty Contracting, a firm that specializes in mechanical insulation.

In April 2020, Axion Specialty Contracting announced its completion of the ConstructSecure Safety Assessment Program. ConstructSecure is a leading consultant of risk management solutions for companies in diverse industries. The firm’s Safety Assessment protocol uses advanced data analysis software to produce an accurate report that scores areas such as historical incidents and OSHA compliance.

After going through the assessment, Axion scored 92.4 out of 100, earning the company a ConstructSecure Gold Safety Award. Axion earned exceptionally high scores in OSHA experience and recordable cases. Axion’s safety manual also received the highest evaluation, as it didn’t result in any point deductions. The company’s performance reflects a historical emphasis on safety.

Highlights of the ESICA 2019 Fall Conference

Brooklyn, Connecticut, resident Paul Camara is a United States Army veteran and the president of Axion Specialty Contracting, a construction company. Paul Camara is the former president of the Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association (ESICA).

ESICA holds a conference for industry members every year. The 2019 ESICA Fall Conference was held at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida.

The conference had many highlights. The first was Connor Lokar’s keynote address. An economist at ITR Economics, Lokar delivered an address titled, “Managing in an Uncertain Economy.” He gave a comprehensive, passionate, and humorous talk on the United States economy, its leading indicators, industry drivers, and more.

Joanna Pineda, the chief executive of Matrix Group International, was another star presenter at the conference. She educated members on the different needs of customers and how industry professionals can guide customers along their purchase journeys to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

At the annual mesothelioma raffle, members raised $1,560 to support mesothelioma research.

Veterans’ Service Organizations in Connecticut

A resident of Brooklyn, Connecticut, Paul Camara has nearly three decades of experience in contracting and has worked on multiple building projects from start to finish. Paul Camara, a veteran, is the holder of various military service awards.

For veterans in Connecticut, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs has a regional office in Hartford. The office hosts various veterans’ service organizations, including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW).

The American Legion is the country’s largest veterans’ service organization. It is committed to mutual helpfulness. DAV, a non-profit charitable organization, connects veterans and their families with employment resources, offers them no-cost transportation to medical appointments, and assists them in other ways. The VFW’s mission is to serve and advocate for veterans of overseas conflicts and foster camaraderie among them.

Other helpful veterans’ service organizations in Connecticut are the Military Order of the Purple Heart, AMVETS, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

A Look at the ESICA Spring Conference

A former member of the United States Army National Guard, Paul Camara serves as president of Axion Specialty Contracting near Brooklyn. Outside of his professional work, Paul Camara is a member of the Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association (ESICA).

A professional membership organization, the ESICA represents the interests of the insulation and abatement industry in the Eastern states. In addition to advocacy work, the organization strives to keep members informed on legislation changes and technical innovations that impact the industry.

The ESICA also administers educational programs and conferences for the benefit of members. For example, it partners with the National Insulation Association (NIA) on nationwide events while also hosting its own fall and spring conferences. Held annually, the spring conference offers ESICA members the opportunity to enjoy expert presentations while participating in breakout meetings with contractors and associates.

The spring conference also includes entertainment activities. This year’s event includes a Baltimore Orioles Game at Camden Yards and a “Craft Your Own Cocktail Tour” at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery, while past years have included golf tournaments and a tour of the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. For further information on ESICA events, visit www.esica.org.

ICANE Announces Upcoming Seminar on Lean Construction Job Practices

Insulation industry professional Paul Camara serves as president of Axion Specialty Contracting. Brooklyn, Connecticut resident Paul Camara is a member and former president of the Insulation Contractors Association of New England (ICANE).

ICANE is an organization that comprises commercial and industrial insulation contractors in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. In addition to contributing contractors, ICANE is open to other industry players, such as manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. ICANE also provides its members with opportunities for learning and education.

On April 13, 2020, ICANE will sponsor a seminar on Lean Construction Job Practices. The resource person for the said seminar is Tom Richert, the principal of Lean Project. The seminar will be held from 8 am to 2 pm at Boston Newton Marriott in Newton, Massachusetts.

Project managers, operation staff, and other professionals interested in implementing lean practices may attend the seminar. The topics will cover common lean practices that ICANE members can apply in their projects, regardless of whether the general contractor they are working with are implementing lean practices or not. Lean practices have been proven to increase productivity, reduce unplanned work, and minimize resulting risks. Among the lean practices Mr. Richert will discuss are balanced workflow planning, visual management, 5S organization, and Last Planner System.