On Ratio: The Business of Spray Foam

Simon Baker and Doug Brady of Hunstman Building Solutions (HBS) discuss the recent global supply chain issues that have had a significant impact on the availability of various building materials, including ISO. Combined with the fact that residential housing starts are at their highest since before the crash in 2007, what does all this mean for contractors and builders that rely on these materials every day? In addition to material shortages, Simon and Doug talk about updated building codes, ever-evolving foam technologies, and how that will drive increasing demand for spray foam down the road.

Joining us today is Lee Salamone and Stephen Wieroniey, of the Center for the Polyurethane Industry (CPI), which is part of the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Basically, Lee and Steven work with the policy-makers that have influence on the polyurethane industry. To put it another way, today’s episode can help contractors and spray foam professionals learn what CPI can do for their business as well as how they can leverage and learn from the efforts of the Spray Foam Coalition.

This episode brings you to the 2021 Spray Foam World Wide event in Fort Worth, Texas. John Manning and Courtney Beall of Graco chat with spray foam contractors Josh McCoy, Ron Fetzer, Eric Gladson, and Mike Callahan about what SFWW means to them.

Eight years ago, Mike Callahan thought spray foam was only in cans. Today, he runs Callahan Foam Insulation, and last year, his hard work and dedication led to him being awarded an SPFA Excellence Award. In this episode, Mike talks about how he got started in the business, what he’s learned along the way, and the ever-present need for continued education–not just for spray foam contractors, but for other trades as well.

The new executive director of the SPFA, Rick Duncan, shares what the SPFA does to advocate on behalf of contractors to ensure our industry is successful. You’ll hear about the new resources coming to sprayfoam.org and how the SPFA is making it easier for homeowners and builders to find qualified contractors. This episode of On Ratio answers the question of why it’s important to join SPFA as a contractor or applicator member in 2021, and why membership is a badge of honor.

Sub Zero Spray Foam Insulation in Hazel Green, WI was founded by Nate Millman, who left his spray foam job to start his own foam business, and has since established a solid reputation built upon hard work, quality, and attention to detail. In this episode, Nate talks about what he's learned over the years, and what other contractors can do to build a strong spray foam business themselves.

In this episode, you'll hear from an expert on the important things to consider when building a best-in-class spray foam rig. We talk with Chris Bryntesen, the President/CEO of CJ Spray. We cover nearly every topic from layout, power, wall space, A/C size, payload and storage considerations. You also get a glimpse inside Chris's business operations. Chris, being a business owner himself, reveals many lessons learned and has advice for those looking to grow by making smart business decisions.

Along with his two brothers, Chris Curry co-founded All Florida Insulation. In this episode, Chris shares some of the invaluable sales techniques that he’s developed over the past 13 years. Chris believes in relationships and has contributed to the continued growth of All Florida Insulation by focusing on the needs of the customer, building trust, and delivering on promises. He approaches each potential customer with the same professionalism and integrity, because although they might not be a customer today, they could be tomorrow.

As the VP of Innovation at America's seventh-largest home builder, Meritage Homes, CR Herro is no stranger to being at the forefront of building science. CR is a long-time advocate of spray foam insulation and continues to educate on the efficiency and comfort it brings to Meritage-built homes. In this episode, we'll talk with CR about what it takes to build the best, and what spray foam contractors can do to tap into the ever-growing market of energy-conscious consumers.

With 15 years in the industry, Josh has seen it all, especially when it comes to spray foam insurance. In this episode, you’ll learn all about what you need to know to protect yourself, your employees, your customers, and your company.