In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes Walter Mleczko II, President and Chief Executive Officer at Performance Spray Foam Texas Inc. Walter shares the intense story of navigating a five-year lawsuit that could have crippled his business, all stemming from a jobsite injury that occurred after his crew had been ordered to leave.

Walter walks listeners through the events that led to the lawsuit, how his company became the sole target, and the profound legal and financial implications that followed. Despite doing everything by the book—safety measures, documentation, and jobsite prep—his business faced millions in damages and skyrocketing insurance costs. Walter also sheds light on industry-specific hazards, from VOC off-gassing in tight homes to costly oversights in retrofit jobs. His real-world insights serve as a crucial wake-up call for contractors on the importance of accountability, jobsite documentation, and detailed contracts.

Key Topics Covered:

Are you ready for a future where your next customer demands a solar-powered, all-electric smart home—and rejects granite countertops? 

In this episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes Sara Gutterman, co-founder and CEO of Green Builder Media, North America's leading media company focused on green building and sustainable living. Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of generational home buying and discuss how builders, contractors, and suppliers can tailor their strategies to align with the values and preferences of younger buyers.

Sara shares exclusive insights from Green Builder Media’s Cognition Smart Data platform, revealing how Millennials, Gen Z, and upcoming Gen Alpha prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and smart design in their housing decisions. From prefabricated housing trends to the growing demand for electrification and energy independence, this episode provides actionable data for anyone looking to reach the next generation of homeowners.

Main Topics Discussed:

The shifting housing priorities across Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha

Why younger generations are delaying homeownership and how remote work is influencing their choices

The increasing demand for multifamily and modular housing to meet cost and lifestyle needs

How climate change and sustainability concerns shape modern homebuyer behavior

The role of energy efficiency, electrification, and smart technology in future-proofing homes

In the latest episode of the R-Value Podcast, IDI Business Development expert Ken Allison welcomes back Peter Troast, founder of Energy Circle. Peter shares insights into the 25C Means Business program, an initiative sponsored by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) that provides insulation contractors with free, high-value marketing materials to help them promote the 25C tax credit.

Peter and Ken discuss the program's impact on over 200 contractors who have leveraged these resources to build stronger online presences, rank higher in search engines, and win more jobs by educating homeowners about the tax credit. They also emphasize the urgency of signing up before April 2025, when the program is expected to transition from free to a paid model. Additionally, Peter shares the latest trends in consumer demand, digital marketing, and the role of AI in search, giving contractors actionable insights to stay competitive in the evolving insulation industry.

🔗 Get started with the 25C Means Business program today by visiting 25Cmeansbusiness.org. Don't miss this chance to take your marketing and sales efforts to the next level—while it's still free!

The latest advancements in spray foam technology are here, but are you prepared to handle them? In this episode of the R-Value podcast, industry expert Ken Allison sits down with Honeywell research fellow Mary C. Bogdan to break down the changes, challenges, and solutions that come with the new generation of blowing agents.

As the industry moves through its latest transition, Mary shares insights on the chemistry behind these changes, the challenges contractors are facing, and best practices for adapting to the new formulations. With over 30 years in the industry, she explains why these shifts aren’t new and how manufacturers and contractors can work together to improve application success.

Ken and Mary also discuss the critical role of temperature control in achieving optimal spray foam performance, recent research and testing efforts to support contractors, and the importance of ongoing education in the insulation industry. They highlight how proper training, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and industry collaboration can help ensure successful installations and better outcomes for both contractors and homeowners.

Listen in to stay ahead of the changes and ensure your insulation business thrives in this evolving industry!

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison sits down with Shad Wall of ICDZ Insulation Construction Drawings to discuss innovative approaches to bidding for insulation and spray foam projects. Shad shares his journey from field work to establishing a service that empowers contractors to delegate the complex, time-consuming task of take-offs. This episode unpacks Shad’s unique model of outsourcing bids to skilled architects and engineers, enhancing bid accuracy and enabling sales teams to focus on relationship-building and project understanding.

The conversation also explores the challenges contractors face with project specifications and how to handle discrepancies in commercial drawings effectively. Shad offers advice on the often-overlooked areas of bid preparation, including the importance of accurate roof and wall measurements and the advantages of professionally branded proposal packets. This episode is packed with valuable strategies for contractors aiming to streamline their bidding process and set themselves apart in a competitive market.

Main topics discussed:

• Shad Wall’s unique approach to outsourcing bid take-offs and improving bid accuracy

The Hidden ROI of Insulation and Air Sealing: Expert Tips from Rick Hall, Building Science Professional Training

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes Rick Hall, a seasoned expert in HVAC, insulation, and building codes, to share his extensive knowledge on how proper training and understanding can elevate efficiency in the industry. Rick Hall, from Building Science Professional Training, has been training HVAC and insulation contractors since 2008 and has a wealth of experience in building load calculations and energy efficiency.

During this episode, Ken and Rick dive into the importance of proper HVAC sizing, the long-term benefits of insulation and air sealing, and the critical role of accurate data and performance metrics. Rick emphasizes how many contractors overlook key changes in building loads, leading to inefficient HVAC installations and missed opportunities for energy savings. They also explore the growing integration of insulation in HVAC systems and why focusing on air sealing and ductwork is essential for both contractors and homeowners.

Main topics discussed:

• The importance of correct HVAC load calculations and system sizing

On today’s R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Nikki Kruger from Santa Fe dehumidifiers. As the industry grapples with the challenges of increasingly airtight homes, Nikki sheds light on the latest innovations in dehumidification technology and their role in maintaining healthy, comfortable living spaces.

Nikki brings over 20 years of experience in the indoor air quality (IAQ) industry to her role as Director of Marketing & Business Development at Santa Fe Dehumidifiers. A RESNET certified home energy rater and member of various industry committees, including the ACCA Manual Low Load Homes (LLH) Advisory Committee, Nikki is at the forefront of developing effective and sustainable solutions for ventilation and moisture control in buildings. 

Ken and Nikki debunk dehumidification myths and reveal surprising insights about current technologies. Nikki's expertise shines as she explains why some popular solutions may not be as effective as commonly believed. As she pointedly states, "Everybody wants to use a technology to dehumidify that's not a dehumidifier... The reality of keeping our mechanical systems separate in order for them to focus and being able to deliver what we actually need is the simplest solution for the HVAC community."

In this episode:

• The impact of tighter building envelopes on indoor air quality and the need for mechanical ventilation

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Chris Fuerst welcomes Derek Fowler from Owens Corning to discuss the critical topic of insulation coverage, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques and equipment settings to help maximize efficiency and profitability in insulation projects. 

Derek is a former insulation installer and insulation business owner, who now works for Owens Corning in their Certified Energy Expert program. As part of the support that the program offers, Derek and the CEE team train installers on all applications of Owens Corning products, including L77,

Derek and Chris share practical tips and insights from their extensive experience in the field. The conversation covers common pitfalls, such as overblown or underinflated jobs, and provides actionable advice on maintaining equipment and ensuring accurate material application. You will gain valuable knowledge on optimizing their insulation processes, including specific guidance on machine settings, the impact of hose conditions, and the importance of monitoring coverage to avoid unnecessary costs. Derek also touches on labor issues in the construction industry, offering advice on managing and retaining a skilled workforce.

Tune in to learn how to enhance your insulation practices and ensure your projects are both efficient and profitable.

In this episode…

• The biggest mistake Derek sees installers make

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Peter Troast, Founder and CEO of Energy Circle.

In this episode, Peter and Ken discuss the significant benefits and underutilization of the 25C tax credit for insulation contractors. Peter shares insights on how Energy Circle, in collaboration with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAMA) and the Insulation Institute, has developed a comprehensive suite of free marketing resources to help contractors capitalize on this opportunity. 

Sign up to get these FREE resources today at https://www.25cmeansbusiness.org

Ken and Peter explore the challenges contractors face in understanding and applying the tax credit and how the new changes under the Inflation Reduction Act make it more valuable and accessible. Additionally, they delve into the competitive landscape and how leveraging these resources can help contractors stand out and grow their businesses.

Tune in to learn how you can effectively use the 25C tax credit to boost your business and stay ahead of the competition!

In this episode…

• Overview of the 25C tax credit and its recent enhancements

In this episode, IDI’s Ken Allison and Owens Corning’s Mark Keenan discuss various aspects of soundproofing and acoustic insulation. Marc, who has been with Owens Corning for 24 years, shares his expertise in sound insulation. 

They cover the basics of sound transmission, the importance of resilient channels, and the differences in performance between fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose insulation. Keenan emphasizes the need for proper installation and the significance of addressing structural breaks to achieve effective soundproofing.

Additionally, they discuss specific scenarios, such as soundproofing for home theaters and music studios, and the challenges of air leakage in wall assemblies. Marc provides insights into the most common soundproofing projects and the best practices for setting realistic expectations for clients.

In this episode:

• The role of resilient channels in soundproofing

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on sound insulation techniques and how to enhance your acoustic projects effectively.