Contact the office at (516) 922-7855 or info@esica.org to purchase your ad space! You can also purchase ad space through our website by clicking here!

Contact the office at (516) 922-7855 or info@esica.org to purchase your ad space! You can also purchase ad space through our website by clicking here!

Contact the office at (516) 922-7855 or info@esica.org to purchase your ad space! You can also purchase ad space through our website by clicking here!

Click here to download the sell sheet!

Contact the office at (516) 922-7855 or info@esica.org to purchase your ad space!

Click here to download the sell sheet!

A Discussion with ESICA REVIEW Editors Brad Power of Owens Corning and Tim Harnett of Hart Insulation

ESICA Board Members Brad Power and Tim Hartnett have served as editors of ESICA   REVIEW for a number of years.  They have proven to be an invaluable source of knowledge and information in making our Journal an interesting and enjoyable publication for all of us.

As we begin to emerge from the COVID crisis that has affected our lives so dramatically, we reached out to Brad and Tim for their perspectives in several important areas.

Read on and hear what they have to say about industry challenges, the recent Spring Conference, and their hopes and expectations for ESICA.

ESICA: What do you consider the #1 challenge facing our industry today?

Brad: Unquestionably, labor. As a manufacturer, I see how difficult it is to get those employees back to work. Government incentives and a retiring workforce have diminished our labor pool, I hear it from the engineers I work with who are designing complex systems. New labor is coming in, but they lack knowledge and experience which is impacting productivity at the jobsite.  

Tim: From my perspective the #1 challenge is uncertainty in the future.  Right now, there is still a significant portion of the workforce that is not back in the office. The uncertainty related to the workforce and how companies are going to remobilize will have a big impact on the industry.  Are they going to reduce office space? Will they maintain a home workforce with less office space requirements? Will they refurbish what they have? This all impacts construction going forward. At this point, we don’t have a clear understanding of what’s going to happen.

ESICA: What do you see as the greatest post-COVID-19 impact on your company and the industry?

Brad: Supply Chain Strain!  The supply chain is undergoing a reconfiguration, from manufacturer to end user.  As a result of COVID, trucking companies are charging a lot more and this is impacting our margins. It’s a question of supply and demand. 

Tim: Aside from the uncertainty I spoke about, we seem to have gotten into a situation where labor costs are going up and materials costs are skyrocketing across the board.  This could be the result of the labor shortage, or disruptions in the supply chain because of the storms down in Texas, add this all together and it has significantly impacted all of us.

ESICA: As a manufacturer -- and a contractor -- what lessons have you learned over the past year?

Brad: We’ve learned how to handle a crisis of immense proportions. None of us has ever faced the severity of an economic shutdown like we had in 2020. What can be worse?  Activities were turned upside down. We now know we can handle it.  We learned, along the way, how to deal with the crisis day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month. Everyone who survived adapted.

Tim: I agree with Brad: You had to be able to adapt to the situation. Who would have known prior to this that for 15 months our economy went through an unprecedented downturn? It’s coming back now, but for a very long time the amount of work was drastically reduced. It seemed as though the switch was flipped off in one day.  I adapted in the most basic way … everything became virtual. Prior to this, I had never been on a video conference or a zoom meeting before.  It’s now a common occurrence.

ESICA: Do you believe we will ever return to the way things were in our industry?  

Brad: I don’t think we’ll ever go back to the ‘old’ normal.  We have created a new normal with new ideas, new functions and new ways to sell remotely, all that has changed the way we do things and I think it is forever. It is, in fact, the ‘new’ normal and it is still changing.

Tim: Many things have changed. The industry will continue on, for sure. Will it come back? Absolutely. But nothing ever goes back to the way it was. Just by the experiences we went through, and all that we learned, there are new ways of doing things that will go on. Virtual will not disappear. It doesn’t mean that it’s a disadvantage.  You can definitely use it to your advantage.

ESICA: Let’s switch gears for a moment and discuss the recent Spring Conference. What were your impressions of the event?

Brad: I was 150% into having it … and it exceeded my expectations. So many other organizations either delayed or cancelled their events and it was a painstaking decision to schedule the conference. ESICA staff went above and beyond to see this through. We began the process by sending out a survey to get the ‘buy-in’ from members, then went ahead and planned it. Members were eager to get back to face to face … to participate in discussions and to meet and greet their friends.

Tim: I thought the conference was fantastic.  We really just wanted to break the ice and get things started up again. Initially, we didn’t anticipate a big turn-out, but we felt it was important to host it regardless and prepare for the fall conference.  We were amazed at the overwhelming response and the success of the event.

ESICA: One of the most popular events at the conference was the panel discussion.  As panel members, together with Jerry McCaffrey and Marc Napolitano, what were some of your key ‘take-aways’?

Brad: We got great response from the audience during and after the panel discussion.  We were there, not as ‘the experts’, but to facilitate the broader conversation and get the dialogue started. A small question often blossomed into a full discussion. I think we should continue with the panel discussion. It got everyone talking. 

Tim: Across the board, we heard about the many concerns coming from both contractors and the manufacturers.  You could see clearly from the manufacturers, that labor shortage is a major concern for them. On the contractor’s side, it goes back to uncertainty of the future.

ESICA: As active, involved Board Members of ESICA, what is your greatest hope for our organization, now and in the future?

Brad: I want us to be able to continue to expand our network within the industry.  We need more contractor members. We must continue to grow and promote all the benefits of our organization as well as expand the opportunities available to our members. We represent a truly great networking forum.

Tim: We need to see our contractor membership grow … and we must encourage the current membership to participate in our meetings, conferences, and discussions. It will only serve to benefit them.

ESICA: Why do you believe it is essential to join ESICA … and what do you tell potential members?

Brad: By joining ESICA you become a business resource within the industry. As you get involved and network, you become a known entity – a trusted and reliable source. People feel free to contact you … they rely on your knowledge and experience. You’ve added yourself as an important business resource to many people at one time.

Tim: The contacts you make at each event … the people from across the industry you meet … you would not have this opportunity in an informal environment anywhere else. The knowledge you gain is invaluable. Whether you are a contractor, supplier, distributor, or manufacturer, ESICA membership gives you the confidence to be able to call somebody you met and know that they will respond.

We join together in thanking Brad and Tim for their great perspectives … for continuing to support our organization with their time, efforts and knowledge … and for helping to make ESICA REVIEW a valuable source of information for all of us.

“The spring conference went beyond our expectations, emphasized John DeLillo Jr., ESICA Deputy Director. “When we began planning the event, we expected a small group of maybe 30 or 40 members. How surprised we were when the responses came pouring in.  We had close to 70 attendees who were delighted to reunite once again!”

We recently spoke with our conference newcomers as well as our regular attendees, who all were eager to share their experiences:

“This conference was on track … timely … and extremely well organized.  I was pleased to see that ESICA focused the conference on what is going on NOW!” Chris Bullock, Duna USA

“This was my first experience at an ESICA Conference, and I felt no awkwardness. The group as a whole was extremely inviting and comforting and made me feel welcome.

“It was so good to get away after being in my home office for over a year! We discussed current hardships we are facing right now, like employment issues, new policies, problems associated with stimulus money and trying to get back to normal.

“I met many new people and made some great connections. I felt an incredible sense of comradery in seeing industry people face-to-face – it was all so worth the time and money. I definitely would have missed something by not being there.” 

“As a newcomer to ESICA, I really appreciated the openness and friendliness of everyone I met. The Board Members made it a point to personally come over and introduce themselves. They made me feel so welcome.” Ken Eakin, Insu-W-Rapid Americas (IWR)

“What a great venue … the outdoor meeting areas, nearby beach and resort. I loved it!

“The conference was excellent– very impressive all around. As a salesman, and a new member, I got to speak with a lot of people I wanted to meet. I so appreciated the warm welcome I received, and I am truly looking forward to the fall conference.”

“I think, above all, the panel discussion with manufacturers, distributors and contractors gave me real knowledge and information I can use: What’s happening out there, what works, and what doesn’t. It’s nice to hear about these things without prying for information.”

“This was my first ESICA conference, and I truly felt comfortable. There was industry conversation and great dialogue, which helped me understand what contractors and other manufacturers are facing. All in all, I left feeling very encouraged and was glad to meet new people.” Joe Mlachak, Fit Tight Covers

“The conference provideda platform formuch needed discussionon new business challenges and how the industry was responding to COVID.  

“The venue encouraged everyoneto relaxand conversemore openlyoutside the work environment.  I met a lot of these people for the first time, and they were the best! For me,the value in attending is really there.

“I discovered that all these businesses have unique challenges,but everyone attending wants and needs the industry to be successful.  I was so impressed with the comradery even among competitors. Companies in our industry have found ways toovercome extreme challenges, stay open, and perform on a high level.

“During the conference, I attended my first face-to-face board meeting since joining the board. I loved the open and honest forum that existed and how everyone was there to contribute – not just fill a seat.”  Marc Napolitano, Insulation Materials Corporation (IMC)

“I absolutely loved seeing all my friends. Most of us have been working through all this, but we don’t get a chance to play together, to talk and to let our hair down.  It was a great feeling.

“I also enjoyed being a part of the panel discussion with Brad Power, Jerry McCaffrey and Tim Hartnett.  Topics emphasized the hurdles we are all facing in getting back to normal.  I believe attendees got good information from the session.

For me, it was all about unwinding, learning a little something and driving the business forward.  Just being a part of the bigger picture was extremely rewarding.”

“You don’t realize how much you miss everyone until you see your friends and associates again. I felt like we were back to normalcy.” Owen Sommers, Rockwool Technical Insulation

“That first evening at the cocktail reception was one of the most memorable parts of the event for me.  Greeting old friends, meeting new people – it’s really a moment of excitement when you see each other again after so long. 

“Personally, I feel this was the best conference yet. The reason is simply because I’ve been a part of ESICA for over 5 years, and I’ve grown fond of the people who are part of this organization.  This time, I felt I really belonged. I actually got hugs!

“One thing I can vouch for is the freedom we all felt just to be there.  People were genuinely happy to be free and socialize and roam around.” Louis Walton, Proto Corp.

“I believe it’s all about reconnecting face-to-face with people.  Zoom gets old after a while. Seeing customers in person is so important.

“I didn’t’ travel for 14 months.  During those meetings on zoom we took care of business.  Initially we slowed down a little bit, but we were always busy.  Fast forward a few months, it was clear the overall commercial construction would remain strong across North America. We are blessed to be part of this industry.

“The conference had a lot of good sharing and during discussions everyone spoke from their heart.  There was a lot of valuable information reinforcing the shared struggles we are all facing.”

The conference timing was exceptional, and the overall feeling was really positive.  It was so nice to see everyone enjoy the comradery that existed. It was great to see hugs, handshakes, and high fives after being away from associates over the last year.” Tiffany Gonzalez, Distribution International

“As we get busier, more and more issues arise. Just discussing the challenges we are all facing as suppliers, vendors, and contractors – talking about the industry as whole and getting different perspectives – helps us to plan better for what is to come.

“It’s important to talk about the real issues in the industry and everyone was eager to do just that and certainly offer their perspectives.

“This is definitely a candid group!  Everyone was chiming in to give their input.”

From the opening cocktail reception onward, everyone who attended the Spring Conference felt the warmth and comradery among ESICA members and associates.  We were so excited to be together once again.

We eagerly anticipate our upcoming Fall Conference at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, FL, September 9-11. The ESICA team has planned an amazing event you will not want to miss! Register today.

Insu-W-Rapid Americas Joins the ESICA Family!

ESICA extends a warm welcome to the Insu-W-Rapid (IWR) Americas team, manufacturers of metal jacketing systems and insulation ancillaries for the thermal and acoustic insulation industry.

IWR specializes in the supply of their products to the industrial and commercial insulation sectors, which includes metal jacketing, banding, mass-loaded vinyl and the associated accessories needed for installation.  IWR also offers fabricated metal products such as gored elbows, vessel heads, tees, reducers, rings, valve and flange hard-covers and even burn guards.  The company’s vast experience on international projects provides their customers extensive knowledge of the insulation industry.

With manufacturing locations based in Houston, TX, and in the southern Dutch town of Moergestel, IWR is a ISO9001:2015 certified company, and is audited on a yearly basis for compliance. 

“IWR’s wide range of products and associated inventory levels … efficient logistical network … and knowledge of insulation systems ensures optimum reliability and short lead times,” reported Ken Eakin, Regional Sales Manager.  “Our extensive know-how and experience make us a leader in our field, and your industry partner.”  Quality assurance and traceability are strictly implemented by IWR, which is audited for strict compliance to ISO9001:2015.

“We are delighted to be a part of the ESICA organization,” said Joel Madrid, IWR General Manager.  “As we expand our reach in the US, we have appointed Ken Eakin to lead our journey on the East Coast.  Ken, who is located in Pittsburgh, will be involved in ESICA activities moving forward.  We all look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the ESICA family.”

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Steve Shegogue on August 27 of last year.

Steve was born on October 17, 1947 in Cheverly, Maryland and grew up in Old Greenbelt, Maryland. In 1965, he began working in the trade of heat and frost insulators and asbestos workers rising to the position of president of TBN. Steve worked tirelessly for 55 years in the industry until his death. He met his wife in 1964 and they were very happily married for 53 years. In everything Steve did, his primary consideration and concern was for the well-being of his family. He was unendingly proud of his children, Steven and Cathryn Shegogue and Dawn and Alex Major; and his seven grandchildren. Anyone who knew Steve recognized him as being a loving and hardworking husband, father and grandfather who consistently demonstrated genuine kindness, patience and generosity.

Those close to Steve reflect on his dedication, legacy and love of family:

Kenny Graves, President of TBN

“There are many things we would like to forget about this crazy 2020 year but Steve and his legacy is not one of them. We will forever be grateful for the decades of unwavering dedication that Steve gave to TBN, where he started as an apprentice and rose to president. Steve began his journey in the Mechanical Insulation Industry in 1965. He has contributed a wealth of knowledge and support to our industry and mentored many (including myself) during his tenure. Along the way, he has held many leadership positions within Asbestos Workers Local #24, Joint Apprentice Committee, Trade Board for Union Contractors, Insulation Contractors Association of Washington, DC, Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association, and Trustee of the Asbestos Workers Local 24 Medical Fund to name a few.”

Steve’s smile and humor will surely be missed by many.

Jerry McCaffrey of Thermal Solutions

“I got to know Steve through ESICA and NIA.  After hearing about him from many people in the industry, I finally got a chance to meet him at an ESICA event.  He was everything I had heard about and more.  We spent hours talking about family and work.  He was truly a genuine person who would help anyone.  A golfer and sportsman … we had so much in common.  I regret not having the chance to say goodbye to Steve – he was the ultimate gentleman.”

Ray Levesque of Kim Industries

“While I did not often get an opportunity to speak with Steve outside of our ESICA events, I truly enjoyed the times when we were together. He always had a keen outlook on the industry and I would look forward to our meetings to hear his point of view. On the personal side, Steve always had time to say hello and ask how business and the family were. He was a trusted voice within our Association!

We will remember Steve for his kindness, dedication and love of family and friends.

Kim Industries, Inc., in Danbury, CT., was founded in 2008 by David Kim. With the home office located in Danbury and branch offices in Buffalo and Albany, Kim Industries serves the mechanical insulation trade in Connecticut and New York, from the Hudson Valley to Western NY.

With over one hundred years of experience among the company’s three regional managers, Kim Industries proudly strives to provide experienced and knowledgeable insulation contracting services to clients throughout the tri-state area.

As a certified MWBE Mechanical/Plumbing Insulation contractor in New York State and Connecticut, the company fulfills the MWBE goals laid out by NY, CT and local governments for direct labor contracting services. 

“As a new ESICA member, I hope to build long-lasting relationships with members and enjoy the comradery of fellow contractors and vendors for many years to come!” emphasized Owner and President David Kim. “Through ESICA, I hope to keep abreast of the current trends in the industry and of course to be on top of any other changes and news that would affect our business.” 

CLIMATECH

Established in 1985 in Belgium, Climatech is a family-run company which quickly became the leading European manufacturer of flexible duct connectors, insulation fastening systems and other duct accessories. To meet the growing demand for a wider range of quality accessories, Climatech expanded its product line of supporting, assembling and fixing duct solutions to include air distribution and regulation.

Climatech has a growing presence in the US market, with a sales office in Long Island-NY and warehousing in Edison-NJ that houses a large stock of insulation hangers (self-adhesive and insulated welding pins) for immediate shipping. Extensive investment in production machinery and logistics facilities, a customer satisfaction-oriented mindset, and nonstop development of accessories for all insulation and ventilation duct systems provide the company with a long-standing reputation of excellence in all HVAC and insulation markets.

“As we grow in the US market, our ESICA membership is an important part of our action plan,” emphasizes Caio Tadau Brandao, North America, Latin America and ME Sales Manager. “Our goal is to develop relationships with ESICA members, supplying them with quality products at competitive pricing. We also plan to have a regular presence at ESICA events to support the association and maintain a strong relationship with other members.”

DUNA-USA

DUNA-USA Inc. is part of a group of companies led by DUNA-Corradini S.p.A., established in 1957. Currently DUNA-USA Inc. manufactures rigid PU/PIR FOAMS in continuous production specifically designed for the American market and offering greatly improved performance.

Founded in 2001, DUNA-USA Inc. was new only to the American domestic market. The company’s products had already been approved and used by leading American engineering companies on their international projects. The manufacturing facility in the USA has greatly enhanced the company’s presence in the North American market and has established a stable presence in various classification institutions, including the ASTM C 16 committee responsible for the development of the thermal insulation standards.

“DUNA USA was invited to join ESICA by Marc Napolitano with IMC Corp.,” says Chris Bullock of DUNA Technical Sales. “He personally told me of the benefits of being a member of ESICA.  I did a quick research and noticed many of our insulation fabricating customers are current members, so the idea of better visibility had a great appeal.  DUNA USA believes it has a wide product range and technical expertise that will be a benefit to the members of ESICA as well.  We look forward to being able to meet more members face-to-face when the current pandemic situation begins to open up.”

All of us at ESICA welcome Kim Industries, Climatech and DUNA-USA to our growing family!

Where we live:
Marc: East Brunswick, NJ
David: Wilbraham, MA

What we do:
Marc: Vice President/General Manager of Insulation Materials Corp. David: Territory Manager at Homan’s Associates

Three things we would like everyone to know about us:
Marc: I am a great cook (just ask me!); I try to treat everyone as I would like to be treated; and I am most happy when surrounded by people I love. David: I love cooking and entertaining; I was a soccer goalie for the Providence College Friars; and I am an avid golfer.

What we like most about our work:
Marc: I enjoy working side by side with our customers, reviewing specifications or creating new ones. Working out creative logistical plans for large capital projects is another favorite challenge. Also, I absolutely love tinkering in the fabrication shop with my fabrication team, coming up with new innovations. Basically, I love the action!
David: I cherish the opportunity to build relationships with both coworkers and customers.

Our most difficult challenge:
Marc: I think, like most managers, it’s hiring, training and retaining employees.
David: Coming back from a torn quad muscle two years ago.

Our greatest inspiration:
Marc: I have many, but right now it is my wife, Christine, the President of IMC. She has been an incredible leader through this challenging and unprecedented time.
David: My Dad, Francis O'Brien.

Our happiest moments:
Marc: When I am in my kitchen cooking for my family and enjoying the outdoors with my boys, fishing, hiking and talking.
David: Getting married and having kids.

What we are most proud of:
Marc: Today it would be how well my family is coping with this pandemic. My children have adjusted well to remote learning and are excelling in school. My wife and I have been able to lead our team at IMC out of 2020 and into 2021 as a stronger company than we have ever been. I am very proud of my family. David: Being an older Dad. It is hard but so much fun at the same time.

Most exciting part of being a new ESICA Board Member:
Marc: This industry has given me everything I have today. Being a member of the ESICA Board allows me to give back to the industry that I am so proud to be a part of.
David: Meeting my fellow ESICA members and learning from different people in the industry.

Bucket list for the near and distant future:
Marc: Backpacking in Yellowstone; salmon fishing in Alaska; and owning a farm in Pennsylvania.
David: The joy of watching my children grow up.

Congratulations, David and Marc on your election to the ESICA Board. We wish you continued success in all your endeavors!

As we all know, 2020 did not go as planned. Instead, we were all faced with uncertainty on business and personal levels. As a result of the pandemic, we were unable to host any of our annual conferences in 2020. Although that is an immense disappointment, we are optimistic for 2021.

The Board of Directors and association team have been working diligently to ensure that our conferences take place in the most safe and effective way. For the 2021 Spring Conference, based on member feedback, we have decided that it would be best to host an in-person event, but on a smaller scale with slight changes. It is our hope that we can serve every comfort level while keeping members connected to ESICA. We are actively working with the hotel to ensure that all safety protocols will be followed. The 2021 Spring Conference is scheduled to take place from May 5^th to May 7^th at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, SC. Please visit www.esica.org for the most up to date information on the Spring Conference. As we get closer to May, regulations and precautions may change that affect the conference, so our website will be the source for all recent information.

I would like to thank our contractor and associate members, ESICA Review advertisers and conference sponsors for your continued support. We know that these are difficult times and we truly value your dedication to ESICA, the insulation industry and our communities.

Kind Regards,

Scott Grant

ESICA President

Jerry: We have been very lucky We only lost 1 week in the beginning of the crisis. At the time, we were in the middle of many hospital projects that have continued on. Hospitals needed to get up and running, and we are essential to that. By the end of the first week I had five people come back … the third week another five with 10 people at various locations. Many entrances at the hospitals were shut down, with only one entrance open for patients. We were working in mechanical rooms, at a distance from those who were ill. While some of our workers were reluctant to come back, by the end of the third week everyone returned with the addition of 6 new hires. 

Ray: We found it very difficult to get the protective equipment we needed or to restock when supplies ran out. We normally keep respirators as part of our PPE to send out to a jobsite. Hand sanitizers and wipes—the items project managers were requesting -- were getting more and more scarce. On the other hand, the empty public schools provided us with an opportunity for additional construction time – our teams could now start working in the schools in March, not July, so this helped get things moving. The federal stimulus package actually was an early hurdle as workers were making as much money remaining home as coming back to work. It became more and more difficult to get people to the jobsite, limiting available manpower during the first few months of the pandemic.



ESICA: With limited face-to-face contact, how are you communicating to associates & customers during this crisis? 

Scott: Our communications have gone to the virtual world. In-person meetings are not like they were. Zoom, Go to Meeting, Suite – we are using them all. Even though I am old school and I like to see people face-to-face, these virtual communications tools work.

John: In such uncertain times communications is even more critical than it has ever been. Working from home can sound great but in practice it has its challenges. The biggest being communications and social isolation. Right from the onset we established a “new routine” of regularly scheduled conference calls and video conferencing. In the beginning these calls were daily. Just trying to figure out how to implement our disaster recovery and business continuity plans in the midst of a pandemic were things I hope not to ever have to do again. For a business that hadn’t developed such plans, this challenge must have been overwhelming. Today we have settled into the “new routine” and embraced the use of technology such as Skype, Teams and Zoom. We had been using these platforms for sometime but not to the level we do now. I am on some form of video conferencing at least once a day, every day.

Jerry: We communicate almost entirely via email, text, and phone calls. Before the crisis, I was in my customers’ offices twice a week, even if it was just to say hello. This all had to stop. I still went into my office with a mask after the first few weeks. Caution was the key word. Unknowns made people very nervous. I zoomed and did video conferencing with business associates, family, and friends. 

Ray: As some people are more tech savvy than others, we sometimes ran into technical issues when communicating with associates and customers. Internally, we are doing far more phone conferences than ever before and we’ve done meetings on zoom.

We recently just had a zoom related meeting with ESICA. Naturally, the biggest drop off is face-to-face meeting and job walks. In the past, there would be four or five contractors on a job walk at the same time. Now it’s one company at a time.

ESICA: What are some of the practices you have put into play that might be adopted in the future?

Scott: Being insulators, we know all about respirators and the masks with two straps. Some of the more stringent requirements make it difficult for crews to work side by side and it’s not something we would want to continue after all this goes away Fit testing to ensure you are wearing masks correctly, without endangering yourself, is here to stay.

John: I think working remotely and to some degree video conferencing are here to stay. We developed a new cash flow modeling program, as a result of Covid, that we will continue to use as a permanent part of our business. We are likely to see more ways to use cloud services and other yet to-be invented ways to communicate. Where we end up a year from now will depend on the scientific community’s ability to develop treatments and a successful vaccine.

Jerry: Caution will be here for a very long while. But truthfully, I pride myself on friendship, familiarity, and face-to-face meetings. I hope it all goes back to the way it was! 

Ray: Protection, caution, and social distancing will be around for a while. 
Certainly for contractors in the Northeast, who were hit harder. Getting around – how we work, shop and dine – will all be impacted. I think the ways we are manning jobs for additional PTE, respirators, face shields – and tackling jobs to completion -- these considerations will remain. 

ESICA: How you see this crisis changing our industry in the near and distant future? 

Scott: Even when a cure is found, people will still be skeptical about getting out.
When this all began, with high unemployment, employers discovered they didn’t need as many people as they had in the office. From a commercial standpoint, this could all end up creating a lot of unused office space. 

John: I really don’t know the answer to that. It seems that human beings have a short memory and that old habits die hard. That said there will be change. Again, the use of video conferencing rather than in person meetings. Less traveling just for the sake of seeing someone in person. We might see more modular construction, limiting the number of craft workers required to mobilize on a given site. Maybe even the use of robotics in some case replacing people in places we wouldn’t expect. I also worry about trade organizations. We’ll have to see how comfortable people will be coming back to large gatherings and whether or not networking with ones peers remains as important to future generations as it does to current and past generations. 

Jerry: Lost time for daily testing and spacing of work areas has caused us to lower production by 15% so far. I think everybody will adjust productivity for the future. We are working on a casino and hotel in Philadelphia near the sports complex. We are seeing chips on hard hats at the site. If a worker is in close proximity to another, the chip beeps. If somebody comes back and tests positive, they can be identified and others around them notified. Employees have a good feeling about this type of alert system.

Ray: The cost of jobs are going to go up due to the need for extra protection. Based on conversations we’ve had, added personal protection equipment and social distancing are here to stay. Inevitably, it will drive up the cost of doing business. 

All of us at ESICA extend a big THANK YOU to Scott, John, Jerry, and Ray for sharing your experiences. We wish you all good health and continued prosperity in these difficult times.

Featured in ESICA Review 2020, Volume 2.

Manufacturers, distributors, and contractors are creating innovative programs and protocols to minimize the impact of coronavirus on the health of their employees, all the while working diligently to minimize disruptions to their businesses.

We’re pleased to present the ways in which our members have overcome the challenges of this crisis and are navigating the months ahead for the safe return of their people to the workplace.

Owens Corning Takes a Thoughtful and Safe Approach in All Areas of Operation

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“The health and safety of our employees, their families, and all of our stakeholders remains our top priority as we work together to provide essential products to our customers,” said Chief Executive Officer Brian Chambers. “In the face of rapidly changing market conditions, we will continue to adjust our operations to meet near-term demand shifts while ensuring we are positioned for long-term success.”

Brian Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, Owens Corning
______________________________________________________________________

Owens Corning and the products we make are critical for the continued and immediate operation of other essential businesses and infrastructures including roads and bridges, commercial and residential building construction, wind energy, transportation, and other necessities of life. Our products protect and maintain hospitals, medical labs, schools, military housing, grocery stores, pharmacies and others actively providing critical care and resources to people in need of assistance as well as for building and repair of low-income and multifamily housing.

As an essential business, we must assure the safety and well-being of our employees. OC has implemented many enhanced operating protocols, including robust cleaning procedures, use of personal protective equipment, social distancing, employee health screenings, restrictions, and work-from-home requirements at all of its locations consistent with the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and local state and government mandates. In addition, the company has enhanced sick leave and other healthcare benefits for employees to provide additional assistance.

For Brad Power, Sr. Regional Manager, Foamglas, work-from-home requirements means ‘business as usual’ with constant contact via phone and computer in place of face-to-face meetings. “We have used Zoom and Skype a ton more to answer questions and show our products via PowerPoint presentations,” reports Brad. “I have been in contact with all my customers, addressing questions and concerns such as inventory inquiries … making sure we have enough material available when everyone returns to work. Another sector of my customer base is the engineering community. They have been working remotely as well with questions about applications during this transition. The work is still there … especially if it’s deemed essential!”

Four-Level Operating Framework

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and many countries and regions begin to reopen, Owens Corning has implemented a four-level operating framework, detailing how employees will return to the workplace as restrictions are lifted. The OC Operating Level for a country or state is determined by a combination of both external and internal factors including local regulations and requirements which supersede OC recommendations and must be followed.

Many OC sites recently shifted to Operating Level 3, while others are quickly moving in that direction. These levels may change at any time based on external and on-site conditions.

The OC Operating Level 3 Guidance & Restrictions serve as a comprehensive resource for how the company is conducting business. Given the dynamic nature of the situation, these are updated regularly with the most current version posted for employees on the COVID-19 Guidance site on the myOC intranet. Current operating level 3 encompass guidelines and restrictions covering a wide variety functions ranging from business travel, events and meetings … to safety protocols including face protection social distancing, health screenings and temperature checks, to name just a few. Owens Corning continues to monitor COVID-19 and make adjustments to these materials as needed.

“Level 4, which was total lockdown, is now in our rear-view mirror,” says Brad Power. “When this first started, there were many questions and we had to learn to be patient and accept the reality of the situation. We are all looking forward to Level 2, where we can get out there in person, with restrictions of course, and ultimately to Level 1, a return to normal activity levels. Our safety comes first and OC has put that on top of the priority list. They have always put us first before business. Once we adapted to the restrictions and made a business plan we then turned our attention to tour customers.”

“These are extraordinary times that remind us of the power of the human spirit,” concludes CEO Brian Chambers. “Together, we will get through this. As the world comes together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Owens Corning remains steadfast in our support of our colleagues, customers, partners and the communities in which we live and work.”

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Johns Manville Plays a Critical Role in Serving Essential Businesses

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Many people think of insulation as material only for residential or commercial office buildings; however, it actually plays a critical role in many essential industries, like hospitals, health care facilities and data centers. These types of facilities were especially taxed during the COVID-19 outbreak and shelter-in-place orders, and JM quickly adapted to ensure that we could safely meet the needs of the essential businesses we help serve while still protecting our employees.

Dave Skelly, General Manager, Performance Materials, Johns Manville
________________________________________________________________________

As COVID-19 spread across the U.S., JM responded quickly to protect our employees while still remaining operational as an essential business. Based on the guidelines set forth by the local governments at each of our locations, as well as those established by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, JM mandated that employees who could work from home do so, in order to limit the number of employees in the plants and offices.

However, remaining operational as an essential business came with calculated risks, and we had our first positive COVID-19 case in our Edison, New Jersey PVC plant in late March. JM responded quickly and quarantined the employee as well as those who were in close contact with him at the facility, and then conducted deep cleaning protocols. This allowed us to contain what could have potentially been an outbreak at one of our facilities. Rather than experiencing a devastating loss, JM was responsive and decisive at this facility, and we used our learnings from this scenario to shape our planning and responses for future cases at other facilities.

“I’m thrilled to say that the employee in question is healthy and back at work, helping to deliver the JM experience for our customers every day,” reports Dave Skelly. “Beyond that, to date, we have had a limited number of cases at our facilities because of the safety measures we have implemented to help protect our employees.”

Remaining Present and Available to Customers and Markets

Over the last several years, we have been honing and developing our competencies in digital communication, electronic market outreach, and e-learning platforms – and this was absolutely pivotal during the shutdown. We used this time to deliver more webinars than ever before, serving as a resource for customers who were working from home and looking to capitalize on their “down time” to further educate themselves.

We delivered ten webinars in a month, on topics ranging from “The Health and Safety of Fiberglass and Mineral Wool” [link: https://youtu.be/UoB1MhhpnNs ] to “Insulation Systems for LNG Piping” [ Link: https://youtu.be/ZamA8O0ADLI ]. The attendance rates at these educational webinars increased significantly during the months people were working from home. Due to this increased attendance, we began producing additional educational content to help meet the demand of the market. Even our their face-to face interactions with customers are limited right now, that certainly doesn’t mean communication and support has stopped. We are leveraging our leadership position on these digital platforms to help address customers’ needs, questions, and concerns remotely.

Adapting to Accommodate Changes in Operations

By streamlining areas such as the supply chain, manufacturing operations, and transportation logistics, we have been able to largely ensure that service to customers has not been disrupted. The practices we have put in place to accomplish this will continue to be components of the company’s operations going forward as they have helped to streamline and optimize operations. Additionally, we will continue to focus on
e-learning and providing digital resources for customers and the industry.

Our new best practices also include communication rhythms with our employees. Almost overnight, we had to shift to a work-from-home environment, transitioning entirely to digital communication. Our team adapted to working from home very well, and part of that was led by managers staying engaged with their teams. We quickly saw employees and managers utilizing the digital communication tools available to them. This included things such as recurring check-in calls, virtual happy hours, and an expanded use of collaboration software. Many of us, for the first time, had meetings on camera in order to better connect with each other while practicing social distancing.

Despite the fact that many of our employees continue to work from home, our product development projects have continued to march forward. Our product team is effectively utilizing all the resources available to them to ensure that projects in the innovation pipeline have continued to progress. Since our travel has been significantly restricted, we have learned to take new approaches to successfully completing these projects.



IMC Avoids Layoffs Despite Construction Slowdowns
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“While many industrial and commercial jobs shut down in the early days of the pandemic, IMC was able to weather the storm. As a full service distributor and fabricator with customers throughout the country, we are diversified enough to catch whatever business was available.”

Marc Napolitano, Vice President and General Manager, IMC Insulation
________________________________________________________________________

The construction slowdowns definitely impacted work flow for our employees. We worked in shifts, putting half of our people to work half the time, the others the other half. This went on for quite a while, but we are delighted to say we had no layoffs at IMC.

We are a family business, with a family mindset. We couldn’t have imagined having our staff at home without paychecks. As we told everyone, ‘If you come to work, we’ll keep you working.’ I am so proud that we were able to pay our staff.

I have to say that during this time the cell phone proved to be the greatest thing ever invented. Not everyone at IMC has access to a laptop, or even the internet, and we needed to communicate with employees and customers every day. I did travel to local branches when possible to talk to our people and keep up morale. That was the hardest and most important aspect of this difficult time. I’m pleased to say that everybody did their part, pulled up their bootstraps, and delivered a great job.

One of the more positive aspects of this crisis is that I have been speaking to my managers and local supervisors much more often that I ever did … checking on them to make sure they are okay. This has definitely brought us closer together.



Fastest Inc., Naturally Adapts To Shelter-in-Place Guidelines
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Fortunately, since we are a software company that operates in both the U.S. and Canada, we are setup to easily operate remotely with support and training through online meetings and phone calls. During this crisis our customers were able to make the transition from the office to home without missing a beat or missing a bid.

Mike Postiglione, President, Fastest Inc.
________________________________________________________________________

Luckily flexibility and the ability to make quick changes on jobs has always been key to survival in the construction industry. Now, this flexibility must extend to where we work as well. This movement away from everyone being in one location, expands the potential for more people to work remotely.

Often, members of our team will travel for training or conferences, making consistent staff meetings hard. During the shelter-in-place, we started using online video conferencing to touch base once a week with everyone in the office. This helped keep us all abreast of new changes and updates that were being made to our software. Now back in the office, we continue this practice to keep contact between employees to a minimum. Even after social distancing isn’t necessary, we will continue weekly online staff meetings to keep traveling employees engaged.

When we needed to quickly let customers know that we were offering free in-home licenses for use during shelter-in-place orders, we added an alert to our software. This was crucial in getting that information in front of our software users when they needed it most. We have also used email, social media and our website as secondary outlets for communication.

Software Technology allows all users, no matter their location, to access their jobs and bids from their computer. And in this climate and industry, where every dollar counts, companies that can adjust and change quickly will be the ones that thrive.

Article Featured in ESICA Review, 2020, Volume 2. (page 19)

Over his 57 years in the business, Bob worked in every position possible and led the company as President until his passing in April. Bob served as President of ESICA and was a member of the National Insulation Association, where he held the position of chairman of the Insurance Committee. Those close to Bob reflect on his love and dedication to family and friends:

Megan Thompson, Bob’s daughter, speaks about her dad: “My dad took great pride in working with his children day in and day out over the years. None of his children, thought they would go into the family business but over the years, Aimee, Brett, Brenna and myself all began careers in different areas of the company.

“Dad also worked with some of his best friends, including lifelong buddies Jack and Patti Schunk and of course his wife of 51 years, Jane, who came to work after their youngest daughter was born in the 80s.

“I think my dad was best known for holding court by the pool at ESICA and NIA conventions with friends and colleagues, sharing a meal and just talking business. He made some of his greatest friends through the industry, including Bob Tise and Bob Elsey. He was very passionate and often spoke his mind.

“Outside of the business he was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at the beach with his family, working with wood and having good meals with family and friends. For years he coached his daughters in soccer, sponsoring the team the MISFITS and rooting for USA Women’s soccer team. He adored any time he got to spend with his 11 grandkids, including going to water polo games and the occasional swim meet, teaching them how to work with tools and making them laugh. He also liked traveling with his wife and going on River Boat cruises with a small group of friends or spending long weekends in St Michaels, MD with the Tises.

“My dad taught me valuable lessons in business. He instilled in me the importance of customer service before I even started my first job. I have carried that with me through my other careers and I make it a priority here at McCormick too. He taught me the importance of hard work and not being complacent. I strive now to make him proud in everything I do.” Bob Tise remembers his friend and associate:

“As all of us who knew Bob would agree, he was one of a kind! I first met Bob at an ESICA conference in Annapolis, MD, some 34 years ago. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was very nervous meeting a man I heard so much about -- an Industry legend -- and a man, who I was told, didn't like many people. I expected I would meet Bob and I would be on that list of his.

“To my surprise we hit it off and over the years I became such good, close friends not only with Bob but with the entire McCormick Family. They are all very special to me and I am so happy our paths crossed.

“People who didn't know Bob that well surely missed out on a true treasure. Outside, he came across as a difficult person, but that was not Bob to those of us who knew him well! Inside he had a heart of gold, was very intelligent, an Industry Leader, and an avid reader. Bob would always tell you the way it was and never sugarcoated anything. To me that was his charm.

“Bob taught me so much about our industry, life, and family. He was an Icon to me and I will never forget all the good times we had with he and his wife Jane over the years. There is a big void in my life with the passing of Bob. I always think of him and I m so sorry that because of the Covid-19 we could not say goodbye to a very special person and close friend.

“How I miss our Pool Committee Meetings we had at every ESICA and NIA Meeting! To this day I believe our Meetings are still talked about and a memory that I will always have!”

Jack Schunk remembers his lifelong friend & business partner

What do I say or where do I begin? I could write volumes about our escapades over the 72 years of friendship. I met Robbie when we were 5 years old, believe it or not, in Sunday School. We did a stint in the Cub Scouts, went to high school together, then to The University of Maryland where we were roommates and shared an off-campus apartment.

Robbie’s grandfather would take him to the office on Saturday to check the mail. Following their visits to the office, Robbie would have on a new pair of shoes. That is because he would purposely put on an old tattered pair of shoes with gaping holes for his weekly office visit and his grandfather would say, “Boy, don’t you have anything better to wear?” Then it was off to the store they would go to purchase a new pair of shoes.

I worked at the family business temporarily waiting to get my orders from the Army in 1964. After I returned from basic training, Robbie asked me if I would work with him full time, a partnership that would last 51 years. During those years there were trials and tribulations which ended in triumphs.

In 1965 Robbie stood as my best man when I married Patti, who also worked for the company for 45 years. Robbie met Patti’s best friend from childhood at our wedding and four years later Robbie and Janie were married, when I was his best man and Patti was Janie’s matron of honor. Shortly thereafter we started McCormick Insulation Supply. I know that Robbie’s children, who were taught by the very best, will succeed in all of their future endeavors.

I am extremely proud to have been Robbie’s friend and business associate. Many fond memories were made over the years and I will miss him.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bob McCormick will be missed by all who knew him. We will remember Bob for his generosity, dedication and hard work on behalf of all of us at ESICA.

Article Featured in ESICA Review 2020, Volume 2. (page 14)

President's Message:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of ESICA, I truly hope that everyone is doing well. These past few months have been very difficult for all. The COVID-19 Pandemic has certainly put a strain on our industry, and I hope that all businesses are successfully reopened and working on building back up!

In this volume of the ESICA Review we have a special tribute to a longtime member who we lost in April, Robert McCormick. Bob and his family have been a large part of ESICA for many years and continue to support the organization. He will be greatly missed.

As many of you know, we have decided to cancel our 2020 Fall Conference that was scheduled for September in Boston. We felt it was in the best interest of health and safety to cancel the event. I know many members look forward to their time at our conferences, and it saddens me that 2020 will be a year without ESICA Conferences, but it is for the best. Please visit our website as we are continuously gathering and posting helpful upcoming industry webinars.

Please be sure to save the date for our 2021 Spring Conference to take place from May 5^th – May 7^th at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, SC. I greatly look forward to finally seeing everyone there!

Kind Regards,

Scott Grant ESICA President

City of Residence: Frederick, Maryland

Company and position: CEO of Insul-Tech

What I like best about my work: I enjoy working with good employees and good customers and achieving positive results when I am faced with difficult tasks.

Greatest challenge at work: Being a third tier contractor does not always allow us to be in control of communications with our end user and offer advice or alternatives to
achieve the best and most efficient product.

I am happiest when: My family is together and I am spending time with my grandchildren.

I’m proudest of: My daughters and their families for their values and morals and raising their children in a Christian environment.

Best advice I ever received: Be patient and conservative as a business owner… nurture and respect relationships… and always consider the other person’s perspective in a situation.

What I want everyone to know about me: I am a craftsman at heart and enjoy
working with my hands; if anyone needs help, I like to be there for whatever I can provide; my church and missions are important to me.

My greatest inspiration: My wife, for her support and always offering a different perspective. She encourages me and makes me want to be better.

My main goals as President of ESICA: Continuing growth in membership; encouraging more participation among current members; and keeping the association tightly knit and working for the best interests of our industry.

Key benefits of ESICA membership: The advantage of networking with so many industry people throughout a wide geographical area and discussing our industry with my peers.

Most notable changes in ESICA over the years: More involvement and emphasis on our industry from associate members … and those new members who voice fresh ideas and perspectives that are making our association evolve.

Bucket list for the near and distant future: Turning over the business operations to
my kids… spending more time in Florida… and mostly, having a positive influence on my grandchildren!

Article Featured in ESICA Review 2020, Volume 1

In January of 2018 Insul-Tech was called upon to insulate all indoor and outdoor HVAC pipe and ductwork as well as the plumbing pipe for the Library’s renovation project. The fast-paced time-frame and environmental conditions of this multi-year project presented Insul-Tech with a series of unique challenges: “Managing the schedule and building conditions with our mechanical contractor was challenging,” reports Matt Stillitano, VP of Insul-Tech. “Since the building was not dried in we were constantly moving around to different areas for install so our insulation would not be damaged by the weather. I credit good communications and the expertise of our onsite management team for limiting our risks and exposure to costly mishaps.”

All products on the MLK project were supplied by Specialty Products & Insulation (SPI), a valued Insul-Tech partner and an instrumental part of the project’s success. Products used included Pittsburgh Corning Cellular Glass. Owens Corning products included: FG ASJ Max Pipe Covering, SOFTR Duct Wrap, and FG Pipe & Tank Wrap. Additional products included Armaflex Black LapSeal Rubber Tubing and ITW Metal Jacketing.

Despite the challenges that came with this project, Insul-Tech pushed forward and completed a quality project in November of 2019. “I have always challenged Insul-Tech Inc. to take on difficult projects,” says Matt. “Not all contractors are willing to take on the same level of risk but if you can effectively manage a challenging project and complete the job on time and under budget, you will solidify your reputation as a reliable contractor for future work.”

The new Martin Luther King Jr. library is expected to open in the fall of 2020 and will become the center of activity for the already vibrant downtown D.C. area. The flagship building will house a spectacular auditorium and conference center, creative spaces for fabrication, music production and art creation, a newly designed special collections space for research enthusiasts, and a rooftop event space with a reading terrace. 

Article Featured in ESICA Review 2020, Volume 1

·         ASSOCIATES COCKTAIL RECEPTION:

The more than 130 ESICA and CSIA members and their guests in attendance were welcomed at our associates cocktail reception. The beautiful venue catered to an evening of networking and catching up with old friends. We held our Annual Mesothelioma Raffle, where $1,560 was raised for mesothelioma research at the Fox Chase Cancer Center.  

·         PRESENTATIONS:

Keynote: Managing in an Uncertain Economy

Connor Lokar, Program Economist at ITR Economics, floored attendees with the quality and strength of his presentation! Attendees walked away with a clear vision for the future of the US economy, consumer and construction markets.

NIA Update

Michele M. Jones, Executive Vice President/CEO and Dana Vlk, President, joined us at the conference. Michele spoke about Thermal Insulation Inspectors and how they are a new and important part of the mechanical insulation industry landscape. Dana presented on how members can get the most out of the National Insulation Association.

Associate Breakout: Creating Intentional and Amazing Customer Journeys

Joanna Pineda, CEO of Matrix Group International, Inc. discussed how to deliver an exceptional customer experience for every person you interact with. Attendees gained insight on identifying customer journeys and the unique needs of each customer type.

Contractor Breakout: Cyber Security & Revenue Recognition

Carl Oliveri, CPA, CCIFP, CFE, MBA, Partner, Construction Practice Leader, NYC Office Market Leader Grassi & Co., discussed the proper way you should now be recognizing revenue within your company and transitional tips to ensure you are compliant with the new issuance. He also discussed the consequences for not protecting your business against cyber threats and why it is important to be prepared for a breach.

·         ACTIVITIES:

Poolside Cabana Experience

Attendees enjoyed a luxurious afternoon in the sun! This was a great opportunity to relax and network, all while taking advantage of beautiful conference location.

Golf Tournament

Golfers spent the afternoon at the Tiburón Golf Club with courses designed by winner of the Open Championship and formerly top-ranked player in the world, Greg Norman.

Tournament Winners:

·         1^st Place – Richard Budinich, Atlantic Contracting Specialties, LLC, Jarrod Evans, Distribution International & J D Lile, Vimasco Corporation

·         2^nd Place – Mike Fought, Johns Manville, Andrew Hiatt, Jeff-Co Sales & Marketing, William Lucas, RPR Products, Inc. & Mike Mann, Edward R Hart

·         3^rd Place – Anthony Harris, Armacell LLC, Mike Horvat, Distribution International & John Stevens, Thermal Solutions-Ohio, Inc.

·         Closet to the Pin – Rudy Latzlsberger, Rudco Sales

·         Longest Drive – Mike Mann, Edward R Hart

·         DINNER PERFORMANCE:

Down to Earth Aerials created the wow factor at dinner, with their stunning aerial performance. They even invited volunteers try out the intricate aerial act!

·         CONFERENCE SPONSORS:

Our Fall Conference was another great success that could not have been accomplished without the support of our sponsors! A special thank you to our mobile app sponsors, Owens Corning and Owens Corning Foamglas!

Featured in ESICA REVIEW 2020 VOLUME 1

On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year as we usher in a new decade! I look forward to a year and decade of growth for our association with some great upcoming conferences with an emphasis on speakers and education pertaining to our Industry.

We will be starting 2020 off with our Spring Conference in one of our most well attended locations, Baltimore, Maryland! Bob Dunlevey from Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP will be joining us to discuss Improving Competitiveness through More Effective Collective Bargaining and Consolidation of Union Locals. We will also be joined by two Baltimore County Police Officers, Corporal John Haddaway and Sergeant Brandon Echevarria, as they present the department’s Avoid Deny Defend™, which will train attendees on how to handle an active shooter situation. Both presentations should prove to be very informative for all! After the presentations, we have two great activities planned for everyone: a tour and cocktail making class at Sagamore Spirit Distillery and an afternoon Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. 

I would like to strongly encourage all members to attend at least one conference this year! Each conference is a great opportunity to network with peers and gain new information and education in our industry. If you are unable to attend, you can always send someone from your company in your place! This year, we are really putting a focus on “Young Professionals” and getting those who are new to the industry yet all-stars at their company, involved with ESICA!  It is time for upcoming generations who are key employees to experience the value of being a part of this association, so let’s invest in our future!

Please be sure to mark your calendar for our other upcoming events!

Kind Regards,

Scott Grant

Featured in ESICA REVIEW 2020 VOLUME 1

When it comes to the economy, Connor Lokar knows his stuff. As a Program
Economist at ITR Economics, a leading economic research and consulting firm
specializing in the Construction Industry, Connor’s insight and forecasting
expertise continues to plays a key role in ITR Economics’ 94.7% forecast accuracy.

Connor not only knows his stuff, he delivers it with a passion and excitement that
captured the attention of every attendee. From the General Economic Outlook to US Economic Cycles, Leading Indicators, Industry Drivers, Hiring Issues and so much more, Connor captured the attention of everyone who attended.

“He knows his audience and just how to reach us,” commented Brad Power of Owens Corning. “It was obvious from beginning to end. Not a soul left while he spoke. I walked away with a solid sense of where our market will be in a couple of years. Connor managed to speak to us all – business owners, sales people, and contractors -- on what to look for on the horizon and how best to prepare for the future.“

For Louis Walton of Proto Corp, Connor’s presentation was a game changer. “Once he started speaking, I put my phone down and realized I would gain tremendous knowledge and new information that would be invaluable in my everyday decision making at Proto,” said Louis. “Given the opportunity, I would attend annually! The overall end game was a better understanding of the marketplace and how it relates to all of us.”

On behalf of all who attended this incredible seminar, ESICA extends a big Thank You to Connor Lokar and ITR Economics for helping us gain a deeper understanding of the economy and formulate a viable plan for the future.

Featured in ESICA REVIEW 2020 VOLUME 1

Allison Schau

Inside Account Manager, Armacell LLC (A company of the Armacell Group)

“What a great location and facility! I loved the city … the hiking trails … and the food!  The part that really stood out for me, however, was the way ESICA channeled the networking opportunities, which made the event so special.

“As the ‘internal support’ for our sales and marketing managers … and  with only one year at Armacell, it was a great opportunity for me to meet the contractors I correspond with on a regular basis and those I have not yet had the opportunity to meet. I speak to on the phone as well as those I’ve never spoken to. 

“I came from a different segment of the industry, so I was able to learn a lot about what ESICA contractors and suppliers do. I loved soaking up all that knowledge and experience from the professionals around me.    There are so many good people in this industry willing to reach out a helping hand.  It was truly an amazing experience. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.”

Andy Barnes

Branch Manager, Specialty Products & Insulation Company

My first ESICA event was an awesome experience!  The location and venue were breathtaking … a great first impression of the way ESICA does things. 

“Asheville is a beautiful town and the Omni had everything you need, right on site.

But above and beyond the surroundings and amenities, was the opportunity the conference provides  to contractors, distributors and manufacturers. This is a fantastic chance to meet and discuss the positives … and the areas that need improvement in our industry. 

“There are very few, if any, opportunities like the ESICA conferences for all three facets of the industry to meet and collaborate together.

“Many thanks to ESICA for making this possible for me!”

Featured in ESICA Review 2019 Volume 2.

In March of this year, Insul-Tech began work on a massive data center facility – its 2nd project in two years at a renowned Northern Virginia campus. Faced with a tight deadline of June 2019, Insul-Tech joined together with manufacturers Proto Corp. and Owens Corning and distributor SPI on an intensive and challenging project. 

The project presented Insul-Tech with a number of unique challenges from a design and installation perspective. Creativity and skill were essential to success due to the size of the pipes and ducts, which encompassed 55,700 feet of piping located in the tight corridors and galleries of the building.  Every half-inch of space needed to be maximized … every element needed to fit exactly.

“Proto Corp., Owens Corning and Spi have been our partners for years,” commented Matt Stillitano, VP of Insul-Tech. “They continue to support our fast-paced projects and the products speak for themselves. This is the biggest Proto job we’ve had to date. When you are dealing with 55,700 feet of piping, lead time and delivery times are crucial.”

Every piece of pipe within the building was covered with Proto’s .030 PVC Jacketing, while outside piping used .040 white PVC Jacketing.  The pipes were insulated with Owens Corning ASJ Max fiberglass and Owens Corning 700 Series Fiberglass Board. 

“The complexity of this design-build data center required the cooperation of everyone involved,” said Louis Walton, VP of Proto Corp.  “Weekly communication between all partners was the key to our success in meeting schedules and requirements.” 
 
This project like many others had challenges ranging from budgeting to educating the customer on value engineering options to a tight timeline. “Our employees at 
Insul-Tech -- including office staff and installers – together with our manufacturing and distribution partners, all played a key role in delivering a quality product that we are incredibly proud of!” concluded Matt Stillitano.  

Featured in ESICA Review 2019 Volume 2.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business, from the products we make to the way we make them.  We use our deep expertise in materials, manufacturing and building science to develop products and systems that save energy and improve comfort.  For us, sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present while leaving the world a better place for the future.”

Frank O’Brien-Bernini, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Owens Corning

Responsible innovation drives the culture of Owens Corning.  The company seeks to implement continuous and measurable improvements in the way their products are developed and produced. As responsible innovators, OC thoroughly evaluates the sustainability aspects of all they do, from research to blueprint to production.

Energy efficient, safe and regenerative, Owens Corning products are designed to contribute to comfortable and safe living environments.  Total life cycle assessments of all core products examine every stage of a product’s life, starting with the extraction of raw material inputs, continuing through processing, manufacturing and product use, and ending with disposal or recycling.

The company is deeply committed to using recycled content in building materials  and demonstrates their commitment through a multipronged approach.  A key strategy is to include or increase content of recycled materials in its products and packaging, either in initial design or through continuous improvement.  Recycled content is validated  through third-party verification bodies that provide documentation for use in green building programs such as LEED®.  Additionally, OC strives to educate customers and consumers on the value of recycling in reducing landfill waste and saving resources and energy.

Building science plays a vital role in advancing environmental sustainability across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Since 2010, Owens Corning’s Building Science Solution Center has been a 24/7 portal connecting architects to emerging research, best practices, and thought leadership, helping to improve building performance and comfort.

One of the primary performance goals for the building science team has been to support the design and construction of net-zero-energy (NZE)-ready buildings. An NZE building has zero annual net energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy the building produces equals the amount of energy it consumes.  The company voluntarily shares its building science expertise with the industry, helping to elevate knowledge about improving efficiency and creating comfortable structures. The OC team conducts education sessions to help engineers, builders, contractors, and homeowners look at the total build and find ways to improve sustainability.

Fostering responsible innovation through products, processes and building science  enables Owens Corning to play a leading role in addressing some of today’s most significant global environmental challenges, while raising the quality of life for millions around the globe.

Johns Manville:

“Without question, Johns Manville has embraced sustainability. Through our building science innovation and partnerships with leading sustainability organizations, we continue to be a leader in sustainable building and specialty materials. We’re proud of the fact that as an energy-minded company, many of our products contribute to creating environments that are energy efficient, comfortable, and safe.”  

Bob Wamboldt, President of Insulation Systems, Johns Manville

Many of JM’s sustainability goals are focused on reducing its environmental footprint while making a positive contribution to society.  For example, the JM fiberglass insulation manufacturing process incorporates an average of more than 30% recycled content throughout North America. This recycled content is certified by Scientific Certification Systems, SCS Global, and it includes an average of over 29% post-consumer recycled content used to manufacture JM’s fiberglass every year.

Sustainability also incorporates manufacturing efficiency, and JM remains committed to maintaining energy efficient operating practices. In 2017, product demand required JM to increase its manufacturing rate. JM was able to increase its production to meet growing demand with a marginal increase in energy usage, while simultaneously decreasing its energy intensity.

JM embeds energy-efficient improvements and practices into all areas of its business to optimize resources. Energy efficiency is monitored on a monthly basis in order to better understand energy consumption and identify where efficiency can be improved. Ongoing investments in research and development, manufacturing machinery, operational processes, and employee behavior continue to be key drivers toward conducting more energy-efficient operations.

As an insulation manufacturer, JM also recognizes that it can help communities become more energy efficient. That is why JM offers comprehensive assessments of the environmental impact of its products, called Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). An EPD accounts for the energy consumption and energy savings throughout the entire life-cycle of a product, from the raw material acquisition to the disposal of the product at the end of its life-cycle. EPDs are a crucial step toward promoting and supporting product transparency. They are critical in allowing industry professionals and end-users to determine which products are the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Even with the most recent advancements in technology, like solar and wind-power, focusing on energy efficiency construction is still one of the most cost-effective ways to live sustainability. By providing materials like insulation, endorsing product transparency, and continuing to invest in and explore energy efficient operations, JM is helping usher our communities into a more sustainable future.

CertainTeed, Insulation Division:

“Fiberglass insulation in and of itself is one of the most sustainable products in the world, conserving energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and paying back its original investment over and over again during the life of the building. Sustainability is part of our DNA at CertainTeed, reflected in everything from the design of our products and solutions to how we operate our manufacturing facilities and office buildings.”

Andrew Goldberg, Vice President of Marketing for CertainTeed’s Insulation Division.

CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years, developing products that are both innovative and sustainable. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products. Saint-Gobain, a multinational corporation and CertainTeed’s parent company, is the world’s largest manufacturer of building and technical insulation products.

CertainTeed aspires to be North America’s recognized leader in sustainable habitat and product transparency through the issuance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs). CertainTeed’s building products are reviewed through a rigorous stewardship process, which assesses and scores their level of sustainability. The company’s newest rating tool, SCORE, measures 21 indicators across five environmental impact categories (energy/climate impact, health, materials/circularity, water consumption, and local value creation); encouraging eco-innovation and ensuring sustainability is at the core of all CertainTeed products.

All of CertainTeed’s SUSTAINABLE INSULATION® products are GREENGUARD Gold certified, ensuring those products are acceptable for use in sensitive environments such as schools and healthcare facilities. CertainTeed’s fiberglass insulation products can also help buildings qualify for LEED® credits through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), as well as for credits through Home Innovation Research Lab’s National Green Building Standard (NGBS) and the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

Following CertainTeed’s ongoing commitment to water conservation, many of CertainTeed’s most popular insulation products are manufactured using closed-looped water systems. Highly compressed packaging in most of its products and strategically located distribution centers allow CertainTeed to minimize transport and fuel emissions.

“CertainTeed’s commitment to research and sustainability is ongoing,” said Dennis Wilson, CertainTeed’s director of sustainability and EHS (environmental health and safety). “We gather data and use that information to substantively improve our products, lower their environmental impact and create local value.”

 
Knauf Insulation:

“Knauf Insulation will continue to be a leader in sustainable thermal and acoustical fiberglass insulation.”

Matthew Parrish, President and CEO of Knauf Insulation North America 

Knauf Insulation North America is a leading family-owned global manufacturer of thermal and acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial and OEM applications. It’s Knauf’s mission to challenge conventional thinking and create innovative solutions that shape the way we live and build in the future, with care for the people who make them, the people who use them and for the world we live in.

Knauf Insulation has been the sustainability thought leader in the insulation industry starting in 2002 when they became the first manufacturer to obtain GREENGUARD certification for indoor air quality. In 2006, Knauf discovered that using post-consumer recycled glass, when properly cleaned, offers extremely large energy savings in the manufacturing process. Driven by LEED green building standards, Knauf quickly began the certification process of our recycled content level. Since then, Knauf’s post-consumer recycled level quickly rose to 60% and today often exceeds that percentage. Each day, 11 railcars or nearly one million post-consumer bottles of recycled glass are delivered to our manufacturing plants

In 2009 Knauf introduced ECOSE® Technology, a revolutionary, more sustainable binder technology born from five years of intensive research and development. ECOSE Technology features rapidly renewable bio-based materials rather than non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals such as phenol, formaldehyde and acrylics commonly used in traditional fiber glass insulation products. ECOSE had a transformative impact on the entire industry and placed Knauf’s products on everyone’s green building list as they are clearly differentiated in the marketplace. Currently, Knauf is the only insulation manufacturer whose entire line of products, both commercial and residential applications, are formaldehyde- free.

“In looking to leave our mark on the world, our first aim is to leave none,” reports Matthew Parrish. “Sustainability isn’t a page in our annual report. Something to be covered off for the good of investors. At Knauf, sustainability is the driving force behind our innovations. How can we do better for the world we live in? It’s a question we never stop asking ourselves. Which is why we look at every aspect of what we do—from sourcing to manufacturing to supply chain—to continually improve both what we do and how we do it.”

Rockwool:

“Our products have an important role to play in solving some of society’s biggest challenges, especially related to climate change and urbanization. At the same time, our focus is on improving the environmental and safety performance of our operations and robustness of our internal processes to reduce our footprint and ensure that Rockwool continues to have a positive impact on society and the environment”.

Jens Birgersson, CEO 

Rockwool is dedicated to enriching modern living.  The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) steer the company’s ambitions in pursuing those sustainability goals that have the greatest impact on people and society and are most aligned with their business competencies.

Sustainable product impacts.  Rockwool makes the most significant positive impact on sustainable development through the use of its products. Rockwool products not only improve the health and wellbeing of people but they also equip them with solutions to combat climate change. Collaborating with different partners and organizations, Rockwool develops methodologies to measure and quantify product impact, in order to measure progress against the Sustainable Development Goals.

Circularity and recycling.  Embracing circularity minimizes resource consumption and waste to landfill.  Rockwool’s circular business model helps the company turn waste into new raw materials and take back and recycle construction site waste and used products. The technologies that create Rockwool products also enable them to use waste from other industries as a raw material.  They recycle their our own waste from production and upcycle secondary materials from other industries. Recycling services are in place to collect used products to recycle, providing others with resources to help reduce waste-to-landfill.

Sustainable operations. While the company makes the most significant positive impact on sustainable development through the use of its products, it is just as important to achieve this while operating in a responsible and sustainable way. Rockwool has five operational goals across energy, climate, water, waste and safety to track performance and keep them accountable to customers, colleagues and communities. The sixth goal is their reclaimed waste goal, to set up recycling services in even more countries. Together these six goals have been designed to drive progress on the SDGs by reducing the negative impact from operations on material issues

This year, Rockwool was one of the first companies to be assessed by the Trucost SDG Evaluation Tool, which quantitatively analyzes a company’s performance on the SDGs. Rockwool achieved the highest score, with 100 percent of the Group’s products being classified as SDG positive.

Featured in ESICA Review 2019 Volume 2.