On Ratio: The Business of Spray Foam Graco Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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