Foam-It-Right

spfapodcast

An original podcast from the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, bringing you conversations designed to help you work smarter, stay compliant, grow your business, and tackle the challenges that matter most out in the field. Submit your topic ideas and experts here!

Episodes

  1. Aug 11

    Bridging the Language Gap and Empowering Spanish-Speaking Applicators

    In this episode of Foam-It-Right®, Eddie Canales sits down for a real-world chat about the massive impact Spanish-speaking professionals have on the spray foam industry. Spanish speakers are driving this trade forward—from spraying on the jobsite to running their own rigs and leading companies.   But let's be honest: technical training, safety resources, and business support haven't always been as easy to get in Spanish as they should be.     Eddie is joined by Abel Sauceda, National Technical Services Manager at AccuFoam , David Velasco, CEO of Master Insulation Corporation, and René Navarrete, CEO of BW Insulation & co-founder of UniFoam, to talk shop, share hard-earned lessons from the field, and break down how peer support is filling the gap.   You’ll also get the details on how SPFA is stepping up with Spanish-language resources—including the Professional Certification Program (PCP) written and field exams—so you can protect your crew, raise your install quality, and keep your business profitable.     Episode Highlights: 05:40 – The Reality of the First Year: Rig Setups, Troubleshooting, and Finding Help 06:50 – Language Barriers & The Fear of Asking Questions on the Jobsite 08:35 – UniFoam & Peer Networks: Real-Time Community Support for Spanish Speakers 09:50 – SPFA Spanish Resources: PCP Certification Written & Field Exams in Spanish 11:40 – Advice for New Contractors: Patience, Consistency, and Preparing Before You Buy a Rig   Resources & Links: SPFA Contractor Membership Information: https://www.sprayfoam.org/spfa-contractor-membership/ SPFA Professional Certification Program: https://foamitright.org/       En este episodio de Foam-It-Right®, Eddie Canales se sienta a tener una plática honesta, sobre el enorme valor que los profesionales hispanohablantes aportan a la industria del spray foam. Desde los que están en la pistola en la obra hasta los que manejan sus propios equipos y dirigen empresas, la comunidad hispana mueve este negocio hacia adelante.   Pero seamos sinceros: la capacitación técnica, los recursos de seguridad y el apoyo para los negocios no siempre han estado disponibles en español como deberían estar.   Eddie cuenta con la presencia de Abel Sauceda (Gerente Nacional de Servicios Técnicos en AccuFoam), David Velasco (CEO de Master Insulation Corporation) y René Navarrete (CEO de BW Insulation y cofundador de UniFoam) para platicar del oficio, compartir lecciones aprendidas a base de puro trabajo en el campo y analizar cómo el apoyo entre colegas está cubriendo los vacíos de la industria.   Además, te compartimos todos los detalles sobre cómo la SPFA está dando un paso adelante con recursos en español —incluyendo los exámenes teóricos y de campo del Programa de Certificación Profesional (PCP)— para que puedas proteger a tu gente, elevar la calidad de tus instalaciones y mantener tu negocio rentable.   Puntos destacados del episodio: 05:40 – La realidad del primer año: preparación de equipos, resolución de problemas y cómo encontrar ayuda 06:50 – Las barreras del idioma y el miedo a hacer preguntas en la obra 08:35 – UniFoam y las redes entre colegas: apoyo comunitario en tiempo real para hispanohablantes 09:50 – Recursos en español de la SPFA: exámenes escritos y de campo de la certificación PCP en español 11:40 – Consejos para nuevos contratistas: paciencia, constancia y cómo prepararte antes de comprar tu primer equipo   Recursos y enlaces: Información sobre la membresía para contratistas de la SPFA: https://www.sprayfoam.org/spfa-contractor-membership/ Programa de Certificación Profesional de la SPFA: https://foamitright.org/

  2. Apr 14

    Truth About HFOs vs. PFAS and Navigating Florida Roofing Legislation

    Legislative rules dictate exactly how you spray, what you pay, and how you protect your business. In this episode of Foam-It-Right®, host Frank Mortl III dives into two of the most significant regulatory challenges facing the SPF industry today: shifting roofing policies in Florida and the scientific "mislabeling” of modern blowing agents. Special guests Mary Bogdan, R&D Fellow at Solstice Advanced Materials and Vice Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, and Will Lorenz, President of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp. and Chair of the SPFA Government Affairs Committee, provide a masterclass on navigating these high-stakes policy changes. They break down why a "one-size-fits-all" definition for chemicals and roofing types is a massive liability for contractors—and what you can do to stop it.   Episode Highlights: [00:04:13] The Florida Roofing Crisis: How broad legislative language is forcing 15-year tear-offs on low-slope roofs, defeating the sustainability benefits of SPF. [00:10:00] Defining PFAS: Mary Bogdan explains the difference between legacy "forever chemicals" and the modern HFOs used in spray foam. [00:23:15] Looking Ahead: Mid-term election expectations and the long-term re-evaluation of industry chemicals.   Resources & Links: SPFA Contractor Membership Information: https://www.sprayfoam.org/spfa-contractor-membership/ SPFA Advocacy Network: https://www.sprayfoam.org/advocacy/ PFAS and SPF: https://www.sprayfoam.org/pfas-and-spf/    Foam-It-Right® is produced by Association Briefings

  3. Mar 10

    If It's Not Documented, It Didn't Happen: Mastering SPF Jobsite Documentation

    Is your paperwork a chore or your best insurance policy? In this episode of Foam-It-Right®, hosts Frank Mortl III and Eddie Canales dive into the high-stakes world of jobsite documentation. We're not just about filling out forms; we’re about protecting your profit and professional reputation in an industry where getting it right is everything. Special guests Robert Naini from Spray Foam Advisor and Jason Hoerter, SPFA Director of Technical Services, share practical insights on how documentation and checklists support successful projects. They break down why consistent logging—from environmental conditions to equipment settings—is the difference between a defensible project and a massive liability.   Episode Highlights: [02:34] New SPFA Resources: A look at the updated Tech Tips, technical documents, and the Member Plus app designed for field use. [06:34] Texas A&M Hailstorm Report: Evidence-based results on how spray foam roofing stands up to extreme weather. [16:00] Why Documentation is Essential: Why a paper trail is actually a profit trail. Resources & Links RICOWI Reports: https://www.ricowi.com/reports Spray Foam Advisor: https://www.sprayfoamadvisor.com/ SPFA SprayFoam 2026 Convention & Expo: https://sprayfoamshow.org/ SPFA Contractor Membership Information: https://www.sprayfoam.org/spfa-contractor-membership/   Foam-It-Right® is produced by Association Briefings

  4. Feb 3

    What’s New, What’s Next: A Look Ahead at the SprayFoam 2026 Convention & Expo

    In the inaugural episode of Foam-It-Right®, hosts Frank Mortl III, CAE, and Eddie Canales of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance kick things off with a preview of the SprayFoam 2026 Convention & Expo, taking place March 22–25 in Las Vegas. Joined by Gary Harvey, President and CEO of Wedge Roofing, and Lisa Smith, SPFA’s Director of Member Engagement, the conversation explores why this year’s event matters for the industry and how attendees can make the most of their time on-site. From networking and relationship-building to education, certification opportunities, and practical tips for saving money, this episode breaks down what to expect—and why the convention is designed to deliver both serious learning and a little fun along the way.   Show Notes Gary Harvey is President and CEO of Wedge Roofing in Marin County, CA, and serves as treasurer of the SPFA Board of Directors. Wedge Roofing was one of the first contractors in California to specialize in spray foam systems, long before they became industry standard. Under Harvey’s guidance, we became the first company in the U.S. to earn SPFA’s highest-level credentials for both project managers and installers. Today, he helps shape national best practices through his role on the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Executive Board.    The SprayFoam 2026 Convention & Expo will take place March 22-25 in Las Vegas. For more information about the convention, including registration, visit sprayfoamshow.org.   The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) is the leading U.S. trade association for the spray polyurethane foam industry, representing contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and related professionals across all 50 states. Founded in 1973 and based in Virginia, SPFA supports the health and growth of the SPF industry by providing technical resources, professional certification programs, educational events, advocacy on federal and state issues, and networking opportunities. The alliance also publishes industry-focused content and hosts the annual SprayFoam Convention & Expo, bringing together industry leaders for learning, collaboration, and innovation. For more information about SPFA, visit sprayfoam.org.  For more information about joining SPFA and its membership benefits, visit sprayfoam.org/spfa-membership-benefits.   Foam-It-Right® is produced by Association Briefings.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

An original podcast from the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, bringing you conversations designed to help you work smarter, stay compliant, grow your business, and tackle the challenges that matter most out in the field. Submit your topic ideas and experts here!