During NIA’s recent 69th Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, the new Board of Directors began their terms under the leadership of NIA President Rick Sutphin, who is Senior Vice President, Operations, for Performance Contracting, Inc., (PCI), which is headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas. Rick brings more than four decades of expertise and innovation to the insulation industry. During his term, his message will emphasize Association Strong—70 Years, highlighting the association’s accomplishments over the past 70 years and building a strong foundation for future mechanical insulation industry success.

As his term gets underway, we asked Rick to answer a few questions about how he got started in the insulation business, some highlights from his experiences at PCI, the changes he’s seen, and the programs and traditions he plans to continue.

How did you get into this industry?

My father was a Superintendent for a commercial general contractor, and I worked with him in the summers during high school. I knew from that experience that I wanted a career in construction. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in building construction. I had friends who had gone to work for Owens Corning (OC) the previous year, so I interviewed with the OC Power and Process Group—they recruited me, and the rest is history.

What is one of the most interesting projects you have been involved in?

I’ve been fortunate to experience many different project types but have always enjoyed industrial projects. One of the first projects I was involved with was in Colstrip, Montana—the scope of work was insulation and metal jacketing on the boilers, piping, and equipment for two new units. I was on this project for 3-and-a-half years.

What are you most proud of with your work at PCI?

How the company has grown and evolved has been rewarding—from its start as the contracting arm of OC to PCI in 1987 into a diverse, 100% ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) national specialty contractor with approximately 1,500 salaried employees and over 8,000 craft personnel.

What is the value that PCI receives from providing training and educational resources to your team?

At our corporate headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas, we have the Center for Learning and Development, and we provide employee education and training almost weekly. From technical product line training to soft skills and leadership development, there’s training and development for all employees. We also utilize NIA’s Education Center to assist with additional training opportunities. This commitment to an employee’s education, growth, and
development has been key to PCI’s success.

What is your proudest PCI accomplishment?

Becoming Senior Vice President of the Insulation and Specialty Services Division and a member of the Leadership Group and then evolving from that position to Senior Vice President of the East Region, overseeing all offices and product lines we offer in the region.

What do you wish everyone knew about PCI and what sets you apart?

PCI is a 100% employee-owned company. I believe the ownership mindset instilled in each employee sets us apart and creates a fantastic culture and collective bond.

What is your favorite part of your position?

Internally, it’s seeing the company evolve and grow over the years and the opportunities created for our employees and their families. Being a part of that evolution has been very rewarding. Externally, I enjoy the opportunity to give back to the industry and develop new relationships.

What motivated you to get involved with the NIA?

PCI has been a member of NIA since 1966 and has had three NIA Past Presidents—Ken Spraetz in 1995, Glenn Frye in 2011, and Darrel Bailey in 2018. PCI’s involvement with NIA has always been part of our culture, company philosophy of giving back, and desire to be a good industry citizen. I want to continue that legacy.

Since you started your involvement with NIA, what are the biggest changes you’ve seen?

First is the development of the Education Center and the value this program brings to members and the industry. Secondly, our partnership with the Association for Materials Protection and Performance to develop insulation standards. And third, the Foundation becoming a separate 501(c)(3) with its own Board of Directors.

What are some of your objectives for this year?

To continue to strengthen NIA through membership growth and involvement, which is emphasized in my theme for the year, Association Strong—70 Years, develop the insulation standards, and expand NIA’s Education Center course development. NIA is a great organization with many initiatives that we will continue to develop.

What recommendations would you have for someone who is new to this industry?

Get involved in industry associations. You often feel you don’t have the time, but the opportunity to learn and network with others will help you grow both in your business and your career.

Did you have a mentor in your career?

I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career—Glenn Frye was very influential in my career.

What are the top three challenges facing our industry for the next 3 to 5 years?

1. Labor—the recruitment and training of more workers to meet the needs of the industry.
2. Potential for economic slowdown, supply chain issues, and tariff impacts that could impact construction spending.
3. Leveraging technology advancements to remain competitive.

What excites you about the next 12 months?

I’m looking forward to the regional association meetings and hearing their members’ views on the industry’s opportunities and challenges.

What challenges do you see ahead?

There will be challenges, there always are, but I think there’s still much to be optimistic about and the opportunity to flourish.