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Recent News:
Spring/Summer 2020
John T. Lamberton Is NIA’s 2020–2021 President
John Lamberton began his insulation career with the Irex companies in 1981 as a Construction Foreman in Providence, Rhode Island. His nearly 40-year career at Irex Contracting Group includes advancement to Branch Manager of the Boston area operation of Atlantic Contracting (a subsidiary of Irex Corporation) in 2001, Atlantic Contracting Area Manager in 2002, President of Atlantic Contracting in 2005, Vice President of Construction Services for Irex Corporation in 2007, and Northeast Regional Manager of Irex Corporation in 2010. In 2018, John was named Chief Operating Officer of the Irex Contracting Group, his current role.
He currently serves on multiple NIA committees as the Vice Chairman of the Union Contractors Committee/Sub-Committee and Co-chairman of the Education & Training committee. John is passionate about education and is focused on making NIA the education and training leader. During his term as NIA President, John’s theme will be Take the Pledge. His term concludes at NIA’s 66th Annual Convention, March 17–19, 2021, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii.
A native of Cranston, Rhode Island, John and his wife, Karen, reside in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area as well as Naples, Florida.
Distribution International (DI) Announces Senior Leadership Changes and New Divisional Structure
DI recently announced leadership changes and a realigned divisional for its 90 branch locations in North America that take effect on June 1.
U.S. East and Silvercote Division: Joey Viselli will become Senior Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. East and Silvercote Division. The U.S. East comprises the mechanical insulation business in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions (formerly part of our Coastal Division). His role also includes leading the Silvercote metal building insulation business and Railcar operations. Joey has more than 30 years of experience, including leadership roles at Knauf Insulation, Procter & Gamble, and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He is currently the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Silvercote and Railcar.
U.S. West and Crossroads Division: Korey Haun will become Senior Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. West and Crossroads Division. The U.S. West comprises the mechanical insulation business in the Northwest and Southwest (formerly part of our Coastal Division), and the Rockies region. Korey’s new role will continue to include the Crossroads mechanical insulation business in Canada. Korey has more than 20 years of industry sales and operational leadership experience in the distribution and fabrication of commercial and industrial insulation products and accessories in Canada. He is currently the President of Crossroads.
U.S. Central Division: Brett Hankey will become Senior Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. Central Division, leading the Great Lakes, Gulf, Houston, Midwest, and Sabine regions. Brett has more than 20 years of commercial, operational, and strategic leadership experience in industrial distribution and manufacturing from his time at DI, HD Supply, and GE. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Operations.
Corporate Operations: Lance Devin will become Chief Operations Officer, leading the functions of Safety, Strategic Sourcing, Inventory Management, Purchasing, Fabrication, Logistics, Marketing, and Pricing. Lance has nearly 20 years of operational leadership and sales experience in distribution, project-based business, and manufacturing, serving in leadership roles at DI, HD Supply, and The Home Depot. He is currently the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Central Division.
A Select 4 Insulation Outlook advertiser, DI is based in Houston, Texas, and has been a member of NIA since 1998.
Fall/Winter 2019
Silvercote’s Robert Tiffin Wins MBMA Innovation Award
Silvercote National Accounts Manager Robert Tiffin recently won the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Innovation Award for his efforts in building relationships with the architecture community and changing perceptions of industry. "There is this perception of metal buildings as being rusty boxes only good for manufacturing and distribution, but nothing could be further from the truth,” said Tiffin. After an evaluation process that judged submissions based on project costs, feasibility, and, most importantly, benefit to the metal building industry, the MBMA Board selected Robert Tiffin’s proposal to establish a formal Architecture Committee as the 2019 Innovation Award winner. He will chair the newly formed committee, marking the first time an MBMA associate member will lead one of the organization’s committees. Silvercote, A Distribution International company, is based in Greenville, South Carolina, and has been a member of NIA since 2015.
Mike Thaman to Retire as Executive Chairman of Owens Corning’s Board of Directors
Owens Corning recently announced that Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors Mike Thaman has decided to retire from the company as of the date of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, currently scheduled in April 2020. Brian Chambers, President and CEO, has been elected by the Board to succeed Mike Thaman as Chairman effective at the same time.
Brian Chambers became CEO and was elected to the Board in April 2019. He has been with Owens Corning for over 15 years and, throughout his career, has held a number of senior operating roles across a range of businesses and geographies.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of Owens Corning for the past 27 years and to lead the Board for nearly 18 years. I couldn’t be prouder of this company and its 20,000 employees who are collectively focused on making the world a better place. I’m confident that the best days are ahead for Owens Corning and I’m excited for what Brian will contribute to the Board as Chairman,” Mike Thaman said.
Brian Chambers stated, “I am honored to be named Chairman of the Board for this remarkable company. I want to thank Mike for his tremendous passion and dedication to Owens Corning. His legacy of generating value for shareholders, creating sustainable solutions for our customers, and developing our employees will have a profound impact on the organization for years to come.”
A Premier 12 Insulation Outlook advertiser and Gold–Elite Foundation contributor, Owens Corning is based in Toledo, Ohio, and has been a member of NIA since 1966.
Celebrating the Life of Alec Rexroat
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Alec Rexroat passed away on October 6, 2019. His record of commitment and service to the insulation industry was beyond exemplary. He served on the NIA Board of Directors for 8 years and led the organization as NIA’s President in 2011–2012. Al was instrumental in establishing the Ambassador Program as an integral part of the NIA Membership Committee’s function and served on the Union Contractors Committee and the Convention Committee. During his presidency, Al actively participated in NIA’s Capitol Hill Initiative to promote the benefits of insulation to a national audience. In 2017, NIA Past President Steve Luse honored Al with the President’s Award, which is given to an individual whose dedication, service, leadership, and actions have brought forth positive changes for NIA and the mechanical insulation industry. Not only did he work at the national level, Al served for 9 years as a member of the Board of Directors of MICA and as its President in 2007–2008. He was active in the Safety and Environmental, Marketing and Membership, Union Labor, Past Presidents, and Technical Committees of MICA. Al was also a member of the manual revision committee for the 7th and 8th editions of the National Commercial & Industrial Insulation Standards manual.
Al began his career in the mechanical insulation industry in 1964 and was employed by M & O Insulation Company, was the Executive Director of the Illinois Regional Insulation Contractors Association, the Executive Director of The National Union Insulation Contractors Alliance, and the Executive Director of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, among other positions and companies.
His devotion to his wife Jeannie, and his 3 daughters, Michelle, Jennifer, and Megan, and 9 grandchildren was his true passion and love. The Rexroat family requests donations be made in Al's honor to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
NIA Promotes Aimee Doyle to Director of Membership
In July 2019, NIA announced the promotion of Aimee Doyle to Director of Membership. Aimee joined the NIA staff in June 2014 and has served as Assistant Manager of Membership Services and Manager of Membership Programs. In her role as Director of Membership, Aimee is responsible for membership recruitment and retention, education and training programs management, products and services, and various event and marketing logistics. She can be reached at adoyle@insulation.org or 703-464-6422, ext. 113.
Spring/Summer 2019
Gribbins Insulation Promotes Grant J. Gribbins to Estimator
After graduating from the insulators apprenticeship program and gaining 5 years of field experience, Grant Gribbins has been promoted to Estimator at Gribbins Insulation. His duties involve all aspects of the customer relationship. Founded in 1985, Gribbins Insulation is a commercial and industrial mechanical insulation contractor serving the Midwestern United States. A member of NIA since 1990 and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, the company has 5 branch offices in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
NIA Welcomes Dana Vlk as New President
Dana Vlk has begun her term as NIA’s new President. The first female to hold the office of NIA President, Dana Vlk is based Baltimore, Maryland, and is a Senior Advisor for Distribution International, Inc. (DI), which is based in Houston, Texas. Her career at DI has spanned almost 40 years, where she has served in senior leadership roles and led growth initiatives. During her term as NIA’s President, Dana’s theme is Let’s Make It Happen, which emphasizes her focus on education, industry growth, and NIA membership growth. Her term will conclude at NIA’s 65th Annual Convention, April 15–17, 2020, at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
JM Names New President of Engineered Products Business
Johns Manville (JM), a manufacturer of building and specialty products and a Berkshire Hathaway company, recently announced John Vasuta as the new President of the company’s Engineered Products business. John will lead a global business that manufactures glass fiber nonwovens, polyester spunbonds and glass fibers for the building and construction industry. John most recently worked at Bridgestone Corp. as President and Managing Director, Firestone Building Products International as well as Global Senior Vice President, Firestone Building Products. A Premier 12 Insulation Outlook advertiser and Gold Elite Foundation contributor, JM is based in Denver, Colorado, and has been a member of NIA since 1958.
Knauf Acquires USG and Announces New President/CEO of Knauf Insulation, Inc.
Knauf and USG Corporation recently announced the completion of Knauf’s acquisition of USG. “This transformational transaction is the largest acquisition in Knauf’s history and, accordingly, presents significant opportunities to create a stronger, more sustainable company for our employees, customers, and communities,” said Alexander Knauf, General Partner of Knauf.
Former Knauf Insulation, Inc. CEO Christopher Griffin is now serving as CEO of USG and recently announced that Matthew Parrish has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Knauf Insulation, Inc. Matt joined the organization in 2017 as VP of Residential and Light Commercial Sales. He brings 29 years of experience in building materials, primarily in insulation and cement. A Premier 12 Insulation Outlook advertiser and Gold Elite Foundation contributor, Knauf Insulation, Inc. is based in Shelbyville, Indiana, and has been a member of NIA since 1978.
Mark Rayfield Appointed CEO of Saint-Gobain North America
Saint-Gobain has appointed Mark Rayfield as Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain North America. In this role, Rayfield will oversee Saint-Gobain’s building solutions businesses in the United States and Canada. As such, he will continue to serve as CEO of CertainTeed, Saint-Gobain’s manufacturer of building materials for commercial and residential construction.
With nearly 20 years of experience within the Saint-Gobain family of brands, Rayfield will build upon past success in the United States and UK to increase collaboration across the North American organization and focus more on using consumer insights to inform his business strategy.
Rayfield succeeds Tom Kinisky, who now takes on the role of Chairman of Saint-Gobain in North America and Chief Innovation Officer globally for the company. With Kinisky focused on driving innovation and Rayfield spearheading on-the-ground building solutions in North America, Saint-Gobain and its family of brands (such as CertainTeed) will streamline their business strategy to develop more customer-centric, innovative, and sustainable solutions.
Saint-Gobain’s CertainTeed is based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has been a member of NIA since 1995.
Former NIA President Dan Osborn Retires
Over his 53-year career, Dan Osborn was involved in the Midwest Insulation Contractor Association, where he served as President in 1983. He also served as NIA’s President 1989–1990. For more than 20 years, Dan owned and operated DaKO Services in Lincoln, Nebraska. In November of 2017, he sold the business to Luse Holdings, based in Aurora, Illinois. Dan and his wife Joy will retire to Des Moines, Iowa. We wish Dan and his family well!
Winter 2019
General Insulation Announces New Roles
General Insulation Company, Inc., (GIC) recently announced new personnel updates:
- Frank Granara is now an Assistant Vice President, covering the Texas and Florida regions with Mark Snodgrass.
- Melissa Smith will become the Dean of the GIC Academy.
- Gerry Towle will oversee the Air Barrier and Fire Divisions.
- Dave Adamski will work with Dave Lyons and his group.
- Bill Brooks returned as General Insulation’s Regional Building Envelope Specialist.
- Frank Granara, CEO, will lead the Commercial, Weatherization, and Safety Divisions.
GIC is based in Medford, Massachusetts, and has been a member of NIA since 1998.
Fall 2018
Johns Manville Announces New General Manager of Performance Materials and IIG
Johns Manville (JM) recently announced that Dave Skelly will assume leadership of the Performance Materials & Industrial Insulation Group (IIG) businesses as the General Manager. With over 36 years of experience at JM, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. He joined Johns Manville in 1980 and has worked in a wide variety of roles within JM’s insulation businesses, from field sales and sales management to product and marketing management. Dave assumed his current role as Director of Sales of Performance Materials and IIG in 2011. A Premier 12 Insulation Outlook advertiser, JM is based in Denver, Colorado, and has been a member of NIA since 1958.
Remembering Frank Barbee, 1935–2018
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Frank Barbee’s passing on August 23, 2018. A very active and involved member of NIA. He served on NIA’s Board of Directors from 1998–2002 and was the 1999–2000 Associates Committee Chair. Frank worked for NIA member company, Thermal Ceramics. After his retirement in 2000, Frank worked with NIA from 2003–2005 to help with our advertising sales. Frank was 82 years old and is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor Barbee, and their 2 children and numerous family members.
Summer 2018
General Insulation Company Names New Operations Manager for Lewiston, Maine
Michael Giasson recently joined General Insulation Company (GIC), Inc.’s Lewiston, Maine, office as its new Operations Manager. He comes to GIC from Kamco Supply Corporation where he worked for 15 plus years and received multiple awards for outstanding performance and leadership. GIC is based in Medford, Massachusetts, and has been a member of NIA since 2008.
Brian Chambers Appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Owens Corning
Owens Corning recently announced that Brian Chambers has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. He has been President of Owens Corning’s Roofing business since 2014.
“The creation of a Chief Operating Officer and the appointment of Brian Chambers will create additional senior management capacity to accelerate our progress on growing the company,” said Mike Thaman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
A Premier 12 Insulation Outlook advertiser, Owens Corning is based in Toledo, Ohio, and has been a member of NIA since 1966.
Polyguard Products, Inc. Announces New Engineering Specialist
Polyguard Products, Inc. recently announced that Karen Sybil Zambrano was promoted to Associate Engineering Specialist for the Mechanical Division, the company’s fastest growing and now largest division. Karen’s primary responsibilities will be supporting Polyguard Products, Inc.’s specification effort targeting the engineering community; attending job installations; assisting customers with technical inquires; and introducing mechanical products throughout the Southern Region and other strategic opportunities in North America. The Mechanical Division specializes in anti-corrosion, vapor barriers, weatherproofing jackets, and insulation products for different mechanical systems in various industries.
A Premier 12 Insulation Outlook advertiser, Polyguard Products is based in Ennis, Texas, and has been a member of NIA since 1993.
NIA Welcomes Dan Bofinger as New President
Dan Bofinger began his term as NIA’s new President at the conclusion of the Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida. Dan is the Regional Vice President–East of FBM-SPI, which is based in Tustin, California. His career with FBM-SPI and its legacy companies has spanned over 35 years. During his term as NIA’s President, Dan’s theme will be Making a Difference, which emphasizes the many ways the people in the industry, NIA, and mechanical insulation can have a positive influence on our relationships, our careers, and our environment. His term will conclude at NIA’s 64th Annual Convention, April 3–5, 2019, at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas.
K-FLEX USA Expands Commercial Market Sales Team
K-FLEX USA, a manufacturer of flexible elastomeric foam, recently announced several regional additions to its Commercial Market Sales Team. All of the new additions will report to Steve Brown, National Sales Manager.
David Eidson is based near Atlanta and will be representing the company throughout the Southeast. David has been with K-Flex for 3 years and previously worked in the company’s HVAC wholesale sales division. The Jeff-Co Sales and Marketing team, consisting of Jeff Rebholz, Chad Rebholz, and Ron Carlson will be representing the company in the Midwest. TALON Products Inc. sales team of Chip Johnston and John Harvey will be representing the company in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas.
K-FLEX USA is based in Youngsville, North Carolina, and has been a member of NIA since 1994.
Winter 2017
Mark Rayfield Named President and CEO of CertainTeed
Saint-Gobain, the parent company of CertainTeed, recently announced the appointment of Mark Rayfield as CertainTeed’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Mark will lead the CertainTeed family of products, which includes ceilings, insulation, gypsum, roofing, and siding. He will also serve as the Region CEO of Saint-Gobain Construction Products for North America. Since 2013, Mark has served as CEO of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution United Kingdom and Ireland. His goals for CertainTeed include continuing to strengthen its relationships with channel partners through increased focus on customer needs at all levels.
Mark succeeds Benoit Bazin, who served as President and CEO of CertainTeed since January 2017. Benoit will continue to serve as President and CEO, Saint-Gobain’s Construction Products Sector and Senior Vice President, Saint-Gobain Corporation. CertainTeed is based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has been a member of NIA since 1995.
General Insulation Company Names New National Business Manager of Safety and Consumable Products and New Fort Worth General Manager
General Insulation Company, Inc., recently announced Chad McBride as its new National Business Manager of Safety and Consumable Products. In September 2014, Brad was hired as the Operations Manager for the Fort Worth, Texas, branch and after 6 months was promoted to General Manager. In October 2017, Chad was promoted to the National Business Manager of Safety and Consumable Products. The new General Manager of the Fort Worth, Texas, branch is Trent Parsons, who joined General Insulation in 2015. General Insulation Company, Inc., is based in Medford, Massachusetts and has been a member of NIA since 2008.
Howred Corporation Welcomes New Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Howred Corporation welcomes John Calogrides as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. John will be responsible for driving sales as well as general management responsibilities. He joined the Howred Corporation team located in Houston, Texas, and Neuvo Laredo, Mexico, on December 1, 2017. John was most recently was with Business Development/Estimating for K2 Industrial Services. Howred Corporation is based in Houston, Texas, and has been a member of NIA since 2013.
Irex Corporation Announces New President and CEO
The Boards of Directors of Irex Corporation and North Lime Holdings Corporation recently have elected Lori Pickell to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Lori joined Irex as Assistant to the Treasurer in 1987. After several promotions, and most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and was elected Corporate Secretary. During the years she has served as the company’s CFO, revenues more than doubled and operating income increased more than fourfold. When Lori became Irex President and CEO, then President and CEO W. Kirk Liddell became the President and CEO of Musser Park Holdings Corporation. Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Irex Contracting Group has been a member of NIA since 1982.
Fall 2017
Distribution International Announces Appointment of New President and CEO
Distribution International, Inc. (DI), a distributor and fabricator in the mechanical insulation market, recently announced the appointment of Steven N. Margolius as President and CEO. Steve is an experienced distribution executive with leadership experience gained at HD Supply, Arrow Electronics, and GE. Throughout his tenure at HD Supply, Steve served in various roles including Senior VP at HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, President and CEO of HD Supply Power Solutions, President of HD Electrical, and COO of HD Supply Utilities. Fields of experience during his career include sales, finance, information technology, operations, and supply chain. His efforts resulted in increased sales growth and EBITDA as well as the success of many transformative initiatives streamlining essential support functions and operational practices. A member of NIA since 1998, DI is based in Houston, Texas.
FBM-SPI Announces New VP
FBM-SPI announced the appointment of John Moten as Vice President, Investor Relations. In this role, John will oversee the development and management of the Investor Relations department for Foundation Building Materials, including communications with shareholders and sell-side analysts. FBM-SPI is based in Tustin, California, and has been a member of NIA since 1984.
Gribbins Insulation Adds Safety Coordinator
Gribbins Insulation recently announced the addition of Kent Kafka as Safety Coordinator. Kent brings over 20 years of expertise to Gribbins, including prior experience as an Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Industrial Hygiene Compliance Officer, as well serving as an Industrial Hygienist/Safety Consultant. Kent noted, “What I find most impressive about Gribbins’s projects is the use of the latest technology and state of the art methods of producing and installing insulation, all while using the safest methods and going beyond what the OSHA standards require.” A member of NIA since 1990, Gribbins Insulation is a commercial and industrial mechanical insulation contractor serving the Midwestern United States. Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, the company has 5 branch offices in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Ronald L. King Inducted as Honorary Member of NIA
By unanimous decision, the NIA Board of Directors inducted Ronald (Ron) L. King as a permanent honorary member of NIA. Ron is a Past President of NIA, the World Insulation and Acoustic Congress, and the Southwest Insulation Contractors Association. He was awarded the NIA’s President’s Award in 1986 and again in 2001. Ron has served NIA with distinction, including service to NIA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as a Past President Advisor, and as a member of numerous NIA Committees, most notably the Foundation Steering Committee, which he co-chaired from 1998 to 2002. Ron is a 50+ year veteran of the commercial and industrial insulation industry and retired in 2004 as the Chairman, CEO, and President of a large national insulation distributor/fabricator. He currently serves as a consultant to NIA on a variety of educational, outreach, and governmental initiatives, including coordinating many association alliance-partnership activities. Ron is the second recipient of this prestigious honor, the first being P. Thomas Fraatz, who received the award in 2010. This designation allows the individual to be recognized as a member of NIA in all ways regardless of their employment status. NIA extends our sincerest thanks to Ron for his leadership and his dedication to advancing NIA and our industry