“America’s Best Insulation Installer” for 2016 is Norris Allen

Insulation professional, Norris Allen of Olathe, Kan.-based Henges Insulation beat out more than 35 other competitors to secure the title of “America’s Best Insulation Installer” for 2016 on Saturday, Nov. 12 in Denver. Allen took home the $10,000 grand prize in the fast-paced competition that highlights how properly installed insulation can lead to a more comfortable and energy efficient home.

The America’s Best Installer competition was created in 2003 by Denver-based building products manufacturer Johns Manville (JM) and Insulate America, the nation’s largest independent insulation contractor organization. The competition showcases how properly-installed insulation can positively impact heating and cooling bills, home energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

The final stage of the competition consisted of two identical wooden mock home structures complete with construction obstacles, including electrical outlets, pipes and a vaulted ceiling. Each competitor was tasked with installing JM formaldehyde-free insulation batts into one of the mock home structures. Performance was judged using several real job site criteria, including quality of workmanship and installation, speed, and material use.

“Year after year, we look forward to challenging and recognizing our competitors for their commitment to quality insulation installations and their contributions toward building more energy efficient homes,” said Fred Stephan, senior vice president and general manager of Insulation Systems at Johns Manville. “America’s Best Installer is a great opportunity to showcase the industry’s best practices and raise the industry standard. We’re proud of our partnership with Insulate America and to honor Allen and all of this year’s competitors.”

The competition also recognized a first runner-up, Rosario Ruiz-Cardenas of Pleasant View, Utah-based J&K Insulation, with a $5,000 cash prize. Luis DeLuna of Residential Commercial Insulation, Inc. in Round Lake Beach, Ill. was recognized as second runner-up with a $3,500 cash prize and Brian Simmons of Morris Black and Sons in Allenton, Pa. was recognized as third runner-up with a $2,500 cash prize.

Additional cash prizes were awarded to runners-up from the preliminary rounds of competition:

• Steve Bishop of Henges Interiors, Earth City, Mo. ($1,000)
• Javier Gonzales of Astro Insulation, Ringwood, Ill. ($1,000)
• Leonel Lora of American Residential Products, Inc., Orlando, Fla. ($1,000)
• Pedro Castenada of Insulating Inc., Raleigh, N.C. ($1,000)
• Scotty Crook, G5 Enterprises, Inc., Springfield, Mo. ($500)
• Carlos Arturo Delgado, Garland Insulating, Dallas ($500)
• Thomas Pilon, Cullen Insulation, Fargo, N.D. ($500)
• Matthew Crouse, Northwind Insulation, Orchard Park, N.Y. ($500)

“Insulate America is thrilled to recognize Allen as this year’s best insulation installer,” said David Beam, president and chief executive officer of Insulate America. “Our competitors seem to raise the bar a bit higher each year with new techniques and attention to detail that make a difference at real-world construction jobs, and this year was no different. We’re proud to bring the nationally recognized competition to fruition with Johns Manville each year.”

About Johns Manville

Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE:BRK.A, BRK.B), is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical insulation, commercial roofing, and roof insulation, as well as fibers and nonwovens for commercial, industrial and residential applications. JM serves markets that include aerospace, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, filtration, waterproofing, building, flooring, interiors and wind energy. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales of approximately $2.6 billion and holds leadership positions in many of the key markets that it serves. JM employs approximately 7,000 people and operates 44 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.

About Insulate America

Insulate America is the nation’s largest independent insulation contractor. With 200 locations serving 46 states, Insulate America is committed to the highest quality workmanship and service. Training, education, sharing ideas, rigorous certifications and life-long learning separate Insulate America as professionals in the industry. Learn more at www.insulateamerica.com.