David de la Fuente Awarded Title of 2017 “America’s Best Installer”

Insulation professional, David de la Fuente of Star Companies, Inc. in Raytown, Mo. secured the title and $10,000 grand prize at the 15^th annual America’s Best Installer competition on Oct. 14. De la Fuente competed against 26 insulation installers from across the country in the skill-based competition at the EXDO Event Center in Denver.

America’s Best Installer was created in 2003 by building products manufacturer Johns Manville and Insulate America to recognize the skill and hard work of insulation installers, while emphasizing the impact a quality insulation installation has on the energy efficiency of building structures.

De la Fuente exceeded the performance of his competitors in the fast-paced competition which consisted of installing JM formaldehyde-free insulation batts into mock home structures. Expert judges evaluated each competitor based on real job site criteria, including workmanship and install quality, speed, material use, and reaction to different obstacles, such as pipes, vaulted ceilings and electrical outlets.

“We are thrilled to recognize David de la Fuente as our 15^th ‘America’s Best Installer’ for his superior performance and dedication to high quality,” said Bob Wamboldt, president of Insulation Systems at Johns Manville. “Our continued partnership with Insulate America for this competition allows us to support and celebrate the insulation industry and the hardworking installers at work each day.”

The competition also recognized second-place winner, Noe Castillo of Denver-based Rocky Mountain Insulation, with a $5,000 cash prize. A third-place $3,500 cash prize was awarded to Shawn Elliot of Charlotte, N.C.-based Standard Insulating Companies and a fourth-place $2,500 cash prize was awarded to Jose Varela-Garcia of Olathe, Kan.-based Henges Insulation.

Additional cash prizes were awarded to the following competitors from the preliminary rounds of competition:

• Diego Campana-Baquero of A+ Insulation, Edwardsville, Kan. ($1,000)
• Leonel Lora of American Residential Products, Orlando, Fla. ($1,000)
• Doel Vazquez of Wisconsin Insulation Services, Menomonee Falls, Wis. ($1,000)
• Travis Vandenbogart of Comfort Pro Insulators, Little Suamico, Wis. ($1,000)
• Jake Milner of G5 / Insul USA, Nixa, Mo. ($500)
• Rafael Rodriguez-Loya of Nelligan Insulation, Lynchburg, Va. ($500)
• Alex Franco of Homeowner’s Insulation, Colorado Springs, Colo. ($500)
• Justin McCabe of Northwind Insulation, Orchard Park, N.C. ($500)

“David de la Fuente is a very deserving winner of this year’s ‘America’s Best Installer’ competition,” said David Beam, president and chief executive officer of Insulate America. “We are proud to recognize all of the competitors who participated in the 15^th annual competition for their hard work and dedication to quality and professional workmanship. We also thank our partner Johns Manville for 15 years of unwavering support for the contest and the opportunity to recognize and reward the nation’s best.”

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 $3 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. JM employs approximately 7,000 people and operates 43 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.