Jose Hernandez Wins 2018 “America’s Best Installer” Competition for Third Time

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jose Hernandez, an insulation professional in Elkridge, Md., was awarded the title of “America’s Best Installer” on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the EXDO Events Center in Denver for the third time. Hernandez competed against 35 other professionals from across the country for the title and $10,000 first-place prize in the fast-paced competition that highlights the importance of energy efficiency. Hernandez won the competition back-to-back years in 2014 and 2015, becoming the first competitor to win the competition more than once. He is employed with Cameron Group LLC.

The competition was created in 2003 by Johns Manville (JM), a Denver-based building products manufacturer, and Insulate America, the nation’s largest independent insulation contractor organization. The competition recognizes local competitors and highlights the positive impact that properly installed insulation can have on heating and cooling bills, home energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

The competition consists of three stages structured to test the installer’s workmanship and the final outcome of their installation. Competitors were assigned with the task of installing JM formaldehyde-free insulation batts into the mock home structure and were then judged upon quality and speed. Hernandez outperformed the other competitors during the final stage, which involved two identical wooden mock home structures, complete with construction challenges including electrical outlets, pipes and a vaulted ceiling.

“We’re pleased to honor Jose for the third time for his superior performance this year and we applaud our talented group of competitors for another solid year of competition,” said Bob Wamboldt, president of Insulation Systems at Johns Manville. “We’re proud of our continued partnership with Insulate America, and we look forward to celebrating and recognizing insulation installers for their dedication to the industry for years to come.”

The competition also awarded second, third and fourth place. Pete Middleton of Turner Insulation in Sterling Heights, Minn. placed second and was awarded a $5,000 prize, Stan Tatara of Henges Interiors in Earth City, Mo. was recognized as third place and won a $3,500 prize, and due to a tie in the preliminary rounds, Jesus Cruz of Millers Insulation in Albuquerque, N.M. and Luis Perez of Arkansas Insulation (A G5 Company) in Bethel Heights, Ark. both placed fourth and were each awarded a $2,500 prize.

Additionally, the following competitors received cash prizes for their performance during the preliminary rounds of competition:

• Jose Lopez of American Fork, Utah, Premier Building Supply; $1,000
• Victor Lozano of Shawnee, Kan., Insulation Specialties Contractors, Inc.; $1,000
• Efrain Magana of Fresno, Calif., California Building Products, Inc.; $1,000
• Jorge Tinoco of Pleasant View, Utah, J&K Insulation; $1,000
• Eden Longoria of Englewood, Colo., Rocky Mountain Insulation Corporation; $500
• Michael Stephenson of Orchard Park, N.Y., Northwind Insulation; $500
• Robert Williams of Chattanooga, Tenn., Therm-Con, LLC; $500

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 over $3 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. Johns Manville employs 7,600 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 over 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.