R-Value Podcast

March 18 2025

Are you losing jobs to competitors because you’re not talking about the 25C tax credit? In this episode, Ken Allison and marketing expert Peter Trost reveal how insulation contractors are winning more business—and getting $20,000 worth of free marketing materials—before this opportunity disappears in April 2025!

February 6 2025

The latest advancements in spray foam technology are here, but are you prepared to handle them? In this episode of the R-Value podcast, industry expert Ken Allison sits down with Honeywell research fellow Mary C. Bogdan to break down the changes, challenges, and solutions that come with the new generation of blowing agents.

November 4 2024

Getting Other People to Do Your Bids For You & Other Wisdom for Bidding Insulation and Spray Foam Projects with Shad Wall of ICDZ Insulation Construction Drawings

October 1 2024

The Hidden ROI of Insulation and Air Sealing: Expert Tips from Rick Hall, Building Science Professional Training.

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Rick Hall, a seasoned expert in HVAC, insulation, and building codes, to share his extensive knowledge on how proper training and understanding can elevate efficiency in the industry.

September 1 2024

On today’s R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Nikki Kruger from Santa Fe dehumidifiers. As the industry grapples with the challenges of increasingly airtight homes, Nikki sheds light on the latest innovations in dehumidification technology and their role in maintaining healthy, comfortable living spaces.

August 1 2024

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Chris Fuerst welcomes Derek Fowler from Owens Corning to discuss the critical topic of insulation coverage, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques and equipment settings to help maximize efficiency and profitability in insulation projects.

July 10 2024

On today’s episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Peter Troast, Founder and CEO of Energy Circle.

Peter and Ken discuss the significant benefits and underutilization of the 25C tax credit for insulation contractors. Peter shares insights on how Energy Circle, in collaboration with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAMA) and the Insulation Institute, has developed a comprehensive suite of free marketing resources to help contractors capitalize on this opportunity.

June 13 2024

In this episode, IDI’s Ken Allison and Owens Corning’s Mark Keenan discuss various aspects of soundproofing and acoustic insulation. Marc, who has been with Owens Corning for 24 years, shares his expertise in sound insulation.

May 9 2024

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes special guest Ken Levenson, the executive director of the Passive House Network. The discussion centers on the concept of “Passive House” and its impact on building sustainability and efficiency. Levenson, with his deep experience as an architect and advocate for energy-efficient building, shares insights into how the Passive House standard dramatically reduces energy consumption while enhancing comfort and resilience in building structures.

April 18 2024

This episode of the R-Value Podcast features an insightful conversation with industry veteran Henri Fennell about common issues that can arise with spray foam installations. Fennell shares his extensive experience analyzing spray foam problems and the most frequent causes he encounters, such as improper material handling and processing.

March 18 2024

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes special guests Rick Duncan, Executive Director of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and John Stahl of the Metal Buildings Initiative to discuss and dispel the myths surrounding the use of spray foam insulation in metal buildings. The conversation focuses on debunking common misconceptions and providing factual information based on research and industry experiences.

February 12 2024

This episode of the R-Value podcast is an exciting listen for any insulation contractor looking to grow their business, but even more so for spray foam contractors! You won’t want to miss out on the great deal offered in this podcast. To learn more and take advantage of this Angi deal, read more below.

January 15 2024

In this episode of the R-Value podcast, host Ken Allison and special guest Sam Myers from Retrotec discuss the intricacies and importance of blower doors in testing a home’s air tightness. They delve into common mistakes made during blower door tests, such as incorrectly matching the fan range to the gauge, and highlights advancements in technology, like digital manometers introduced in the mid-90s, which improved the testing process through color coding and touch screen features for easier identification and use​​​​.

December 12 2023

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s own Ken Allison welcomes Apollo Energies CEO and President Mark Stout to show off a tool that will help your customers understand how much they could save by taking advantage of the 179D tax incentive.

September 13 2023

Are you a business owner looking to grow your company’s value and profitability in the years ahead? Tune in to this insightful episode of the R-Value podcast, hosted by IDI’s Ken Allison with guest economist Brian Beaulieu to get an expert forecast on the housing and construction markets. They dive into projections for housing permits, sales, interest rates, and remodeling through 2026.

August 16 2023

In this episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Marketing Manager Blake Moreau, IDI’s HR Operations Manager Brenda Mattson and special guest Maddie Hollis dive into the essential aspects of running a compliant and profitable business. They explore the intricacies of employee state laws, overtime requirements, hiring practices, and the importance of transparent communication within the workplace.

July 24 2023

Building standards and regulations have changed A LOT recently. It can be difficult to keep up with and communicate all of the changes, leading to failed inspections and lost revenue. The pace and volume of change is a major challenge for builders across the country and non-profit organizers are stepping into the maze to help solve the problem.

June 19 2023

In this episode of The R-Value Podcast, IDI Distributor’s Ken Allison sits down with Chuck Casto, Alignable’s business development guru and Head of Content Marketing. Alignable, often described as the largest online Chamber of Commerce or the Facebook for business owners, is a platform that allows small business owners to connect with one another and share resources, ideas, and advice. Ken and Chuck discuss the many advantages for contractors and builders of being on Alignable, such as networking events, a marketing contest, and the visibility that a business can achieve through participating in the platform.

May 18 2023

In this episode, IDI’s Ken Allison speaks live with Steve Skodak, CEO of the Building Performance Association at the organization’s 37th annual National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show.

April 7 2023

Winning bids and creating a profitable business doesn’t just happen accidentally. It takes great people, great products, great work, and a team dedicated to learning and adapting to constant market changes. Today we’re talking to an expert in the field of building successful contracting businesses, Joe Arrigo. He shares his 5 best practices for building a contracting business that becomes profitable and more importantly, STAYS profitable.

March 3 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act may have already passed but there are still lots of questions about the credits, incentives and rebates contained within. How will the funds be distributed? Which states will benefit most? What’s the best way for contractors to ensure they can deliver these incentives to customers? Today we hope to answer these questions and more, which is why we’ve brought the foremost expert on the Inflation Reduction Act onto the podcast, Kara Saul Rinaldi.

February 7 2023

For contractors and consumers 2023 really is the “year of the rebate” courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act. Potential customers are just starting to learn about how they can utilize these rebates to start new projects, which raises the question. How should you adjust your marketing plan to best capture the interest of these new prospects in your market?

January 12 2023

A lot of changes are coming to tax credits and other ways to save contractors and their clients money with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. This includes not only new programs, but also adjustments to regulations and extensions around exisitng credits like the 179D. It’s one of the most underused credits but it can save business lots of money. Knowing more about these credits can be a critical game-changer for your business.

December 6 2022

According to Forbes, over 40% of the US construction workforce is expected to retire over the next decade. The fact is the construction industry faces a workforce shortage and according to Associated Builders and Contractors that shortage is up to 650,000 in 2022. This means every worker is critical including workers that came to our country looking for work. For many installation contractors, migrant workers fill key roles in the operation of their company. But the rules, regulations and liabilities around these practices can be confusing for workers and employers alike. We’ve invited immigration attorney Jorge Molina on the show to chat with IDI’s Business Development expert Ken Allison. They discuss the best practices to protect your employees and your company.

November 7 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act is set to provide a lot of subsidies and other resources to contractors. But unless you know the details, you may not be able to maximize them for your business. That’s why we’ve invited Xavier Walter on the show to chat with IDI’s Business Development expert Ken Allison. They explain how you can get access to these benefits and how to best utilize them to hire and retain the best talent.

October 12 2022

Doing things the right way, even when it’s harder, will help you maintain a business with great customer relationships and a reputation that attracts more customers. That’s a philosophy that is central to the success of Suburban Manufacturing and our guest today, Mike May.

September 15 2022

At IDI, we like to push the envelope, do the unthinkable, achieve the impossible. With this podcast, we’re doing just that by welcoming Mike Swift, VP and General Manager, and Kurt Walters the National Account Sales Manager for Owens Corning. You read that right, Owens Corning, one of the world’s largest insulation manufacturers, is on the podcast and they are talking all about their recent acquisition of Natural Polymers and what that means for contractors across the United States.

August 3 2022

This episode’s guest has a PHD in physics and he knows how to use it. Dr. Allison Bailes is the founder of Energy Vanguard, a company that focuses on teaching, HVAC design services, and consulting. Dr. Bailes works on the forefront of change in the way people see and use energy in homes.

July 6 2022

When it comes to keeping moisture from destroying a home, it’s all in the details, and that’s what Jamie Kaye is focused on. Jamie’s a Building Science Practitioner and Healthy Home Professional at Elm Energy Group and he joins us today to discuss how to prevent moisture intrusion and increase energy efficiency at every step of the build process.

June 7 2022

Various economic pressures are leading businesses to make creative decisions on supply of product and supply of people. How do you balance business realities with customer satisfaction? Today’s guest, Joe Arrigo, has the latest data and strategies to help you navigate these difficult questions.

May 5 2022

People think starting a business can be hard, but building a business on the other hand can be even more challenging, ESPECIALLY if you don’t anticipate simple obstacles that can sink your best-laid plans. That’s why business development education is extremely important and why we’re talking to one of the best voices in building business education, Joe Arrigo.

April 5 2022

We’re well into 2022 and a lot has already changed in the building industry, codes, regulations, legislation, and COVID guidance just to name a few. We’ve called in one of the leading experts in insulation, Dr. Joe Lstiburek, to help you understand these changes and prepare your business for the next 3 quarters and beyond.

March 10 2022

It’s not just your phone, technology is improving rapidly in every facet of our lives including the tools we use to get the job done. Today we pay special attention to one of the most vital and complex pieces of your spray foam operation, the rig.

February 3 2022

It’s the Super Bowl of spray foam conventions, SprayFoam 2022, and it’s live and in-person this February. Today we’re talking to the man who is helping to put it all together, Rick Duncan. He is the Executive Director of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), the industry’s leading organization representing contractors, material and equipment manufacturers, distributors, and industry consultants.

August 16 2021

There’s an adage in writing for the stage and screen: show, don’t tell. That’s an adage that has led to big business for our guest today, DeWitt Driscoll of Positive Energy Consultants. He’s taking on the hardest jobs and using cutting-edge technology to make sure customers understand what they need and how he can help.

August 9 2021

We have news from the capital city, Washington D.C. that can help you keep more of your capital. Host, Ken Allison, speaks with Kara Saul Rinaldi, the President and CEO of the AnnDyl Policy Group, LLC, a clean energy policy group that works on the federal and state level. Her organization is a driving force behind the Hope for Homes legislation, a bill that would fund training for work on clean energy improvements including insulation, air sealing, and other building performance enhancements.

May 26 2021

This one goes out to all the women out there breaking down glass ceilings and insulating buildings. We’re discussing women in the insulation industry with four of the brightest minds at IDI distributors and the entire industry; Rachel Perry, Commercial Sales Specialist, Daja Oliver, a Branch Manager in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jessica the Attic Queen out of Tampa, Florida and Chelsea Whitley, SPFE Product and Solutions Manager in Atlanta, Georgia. Each of these industry experts share their unique experiences entering a traditionally male-dominated industry and how they feel like women have changed it for the better.

April 13 2021

Bryon Adamczyk, President of AI Building Products, knows what it takes to hire, train and manage multiple teams of contractors. In this episode, he shares his no-nonsense insights into obtaining, retaining and training talent that will save your business money and reputation.

March 3 2021

To keep the outside, outside and the inside dry and quiet takes a lot of science. No one knows that better than The ROCKWOOL Group who has been protecting residential and commercial properties from moisture and sound pollution since 1909. Host Ken Allison welcomes Brendan Van Gool and Jason Howell from the ROCKWOOL Group to discuss the world of exterior insulation and the unique challenges that different environments bring to a building project.

March 1 2021

No matter what line of work you’re in you’d like to be given a gold star, by your industry and certainly by your customer. Who is setting the standards for what qualifies as world-class building and contracting? Host Ken Allison welcomes Larry Zarker and John Jones of BPI, the Building Performance Institute to discuss how BPI formulated the training and qualifications that make up its GoldStar Contractor status and how that status can lead to better building and more customers.

December 1 2020

On today’s show the focus shifts from spray foam to blown fiberglass insulation. And no one knows it better than Chris Fuerst, IDI’s Fiberglass Equipment and Sales Rep. Chris has a decade of experience in the industry but just recently joined IDI in 2020.

November 24 2020

Carlisle Construction Materials is a diversified manufacturer and supplier of premium building products and related technologies for the commercial and residential construction markets, and they are IDI’s longest spray foam partner. Today, Travis and Don welcome not just one, but FOUR guests from Carlisle to talk about a wide range of topics.

November 17 2020

Travis and Don are used to talking about insulating areas above ground, but on today’s episode they talk with an expert about the fast growing segment of crawlspace encapsulation. Dane Malmberg, National Sales Rep for Viper CS Crawlspace Vapor Barrier joins the show. He’s been in the business for over a decade and is here to explain the important differences and advantages of a high quality product like Viper CS as compared to the standard 6 mil poly used in most projects currently.

June 15 2020

Go into your local or national bank and ask them about financing a new spray foam rig and be prepared to get a blank stare. That’s why each week the R-Value podcast brings in experts in the industry to give you the most specialized information around.

June 12 2020

On this episode, Travis and Don welcome Ben Brown, President and CEO of Natural Polymers. Ben has been working behind the scenes for 22 years to make the chemicals in your spray foam more efficient, better for the environment and better for your customers. Ben takes you in the laboratory and the research and development room to show you the past, present and future of spray foam technology.

June 4 2020

As always, you are in for another episode packed with valuable information. Today, Travis, Don and Aaron welcome Robert Naini, of Spray Foam Advisor. His company provides information for SPF business owners, salespeople, applicators, and distributors, with the goal to improve efficiency and generate more profit through their training and learning techniques.

May 31 2020

Travis Pankake and Don Clymer invited their good friends Gary Wolf, Brad Glazier, and Nick McCartney from IFTI/Paint to Protect, manufacturer of the industry leading DC315 intumescent coating, 15-minute thermal barrier and Ignition barrier fire protection of spray foam insulation.

May 25 2020

When a small business starts to grow, they soon realize how much comes along with that growth. The intricacies of hiring, benefits, workers comp, payroll and so much more can be overwhelming.

May 9 2020

When a small business starts to grow, they soon realize how much comes along with that growth. The intricacies of hiring, benefits, workers comp, payroll and so much more can be overwhelming.

April 22 2020

Your business’ economic realities are directly related to your personal economic realities. If you want to help your employees you have to educate them (and yourself) on all of the options available.

April 15 2020

Join Travis Pankake, Aaron Franzen and Ryan Stewart as they discuss the inside and out of the inside of homes with Jeremiah Bryant, COO of Thrice Energy Solutions. Jeremiah comes from 4 generations of drywall experts and he uses that expertise to consult with clients of all kinds on the best solutions to keep their homes energy efficient and safe. If you’ve ever wondered about HERS ratings and raters and how you can educate clients properly on energy efficiency, this is the episode for you. PLUS! Jeremiah explains why he buys through distribution, how it keeps his costs fixed and helps him serve his clients better.

April 10 2020

Join Travis Pankake, Don Clymer and Steve Kosel as they discuss the short term and long term effects of the economic pause caused by the COVID-19 shutdowns with acclaimed economist Brian Beaulieu of ITR Economics. When should we expect economic recovery and how long will growth last? What are the unintended consequences of the shutdown and are the measures taken by the U.S. government working?

April 2 2020

Every customer, every time. That’s the customer service philosophy of Pat McHale, CEO at Graco. Pat has instituted customer service policies that radically rethink the relationship between business and customer. He’ll explain why these policies work and why 4.5 stars out of 5 just doesn’t cut it anymore.

April 22 2020

“Why buy new when slightly used will do, EXCEPT when the deals are this good.” If you’ve heard that slogan you probably live in the Midwest and you probably know our guest today. Dick Enrico is the founder of 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment, the nation’s largest fitness dealer, and a true sales expert. Dick has a whip-smart sense of humor but he’s dead serious about making the sale. He’s been using creative techniques to get in doors across the Midwest since the 1960s. Today’s super-sized episode is packed with sales history, tactics, strategies, ideas and “Dick-isms” you can take into your next sales call.

March 14 2020

On this edition of the R-Value Podcast, we’re chatting with Wells Bullard, a fifth-generation CEO of Bullard Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of high-quality personal protective equipment and systems that are marketed worldwide. Bullard traces it’s history back to 1898 selling mining safety equipment to gold miners in San Francisco. Today they make products essential to workplace safety: thermal imagers, hard hats, firefighter and rescue helmets, supplied-air respirators, powered air-purifying respirators, and air quality equipment.

January 26 2020

At the end of the day, it’s NOT about quality. Quality work should be the bedrock of your business. At the end of the day, the difference between sale or no sale is all about being memorable. So says our guest today, keynote speaker David Avrin.

January 12 2020

Today it’s all about the HFO. The next generation of blowing agent in spray foam is increasing yields and decreasing impact on the environment. But the rules on when and where HFO spray foam will be mandated are confusing at best. That’s why we’ve called on the HFO professionals.