Acumen Insulation & Coatings Takes On Spray Foam Business

BUFFALO, NY – December 4, 2012 – Although Troy Gilchrist, Owner of Acumen Insulation & Coatings, got his start in cellulose retrofit insulation work for weatherization programs in New York State he has wanted to be involved in the spray foam industry for the past 10 years.

"I've always had an interest in spraying foam," Gilchrist said. "I'm glad that energy conservation as a whole has finally received great public awareness."

Gilchrist has also seen an increasing demand for spray foam over the past seven years Acumen has been in business. "There is a stronger demand for foam," he said. "Particularly in the last two years or so. Everybody is writing foam in their specs now, even architects are starting to."

He was so sure he was going to start a spray foam business, Gilchrist set up his own company and equipment before he even knew how to do it. He ultimately learned how to apply spray foam both by working with local contractors who had experience in the industry and when he attained his training and BPI certification. "There's been help from a lot of people," he said. "I've been moving forward ever since."

Acumen is BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified, allowing the company to complete energy efficiency upgrades and improvements to qualify candidates for rebates and incentives. It is also MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certified per New York State's Division of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development. The mission of DMWBD is to promote equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs and to eliminate barriers to their participation in State contracts.

Acumen is also a Green Jobs Green New York contractor. Green Jobs Green New York is a statewide program aimed at promoting energy efficiency and installation of clean technologies to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Gilchrist said he has a good working relationship with the Department of Labor and since spray foam is considered an emerging industry for weatherization practices, the Department of Labor provides training programs for students who can then be brought on as apprentices at his company.

Gilchrist was fortunate enough to have a good clientele in place from his previous experience working in cellulose retrofit. He would ultimately like to run the commercial end of his business and wants to hire someone to take over the residential side.

The company currently has a rig equipped with a Graco Reactor E-30i. He purchased the rig about three months ago and plans to purchase another one in the near future. "I've been spraying foam with smaller portable systems with gas and nitrogen charged systems, so I had a general idea," he said. "But there is no comparison to this rig. It's a beauty."

Gilchrist is positive about his future in the spray foam industry. "It's challenging, but I've been through so many trials and tribulations just staying in existence that I can still sit here and say I'm still having fun," he said. "I'm in a good place right now. I'm excited. Going strongly into the foam business, I got a whole new breath of fresh air."

About Acumen Insulation & Coatings: Acumen is a local, minority owned business in Buffalo, New York that was founded in 2005. The company thrives on providing the best insulation installation in Western New York at an inexpensive rate. The company's staff is committed to providing the highest level of customer service and professionalism. Acumen is fully licensed and insured. No job is too big or too small. For more information about Acumen Insulation & Coatings, please use the contact details and links provided below.