TTU Chemical Engineering Alum Comes “Full Circle”

KNOXVILLE, TN - June 9, 2011 -- You might say the education, skills and relationships Richard Porter began building at Tennessee Tech (TTU) more than 25 years ago have come full circle. 

In 1985, when Porter graduated, little did he know that what he learned at TTU would help him launch a company which, in turn, would help TTU construct a new, more energy-efficient building.

Porter is the founder of cfiFOAM, a privately held company serving the niche market of injection foam insulation products. Founded in 2002, cfiFOAM has quickly grown to be a market leader, by emphasizing the need for continual innovation and improvement and the company’s excellent record of customer training and support.

When Porter saw the announcement for the upcoming construction of TTU’s Tech Village West, he knew this particular project was one in which he wanted to be involved. 

Porter is quick to credit Dr. David Yarbrough, Professor Emeritus at TTU, as part of the reason for his current success. In particular, Porter points out that “Dr. Yarbrough is internationally renowned as an expert in the field of heat transfer, and what I learned from him about (heat transfer) continues to have a direct impact on cfiFOAM’s product development.”

Yarbrough believes Porter’s success “is an endorsement of the engineering program at TTU and evidence of a lot of hard work.” Yarbrough calls Porter “a great example of someone who has successfully made the transition from chemical engineering student to practicing engineer to entrepreneurial businessman in a highly technical area of building science.”

cfiFOAM first entered the market in 2002 with its CoreFoam Masonry Foam Insulation product, and quickly “raised the bar” in the masonry foam insulation market because of its superior quality, productivity, equipment innovations, long shelf-life and ease of installation.

This product was quickly followed by InsulSmart Interior Foam Insulation, a water-based injection foam targeted specifically for the fast-growing retrofit market. Because of its renewable resource content, many consider InsulSmart to be a “green” product. One of the most appealing qualities of InsulSmart is its versatility--it can be used to re-insulate older homes, even if the wall cavity is partially filled with old, ineffective insulation. InsulSmart does what other types of insulation cannot--flowing through empty space and across old materials to completely fill the wall cavity. And, InsulSmart can be injected into from either the interior or exterior of the home. It can even be installed behind existing brick.

Because cfiFOAM is always looking for new and innovative products, they also offer a Tank Foam for Underground Storage Tank Abatement. And, in response to specific market needs, a number of new products are in the works. 

When Porter isn’t juggling the demands of running a growing business or developing new products, he can be found with his family--his wife, Dawn (TTU Class of 1986), and his three “terrific” children--sons Garrison and Christian, and daughter Leighton. 

For more information about Porter or cfiFOAM, visit the company web site, www.cfifoam.com , or call him at 800-656-FOAM (3626).