Miguel Martinez Named America’s Best Insulation Installer for 2009

Insulation professional Miguel Martinez of Progressive Insulation & Windows in Chatsworth, Calif., was named “America’s Best Insulation Installer” on October 3, after winning the 2009 America’s Best Installer national finals held in Tucson. Now in its seventh year, the nationwide challenge pits America’s five best insulation installers in a fast-paced, head-to-head competition that highlights how proper product installation leads to more comfortable, energy-efficient homes.

As winner of the 2009 Best Installer title, Martinez was awarded $10,000 and an invitation to the 2010 competition to defend his title.

“Best Installer is the biggest event each year for professional insulation installers,” said Martinez. “Considering the talent of my fellow competitors, I feel extremely fortunate to walk away with the win.”

During the finals, each competitor took a turn installing insulation products into a mock-home structure complete with construction obstacles, including an arched window, electrical outlets, pipes and a vaulted ceiling. A panel of professional judges evaluated the competitors’ performance using criteria relevant to a real job site, including quality of workmanship, adherence to safety rules, speed/productivity and the amount of scrap material they created.

“Insulate America is thrilled to recognize Miguel Martinez as the country’s best insulation installer,” said Jared Ingwalson, vice president of Insulate America. “In partnership with Johns Manville this competition has grown over the past seven years, and this was the toughest competition yet. Miguel’s performance was flawless.”

Created in 2003 by Denver-based building products manufacturer Johns Manville and Insulate America, America’s Best Installer highlights the importance of a quality insulation installation. Martinez earned his way to the national championship after winning a regional Best Installer semi-final held in Willows, Calif. earlier this year.

“America’s Best Installer was created to recognize the talented professionals who work day-in and day-out to build more energy efficient homes,” said Dud Colton, manager of national accounts for Johns Manville. “Johns Manville in partnership with Insulate America is proud to have the opportunity to bring Best Installer to fruition each year.”

With October being National Energy Awareness Month, the contest served as a timely reminder of the energy-saving benefits of properly installed insulation for homeowners. According to The Alliance to Save Energy, the typical household spends an extra $300 per year on energy costs that could have been avoided due to inadequate insulation, inefficient ventilation and leaky windows.

About Johns Manville

Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: 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 $2 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. JM employs approximately 6,500 people and operates 41 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.

About Insulate America

Insulate America is a national cooperative group of locally-owned, independent insulation contractors specializing in quality insulation installation and other services for residential and commercial construction. The North Carolina-based organization is the largest independent insulation contracting organization in the United States with more than 250 locations in 46 states. Insulate America gives contractors the buying power to offer competitive pricing on all insulation products.

For more information, or to locate and Insulate America contractor, visit www.insulateamerica.com.