How NAHB Helped Two Teens Create a Home Insulation Business

NAHB’s network of local HBAs provides a springboard for some of the country’s brightest young minds to pursue their goals within the home building industry.

One recent example of the pipeline’s success is Superior Insulation of the Upper Peninsula, a sprayfoam insulation and concrete lifting company based in northern Michigan that was cofounded by Logan Curran and Joe Krysmalski — both of whom are just 18 years old.

Builders' Show Sparks a Winning Idea

Curran and Krysmalski, classmates since kindergarten, first got the idea to create an insulation company when they were 16 years old. Curran attended the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas where he saw trailers with insulation that used sprayfoam, a trade that piqued his interest.

By age 17, during their junior year of high school, they purchased a trailer and put their idea into action.

"It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding," said Curran. "There’s a big market for it. We’re up in northern Michigan. It’s super cold; there’s cold winters ... It’s fun; it’s a challenge."

Support from the Local HBA

Curran and Krysmalski credit the HBA of the Upper Peninsula (HBAUP) for building credibility in their business and helping them get in contact with clients and learn from peers.

"Logan and Joe really jumped in with both feet when they started their business and the HBA of the UP was one of their first stops," said Sarah Foster, the HBA's Executive Officer.

"They have shown up at our Young Professional events, at membership meetings, and even got a booth at our home show their very first year in business. We love helping them connect with whatever resources they need."

Those connections and their hard work helped them achieve another feat as well. Krysmalski estimates that the duo spent more than 300 hours studying to earn their builder’s licenses before completing high school.

How More HBAs Can Foster Success 

Curran and Krysmalski are just two of a growing number of students eager to establish themselves within the trades.

"I would advise [other HBAs] to start a Young Professionals group and student chapter," said Foster. "You don’t need a large group of people. Get that small group together and start meeting and talking. It will grow on its own.

"Encourage students and other young business owners and, most importantly, support what they are doing and give them guidance and resources."

Learn more about starting a Student Chapter or a Young Professionals group at your HBA.

Next Steps for Curran and Krysmalski

As they continue to establish their business, the young entrepreneurs are working long hours to maximize each and every day. (Editor's note: Curran and Krysmalski graciously conducted their interview with NAHB for this article while on the jobsite, in between stages of sprayfoaming the walls of a duplex.)

In the coming years, they hope to expand their business by adding employees. Curran is currently pursuing a business degree at Northern Michigan University, and Krysmalski is hoping to add buying and renovating homes to his resume, too.

"If you want to start your own business, go for it as soon as you can," said Curran. "Because it’s not going to wait around. You’ve got to go and chase it."