Member Spotlight: Scott Cameron
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) dives inside the career of Scott Cameron, President of Cameron Building Envelope Specialists in Elkridge, MD. In this feature interview, learn what made him become an ABAA member, what led him on his career path, and get his perspective on the future of the air barrier industry.
Scott Cameron
Scott was born and raised in Severna Park, MD. He attended Hampden-Sydney college in Virginia and was a member of the lacrosse team. In 2002, he accepted a position as an estimator at his family’s insulation company and continues to operate as the president of Cameron Group LLC located in Elkridge, MD. Scott represents the 4th generation in his family’s 113 year history. Through his leadership, Cameron Group was recently named one of the nation’s fastest growing construction companies by Inc. 5,000. Scott also serves on the board of directors of Rebuilding Together Howard County and on the advisory board of the Maryland Green Building Council.
Name: Scott Cameron
Title: President
Firm: Cameron Building Envelope Specialists
City: Elkridge, MD
What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession as an Air Barrier Contractor?
A: I think it’s safe to say I was born to do this. I am a fourth generation insulation contractor. My great grandfather started an insulation company in 1907 and our family has followed in his footsteps.
Is there anything that you believe everyone in this industry should be working towards?
A: The industry seems to be trending towards net zero construction. Using products that reduce carbon emission also seems to be a global focus.
What role have peers, mentors, or advisors played in your career?
A: When I took my first air barrier job, I really had no clue what I was getting myself into. If it wasn’t for industry leaders like Bob Converse and Marty Fisher at PPSI, our company probably wouldn’t be where we are today. Marty Fisher especially has been instrumental in growing our air barrier business. He is always forward thinking.
Are you involved in any ABAA committees? Do you have any ABAA certifications?
A: I’ve been a level three certified contractor for 10 years. Cameron has also won awards of excellence from ABAA.
How long have you been in the industry?
A: 20 years.
What major changes have you seen?
A: Building code changes have accelerated the need for air barrier products across the county. There have also been some interesting product innovations of the past couple of years with the introduction of spray applied silicones and better adhesive technology for self adhered membranes.
What traits or skills do you think are necessary to be able to succeed in your industry?
A: Attention to detail! With air barriers, the devil is always in the details. Most architects leave it to contractors to provide shop drawings and clean up details. You have to be prepared to do that if you want to successfully keep air and water out of a building.
Do you have any advice for anyone starting out in your field?
A: Take it slow with your growth. Large jobs require a ton of manpower and well trained air barrier installers are not easy to find.
How much demand do you think there is for people in your profession?
A: High. Especially installers . There are plenty of trades out there that install air barriers, but not many of them are dedicated to the trade and struggle to find manpower when jobs come up.
What do you think the industry will look like in five or ten year’s time?
A: There has been a lot of price erosion over the past couple of years. It would be nice to see that stabilize. Hopefully we get to the point where we have warranted systems like the roofing industry. There is far too much design delegation and risk put on the shoulder of contractors. It would be nice to see manufactures provide project specific shop drawings in the future.