Member Spotlight: Paul Grahovac
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) dives inside the career of Paul Grahovac, Manager – Codes, Standards & Field Support, General Counsel, Director of New Business Development and Risk Manager for PROSOCO in Lawrence, KS. 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.
Paul Grahovac
Paul Grahovac holds degrees in Economics and Law. He has been active in the construction industry for 30 years — first as a construction defects trial lawyer and later as corporate counsel and an expert in air barrier technology and panelized wall and window assemblies. He has practiced medical malpractice and hospital negligence law and also spent four years as an environmental lawyer and six years in technology development and licensing at a U.S Department of Energy Radioactive Waste and Research & Development Laboratory. He is active in ASHRAE and well-known in the Passive House community. He is employed at two related companies, PROSOCO and Build SMART, where his responsibilities include codes and standards. Build SMART prefabricates Passive-House certified wall and window assemblies. PROSOCO is a provider of fluid-applied air sealing products.
Name: Paul Grahovac
Title: Manager –Codes, Standards & Field Support/ General Counsel/ Director of New Business Development/ Risk Manager
Firm: PROSOCO
City: Lawrence, KS
What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession in the building industry?
A: Chose law because not good at math.
Is there anything that you believe everyone in this industry should be working towards?
A: Educating building owners and real estate developers about airtightness.
What role have peers, mentors, or advisors played in your career?
A: No man is an island.
What led you to become an ABAA member?
A: Employer is a member.
Are you involved in any ABAA committees? Do you have any ABAA certifications?
A: All committees, work groups, subcommittees, everything. No certifications.
How long have you been in the industry?
A: 30 years.
What major changes have you seen?
A: Embracing environmental and green initiatives instead of resisting them.
What traits or skills do you think are necessary to be able to succeed in your industry?
A: Ability to meld and manage the realities of job sites with the aspirations of the rest of the world.
Do you have any advice for anyone starting out in your field?
A: Work as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity on Saturdays at least once. I did it every Saturday for three years. It was great for my construction career.
What do you think the industry will look like in five or ten year’s time?
A: More prefabrication. More emphasis on airtight envelope to facilitate more HVAC outdoor at less cost with more effective flow control and pathogen dilution and removal.