Member Spotlight: Fred Palladino
Fred Palladino
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) dives inside the career of Fred Palladino
Name: Fred Palladino
Title: General Road and Operations Superintendent
Firm: North East Foam Solutions
City: Wrentham, MA
ABAA member for 19 years
My name is Fred Palladino. I am a 46 year old 1st generation American. My father came to this country from Italy for a better life. I Have been married to my childhood best friend for 25 years. We have 3 amazing children who have turned into successful adults. I have been a union carpenter for 23 years out of Boston. For the last 16 years I have been running the field operations for the biggest union insulation and AVB contractor in New England. North East Foam Solutions. When the company started in 2007 we had 1 truck and 4 employees. Doug Sharpe (owner) and myself have taken North East Foam to heights that we could have only imagined. We pride ourselves on getting the impossible done. And producing quality work.
DO NOT USE - USED TO KEEP ACCORDION CLOSED INITIALLY
What's a project you've worked on that you're especially proud of and why?
A: There are a lot of projects that we are proud of. I can’t just single out one. Encore Boston Harbor Casino, Gillette Stadium Light House, Mary Baker Eddy House, Allston Yards, and the AOTC buildings to name a few.
How does proper air barrier installation contribute to overall building performance and sustainability?
A: Air barrier installation is one of the most important steps in construction. It’s the part of a building that is not ever seen, but if not done right could create major problems. In my opinion, AVB installed correctly is the key component in how the building will perform when it comes to all the mechanical and even long term financial aspects of the building. AVB can be the quite hero or the hidden nightmare. That’s why proper installation is key.
How has earning your Level 3 Certification impacted your career and business opportunities?
A: Carrying a level 3 certification and all my men carrying a minimum of a level 1 has given us the training and knowledge that our company needs when contracting and perform these high-profile projects. It gives North East foam an edge with Architects, Owners, 3rd party consultants and consultants with the new passive house movement.
What's one challenge you've faced in the field, and how did you overcome it?
A: One of the biggest challenges in the field would have to be weather. The only way to overcome this would be to just know your limitations with the product. Don’t try to push things to just get the project done. Make sure you’re using the right product for whatever season you’re in.
How do you educate clients or general contractors on the importance of air barriers?
A: Most of the time we do not need to. We deal with a strong group of Architects. Being in a union environment a team is put together to achieve a great building. But education and training is essential for me when being part of the design team.
What tools or technologies have made the biggest impact on how you do your job?
A: Lifts, membrane rollers, tarping in the building for heat.
What do you wish more people understood about the work of air barrier installers?
A: That you’re not just throwing membrane up on a building. There is a correct way to install AVB. Especially when it comes to overlaps, seams, door and window openings, having a total wall assembly detail, how everything should be tied in from your foundation to your roof, how what type of insulation is used can affect the wall assembly.
How do you stay up to date with industry standards, training, or new installation techniques?
A: We hold trainings every year for our company. North East Foam will bring in manufacturers reps to perform these trainings when new products come to the market, or codes change. Sometimes they will reach out to us to perform an on-project training.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why?
A: The biggest thing this industry needs is a true installer and suppliers licence with a true federal/state governing body behind it. There are way too many fly-by-night bad companies out there giving this industry a bad name. Especially when it comes to spray foam. Most suppliers will sell to anyone with a pickup truck. This is bad for the industry. They just want to make a dollar.
