Arizona Builder A Shade Above Honored With National Award

 

Tampa, Florida — (October 11, 2006) — A Shade Above, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona was named the winner of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) I.Q. Award for quality and best practices in metal building construction.  The award was presented to A Shade Above President Adam Butler and Vice President Brad Butler, owners, at a special presentation during the MetalCon International Conference on October 4th, 2006 in Tampa.

The NAIMA I.Q. Award honors metal building contractors who are committed to Insulation Quality, best practices and achieving the highest standards of energy efficiency through the use of NAIMA 202-96^® fiber glass metal building insulation — a product specifically designed to meet or exceed energy standards and to deliver superior energy efficiency.

According to Charles Cottrell, Vice President, Technical Services at NAIMA, “Being successful in the metal building industry requires quality products and a dedication to delivering long-term value for building owners and investors. 

NAIMA 202-96 fiber glass insulation provides the highest levels of energy efficiency, interior comfort and safety.  The I.Q. Award is given to outstanding builders who include 202-96 insulation as part of their overall commitment to excellence.”

A Shade Above sells and constructs more than 100 steel buildings each year, most of them commercial.  The company has recently expanded its operations into Colorado and also sells building packages nationwide. “Our philosophy is ‘If you buy a pound, we are going to give you a pound and a quarter,’” commented Brad Butler. 

“It has served us well over the years. We do no advertising.  Our customers sell our jobs for us. We are not interested in using the cheapest products or cutting corners. Our goal is to provide the best quality product and long-term value for our customers.”

“While anybody can make a building look good,” said Butler. “It’s the insulation that is the key to how a customer is going to enjoy his building down the road.”  A Shade Above uses NAIMA 202-96 fiber glass insulation exclusively.  Butler said that he “really has to do some salesmanship to show people what he is trying to do for them in terms of energy efficiency and long-term savings.”  He and his team take a pro-active approach.   They lay out the facts of why using 202-96 insulation is the best practice for achieving energy efficiency and why it is the best value for the dollar. “A lot of times people don’t understand just how critical insulation is in Arizona,” remarked Butler.  “It doesn’t matter where you live, when the temperature gets down into the low 30s, the roof will sweat.  I advise all of my customers of this before I sell them a building”

Part of his proactive approach says Butler is that “I tell them that I wouldn’t sell them anything I wouldn’t want in my house.  Yes, they are going to pay a little more for what I am providing, but their energy bills are going to be greatly reduced. I ask them to look at future costs — what it’s going to cost in savings as energy costs increase as they are bound to do.  Once I show them the insulation, explain the benefits, and have them talk to other customers, they quickly see that 202-96 is superior.  It’s not an upsell.  It’s showing them what they need versus what they think they need.”

The benefits that Brad discusses with his customers include outstanding energy efficiency, thermal and acoustical comfort, cost efficiency and the positive influence these factors have on re-sale value.  NAIMA 202-96 insulation is superior to competitive products because it is “over engineered to withstand the rigors of facing, lamination and handling that occurs during installation,” according to Cottrell.  NAIMA 202-96 insulation is certified to deliver stated R-values to the jobsite.

The commitment to best practices is appreciated by A Shade Above’s many customers including George Selman, CEO of GKS Enterprises, LLC in Scottsdale, AZ.  “A Shade Above erected three office and manufacturing buildings for us — each approximately 48,000 square feet,” stated Selman.  “They did an excellent job.  The buildings were pre-engineered metal buildings featuring block, stucco over metal panel with R-30 insulation in the roof.  There are not too many guys like Brad Butler.  He keeps his word, shows up when he says he will and never gripes about anything.  Making the buildings energy efficient was a high priority for him.  He convinced us of the long-term value of a well-insulated structure.”

Nate Tribbey, owner of Casa De Cor Furniture in Prescott, AZ, was equally impressed with the quality of A Shade Above’s work, “Brad built our 15,000 sq. ft. furniture store from the ground up.  He convinced us that a higher R-value insulation would pay for itself as time progressed — and it has.  He suggested we put R-38 in the roof which is quite unusual. In fact, he went beyond on the roof and gave us a two-layer system that is a much better roof. Brad is a guy who stands by his word and delivers a quality product.”

Mark Kettering of Selle Supply Company is the laminator who nominated A Shade Above for this award.  He said, “A Shade Above is totally committed to providing the best quality product for their customers.  They hold all employees and vendors accountable for what they deliver in all aspects pertaining to the work. Not only do they train their employees about energy code compliance, they also train vendors, suppliers and architects. They deserve the award.” 

As the winner of the NAIMA I.Q. Award, A Shade Above will be featured in an advertising campaign scheduled to run in leading metal building and insulation trade publications.  “We are proud to promote the accomplishments of the company,” noted Cottrell.  “By exhibiting the highest levels of professionalism in its building practices, it helps create success for the metal building industry and all companies who strive for excellence in serving this market.”

Now in its 10th year of operation, A Shade Above employs 30 people in the field and has annual sales of approximately $3 million. For additional information about the company, call toll free 877-509-6063.