Diversification in the Insulation Industry
How International Asbestos Removal has diversified the Insulation Industry
Over the last 30 Years, International Asbestos Removal Inc. (IAR) has more than tripled their size, becoming New York’s largest mechanical insulation companies for the past decade.
IAR is a family-owned contractor specializing in mechanical/plumbing insulation and environmental remediation. Since 1987 IAR has completed over 20,000 projects that include insulation, firestopping, asbestos removal, lead and mold remediation, and demolition.
IAR was started in the 80’s by Karen and John Grando to perform asbestos removal. John Grando Insulation had already been established as an insulation company and the thought was these two industries would fit perfectly together. Their nephew Chris Grando joined the firm in 1988.
IAR and John Grando Insulation merged after the passing of Karen’s husband John to cancer in 2009.
Karen and Chris, the dynamic aunt/nephew duo, took the opportunity to grow the business to new heights over the past few decades. Many factors played a part in IAR being able to successfully scale their business into higher profile projects, new markets, and growing their workforce. One of those key components is diversification.
HIGH PROFILE JOBS
The motto “No job is too big and no job is too small” is true for IAR. The one-day project is equally important as the multi-million dollar project. This consistent approach helps with IAR’s continued success. IAR has been fortunate to work on some of New York’s high-profile projects that include:
270 Park Avenue - J P Morgan Chase HQ
JFK Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 6
Madison Square Garden Renovation
World Trade Center 911 Memorial and Museum
Highmark Stadium: Future Home of the Buffalo Bills
Over the years, IAR has been able to bid and work on these projects by their intentional approach to scaling. One-way IAR does this is through presentation.
“The last thing you see on a project is the insulation.” Chris said. “We take the impossible and make it look beautiful”. Higher profile jobs are both quality and service driven.
IAR knew they had to diversify into the green-energy savings environment. Their in-house technical department is able to handle all Leeds documents and project submittals. This department along with the estimators, and project management team continually brainstorm and come up with creative and innovative solutions for any challenging situations.
IAR is fully committed to a unionized labor force for all field work. Strengthening their relationships with their union partners is essential to IAR’s growth as a company.
DIVERSIFICATION – DIVERSIFYING MARKETS
With the New York City area being IAR’s starting ground, they have leveraged connections to expand into other localities in 4 States including: Local 4 (Buffalo), Local 12 (New York City), Local 6 (Boston), Local 14 (Philadelphia) and Local 32 (New Jersey).
However, it was not as simple as joining localities.
“You have to be adaptable to culture” Chris shared. “we had to learn how to be successful in the different cultures and how to operate within these different territories.” Each territory has different challenges. Being able to adapt and solve those challenges separates IAR from other companies. Chris states, “Things that work in Boston don’t necessarily mean they work in New York and vice-versa.”
One crucial key to success for IAR is its Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification (WBE). With many projects having a M/WBE required percentage of participation, IAR has the opportunity to bid on and capture work in all territories with such requirements. This diversification has also led to IAR’s significant growth.
DIVERSIFICATION – CULTURE & WORKFORCE
Grando recognizes that a major part of their success is attributed to their dedicated workforce with a 75% retention rate.
“You’re only as good as the people you have working with and for you in the field” Grando said. “Our men and women are our engine in the field”.
Because IAR appreciates the value of their team, a tremendous effort goes into creating an environment on their jobs site that can maximize production while emphasizing safety. They are proud to say many of their union employees have started as apprentices, became full mechanics, and have never left the company. The same holds true for in-house staff and office personnel.
J K Sahni, Vice President of Estimating, has been with IAR for over 36 years. He, along with Karen and Chris, has worked hard on building the foundation and paving the way for IAR to grow into a successful business.
Matt Coyne, IAR’s Chief Estimator, started as an intern for 2 years and is now celebrating his 15th year with the company. Matt’s hard work has afforded IAR to branch out with confidence in the other territories IAR is currently working.
Sal Farelli, IAR’s Senior Project Executive, started with IAR as a Local 12 mechanic running some of their largest projects. Now Sal oversees all of IAR’s project managers. He has over 40 years’ experience and has been with IAR for the last 30 years.
Same can be said for the back of house and administration staff. Chris says, “With too many to mention, having dedicated people who build the solid infrastructure within our office is paramount. Without these people the company wouldn’t run smoothly. Each department is important to us.”
The IAR leadership team is always pushing and challenging each other. You’ll fail, you’ll learn, but always ask “How are you going to deal with those failures to make yourself better?”
Learn more about IAR by visiting their website www.iaronline.com.