From Isolated to Influential

From Isolated to Influential: How the Insulation Contractors Association of New York Empowers Smaller Businesses Like Gateway Insulation
The story of Gateway Insulation, Inc. is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptation, and finding your voice in a competitive industry. Founded in 1980 by Al Duranti, Gateway Insulation, Inc. began as a non-union insulation contractor, navigating the challenges of a small business in a field dominated by larger players. For ten years, Al and his team built their reputation, focusing on quality work and personalized service. However, the pressure to unionize was ever-present, culminating Al agreeing to join after the Union agreed to accept his current work-force.
Choosing the path of collaboration, Al joined Local 12, a decision that ultimately led him to the Insulation Contractors Association of New York (ICA of New York). Initially hesitant, Al's perspective shifted thanks to the encouragement of his friend and fellow contractor, John Grando. What started as a reluctant obligation blossomed into an invaluable partnership, transforming Gateway Insulation, Inc. and empowering Al with a voice he never thought he'd have.
Early Days and the Value of Shared Experience
In the beginning, Al admits, the ICA of New York felt like a "waste of time." With a young family and a growing business, the meetings seemed irrelevant to his immediate needs. He saw it as a forum for larger contractors to air grievances, with little power to effect real change.
This perception changed dramatically with the arrival of new leadership, particularly Ed Mahoney and Joe Leo. Through conferences and educational initiatives, the ICA of New York began to empower its members with knowledge. Al realized the power of collective bargaining and the importance of understanding industry trends, legal developments, and best practices. "No wonder our contracts are so bad," he recalls thinking, "we have no power to negotiate anything."
Finding Strength in Numbers
The ICA became a source of vital information, transforming Al from a reactive business owner to a proactive leader. Armed with knowledge gleaned from conferences and shared by fellow members, he could anticipate challenges and make informed decisions that positively impacted his bottom line.
"As a small business, the information that comes in is so important," Al emphasizes. "It doesn't matter the size of your company." The ICA of New York leveled the playing field, giving Gateway Insulation, Inc. the same voice as larger companies with hundreds of employees.
As a smaller business, Al was concerned that he wouldn’t have a voice and questioned if it was actually a good place for him. Gateway Insulation was a company of about 10 men, but some of the other companies had over 100 men in the field. "The larger companies at the table aren’t doing anything that’s self-serving, but are doing what’s great for the industry. There are no decisions made in that room that are good for just one company and not anyone else; they're made for the betterment of the industry as a whole," said Al.
Eventually, Al came to a meeting and realized, “wait a minute – they’re going into contract negotiations with the ideas from people in the room. I realized if I’m not in the room and can’t express an issue that I need resolved, it’s never going to get resolved."
If you put the time in, you’re going to benefit from it and so will your business.
What you learn from the ICA you can implement in any size company. If you choose to grow your company, you have a much better foundation to grow, built on knowledge and community.
Becoming Proactive vs Reactive
The ICA of New York’s emphasis on knowledge sharing transformed Al and Gateway Insulation, Inc. from a reactive to a proactive business. The ICA provided insights into industry trends, legal developments, and best practices, allowing Al to anticipate challenges and develop strategies before they became crises. This proactive approach, fueled by the ICA's resources, has translated into millions of dollars in savings and increased profitability for Gateway. Al emphasizes that this knowledge is applicable to businesses of all sizes, providing a stronger foundation for growth and improvement, regardless of company size. By staying ahead of the curve, Gateway Insulation, Inc. has not only survived but thrived, a testament to the power of proactive decision-making fostered by the ICA.
More Than Just a Voice: Collaboration and Community
The ICA fosters a sense of community, where competitors become colleagues, sharing experiences and supporting each other. Al highlights the mutual respect and helpfulness within the association, creating a collaborative environment that benefits everyone.
"You don't feel isolated in the industry," he explains. "You feel like you are a part of the industry that is working together and has a common goal."
Investing in the Future
The ICA of NY provides tangible benefits to its members, including:
> Educational Opportunities: Conferences, workshops, and training sessions keep members informed about industry trends, legal updates, and best practices.
> Advocacy: The ICA represents the interests of its members in negotiations with unions and government agencies.
> Networking: Members build relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and potential clients.
> Financial Support: The ICA offers reimbursements for conference expenses and organizes events that foster camaraderie and knowledge sharing
A Call to Action for Smaller Contractors
Al's message to other small insulation contractors is clear: "You won’t regret putting the time in. It will have a substantial positive impact on your business." The ICA of New York offers a platform to connect, learn, and grow. By actively participating, smaller companies can gain valuable knowledge, build relationships, and contribute to the industry's overall success.
Gateway Insulation, Inc.'s journey is a powerful example of how the ICA of New York empowers smaller businesses. It's a story of transformation, from feeling small and powerless to becoming an integral part of a thriving community. By providing a platform for education, collaboration, and advocacy, the ICA of New York ensures that every member, regardless of size, has the opportunity to succeed.