Houle Insulation, Inc.
2003 Small Business of the Year Award Winner

Press Release

The Metro North Chamber of Commerce In-Home Business of the Year Award winner is Houle Insulation, Inc.. Todd and Jolene Trauba bought the business in 1996 when Charles Houle decided to retire. Todd had worked for the company for twelve years.

Houle Insulation specializes entirely in insulating existing homes. "It's a lot more complicated than new construction, and it takes a while to learn," says Jolene. "We insulate walls and attics, seal attic bypasses, and do blower door tests. We put a lot of effort into sealing the attic bypasses, because that makes or breaks the insulation job."

Todd and Jolene use cellulose insulation. This is made from recycled newspaper, ground up and treated to be fire retardant and mold and mildew resistant. It yields a better R value than fiberglass, and requires only a tenth of the energy to produce as fiberglass. Many community programs that promote home insulation require the use of cellulose.

In 2001, Dateline NBC set out to do an expose on insulation contractors. They ended up praising Houle Insulation for their careful work and accurate estimate.

Todd and Jolene have three full-time employees, and are looking to add a fourth. Todd works with the employees in the field, does the estimating, and orders supplies. Jolene does the accounts payable and receivable, payroll, taxes, benefits and advertising.

Jolene has been very active in Chamber events, serving on the Golf Committee and chairing the Ambassadors as well as being active in both of the Sunrise groups, the Galas, and Networking After Hours events. Houle Insulation's web site is at www.houleinsulation.com.