Member Spotlight: Joe Hogge
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) dives inside the career of Joe Hogge, Estimator & Project Manager for Ocean Drywall, Inc. in Richmond, VA. In this feature interview, learn what made him become an ABAA member, the importance of an airtight building, and what that means to him, and get his perspective on what everyone in this industry should be working towards.
Joseph has nearly 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He has helped homeowners, homebuilders, and general contractors with thermal and moisture protection needs. His specialties include estimating commercial jobs with spray foam and fluid-applied air barriers, ignition/thermal barriers, and waterproofing membranes. Joseph began his career as a wall spray tech, crawl space encapsulation installer, and waterproofing installer and later moved into sales, helping homeowners and home builders with new construction. In 2010, Joseph ventured into the commercial division as an Estimator and Project Manager and in 2019 was part of a team that received the distinguished ABAA Excellence Contractor Award for having successfully completed a minimum of 5 site audits and been assessed a total zero demerit points by our ABAA site auditors. Currently an Estimator/Project Manager for Ocean Drywall, Inc, he also serves as President of the Love4Kids Foundation.
Name: Joe Hogge
Title: Estimator/Project Manager
Company: Ocean Drywall, Inc.
City: Richmond, VA
ABAA member for 11 years
What led you to pursue and obtain ABAA contractor accreditation?
A: I wanted to be sure I was on the leading edge and forefront of the air barrier market.
How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your ABAA contractor accreditation status?
A: It has allowed us to bid any and all jobs in the air barrier market. Even jobs that don’t have ABAA Specified, we are still able to show that we are ABAA certified, therefore the General Contractor has confidence that we are trained air barrier professionals.
What advice would you offer to contractors who are considering pursuing ABAA accreditation?
A: It’s beneficial if you are truly looking to expand your air barrier work. Being ABAA certified gives you the ability to bid even more projects.
What traits or skills do you think are necessary to be able to succeed in this industry?
A: Being honest, upfront, and always having an open form of communication has really allowed me to excel in this industry. I try and always do what I say I will do, and it something goes wrong, I will personally make sure it gets handled correctly and professionally.
What’s the most common problem you see in this industry?
A: There is still a lack of understanding of air barriers out here in the market. The General Contractors Superintendents in charge of the projects should have some level of training so that they can truly understand the importance of the air barrier system and complexity of the installation.
Is there anything that you believe everyone in this industry should be working towards?
A: Change!…too many people (contractors) get hung up on the fact that things have “been done like this” forever. We are an always evolving economy with new technology coming out all the time. If we embrace the change and take the time to learn and understand why it is important then it’s easier to work together.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
A: Take it serious, be honest, and don’t try and cut corners to show you are better than other companies. Friendly and honest competition is a good thing.
Building airtight buildings is the focal point of our mission here at the ABAA. What is the importance of an airtight building to you? How has the ABAA helped you in your career and your commitment to the industry?
A: With an airtight building if you monitor the temperature and humidity levels you will have a healthy building. When this happens people in the building are much more comfortable and less likely to get sick. It’s important to me, and should be important to others because when this is done successfully, building owners also notice REDUCED energy savings, which helps the industry as a whole to keep methods in practice of keeping future buildings air tight as well.
ABAA has given me the ability to estimate all size projects. As I have grown in the industry I have started looking for the larger and more complex jobs to get involved in, and when you have certifications as well as awards that you can show clients it helps give them the peace of mind that you truly do know and understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. Over my 11 years being ABAA certified I have been involved in countless ABAA projects and have always strived to be the best, or at least one of the best contractors out here.