Member Spotlight: Matthew Giambrone
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) dives inside the career of Matthew Giambrone, Estimator & Project Manager for OCP Contractors in Cleveland, OH. 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.
At a very young age Matthew Giambrone was introduced into the construction industry by his mother and father who owned and operated a general contracting and masonry contracting company. At 17 years old, he started his masonry apprenticeship with local 5 Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen. Matthew has experienced almost every facet of the construction industry; including accounting and payroll, jobsite deliveries, large equipment shipping, and installation. In 2010 Matthew became a certified level 3 ABAA installer in spray foam, fluid applied, and self-adhered membranes. After the passing of his father in 2014, an avid ABAA member and supporter, Matthew took on the role of Estimator and Project Manager for the spray foam company he and his father started, establishing himself in the city of Cleveland as an industry leader. In late 2015, OCP Contractors, Inc. acquired the foam company along with Matthew’s knowledge to create and manage division 7. Matthew is a member of the ABAA QAP Committee, Chairman of the Contractors Committee, and is now a member of the Board of Directors for the ABAA. Matthew most recently won the ABAA Excellence Award with OCP.
Name: Matthew Giambrone
Title: Estimator/Project Manager
Company: OCP Contractors
City: Cleveland. OH
ABAA member for 7 years
What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession as an Air Barrier Estimator?
A: I was born into the construction industry, and at a young age was intrigued how buildings were built. After a few years of doing all types of construction work, I found the building science part to be the most interesting.
Is there anything that you believe everyone in this industry should be working towards?
A: Understanding building science, and how all trades are involved and need more education to understand all the aspects of how it works.
What role have peers, mentors or advisors played in your career?
A: I have been truly blessed to have many close people that started off as mentors, that I now consider great friends and part of a family. I truly would like to thank Roy Schauffele and Craig Wetmore for their support and encouragement and leadership. There are many others who have played a key role in my career, but the list would be too long to make. Thank you to all!
What led you to become an ABAA member?
A: My father knew how important the building envelope was for the longevity of all buildings and encouraged me to educate myself as much as possible. The ABAA had all the tools, and knowledge to provide me with such information.
Are you involved in any ABAA committees? Do you have any ABAA certifications?
A: I have been a QAP Committee member for 7 years, I am the Chairman of the Contractors Committee, and I sit on the Board of Directors. I also am a level 3 Certified ABAA installer in Fluid Applied, Self-Adhered, and Spray Polyurethane Foam.
How long have you been in the industry?
A: Born into it.
What major changes have you seen?
A: A lot more communication and meetings regarding the pre-installation of the air barrier and field shop drawings.
What traits or skills do you think are necessary to be able to succeed in your industry?
A: You need to be mentally tough to face any and all obstacles that can turn up on a job site.
Do you have any advice for anyone starting out in your field?
A: Continue your education as much as possible in building science to truly understand how a building works and how to properly install an Air Barrier.
How much demand do you think there is for people in your profession?
A: There is a high demand for installers, who are skilled workers to be able to install Air Barriers.
What do you think the industry will look like in five or ten years’ time?
A: I believe a lot more buildings will be made off site (modular construction), constructed in panels with everything installed including the cladding. Then shipped to the job sites.