b'44 PRESIDENTS MESSAGECentralStates Insulation AssociationPresidents MessageCarl E. Hughes, II - Cascade Insulation Co.PRESIDENT W ow, I cant believe its Decemberwill remember the big, high-profile job I did, the one that got away, already and how fast the year hasor the job I made or lost money on. Not that these things arent real or Carl E. Hughes, II gone. Actually, I cant believe how fast theimportant, but what Im trying to do more ofand encourage everyone years have gone! It doesnt seem like it was that long ago that I joinedto dois to invest in people. You never know how even the smallest the board of CSIA as the young guy. At that first board meeting, Iinvestment you make in someones life could have a far-reaching looked around the table and was surrounded by pillars of the industry/ impact that lasts generations.association. Guys like Tom Burcham, Jim Gribbins, Dave McCoy (who pulled me onto the board), Mark Horvat, Jim Craig, Herb Hammer,That being said, I encourage everyone reading this to invest some etc. Today whenIlook around that table, Im now the NOT-so-youngof your time and energy into CSIA, if you dont already. If youre not guy.But it is still a pleasure to serve on this board. Although thea member, become one. If you are a member but dont take part in names have changed (with the notable exception of Mark Horvat,the events, make this the year you do. As with anything in life, you LOL), the professionalism, knowledge, and integrity of the currentreap so much more when you invest! You only get out what you put board members remains the same.I consider it an honor to servein.I represented Cascade Insulation, attending my first ever CSIA as your President for the next two years. Its time for me to give back,conference at The Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, in 1997, and Ive and I thank all those who have served and continue to serve and whobeen attending ever since. The conferences are always educational, have made CSIA the successful organization that it is.and they give you the opportunity to share ideas/knowledge and learn from others in the same industry. However, the even greater benefitI spoke of being the young guy in the association when I first joinedon which I could never place a valueis the lifelong friends and Dedicated to keeping its members at the forefront in their industrythe board, but my journey in this industry started very young. I wasacquaintances we have made over the years through the Association.in my junior year of high school when it began. Truth be told, it was not that I had some early fascination with insulation and a love of allWe have some exciting events already planned for 2024, beginning things fiberglass. Honestly, it was because a cute little 16-year-oldwith our Top Golf social event this February in Columbus, OH, followed blonde caught my eye, and it just so happened that her father (Jamesby the Spring Labor Conference at the end of April at The Marriott Tatton - CSIA President in the early 1980s) was the manager of ClarkGriffin Gate in Lexington, KY.Many of our locals have expiring Industrial Insulations Akron contracting office. Before she knewCBAs in 2024, and this will be a very worthwhile conference for all it, I conveniently began working at Clark for her father, part-timeto attend. And, you will not want to miss our combined ESICA/CSIA throughout high school, cleaning offices, pulling orders, and loadingFall Conference this September at the fabulous, brand new Sunseeker the truck. And the rest, as they say, is history. Within a few years, AlResort in Charlotte Harbor (Port Charlotte), FL. I encourage you to Strodtbeck and Jim Tatton spun off from Clark and started Cascademake this the year and plan to attend all or as many of these events Insulation Company (1983), and I went with them on day one, onlyas you can. And if by some chance we havent met, I look forward to planning to stay until I graduated from college. Well, I graduated,the opportunity.and here I am all these years later, still with Cascade Insulation Company, although my duties have changed a little.Jim left theAgain, I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as industry in 1992, and Al retired in 1999.I assumed the position asPresident of CSIA, and I look forward to what the next two years company president in 1999. (To those who may remember them,will bring. unfortunately, Jim and Al both passed last year, 2022.)And oh yes, as for the cute little blonde, she has been my wife (Elissa) now forWishing everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas and best wishes over 33 years. So thats my story, and Im sticking to it.Thank youfor a great New Year in 2024!for allowing me to share it with you. Carl E. Hughes, II Something Ive learned over these years (and Im still working on)CSIA President is to not sweat the small stuff. One hundred years from now, no oneCascade Insulation Co.The InsulatorDecember 2023'