How spray foam's leading alliance is raising the bar

By Jesse Sanchez.

A record-breaking year and renewed focus fuel momentum for the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance.

When Frank Mortl III took the helm of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) a year ago, he stepped into a leadership role with big ambitions and as of this year's SprayFoam Annual Conference, those ambitions are materializing into real progress.

“Today’s a special day,” Frank said at the start of this episode of CoatingsCast. “It's actually my one-year anniversary today of joining the organization. I am very proud and privileged to be in this terrific position representing some fabulous contractors, suppliers, distributors, consultants, applicators.”

That milestone set the tone for conversation focusing on one key theme: SPFA’s unprecedented growth and impact. Frank shared how collaboration and engagement have driven success. The 2024 SprayFoam Annual Conference not only exceeded expectations, but also broke industry records. Frank said, “We had a record amount of PCP field exams. The most exhibitors for any spray foam event that’s ever been held in the history of the industry.”

One of the most celebrated changes to the event was the decision to replace the traditional keynote speaker with an expert panel. “We felt that being that responsive, near-term, allowed for this broader scope of answers to be applicable to the wide-ranging audience,” Frank explained, referring to the interactive town hall format that allowed contractors to ask pressing, real-time questions.

The numbers tell part of the story, growth in staff from five to eight in just a year, record attendance, expanded field certification, but it’s the qualitative shift that may have the longest-lasting impact. “Collaboration pays off,” Frank said, crediting strategic partnerships and a hands-on board of directors with pushing the association forward.

Notably, the SPFA also launched a major initiative to expand access to Spanish-speaking contractors, with translated content in every breakout session and even full courses offered in Spanish. Frank called it “very intentional,” noting the importance of inclusivity in a diversifying industry.

And while Frank was quick to credit the broader SPFA team, his vision was clearly steering the ship. He said, “We are growing our staff and it’s really exciting to see where the momentum is taking not only our industry but SPFA as a nonprofit trade association, from a holistic standpoint.”

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about SPFA’s high-impact initiatives and what’s ahead for SprayFoam 2026 in Las Vegas!