Press Releases

The following press release appeared in the Gulf Breeze News in May 2003.

"Donations and volunteers are vital to success of Habitat for Humanity program"

Donations from business can range from a discount to a full donation. Advanced Insulation of Gulf Breeze is one such recent donor.

According to the owner, Tom Shoemaker, one mission of his company is to pass on blessings to others and they have chosen Habitat as one of their recipients.

“We are donating the material and labor, but even more importantly we are leaving the new owners an energy efficient home. The goal is to provide an insulation package that will reduce their heating and cooling bills up to 30 percent over conventional insulation, while making their home safer and more comfortable,” he remarked.

JR. Nichols, a custom builder in the area, donated radiant barrier, a foil material that is installed along the attic rafters to reduce heat buildup in the attic.

A recent temperature check showed the temperature at 116 degrees on the roof, but 74 degrees at the radiant barrier, with no insulation yet installed. “A cooler attic means lower utility bill in the summer,” says Shoemaker.

Advanced Insulation is a family business and all the family takes pride in the company.
This article was published in the Gulf Breeze News, May 18, 2006.

"Inspiration Leads to Lower Energy Bills"

A family business can unite family members as they work for a common goal. This has certainly been the case with Advanced Insulation of North West Florida, Inc., specializing in cellulose blown insulation and owned by Tom and Beth Shoemaker. "Tom was seriously injured early in the start of our business, breaking two arms and a foot," said Beth. She added, "So our son Aaron and I jumped into being a part of the cellulose insulation spray team."

Advanced Insulation began in 2002, inspired as Tom tried to lower his own energy bills and make the family home more comfortable. After exploring insulation methods, he discovered many advantages of cellulose insulation over fiberglass commonly used. According to many studies, cellulose insulation has shown to be significantly more efficient than fiberglass.

"It also has added benefits, such as fire, bug and mold resistance and superior sound control," said Tom. The product fit Tom and Beth's commitment to excellence. Tom was searching for a new career as his position as an oil consultant was hit hard after the 9/11 tragedy. Tom had worked in construction as a carpenter for many years prior, and had even built several energy efficient homes for the family, so a career in the construction field was a natural fit.

"One very important mission for us is to bless others with our success," said Beth. After months of organizing and training, their first insulation project was a Habitat for Humanity home. "What a wonderful way to start," said Beth. "We continue to spray a good number of the Habitat Homes. Who needs greater relief in energy bills than Habitat folks?"

What started as a one-man operation turned into a family project. Beth's management skills stemmed from 24 years of directing several organizations, so she was a natural to handle the marketing and financial side of the business. And Tom's knowledge of construction practices as well as his ingenuity was vital to the success of the business. Their son Aaron was very helpful, working two summers and some weekends during school.

"What valuable experience he had in learning the construction world and developing a good work ethic," said Tom. Aaron is now home on summer break from college and is being trained to assist in sales, finances and marketing. There is one more family member moving up in age to join the family venture.

"Justin is only eleven, but he will make his mark in a few more years!" said Tom.

Business is great. "We are so grateful to our employees, customers and contractors who have contributed to our success," Tom and Beth said. They also offer other innovative, energy-saving products, like radiant barriers, Solatube skylights, and solar attic fans.

To reach them, call 932-6021 or visit them on their website at advanced-insulation.net.