Spray Foam Magazine – Late Summer 2025 – Spray Foam Magazine sat down with Robin Pence, a powerhouse in the spray foam industry with two decades of experience and a reputation for relentless determination. Now an independent rep through Intech Equipment & Supply, where she spent the last 13 years shaping relationships and driving innovation, Robin shares the defining moments of her journey. From early challenges that tested her resolve to the mentors who left a lasting imprint, and a powerful moment of vulnerability that sparked growth, Robin’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and bold leadership in a space where grit truly rises to the top.

What first drew you to the spray foam industry, and what motivated you to stay in it for so long? I took a position handling inventory for a spray foam manufacturer, which quickly transitioned into being their parts and equipment manager. I love a good challenge. This role was so challenging to learn and remains challenging to this day. I continue to learn new things daily, so it keeps me going.

How have you seen your role evolve over the years? As I continue to learn and grow, I’ve become a source of inspiration for other women. I frequently mentor colleagues, guiding them on how and where to find the customers they need to succeed.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them? I didn’t have much background in electronics, heating methods, or chemical processing. In the past, even minor stress or customer interactions would overwhelm me—I often cried, especially when I couldn’t understand their needs or clearly express my thoughts. Communicating confidently with male customers was especially tough. Even 20 years ago, many were hesitant to take a woman’s advice, particularly when it meant spending significant money—like a thousand dollars on parts I recommended. More often than not, they’d double-check with a friend or my boss before getting back to me. Back then, sourcing SPF parts was also much more limited. And while I’ll admit I still cry sometimes, it’s not the same—I’ve developed a much thicker skin.

Can you share a memorable moment/event that stands out in your career? In 2005, a contractor on a roof in New York was inoperable and needed a part quickly. I overnighted the part he insisted on and it turned out it was the wrong one. He scolded, “Did I realize how much money this cost him?” He was going to have to pay his union laborers all day while they were unable to work because I had sent him the wrong part. I packed my things and left that day, intending to never return. Not having an income as a mom was terrifying, but so was messing up someone’s life because you gave them the wrong part. My boss called and insisted that he didn’t know he had hired a quitter. So, I went back—I studied, I watched VHS videos, read manuals, wrote notebooks full, and called Gusmer and Graco daily. I promised myself I would be the best parts girl there ever was. I am still working on this!

That said, how do you stay updated on the constant changes in spray foam technology, products, and industry standards? Lots of reading. With children and pets at home, it has always been difficult to attend conferences and training, but I am certified by PMC and Graco on most product lines. I love the SPFA (Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance), and fully invest in volunteering at most conventions—this way I can attend classes as well.

Was there a mentor or role model who influenced how you approach your work in this industry? Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have several influential mentors who have helped shape my path. At my first job with Urethane Contractor Supply and Consulting, I had the privilege of working alongside Jerry Whitaker and Lela Wright, both of whom instilled in me the confidence and resilience essential for success in this industry.

I also owe a great deal to Bob Zimel, an outstanding technician who spent countless hours helping me understand the intricacies of machinery.

At Intech Equipment, my last two bosses, John Toolis and Bob Jutrus, played a pivotal role in expanding my knowledge—equipping me with valuable business skills and deepening my expertise in equipment troubleshooting. I’m truly grateful for their guidance.

Lastly, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to all of my customers for their continued patience and support. Your encouragement has meant a great deal to me.

If you could give your 20-years-ago self one piece of advice about surviving (and thriving) in the spray foam world, what would it be? For what I do, I would have told myself to take an electrical class so that I could have understood it better without all the tears I have shed learning. I would also tell myself that there will be more women coming. I often felt like I was the only one.

What advice would you give to women entering the spray foam or construction-related industries today? Stay committed to learning, ask questions, and grow thick skin. Also, understand that some men just prefer to deal with men.

Why do you think it is so important to support other women in the industry? I believe it’s equally important to have women and men in any industry. It keeps everyone in check.

What’s your favorite part of working in this industry—the people, the products, the events, or something else? Being helpful. Nothing gives me greater joy at work than helping a customer know that they will be able to work either today or tomorrow with the information or parts I provided them.

We see from your social media that you have a talent for finding old pieces of furniture and refurbishing them, how did you get started doing this? Having been on my own since I was a teenager, I am quite frugal. I hate to see anything good be thrown away, so I try to make use out of them for myself or others, as well as make extra cash. My kitchen cabinets and dining table are my new favorite pieces. If I had a storefront, it would be called Robin’s Repurposed & Recycled Treasures.

What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s ever happened to you while working or at an event? Back in the old office days ladies were required to wear slacks, or dress/skirt and tights/hose—no bare legs! Anyway, in a hurry to help my executive boss, I ran to the restroom and accidentally tucked my skirt into my tights in the back and was running down the hall when someone finally told me.

If you could automate one task in your workday, what would it be? Email response. I may be getting older, and it may already be available, but I would love to automate or generate email responses that provide an accurate or efficient productive response at a fast pace.

What’s your main objective when you get up each morning? To be a better person than yesterday, to learn and to share something that I’ve learned. Also, to be thankful and grateful for what I have, there are many with way less.

What’s your go-to “power song” before a big meeting or event? For loosening up and singing out very loud, it would be Possum Kingdom by Toadies or Beverly Hills by Weezer.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To turn back time. I would give people the ability to start over at their best age and change the outcome.  

SIDEBAR

R is for Reliable – “I first met Robin many ‘moons’ ago while I was conducting a small training course on the polyurea spray technology and she was with that material formulator and supplier in Phoenix, AZ. Since then, I’ve personally experienced Robin’s experience and knowledge growth in this industry to become a top OG, being a Reliable Resource to all of us in this plural component, thermoset application work. Robin has helped me out on numerous occasions with emergency needs for information, equipment parts, sourcing those parts, and keeping me informed as to timely delivery… even to places with no physical address! Oftentimes not being appreciated for the small things she has done, she has maintained a great Reliable value to us all and is appreciated!” – Dudley Primeaux

O is for One-in-a-Million – “Robin has brightened our workplace not just with her dedication, but with her creativity and artistic flair. From turning everyday moments into masterpieces to adding a splash of color (literally and figuratively) to everything she touches, she’s been our resident ray of sunshine. Always kind, always clever, and always creating — we’re so lucky to have her as part of our team! There is no one that I know of that works harder for her customers.” – Bob Jutras

B is for BRAVE – “Brave is one word I would use to describe Robin! No matter what happens in her world she continues to keep moving forward. She is a warrior at her core and this industry is stronger because of that feisty, brave Bad Ass Woman of Spray Foam! She is an inspiration to many of us and she has helped more people than she probably even realizes. I know if she was asked, she would use another colorful word that starts with the letter B to describe herself, but she truly has an amazing heart and is one of the strongest women I know.” – Carla Airey Colinares

I is for Irreplaceable – “There’s only one Robin Pence. Her upbringing, life experience, and long diverse career in the spray foam industry makes her irreplaceable and non-duplicatable. This industry is fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, considerate, high character person on team SPF.” – Bill Bilben

N is for NINETEEN – “Nineteen plus one, two decades of power and pride, she’s a force we’re glad is on our side.” – Spray Foam Magazine