Building the Tech Frontier

Spray Foam Magazine – Summer 2026 – Cole Fletcher, is a product engineer at Quadrant Performance Materials, and has overcome significant challenges on his path to success. Having faced addiction in the past, he is committed to ensuring it does not define his future. Cole encourages others, whether they are overcoming substance abuse or advancing their careers, to focus on family, work diligently, and seek guidance from industry experts to achieve their goals.

Cole’s passion for his SPF tech work and the people in the industry is clear. “Our industry needs more technicians, and we need more capable people. There are contractors who spray foam every day who feel stuck; they want to progress but don’t know how. They need to start by working hard, asking the right questions, and networking at every opportunity, and someone will soon notice your efforts.”

Cole worries that the lack of techs in the industry stems from spray foam installers putting themselves in a box. Some feel they aren’t meant for more just because of their background. He wants everyone to know they are worthy and can do well in this field. Cole made a point early in his career to meet and speak with as many industry experts as possible. This dedication, along with his hard work, soon led to him being noticed by Shawn Water, and Steven Fries. Steven is now his supervisor at Quadrant, and Shawn, now retired, worked at Top Build.

Cole first met Steven and Shawn in Daytona in 2013, at the Masco show where they asked him to test and show the capabilities of their spray foam products. “I was just the guy pulling the trigger, but I guess I said the right things and asked the right questions. Shawn and Steven, both advised me to educate myself, read as much as I can, keep on networking and asking, “How do I get to where you are?” From that day forward, I haven’t stopped asking questions, shaking people’s hands, and stepping outside of my comfort zone and at every show, I push myself to do better.”

Moving into a tech role was a big change for Cole. At one point he was even tempted to go back to spraying, as this is where he felt comfortable. Nevertheless, he knew he needed to move forward to grow. Shawn often talked with Cole about becoming a tech and reminded him that it’s easy to stick with what you know, but if you never try something new, you’ll always wonder what could have happened.

Cole says his family’s support has been key to his success. “I could not have made the move as a tech without the support of my wife, Amanda. A big part of being a tech is being on the road, so you and your partner need to be comfortable with this. My wife is a stay-at-home mom, and she is doing a great job of raising our amazing kids, Brady, 16, Anniston, 12, and Coleson, nine.”

Cole had a tough childhood, and his parents had very different views. His father was in and out of jail, and his mother, though she meant well, was more corporate and structured. Cole is grateful that his wife is not like that. He says, “My wife is very kind and a great homemaker. I want my kids to see that and see how important that role is. Yes, money and a career are great, but from my perspective, we need a happy balance in the house.”

According to Cole, being a good spray foam tech takes several strengths, like relating to contractors, having patience, and explaining complex things clearly. Cole has these skills. “My wife calls me a chameleon as I can talk to most people from different backgrounds. I can sit in a boardroom with manufacturers and thrive on a jobsite with a contractor. I can sum up what people need and the way they need the information delivered in just a short amount of time.”

Cole struggled with alcoholism and in 2020, it reached a breaking point. He woke up in a hotel room surrounded by bottles, not knowing how he got there. He realized he needed to get help and heard a voice in his head telling him he had to change to survive.

Cole reached out to friend and colleague Terrie Downing for help. Terrie immediately checked him into rehab. After Cole got sober, he promised to share his story so people with similar struggles would know he was there to help and show them that they can overcome addiction and thrive. After rehab, he said, “I am open about this journey, and now that I’m sober, I hold myself accountable. I want others to realize there is no shame in suffering, it’s part of our story. I hope people see me on the other side and find hope.”

He knew he wanted to leave that part of his life behind. He spent a long time feeling angry and guilty, but now he sees that experience made him realize he never wants to go back. He puts effort into every part of his life, from getting up early to work out, to being there for his family, and staying dedicated to a job he loves. When he does have any free time, he is with the family often on their airboat in the wetlands of Florida and amongst the nature he was raised in.

Cole uses these past experiences to connect with others. After facing many challenges, he now sees that his hardships have helped him in his job. He doesn’t just see himself as a tech anymore, he wants to help and guide others who want more from their spray foam careers.

He also wants to thank someone who helped and inspired him early in his spray foam career. “Wendell Gossett was my go-to for any tech answers. Back then, there was no social media and no tech support like today. Wendell was the only one I could call who would answer on weekends. I do that now for those needing advice because if they have a problem, they’re not working, and not working means losing money.”

His job is broken down into many parts, from advising business owners who often ask him how to make job sites more efficient to answering applicator questions about mechanical issues, like equipment, guns, or application problems. He spends at least 40 hours, every two weeks, on the phone answering these questions, not to mention the hours he is on the road or on a jobsite.

Cole has a lot to say about the industry he loves, which he declares has saved his life in many ways. “I love my job, everything from analyzing manufacturers' technical information to helping contractors and business owners.” However, Cole also recognizes that technicians currently have no SPF tech school to attend and are represented only by individual companies. “I believe techs are the teachers of the industry’s next generation, but there aren’t enough of us, and some aren’t even qualified for their jobs. We need everyone to come together and participate as a group for the industry, not for personal gain. In the meantime, I hope to guide and help others in their careers and, if they want to progress to an SPF tech, support them on their journey.”