Dryvit Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of exterior insulation and finish systems in North America, announced two new hires for its North American sales operation. John Higgins has been named regional sales manager and Josh Rupe has joined the company as technical sales associate.

Higgins, who will oversee sales operations in California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, joins Dryvit with extensive sales and management experience in the construction materials industry, including EIFS and stone products.

“John’s work over the past two decades with architects, owners, general contractors and applicators makes him ideally suited to support our customers as they seek energy efficient and innovative solutions for new construction and retrofit projects,” said Mike Murphy, Dryvit president and CEO .

Murphy said, “Josh Rupe’s role as a technical sales associate will be highly valuable in providing support to Dryvit’s contractor and specifier community at a time when demand for Dryvit’s Outsulation systems and specialty finishes continues to rise.”

Rupe has extensive experience in the installation of EIFS, stucco, air/moisture barriers, and other wall claddings. He also earned a number of Outstanding Projects of the Year awards from the Northwest Walls and Ceilings Bureau. These awards recognized his superior performance as a journeyman plasterer and general superintendent. Rupe, who worked in the industry for 13 years before joining Dryvit, will support installation of Dryvit products in Washington and Oregon.