In this episode of “If Walls Could Talk,” John Wyatt speaks with Mike Griffin, national sales director, EIFS and foam cutting equipment at Demand Products. In this episode, he speaks with us on behalf of his role at the Texas Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association as a board member. We saw Mike in Galveston for the association’s 72^nd Annual Convention & Trade Show.

The convention and show were a complete success this year, Griffin says. The convention was in Galveston was well attended and a benefit to all who attended. From the golf, to the spouses’ program, the trade show and educational seminars and the camaraderie were excellent.

“We started the Convention the first with the Presidents Reception as a welcome to those in attendance and to kick off the Annual Convention,” says Griffin. “The day of the educational sessions was a welcome introduction and a ‘thank you’ to those who participated in the Educational Sessions. The Educational Seminars are a way to keep our members up to date/speed on current codes, market trends, installation techniques pretty much anything that effects their lively hood and the systems they install, whether it is EIFS, Stucco, Adhered Veneer. Understanding and the proper installation of these systems is key and we pride ourselves on being a resource for our members.”

The magazine asked him about insurance premiums in Texas—and nationally. It seems there are still some improvements that can be focused on.

“Although I am not an Insurance expert I did consult with a 2 as well as a contractor member and can essentially summarize with the following.

“At any given time, there are typically only three to four companies that will write general liability for plaster. The number is fewer for EIFS,” Griffin says. “There are fewer companies than even five years ago.

In his words, he says the bottom line is coverage is available but as the years go by, the cost increases and in return companies get less.