We’re thrilled to announce a special episode of the FlowLab Podcast, hosted by Ben Walker and Sam Myers, featuring none other than Brendan Reid—one of the original founders of Retrotec! Brendan shares captivating stories about the early days of Retrotec and his journey from being an accidental entrepreneur to a trailblazer in building science and home performance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the origins of building science technology or looking to gain insights from someone who helped shape the industry we know today. Brendan offers a unique perspective on the challenges and discoveries that led to Retrotec’s early innovations, including the very first blower doors used for energy audits. Some key highlights from this episode: – Brendan recalls how his partnership with Sebastian Moffat led to the first blower door—a massive 14-foot-long contraption—which they built out of pure necessity when there were no commercially available options. – The candid challenges of trying to convince homeowners in the late 70s that they had an “invisible” problem: energy loss. Brendan reflects on how making the invisible visible—with smoke puffers and early blower doors—was key to creating a new market. – Stories of their early days of energy auditing, including Brendan’s first realization that people didn’t want to just pay for information; they wanted full-service solutions—a pivotal moment that led to Retrotec’s growth into a home performance contracting leader. – Sam, Ben, and Brendan also discuss the evolution of duct sealing and testing technology, and how Brendan’s insights into airflow science continue to influence industry best practices today. This episode isn’t just about history; it’s about how a passion for making homes more comfortable and efficient turned into an entire industry that still drives innovation today. Brendan’s stories are inspiring and provide valuable lessons for current professionals in the HVAC and building science world. Head over to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to catch the full episode! We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop us a comment or share your favorite insights. Let’s continue the journey towards “EveryBuildingTested” together.
