For over four decades, our roots in the insulation industry run deep, ensuring that the comfort and energy efficiency we deliver will serve your family for generations to come. Our story began in 1980 when owner Joel Smallwood started as a 17-year-old installer at the respected Gearhart Insulation under the mentorship of Gordon Gearhart. Joel quickly moved from the installation trenches to the estimating desk in 1987, learning the business from the ground up and mastering the principles of quality application.

This deep industry experience laid the foundation for his future. When Gordon Gearhart decided to retire, Joel and his partner, Ron, stepped up to purchase the company, preserving the legacy of Gearhart Insulation and maintaining a continuous commitment to the Central Coast. They even expanded to the Central Valley with a satellite branch in Tulare.

After briefly working under Masco, Joel recognized his passion for delivering personalized, high-quality service and, in 2008, he launched NCI. Today, NCI isn’t just a business; it’s the culmination of 40 years of dedication, hands-on knowledge, and unwavering quality.

Joel Smallwood is handing the reins to his son, Tyler Smallwood, lead NCI in 2026, to enjoy well-earned respite from day to day operations. Tyler is ensuring that the same hard-earned expertise that began in 1980 is applied to every project, providing the highest quality products and applications to protect your investment and serve your next generation.