Bud Jones: The Original Insulation Estimator
Still The Best
Sherman C. “Bud” Jones was born March 31, 1924, near Bristow, Oklahoma. As a U.S. Navy Radio Operator during World War II, Bud landed with U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault missions in the Pacific, and established communications for the Navajo Code Talkers. Bud earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the performance of his duties.
After graduating from Northeatern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Bud worked in the oilfields of Texas and Oklahoma, arriving at Construction Specialties in Denver, Colorado, in 1958. From there Bud went on to launch Amdak Insulation of South Dakota in 1961, currently L&L Insulation of Rapid City, SD.
After graduating from Northeatern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Bud worked in the oilfields of Texas and Oklahoma, arriving at Construction Specialties in Denver, Colorado, in 1958. From there Bud went on to launch Amdak Insulation of South Dakota in 1961, currently L&L Insulation of Rapid City, SD.
Owens-Corning Fiberglass retained Bud in 1967, to establish their new Power & Process division, specializing in large Industrial and Mechanical projects. Elmer Gove collaborated, providing the last known set of the Aber System production rates, an industry standard for decades.
Together, Bud and Elmer set a new standard, procuring projects of many varieties, notably the Anti-Ballistic Missile Site Complex in North Dakota, Trojan Nuclear in Washington State, and the Alaska Pipeline.
Elmer’s contribution cannot be overstated.
Together, Bud and Elmer set a new standard, procuring projects of many varieties, notably the Anti-Ballistic Missile Site Complex in North Dakota, Trojan Nuclear in Washington State, and the Alaska Pipeline.
Elmer’s contribution cannot be overstated.
Bud established Power Insulation Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1975. For the next twenty-plus years, Bud refined the Production Rates, introducing factors to account for variables including jobsite Weather and Labor conditions.
Expanding worldwide, Bud secured contracts on power plants and oil refineries from Guam to South America to the Middle East. His last major project with Power Insulation was Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Facility outside Phoenix, Arizona, where he semi-retired. Bud continued winning projects around Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada, for Durango Insulation of San Diego, California.
Bud ultimately succombed to mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos, over his career as an Insulation Contractor, on November 16, 2002. The Estimator’s Buddy is his legacy.
Expanding worldwide, Bud secured contracts on power plants and oil refineries from Guam to South America to the Middle East. His last major project with Power Insulation was Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Facility outside Phoenix, Arizona, where he semi-retired. Bud continued winning projects around Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada, for Durango Insulation of San Diego, California.
Bud ultimately succombed to mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos, over his career as an Insulation Contractor, on November 16, 2002. The Estimator’s Buddy is his legacy.
Bud’s son Rhys Jones trained as a computer operator/programmer by the United States Marine Corps, for their automated Aviation Supply program, in 1974. “I didn’t pick computers – computers picked me!” – Rhys
Following his service, Rhys programmed business applications for another fifteen years, prior to the advent of the Estimator’s Buddy system. By the time he undertook Buddy in 1992, already accomplished in IT pursuits, Rhys was fully aware of the inherent Structural and Security advantages of Databases over Spreadsheets, and a Linux Hosting Environment. Through five versions since, the Estimator’s Buddy has retained the integrity and accuracy of Bud’s original system. New materials have been incorporated, and Commercial Applications facilitated. Old meets new, combining the best of both worlds.
Following his service, Rhys programmed business applications for another fifteen years, prior to the advent of the Estimator’s Buddy system. By the time he undertook Buddy in 1992, already accomplished in IT pursuits, Rhys was fully aware of the inherent Structural and Security advantages of Databases over Spreadsheets, and a Linux Hosting Environment. Through five versions since, the Estimator’s Buddy has retained the integrity and accuracy of Bud’s original system. New materials have been incorporated, and Commercial Applications facilitated. Old meets new, combining the best of both worlds.
Rhys resides in Seaside, Oregon, where he enjoys a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean.
“By now I’ve been programming almost as long as Dad was estimating. May you enjoy the fruits of our collective efforts!!” — Rhys
“By now I’ve been programming almost as long as Dad was estimating. May you enjoy the fruits of our collective efforts!!” — Rhys
