Cullen Insulation: Community, Character, and Quality Insulation
The story of Cullen Insulation is about more than just a business, it’s about partnership, trust, shared purpose, and the people behind it. Founded by Terry Cullen in 1988, Terry’s goal was simple: deliver quality insulation to his local community with integrity. Terry started doing just that with the opening of his first location in Fargo, ND.
Dan Frisch came on board in 1997, looking for a meaningful place to build his career after college. He and Terry already had a great connection, since Terry was Dan’s former hockey coach. This early bond helped lay the foundation for a relationship built on trust and mutual respect that has helped shape the culture of Cullen Insulation throughout the years. Eric Brutger got an early start at Cullen, working part-time during high school. After spreading his wings and considering other career paths, he returned to Cullen in 2004 as an installer, eventually moving from the field into the office.
During that time, Eric demonstrated his strong work ethic and commitment to growth by pursuing his MBA in the evenings. Since then, Cullen Insulation has continued to thrive by expanding to Grand Forks, ND in 2007, followed by Bismarck, ND in 2011.
Together, Dan and Eric gradually stepped into leadership roles, officially following in Terry’s footsteps by taking over ownership when Terry retired in 2017. Their partnership has since guided the company through even more strategic expansion, including Sioux Falls, SD in 2018 and Bozeman, MT in 2018 for a total of six locations and approximately ninety team members. Each step has been thoughtful, driven by a shared belief in doing the right thing for their team and their customers.
Terry’s leadership and example instilled in Dan and Eric a willingness to step up, contribute and support others through hard work and doing the right thing. By showing up and giving back to their community through such endeavors as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Cullen Children’s Foundation, Dan, Eric and the entire Cullen team continue to show what sets them apart from other insulation companies.
At Cullen Insulation, we are committed to excellence, from our customer interactions to the high standards of our workmanship. And for Dan and Eric, insulation isn’t just a trade, it’s a career they believe in, a business that’s built on relationships, and a team they’re proud to lead.
When you need a reliable insulation partner, you’ll find it here with us.
Meet The Cullen Insulation Team
Dan Frisch
President
Dan has been in the insulation industry since June of 1997. Before joining Cullen, he got his start as an account manager at a reinsurance brokerage firm in Bloomington, Minnesota, right out of college. Over the years, Dan discovered his passion for working in a small business environment, where he can be hands-on and involved in all areas of the company’s growth.
What Dan enjoys most about the industry is working with builders, most of who are great people with good attitudes that are committed to helping others achieve the American dream of homeownership.
As for customers and his own team members? Dan admires them both. He appreciates the problem-solving mindsets and positive attitudes of the customers he works with. And his team members are loyal, hardworking, and deeply committed to doing things right and on time.
In his free time, Dan coaches youth hockey, enjoys the outdoors with his wife and three sons, and volunteers with his church and the Cullen Children’s Foundation. A self-proclaimed early bird, he’s in bed by 9:00 PM every night and up early to take on each day.
Dan’s guiding philosophy is that strong communication is the most valuable skill in any industry, especially construction. He says, “There are so many deadlines, schedules, and customer requests it’s important to communicate clearly with your customers and your team members. Never assume that someone else understands or sees things the same way you do. Always be clear so there can be no confusion. It makes everyone happy in the end.“
Eric Brutger
Vice President
Eric brings nearly three decades of experience to the insulation industry. Eric holds degrees Concordia College in Moorhead and a master’s from North Dakota State University Before joining Cullen Insulation, Eric spent several years learning the industry from two other insulation contractors. He started working in the industry in the evenings during high school where his father worked.
What Eric loves most about working in the insulation industry is the ability to explore new opportunities and help the business grow and thrive. He’s inspired by his team members’ success and the pride they take in their work as well as the long-standing relationships Cullen Insulation builds with its customers.
Outside of work, Eric enjoys biking, snowmobiling, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
His advice for anyone considering a career in insulation or the trades? “If you approach your trade with an open mind, the opportunities are endless.”
