What if your next home or the ones you build could be safer, easier to build, and way cheaper to heat and cool? In this episode, Chris G chats with Ben Snuffer and Dustin Jensen from Monolith about a building method most people haven’t heard of yet: Insulated Concrete Forms. They explain how their system, made from tough polyurethane, helps save money, speeds up construction, and stands up to things like fires, storms, and pests. Whether you’re a builder or just thinking about your next home, this conversation gives you a better way to build and a way to stand out.

Ben Snuffer is the Co-Founder and one of the driving forces behind Monolith’s mission to revolutionize building with advanced polyurethane ICF. A general contractor since 2006, he’s worked on everything from new homes and remodels to commercial and landscaping projects. After years of wrestling with the limitations of traditional building like weak insulation, decay, high energy costs, he discovered ICF and realized its massive potential. Ben helped design Monolith’s version of ICF that uses polyurethane instead of conventional polystyrene. Their blocks deliver 1.8× more strength, R‑33 insulation, 3+ hour fire resistance, and better moisture and pest control. He now works to bring this “7‑in‑1” system to builders and homeowners, offering training and support through Monolith’s Pioneer program.

Dustin leads Monolith’s marketing team and plays a key role in building the Monolith brand and community. He joined the company to take on meaningful projects that focus on resilient, long-lasting building solutions especially for regions prone to natural disasters. At Monolith, Dustin helps architects, builders, and homeowners understand the benefits of polyurethane-based ICF. He oversees contractor education, outreach, and materials planning, ensuring people not only learn about the system but also implement it successfully. With a focus on real-world impact, Dustin combines marketing strategy with hands-on support to help Monolith expand and grow its Pioneer contractor network.


Connect with Ben and Dustin:
Website: https://buildmonolith.com/
Email: info@buildmonolith.com

Episode highlights:
(0:00 ) Intro
(1:19 ) How Monolith started and why polyurethane over polystyrene?
(5:47 ) How ICF works and why it's better than traditional framing
(8:45 ) Common problems in homebuilding and how ICF solves them
(16:27 ) ROI advantages and energy savings
(19:57 ) Insurance challenges and benefits
(24:20 ) Why Missouri (and everywhere else) can benefit from ICF
(28:23 ) From a sales POV
(33:06 ) How insurance companies are adapting to ICF
(39:50 ) Building a unique business with ICF
(47:08 ) Why trades love working with it and how Monolith supports contractors
(52:27 ) How to get in touch with Monolith
(53:42 ) Outro

Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/