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MARCH 2026
U.S. SBA From Capital to Recovery INSIDE THIS ISSUE
AMERICAN FIBER CEMENT The Quiet Science Behind Buildings That Hold Built by Hand, Proven Under Pressure PENN-DELMAR POWER What Small Businesses Need Most. A Conversation with SBA Leadership
March 4 & 5 , 2026 th th Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Ctr Dr, Miami Beach, FL
Featuring a Curated Selection of Exhibitors Advancing Disaster Recovery & Resilient Cities
Chief Executive Officer Tamara Bellamy-Breen
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Executive Publisher Mara Mather
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Built America Magazine
DEAR READER FROM OUR EDITOR
In every era of American infrastructure, moments of disruption have shaped how we build — and, more importantly, why resilience matters. Both The Disasters & Resilient Cities Expos exists not as a showcase of products alone, but as a convergence of leaders, technologies, and ideas responding to a fundamental truth: communities must be prepared before crisis strikes, and capable of recovery when it does. From power continuity and material performance to policy, planning, and innovation, resilience is no longer optional — it is foundational. This special edition of Built America Magazine, produced in partnership with Fortem International for the Disasters & Resilient Cities Expo, reflects the responsibility of building for preparedness, continuity, and long-term resilience. Inside these pages, we feature a curated group of organizations advancing disaster response and recovery. You’ll hear from the U.S. Small Business Administration, including insights from Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator, Office of Field Operations and Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Manufacturing & Trade, and Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, on the role of small business in building resilient communities. You’ll also explore the work of Penn-DelMar Power, whose systems support continuity under pressure, and American Fiber Cement , whose materials perform when durability matters most. We also highlight innovators such as Link Bridges and Wink Panels , alongside additional exhibitors curated for their measurable impact on disaster preparedness, response
capability, and the advancement of resilient urban development in communities facing increasingly complex challenges. As you navigate the Disasters & Resilient Cities Expo — on the show floor, in education sessions, or through this publication — we encourage you to look beyond individual solutions and consider the broader ecosystem. True resilience is built through collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and communities. Thank you for being part of the work that strengthens communities and ensures continuity in the face of uncertainty.
With Great Appreciation,
The Editorial Team
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INSIDE
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2026 DISASTERS EXPO & RESILIENT CITIES EXPO MUST SEES & FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
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SPEAKER SCHEDULE 16
Plan your experience with keynote sessions, panel discussions, and industry leaders driving resilience forward.
COLDKEEPERS
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U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
From Capital to Recovery: A Conversation with SBA Leadership
32 AMERICAN FIBER CEMENT
The Quiet Science Behind Buildings That Hold
PENN-DELMAR POWER
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Built by Hand, Proven Under Pressure
LINKS BRIDGES Designed to Blend In. Built to Outlast.
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82 HOMES OF STEEL/WINK PANELS A New Standard, A New Level of Safety, 100% Steel You Can't See.
96 COLDKEEPERS,LLC
American-Made Infrastructure Inside the Cold Chain
U.S. SBA
CLOSING LINES
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A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
With Gratitude to Our Partners and Contributors
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2026 DISASTERS & RESILIENT CITIES EXPO EDITION
Built America Magazine
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06 2026 DISASTERS & RESILIENT CITIES EXPO MIAMI EDITION
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS & MUST SEES
Welcome to Disasters Expo & Resilient Cities Expo Miami
The moment is here to convene the leaders, innovators, and decision-makers shaping the future of disaster preparedness, response, and resilient communities.
Disasters Expo & Resilient Cities Expo Miami brings together public- and private-sector experts, featured exhibitors, and policymakers for a focused exploration of the challenges cities face — and the solutions rising to meet them. From critical infrastructure and emergency response to recovery, policy, and long-term resilience, the program reflects the urgency and complexity of today’s global landscape.
In the pages that follow, you’ll find must-see panels, featured speakers, and highlighted exhibitors selected for their impact and relevance — offering both strategic insight and real-world solutions shaping how communities prepare, respond, and rebuild. Whether you’re navigating the show floor, attending education sessions, or connecting with partners driving meaningful change, this guide is designed to help you focus on the conversations and companies advancing resilience when it matters most.
SPEAKERS TO WATCH PANELS TO SEE
HIGHLIGHTS & MUST SEES
Top Experiences You Wont Want to Miss at This Years Show.
MIAMI, FL MARCH 4 MARCH 4 & 5 , 2026 TH TH
WHY THIS MATTERS
THE SHOW BY THE NUMBERS leaders around practical strategies that strengthen preparedness and long-term community resilience. As climate risk, infrastructure strain, and emergency response challenges continue to evolve, collaboration has never been more critical. The Disasters Expo & Resilient Cities Expo connects public and private sector
5000+ ATTENDEES
350+ EXHIBITORS
MULTIPLE SPEAKERS
THOUSANDS of INDUSTRY PROS
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2026 DISASTERS & RESILIENT CITIES EXPO MIAMI EDITION
LEADERSHIP, SOLUTIONS & COLLABORATION
ROUND TABLES & CONVERSATIONS TO PRIORITIZE
Power & Water Roundtable
Women in Disaster Preparedness Leadership and inclusion in disaster preparedness and cross-sector coordination.
Private Sector Community Resilience Public–private collaboration advancing community resilience and recovery.
Strengthening power, water, and infrastructure resilience through expert-led discussion.
LIVE DISCUSSIONS & INNOVATION SHOWCASE
Resilient Product & Technology Exhibitors
Emergency Response Solutions Tools and technologies supporting utilities and municipalities.
Press & Networking Areas
Dedicated media briefings and informal networking opportunities.
Innovative systems supporting disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery.
WHERE COLLABORATION DRIVES IMPACT
Opening Keynote & Welcome Address
Strategic Roundtables
Food Truck & Networking Zone Resilience is built through coordinated leadership across government, utilities, the private sector, and community partners.
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10:45 - 11:15
Brian Glenn | ShelterBox USA No One Without Shelter After a Disaster
11:30 - 12:00
Kelley Collins & Tim Harger | Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) Engineered Resiliency: Your Blueprint for Certified Lightning Protection Systems
12:15 - 12:45
Mike Ralston | FireBrake Interventions Resilience Is Not the Absence of Risk
13:00 - 13:30
Kim Ross | Rethink Energy Florida Ensuring the Resilience of our Most Vulnerable Communities
13:45 - 14:15
Ryan Colker | International Code Council Setting a Strong Foundation for Resilient Cities
14:30 - 15:00
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell | Former U.S. Fire Administrator Wildfire: Climate Change Driven Risk, Response, and Resilience
15:15 - 15:45
Rives T. Taylor | Gensler Urban Preparedness: Community Perspectives and KPIs
10:45 - 11:15
Thomas Klein, ASLA, WEDG & Aaron DeMayo, AICP, Assoc. AIA, WEDG University of Miami & Waterfront Alliance / Future Vision Studios The Coastline: Infrastructural Opportunism in Regional Adaptation
11:30 - 12:00
Jose Javier Rodriguez | Former Asst. Secretary for Employment & Training, DOL; Former State Senator, Florida Senate Florida Policy Outlook on Resilience
12:15 - 12:45
Richard S. Seline | Future Proofing America / ROAR Partners Transforming Resilience Investment for Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
13:00 - 13:30
Eric Caplan | Tampa International Airport Resilience Planning & Development at Tampa Interational Airport
13:45 - 14:15
Sarah Wade-Apicella | ARISE Private Sector Alliance, UNDRR Business Resilience is Community Resilience
14:30 - 15:00
Rick Fernandez | 20-20 Innovation Moving from Resilience to Antifragility
15:15 - 15:45
Hamid Reza Nikvan | City of North Miami Beach The AI ‑ Ready Utility: How Modernization Becomes Predictable, Measurable, and Resilient
For full details on each seminar, please visit: www.resilientcityexpo.com/miami/agenda Content and speakers are subject to change.
Speaker Schedule
10:30 - 11:00
Michael Schmitt | Air Burners Inc. Lessons from the Field: Rapid, Cost ‑ Effective Vegetative Debris Cleanup After Disasters
11:15 - 11:45
James Render | E5 Incorporated Built for Tomorrow: How Advanced Silica Technology Is Redefining Concrete Performance
12:00 - 12:30
Andrew Dingman | TechWood / Chemical Technologies Holding, Inc. TechWood Superior Lumber Treatments: Better Lumber Through Better Innovation
12:45 - 13:15
Scott Henkel | Claro Modernizing Disaster Readiness and Resilience
13:30 - 14:00
Julie Parker | Streetleaf Surviving the Storm: Solar Streetlights in Action
14:15 - 14:45
Brent Warzocha | 3B Protection Enhancing Perimeter Protection with Smart Ballistic Barriers
15:00 - 15:30
Michael D. Farkas | NextNRG Smart Microgrids, AI Driven Control, and Bidirectional EV Charging for Urban Resilience
10:30 - 11:00
Geoff Oxnam | American Microgrid Solutions Microgrids ‑ Unlock Resilience and Savings from Your Critical Facilities
11:15 - 11:45
Bruce Kaiser | Lightning Master Corporation/WindTripper Protection of Structures From Damage Caused by Lightning and Wind
12:00 - 12:30
Edward B, “Ted” Brown III | KETCHConsulting Upgrade Your Business Continuity Plan or COOP
12:45 - 13:15
Jeff Kelly | Mutualink, Inc. Interoperability on the Go for Disaster Response
13:30 - 14:00
Pablo Arce | E Development Group Resilient by Design: Building the Energy ‑ Independent Communities of the Future
14:15 - 14:45
Chris Ripley | Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (C-HAWQ) Initiative Building Hurricane Resiliency With Original Science Through Habitat Creation and Restoration
15:00 - 15:30
Luke Rosen | US Special Rescue Leaving no Victim Behind: Search and Rescue Operations for Medically Complex Victims
For full details on each seminar, please visit: www.resilientcityexpo.com/miami/agenda Content and speakers are subject to change.
FEATURED PARTICIPANTS
COMPANIES SHAPING MEET THE
Led by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the following pages spotlight a curated group of organizations participating in Disasters Expo & Resilient Cities Expo whose solutions, leadership, and innovation are advancing the future of resilience. These companies were selected not simply for their presence at the event, but for the measurable impact of their work — from strengthening infrastructure and safeguarding critical supply chains to enhancing emergency response, mitigation, and long-term recovery strategies. Together, they represent the forward-thinking vision shaping how communities prepare for, withstand, and rebuild after disaster. WHAT’S NEXT
FEATURED GROUPS IN THIS ISSUE
U.S. Small Business Administration American Fiber Cement Penn-DelMar Power Links Bridges Homes of Steel / Wink Panels Coldkeepers, LLC Keep reading to learn more about how these companies and organizations are driving the industry forward.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Standing Beside America’s Small Businesses
“That’s the American spirit. And when we rise, we rise together.” —LISA SHIMKAT | ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR, OFFICE OF FIELD OPERATIONS (ACTING ASSOCIATED ADMINISTRATOR, OFFICE OF MANUFACTURING & TRADE)| SBA
SBA LEADERSHIP & IMPACT
Written by: Tamara Bellamy-Breen | Executive Publisher | Built America Magazine
When disaster strikes, rebuilding does not begin with lumber or concrete.
It begins with stability. With capital.
With someone standing beside a business owner and saying: you are not alone .
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is widely described as the federal government’s advocate for small business. That description is accurate, but it does not fully capture the agency’s reach or responsibility. In stable times, SBA expands access to capital through loan guarantees, supports domestic manufacturing and trade, convenes industry, and connects entrepreneurs to no-cost advisory resources. In disaster, it becomes one of the nation’s most important long-term recovery engines. Lisa Shimkat serves as Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Field Operations, overseeing all district offices nationwide, and as Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of Manufacturing and Trade. Chris Stallings leads SBA’s disaster operations, bringing 15 years in law enforcement and emergency management experience, including service as Georgia’s Director of Emergency Management. Together, their work reflects a shared understanding: Recovery is not a moment. It is a commitment.
Lisa Shimkat Associate Administrator
Office of Field Operations (Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Manufacturing & Trade)
Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience Chris Stallings Associate Administrator
What the SBA Actually Does “Most people think SBA equals money,” Shimkat explains. “And while we’re known for loan guarantees, we don’t provide direct funding except in disaster. What we do is reduce risk for lenders so small businesses can access capital.” Those guarantees make it possible for entrepreneurs to purchase equipment, expand operations, acquire facilities, or scale production. By sharing risk with lenders, SBA helps unlock growth that might otherwise stall. “We’re boots on the ground,” Shimkat says. “We’re working directly with businesses and lenders to expand opportunities so small businesses can grow and build wealth.” Her office represents SBA’s outward- facing presence — hosting roundtables, walking manufacturing floors, and carrying real-world concerns back to Washington.
“We’re working directly with businesses and lenders to expand opportunities so small businesses can grow and build wealth.”
—Lisa Shimkat
MADE IN AMERICA
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Built America Magazine
CUTTING THROUGH THE RED TAPE
In her manufacturing and trade role, she ensures small business perspectives are represented in national trade discussions. “We review agreements and examine their impact on small business,” she says, “to make sure small business has a voice at the table.”
Small businesses often feel the weight of regulation first.
Through its Office of Advocacy and regulatory review initiatives, the SBA works to ensure small business voices are represented when federal rules are written, reviewed, or revised. If a regulation creates unintended hardship or disproportionately impacts small businesses, the SBA gathers data, conducts research, and brings those concerns directly to policymakers. Resources available include: • Loan guarantees to expand access to capital • Disaster recovery and Economic Injury loans • Export financing and trade support • No-cost advising through SBDCs, SCORE, and Women’s Business Centers
For
builders,
suppliers, attending
and
manufacturers the Disasters & Resilient Cities Expo, that voice matters. What Happens in the First 72 Hours
Your feedback helps shape better policy.
RED TAPE HOTLINE Burdened by an outdated or costly federal rule? Send the regulation , cost , and hours it consumes — SBA uses this data to drive regulatory relief for small businesses. redtape@sba.gov
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When disaster hits, SBA’s focus shifts from expansion to recovery. “In the first 72 hours,” Stallings says, “even if it feels like help isn’t coming, help is rallying.”
Local
responders
stabilize
immediate States mobilize resources. Federal teams coordinate support. Behind the scenes, SBA prepares for long- term recovery. threats.
The first decisions are logistical.
“How many recovery centers can we support? Do we need generators? Satellite communications? What is the right number of personnel, so we don’t strain local resources?” Stallings explains. Over-responding can consume hotel space needed for displaced families. Under-responding delays assistance. The balance is critical. Administrator Kelly Loeffler asked Stallings to help bring a field- driven approach to disaster lending. “She asked me to help shift disaster lending from a banker’s perspective to a disaster mindset,” he says. “We focus on the survivor.”
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One of the most misunderstood SBA tools is the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). “Economic injury can only be used to pay bills, keep the lights on, and cover payroll,” Stallings explains. “It cannot be used for physical rebuilding.” That distinction is critical, particularly in rural communities. “If a few businesses leave a small town, it can close the community down,” he says. A single grocery store. A handful of gas stations. When those businesses disappear, daily life changes dramatically. “These loans allow businesses to stay open,” Stallings says. “They keep employees working and maintain stability while recovery takes place.” “In moments like that, it can never feel fast enough, but we move with urgency to get there and begin the recovery process.”
Because for the individual standing in front of a damaged home or storefront, this is not policy. It is the most difficult moment of their life. “It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to them,” Stallings says. “In moments like that, it can never feel fast enough, but we move with urgency to get there and begin the recovery process.”
Economic Injury and Community Stability
—Chris Stallings
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For physical rebuilding, SBA provides separate disaster loans — up to $500,000 for homeowners, up to $50,000 unsecured for personal property , refinancing options when insurance is insufficient, and mitigation loans that help rebuild stronger against future events. “These low-interest loans allow us to help people who may not have other options,” Stallings says.
If one leg stalls, recovery slows. People need security and stability.”
She encourages industry leaders to prepare before the next storm.
“Meet with your state recovery officials annually,” she says. “Understand the strategy and how you can shorten the runway for rebuilding.” Because speed is not only about construction timelines. It is about retaining workforce and stabilizing communities. “You don’t want to lose employees,” she says. “Housing needs to stand back up quickly.” Growth in Stable Times Outside of disaster response, SBA’s mission remains equally vital.
“We take pride in getting to yes.”
Builders and the Race Back to Housing For contractors and developers, SBA disaster financing operates much like a traditional construction loan. “Homeowners can draw down funds during construction once permits are in place,” Stallings explains. Shimkat describes recovery as a coordinated system. “It’s a three- legged stool,” she says. “Financing, permitting, and coordination.
“The first thing I tell business owners is know your numbers,” Shimkat says.
Revenue alone does not determine sustainability. “Sales can look strong,” she explains, “but if net income is low, you have to examine costs. What can I control? What can’t I?”
“These low-interest loans allow us to help people who may not have other options, We take pride in getting to yes.”
—Chris Stallings
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Planning, even imperfect planning, builds resilience.
“A business plan may be outdated tomorrow,” she says, “but thinking through scenarios creates calm.” She also urges entrepreneurs to think long- term from day one. “What is your exit plan?” she asks. “Even if you just opened your doors.” SBA’s broader ecosystem — Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, SCORE mentors, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers — exists to provide no-cost guidance. “When you’re a small business owner, you wear every hat,” Shimkat says. “Having someone in your corner matters.”
A National Commitment
Both leaders return to one central belief: small businesses are foundational to the American economy. “Resilience isn’t just on the shoulders of the business owner,” Shimkat says. “It’s on all of us.”
Then she frames it more broadly.
“That’s the American spirit,” she says. “That’s what we know we have within us. And when we rise, we rise together.” When businesses remain open, families stay employed.
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Stallings encourages preparation before crisis.
When asked where SBA fits in rebuilding stronger, not just faster, Stallings answers simply:
“Have the conversation on a blue-sky day,” he says. “Don’t wait until your home is scattered in your neighbor’s field before searching for what resources are available.” The SBA does not replace private markets. It strengthens them . It does not build the homes. It enables them to be built. It does not run the companies. It supports them so they can thrive.
“We are committed to standing beside the disaster survivor and helping them get back whole as quickly as possible.” That commitment — to capital, coordination, advocacy, and long-term partnership — is what keeps America’s small business engine running. Because when small businesses rise, communities rise. And when communities rise, the nation rises with them.
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Don’t wait for crisis to learn what’s available. Explore SBA’s programs at SBA.gov — including loan guarantees for growth, export financing, manufacturing support, and disaster recovery resources. In the event of disaster, visit SBA.gov/disaster to access physical damage loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, mitigation funding, and long-term recovery tools. Manufacturers and suppliers are encouraged to register on SBA’s Onshoring Portal to connect with domestic buyers and strengthen America’s supply chain. Business owners can receive no-cost support through their local SBDC, SCORE, Women’s Business Center, or Veterans Business Outreach Center.
Looking to expand your domestic footprint?
SBA Onshoring Portal
Start the conversation on a blue-sky day.
Scan the QR code to register and position your company within a growing national supply chain network.
Preparation today strengthens recovery tomorrow.
Visit SBA.gov For disaster assistance: SBA.gov/disaster SBA.gov/disaster Scan to learn more. Ready to explore SBA programs for growth or recovery?
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The Quiet Science Behind Buildings That Hold
When buildings fail, it’s rarely because of a single moment.
More often, it’s the result of slow compromise—moisture that never fully dries, materials that degrade quietly, systems that were never designed for prolonged stress.
American Fiber Cement exists to interrupt that pattern.
Founded to address the long-term vulnerabilities hidden within exterior wall systems, AFC has built its reputation around a straightforward premise: buildings should be designed to manage water, resist fire, and perform consistently over decades, not just look good on opening day. “Buildings have always struggled with water,” says Ryan Hunter, Vice President of Sales and Operations at AFC. “Moisture leads to mold, cracking, paint failure. And once water gets trapped inside a wall, everything else starts to break down.” That reality led AFC to focus on high- density fiber cement installed as part of a ventilated rainscreen system—an approach designed to help buildings dry, breathe, and endure.
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Designing for What Buildings Endure
Traditional cladding systems sit directly against the structural wall. Rainscreen systems do not. By creating a controlled air cavity between the exterior panel and the wall assembly, rainscreens allow water to drain, moisture to evaporate, and airflow to move naturally through the system.
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“The cladding stands off the wall,” Hunter explains. “There’s a moisture-resistant air barrier on the structure, and the airspace behind the panel lets the system dry out instead of trapping water.”
The impact of that separation is cumulative.
Instead of absorbing moisture and cycling through freeze-thaw stress, the wall assembly manages exposure continuously. Over time, that difference shows up in durability, performance, and reduced failure risk— especially under increasingly volatile climate conditions.
A Career Built for the Envelope
36 2026 DISASTERS & RESILIENT CITIES EXPO MIAMI EDITION
“Our product absorbs virtually no moisture, It’s non- combustible, frost resistant, decay resistant, and impact resistant.” —Ryan Hunter | Vice President of Sales & Operations
Hunter’s understanding of wall systems comes from years inside the building envelope. He joined AFC nearly two decades ago, beginning in a regional sales role and gradually helping expand the company’s national reach through manufacturer representatives focused on Division 7, the exterior envelope.
“That’s where everything comes together,” he says. “Cladding, insulation, attachment systems. If the envelope fails, the building fails.”
As building codes evolved—particularly around exterior insulation requirements for steel- framed commercial structures—rainscreen systems shifted from optional to essential. AFC’s early focus positioned the company ahead of that transition.
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High-Density by Design At the core of AFC’s approach is the material itself.
“Our product absorbs virtually no moisture,” Hunter says. “It’s non-combustible, frost resistant, decay resistant, and impact resistant.”
That non-combustibility plays a critical role in higher-risk environments. On taller buildings and in fire-prone regions, exterior materials must meet stringent performance requirements. AFC’s panels satisfy those standards while allowing flexibility in wall assembly design. “Because the panel doesn’t burn, we’re able to work with a wider range of systems behind it,” Hunter explains. “That gives architects and builders more options without compromising safety.” 38 2026 DISASTERS & RESILIENT CITIES EXPO MIAMI EDITION
Most AFC panels are factory finished, eliminating repainting cycles and significantly reducing long-term maintenance. Thin, lightweight, and easier to handle than traditional cementitious products, they’re engineered for longevity rather than periodic intervention.
Repair Without Rebuilding
Resilience is not only about surviving an event. It’s about how efficiently a building can recover afterward.
AFC panels are installed as individual components. When a localized failure occurs —whether from fire, impact, or damage—only the affected panels need to be replaced. 39
“If one section is compromised, you don’t have to redo the entire facade,” Hunter says. “You replace what’s damaged, and the new panels blend in.” That repairability minimizes disruption and cost, a critical advantage for schools, hospitals, and civic facilities that cannot afford extended downtime. Precision From Design to Installation AFC’s process extends well beyond material supply. Using architectural elevations, the team develops detailed shop drawings that define exact panel dimensions. Field measurements verify conditions before fabrication begins. “Buildings are rarely built exactly as drawn,” Hunter says. “We account for that before panels ever arrive onsite.” Each panel is labeled, crated, and delivered as part of a coordinated system. Installers aren’t fabricating in the field; they’re assembling a layout designed to fit. “That reduces labor, saves time, and avoids unnecessary rework,” he adds.
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Ready When Projects Change
With warehouses on both the East Coast and in the Midwest, AFC maintains the largest stock of high-density fiber cement panels in North America. “That allows us to support smaller projects, respond quickly, and adjust when conditions change,” Hunter says. When hidden conditions appear, material is damaged, or late-stage adjustments are required, AFC can respond immediately rather than delaying projects for months. That responsiveness often determines whether a project finishes cleanly or struggles at the end. Values Built Into the Process
AFC operates as a relationship-driven organization.
“Our role is to make their jobs easier through communication, technical support, and reliability.”
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PERFORMANCE YOU CAN COUNT ON Designed to withstand the elements and reduce long- term risk: Absorbs virtually no moisture • Non-combustible • Resistant to frost and freeze- thaw cycles • Resistant to decay • Impact resistant
Performance that protects your project from day one.
“We work with architects, contractors, installers, and owners,” Hunter says. “Our role is to make their jobs easier through communication, technical support, and reliability.” Technical staff are integrated throughout the process, available to address issues quickly and prevent delays. Stocked material, coordinated fabrication, and early problem-solving reflect a broader philosophy: anticipating challenges is part of delivering value.
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Building for the Long Term Institutional owners—schools, hospitals, and government agencies—are increasingly prioritizing materials that reduce lifetime cost, fire risk, and maintenance burden. “There’s a growing understanding that spending a little more upfront saves money over the life of the building,” Hunter says. That outlook mirrors long-established European building practices, where durability is treated as a baseline rather than an upgrade. AFC’s primary fiber cement partner, Swisspearl, brings decades of performance history and the industry’s longest warranty. Recent manufacturing advancements have further improved sustainability and material performance, reducing cement content while increasing strength and durability.
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Resilience Beyond Appearance For AFC, resilience is about behavior, not aesthetics. Rainscreen systems influence energy efficiency, HVAC performance, and interior comfort by reducing thermal bridging and managing moisture at the envelope level.
“These systems affect how a building behaves, not just how it looks,” Hunter explains.
In coastal and high-risk regions, AFC products meet stringent wind, fire, and flood-related requirements, including Miami-Dade approvals—providing confidence in environments where failure carries significant consequences.
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Listening Before Selling
At the Disasters & Resilient Cities Expo, AFC’s focus is not product-driven. Hunter views the event as an opportunity to listen first.
“We want to understand the challenges people are facing,” he says. “Then we can talk about how our systems might help build something better the next time.”
Fire exposure, moisture intrusion, and long-term performance are recurring concerns. AFC’s role is to address those realities with proven systems, not exaggerated claims. “It’s not bulletproof,” Hunter says. “But from a performance standpoint, it’s a better solution than many alternatives.”
“We want to understand the challenges people are facing. Then we can talk about how our systems might help build something better the next time.”
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Looking ahead, Hunter sees demand continuing to grow from owners who plan to hold and maintain their buildings, particularly institutions like schools, hospitals, and government facilities. “People who are going to own and maintain their building appreciate fiber cement,” he says. The logic is simple, and resilient cities are embracing it in real time. “It may be better to spend a little more on the front end to reduce costs over time,” Hunter explains, “rather than having a maintenance budget where you’re changing out products or repainting every five or ten years.” Building What Lasts
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In the end, AFC’s work isn’t just about cladding.
It’s about protecting the future inside the building. Assemblies that manage water instead of trapping it. Materials that resist fire instead of feeding it. Systems that reduce maintenance and support performance when communities can least afford failure.
Because resilience isn’t only about what a building survives.
It’s about what it allows a community to keep doing after the event passes.
And that work starts at the wall.
Meet American Fiber Cement at the 2026 Disasters & Resilient Cities Expo in Miami. Visit Booth #RC347 to speak with the AFC team about rainscreen systems and non-combustible facade solutions designed for long-term resilience, reduced maintenance, and real-world performance.
Scan the QR Code or Visit americanfibercement.com for more info.
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Built by Hand, Proven Under Pressure
When power fails, the clock starts. Minutes matter. Systems cascade. Emergency services, data networks, and public trust hinge on decisions made under pressure. In those moments, resilience is no longer theoretical. It becomes preparation, logistics, and the people willing to carry responsibility when failure is not an option.
TIM HERSHEY | Founder, Penn-Delmar Power, with three generations of family leadership
infrastructure owners when continuity is essential. The company’s foundation, however, was not laid through expansion plans or market positioning. It was built through physical labor, personal accountability, and a belief that essential systems deserve to be done right. “It started with a pickup truck in my home garage,” Hershey says. “I saw a pinch point in the industry and realized there were a lot of things that could be done better, with a lot more integrity and honesty.”
For Penn-DelMar Power, this is familiar territory.
Founded in 2008 by Timothy Hershey, Penn-DelMar Power has grown into a national provider of critical backup power systems, trusted by data centers and
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CRITICAL POWER SOLUTIONS
That belief quickly became action. Hershey cleared out his two-car garage, sent a tractor trailer to his house, and pallet-jacked loads of batteries up his driveway by hand. Each day, he filled his pickup truck and drove to cell phone towers, replacing battery backup systems that kept networks operational.
Engineering-driven installations and seamless system integration High-performance backup and energy storage systems Proactive testing, monitoring, and preventative maintenance programs Trusted partner for infrastructure where uptime is non-negotiable
“So we could still use our cell phones,” he says. “So 911 would still work.”
Those early days shaped how Hershey came to understand responsibility. It was never abstract. “It was heavy,” he says. “And it mattered.”
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“Sacrifice, drive, dedication, desire, consistency, perseverance, and honor. Those are the core principles here.”
—Timothy Hershey | Founder
BATTERY BRANDS
Penn-DelMar Power took form one battery at a time, carried by hand, with the knowledge that real people depended on the outcome A Discipline Learned Long Before Power Systems Long before entering the power industry, Hershey learned discipline on the wrestling mat. “I grew up wrestling, and I’ve been a wrestling coach for decades,” he says. “I bring that same wrestler’s mindset into the business.” He defines that mindset plainly. “Sacrifice, drive, dedication, desire, consistency, perseverance, and honor. Those are the core principles here.”
Authorized distributor and service partner for leading global manufacturers. UPS, Telecom, and Industrial Batteries
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Penn-DelMar Power engineers, furnishes, and installs complete backup power systems, working closely with architects, engineers, builders, and owners to solve mission-critical challenges. “They might come to us with a fixed space and a fixed footprint,” Hershey explains, “and need a certain amount of backup to keep their facility operational. We design inside that footprint exactly what they need. The runtime. The redundancy. The reliability.” “Doing things right is hard work. It’s heavy lifting. But at Engineering for What Cannot Go Down
Those principles shape how Penn-Del Mar Power operates in the field and inside the warehouse. They inform how teams are trained, how projects are approached, and how accountability is carried when conditions are demanding and timelines are unforgiving. “Doing things right is hard work,” Hershey says. “It’s heavy lifting. But at the end of the day, there’s honor in saying, ‘That’s my work.’” That sense of pride shows up in execution, preparation, and the company’s response when systems fail. It also defines how Penn-DelMar Power prepares long before anything goes wrong.
the end of the day, there’s honor in saying, ‘That’s my work.’”
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planning. “They were losing millions per minute,” Hershey says.
What distinguishes the company is its es the company is its ability to act immediately when planning turns into emergency. “We have stock on the shelves ready to go. We can build backup power almost instantly.”
The call came in: 2,400 batteries, each weighing 150 pounds. Nearly 360,000 pounds of lead. The question was direct. “Could you replace them immediately?”
Penn-DelMar Power mobilized.
“Our normal replacement cycle is about 240 batteries a day,” Hershey explains. “They needed 960 installed on their critical systems right away.” The team pushed well beyond standard capacity, installing 480 batteries on day one and another 480 on day two. Critical systems were brought back online within 48 hours. Penn-DelMar then remained onsite for two additional weeks to secure the rest of the facility.
Inside Penn-DelMar Power’s Penn-DelMar Power’s
30,000-
square-foot warehouse , inventory is stocked, cabinets are staged, and systems can be built to suit on demand. “We have stock on the shelves ready to go,” Hershey says. “We can build backup power almost instantly.” When a component isn’t available in-house, the company works directly with OEMs to procure it quickly. Cabinets are pulled, filled, wrapped, secured, and dispatched, often within hours. “It’s a big moving puzzle of logistics,” Hershey says. “With 26 technicians moving in and out of markets across the country, it’s constant. But it’s become second nature to us.” When the Numbers Become Real Preparation becomes unmistakable when failure arrives without warning. Recently, a major data center in Columbus, Ohio went down after its battery systems reached end of life. The risk had been deferred by tight budgets and reactive
“We were able to get them back online,” Hershey says. “That was the priority.”
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The work was physically demanding and time-sensitive. “That’s a boatload of “That’s a boatload of heavy lifting,” he says. “And in this day and age, not many people want to work that hard.”
“Having product in stock. Working directly with OEMs. Making sure everything lines up.”
When customers engage Penn-DelMar Power, they know exactly who is responsible. “When you hire us, you get us,” Hershey says. t us,” Hershey says. The company operates as a single accountable entity, from engineering and logistics to installation and testing. “We’re the one throat to choke,” he adds. “And we deliver reliability across the board.” Loyalty as a Long-Term Strategy Accountability also defines how Penn-DelMar Power approaches partnerships. “For me, it comes down to honesty, integrity, and loyalty,” ty, and loyalty,” Hershey says. Over the years, t Over the years, the company has he company has worked as a subcontractor, a prime, and everything in between. They have absorbed pressure when projects became complicated and remained committed when situations were less than ideal. Hershey says. Over the years, the company has
His expectations of the team are clear.
“I don’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself, or that they haven’t seen me do.” Twelve-hour days. Sixteen- hour days. Heavy lead moved by hand. “At the end of the day,” Hershey says, “there’s honor in saying, ‘We did that.’” Accountability Without Hand- Offs In disaster response and resilient infrastructure, reliability is non- astructure, negotiable. “It’s about being able to react,” Hershey says.
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ADDITIONAL SERVICES Battery removal, replacement, and certified installation
Built America Magazine At the same time, Penn-DelMar has built long-standing relationships rooted in trust. “Separately, but together,” Hershey says. “As long as we’re loyal to one another, that integrity shows to the end user.” A Company That Operates Like a Family Inside the organization, relationships matter.
Scheduled preventative maintenance and system audits
DC load bank and performance testing
Monitoring solutions for proactive system management
“Family,” Hershey says.
Three generations of the Hershey family work within Penn-DelMar Power today . His father manages the shop. His two sons began working there as high school seniors and have grown into the business.
Rapid-response emergency service
“They’re doing fantastic,” he says.
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Beyond family, Penn-DelMar partners with local schools, bringing in students who are unsure of their next step and offering them exposure to the trades. “They might not know if they want college or the military,” Hershey says.
“There’s nothing out of the realm of possibility when we see downtime we need to overcome,”
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“So we bring them in, train them, and if they want to stay, it becomes a career.”
On job sites, teams operate collectively.
“One man can’t do this work,” he says. “They have each other’s backs. They’re brothers.” Resilience as a Mindset For Hershey, resilience is simple to define. “Being able to adapt and overcome.” If new equipment is required, it’s acquired. If a new solution is needed, it’s built. “There’s nothing out of the realm of possibility when we see downtime we need to overcome,” he says. That mindset shapes Penn-DelMar Power’s role at the Disasters & Resilient Cities Expo. The company arrives not just as an exhibitor, but as a contributor to conversations around preparedness, testing, and custom solutions.
“Talk to me about testing,” Hershey says. “Talk to me about custom builds.”
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Proving What Others Assume Looking ahead, Hershey points to one capability that continues to set Penn-DelMar Power apart. “Our battery testing is one of one in the Nation and your backup power is PDProven before it hits the site” he says. Using a 750-kilowatt load bank, the company performs true DC-to-DC load testing, fully discharging batteries and returning performance data to clients. “There’s a two percent failure rate on newly manufactured batteries,” Hershey explains. “That two percent is enough to bring down the house.”
Testing removes uncertainty.
“We prove it before it goes out,” he says. “So everybody sleeps good at night.”
“Our battery testing is one of one in the Nation and your backup power is PDProven before it hits the site”
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Built With Purpose If Hershey could leave readers with one message, it wouldn’t be technical. “Never count yourself out,” he says. “If you can dream it, you can make it happen.”
“Work ethic, drive, and perseverance can build anything, And it can be built best here in America.”
He brings it back to fundamentals.
“Work ethic, drive, and perseverance can build anything,” Hershey says. “And it can be built best here in America.” For Penn-DelMar Power, resilience is not a claim or a concept. It is preparation, labor, and accountability carried long before the lights ever go out.
And when the clock starts ticking, they are already in motion.
Connect with Penn-DelMar Power at Booth D164 during the Disasters & Resilient Cities Expo and start a conversation about preparation, testing, and backup power you can stand behind when it matters most.
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Aiden Needs a Sponsor!
HELP US BUILD HOPE!
Scan the QR code or visit www.fbma.org/roc-solid-foundation.html to sponsor a playset for Aiden!
FBMA Is Seeking a Lead Sponsor to Help Build Hope for a Child Fighting a Critical Illness
In partnership with Roc Solid Foundation , the Florida Building Materials Association is looking for a company to lead a life-changing build that gives a child the chance to simply be a kid again.
How the “You Lead” Build Works
As the lead sponsor, your company takes the reins of the project with a clear, achievable structure:
The Crew Provide a foreman and 10–15 volunteers to complete the build (Roc Solid recommends 10–20 volunteers) The Timeline The build typically takes 4–5 hours to complete The Logistics The playset is shipped directly to the sponsor’s facility.
Your team brings the playset, tools, and supplies to the family’s home on build day.
Scan the QR Code to Learn More About Roc Solid Foundation
No prior build experience is required — just leadership, teamwork, and heart.
Build something life-changing. Give hope to a hero.
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