After the passing of her husband and our founder, Rich, Sue stepped into the role of President, continuing his legacy with grace and strength. Though retired from day-to-day operations, Sue remains a vital part of our family business—offering support, wisdom, and a listening ear whenever it’s needed.

By stepping into Rich’s role after his passing, it has allowed her to stay connected while enjoying her well-earned retirement. These days, Sue spends her time with her beloved cat, “Kitty,” and cherishes every moment with her four grandchildren. Her presence is a reminder of the heart behind our business and the values we continue to honor every day.

Rich founded Pacific West Foam Industry over 30 years ago, bringing with him a degree in Industrial Engineering and a wealth of experience working with foam technologies and military applications. A true pioneer in the industry, Rich was among the first to develop and apply foam as a method for explosion suppression and slosh reduction in fuel systems—a breakthrough that laid the groundwork for modern safety standards in both military and commercial sectors.

His expertise, innovation, and strong work ethic laid the foundation for everything we do. More than that, he was a mentor and teacher, passing on his knowledge and values to his son, Jeff, who continues to lead with the same integrity.

Rich passed away in 2022, but his legacy lives on in the company he built, the innovations he helped create, and the people who proudly carry his vision forward every day.