By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

In honor of Women's History Month, we celebrate some women-led businesses in the roofing.

Roofing is an overwhelmingly male occupation. Whether contractor or crew, the majority of workers are typically men. The U.S. Department of Labor considers roofing a male-dominated profession, but that doesn’t mean women in roofing are unicorns. Take Marianne Sumter, owner of Wil-Mar Products, as proof of how women are not only present in the roofing industry, but are essential to its success.  

With a desire to continue her husband’s legacy, Marianne became the owner of Wil-Mar Products, stepping into a leadership role in a male-dominated industry. And she has successfully led the company with strength and expertise. To this day, Marianne continues to provide excellent customer service, meet the demands of the industry and develop lasting relationships with women. 

And there are even more stories of women revolutionizing the roofing industry. Women now fill positions ranging from roofing, marketing and sales to consulting, manufacturing and research. Female professionals are also stepping into leadership roles at roofing manufacturing companies and starting their own roofing companies. Read on as we highlight women leading the roofing industry! 

Ethelmae Humphreys has been a trailblazer for women in roofing since the 1940s. She had just graduated from high school in 1944 and her parents moved to Joplin, Missouri to start TAMKO Building Products. Ethelmae headed to college at the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. Upon graduation it became clear that her father’s failing health meant he would need assistance running the company, so she came home and helped out, and was named the executive vice president of TAMKO. Together with her husband, she grew the company into one of the largest privately owned roofing manufacturers in the country. After her husband’s death in 1993, she took over as CEO until her son took on the role of president and CEO the following year. 

Associations 

Plenty of roofing associations pride themselves on being women-led or having women in high-ranking positions. The Roofing Alliance, celebrating 25 years as the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), has appointed Alison LaValley as the new executive director and recently has made Kelly Van Winkle the first female vice president. 

Additionally, Lisa Pate serves as the executive director of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Tracey Prociw is the executive director and board secretary of The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) and Suzie Boyd is the current president of the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA). With female leadership, these associations have prospered and grown; these women have paved the path to a better roofing industry.  

Plus, there are plenty of women in roofing who hold leadership positions. Johns Manville is proudly led by a team of women who represent their Roofing Systems Leadership, including: Director of Human Resources Brandi Duncan, Director of Product Management and Marketing Jennifer Ford-Smith, Owner Services Leader Mandy Schweitzer, Director of Commercial Services and SIOP Tesha Kroll and Director of Technology Zebonie Sukle. 

Many women have started their own businesses in the industry too. Art Unlimited is a women-owned business, with the second-generation leadership of Anna Anderson and Elizabeth Chapman taking the company’s digital and marketing expertise to a national stage. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® is women owned and led too! Established in 2002 by Vickie Sharples, the Coffee Shop is “where the industry meets.” Heidi J. Ellsworth became a partner in the company with Vickie in 2015 and today the RCS crew is led by Heidi, who also has her own marketing and consulting business, HJE Consulting.  

RCS COO Karen L. Edwards has helped Heidi grow the website and push boundaries in this male-dominated industry that is slow to change. She is also the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)’s communications and engagement leader and owns her own marketing and sales company, Casimir Group. Studies show that women who support other women are more successful. Research conducted by Harvard Business Review found that having a network of close female contacts helps females land executive positions.  

According to Forbes, these inner circles provide necessary support and recommendations when their peers are faced with challenges and cultural bias, especially in male-dominated industries like roofing. As the president of RoofersCoffeeShop, Heidi has exceled in empowering other women to be successful within the roofing industry, fostering employees at all levels within the company to build a strong network that is both diverse and supportive of all people, brining then into the trades for an opportunity of a great career. 

Furthermore, organizations like National Women in Roofing, of which Heidi is a founder, are providing opportunities and support for women in the roofing industry. Today, with the efforts of many in the roofing industry, NWIR has created a new understanding, interest and demand for diversity. Women are more prevalent than ever in the field and at trade shows, meetings and board meetings. Through mentoring, education and networking, women have more support than ever to find a rewarding career in this industry.   

There is more than enough space on the roof for women in this industry. With so many female role models and female-led roofing initiatives, the future of roofing looks female! 

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news.

RCAW hosts “Tenacious Trio” of events including sporting clays, a biannual dinner and the PNW regional tradeshow. 

The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) is hosting their Pacific Northwest regional tradeshow April 21- 22, 2022 at the Muckleshoot Events Center. With up to 79 exhibitors and nine educational track sessions, and live demonstrations this is a day for anyone at any level in the company to come and learn and get updated on the latest and greatest in the roofing industry. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on hand live streaming and the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington is looking forward to welcoming contractors and industry professionals alike to a redesigned and reimagined show for the Pacific NW.  

Check out the three big events happening this year: 

Sporting Clays 

Seize the day at the 2nd Annual Sporting Clays Competition! Held at the Tacoma Sportsmen's Club from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This is a limited attendance event and includes lunch, prizes/some bragging rights, and a great trophy. 

Biannual Dinner Meeting with Gary Smith from the IBA 

After a morning of fun, enjoy an evening of networking and learn how what happened in the latest legislative session in Olympia will affect your business – now and in the future. In addition, we will be handing out RCAW awards and some other surprises. Get your first introduction to the Muckleshoot Events Center at the Muckleshoot Casino starting with a cocktail hour at 5:00 p.m. in the foyer and dinner and the presentation from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Green River Room. Enjoy a five-star buffet-style dinner including a main course of seared sirloin with Bordelaise sauce or salmon fillet with a seasonal sauce. 

PNW Regional Trade Show   

On April 22 at 9:00 a.m. RCAW will cut the ribbon on the newly imagined Pacific NW Regional Trade Show.  Recognizing a need for a regional opportunity to see and learn and holding firm to RCAW’s need to grow with the industry, they have planned this show to fill that need! Check out the tradeshow itinerary: 

Friday, April 22 

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific NW Regional Trade Show Begins 

10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Fall Protection Safety Class - Part 1 – Jennifer Richards - SMTI 

10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Effective promotion of your roofing company – Anna Anderson – Art Unlimited 

10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Managing by the Numbers – Gary Cohen – Certified Contractors Network 

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Break out session – Heidi J. Ellsworth, President – RoofersCoffeeShop 

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Estimating the Right Way – John Kenney, CEO – Cotney Consulting Group 

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Fall Protection Part 2 – Jennifer Richards — SMTI 

2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Rae July, Steep Slope Manager – Chinook Building Envelope Services 

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. How to manage L&I Citations on the job site – Ruth Lewis, CEO - Stop Claims Corp 

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Workers Compensation – Shea Carroll – Brown and Brown 

The event guarantees fun, networking and education that will leave you and your business feeling empowered. RCAW has crafted a program that is designed to give you new tools for your business that will help you be the best you can be.  

The two-part fall protection certification class is being provided free of charge to trade show participants and is a value of $75 per person, and we have many other national speakers on hand with a wealth of information for the business owner or manager. 

Register for this trio of events today! 

Learn more about RCAW in their RoofersCoffeeShop® directory or visit rcaw.com.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

CEO of Art Unlimited and RT3 member Anna Anderson discusses the latest technological advancements in the roofing industry. 

The Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) is constantly informing roofing contractors of new technology that will help them succeed. Through their exploration of emerging technologies, RT3 is helping the roofing industry grow and become more efficient. Anna Anderson, Scott Riopelle and John Kiesel, all members of RT3, shared their thoughts and insights about embracing new technology and the value it has to the roofing industry with Heidi J. Ellsworth in Season 3, Episode 7 of Coffee Conversations.  

As a member of RT3 and CEO of the digital marketing agency Art Unlimited, Anna Anderson is all about the advancement of technology. One trend she is seeing is the use of robotics in roofing. She says that RT3 is now demoing a robotic technology that can scan inside roofs and attic crawl spaces.  

Anna also says that embracing this new technology doesn’t mean you are pushing away employees. “These are new opportunities to leverage robotics and empower your workforce,” she says. “You're not taking away from it. You're creating a more stable, accurate solution for that workforce that you have.” 

Ways companies can improve their technical know-how is by being mindful of speed. Anna says that it’s one thing to have fast technology, but you can’t only rely on the speed of your website. You also have to respond fast to inquiries and interactions on your social platforms. By focusing on how you can work with your high-speed services, you’ll be in control of your success as a company. 

While all this change might be intimidating to consumers and the workforce, Anna says that humanity is built to adapt to change. Consumers now expect technology such as virtual reality (VR) because they have adapted to it and want to see more of it. And even though the workforce may be hesitant at first to change, Anna said that more and more workers just want to learn how to use these advancements. 

“The Roofing Technology Think Tank is dedicated to finding innovation and taking that innovation and technology and bringing it to the roofing industry,” Anna says. “We're not just looking within the industry, we're saying, ‘What's out there and how do we bring it in?’” 

Learn more about RT3 in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.rt3thinktank.com. 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire Coffee Conversations to gain more insight about integrating technological advancements in your roofing company.

RCS Influencers celebrates its sixth year of giving back to the roofing industry.

RoofersCoffeeShop®, celebrating 20 years as the award-winning website where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, announces the 2022 RCS Roofing Influencers.    

RCS Influencers contribute thoughts and wisdom monthly through interviews, videos and articles on RoofersCoffeeShop concerning pertinent industry and roofing topics. The Influencers represent all facets of the industry including contractors, associations and industry service providers. Their insights are recognized in a special category on the site called RCS Influencers.   

“We have been committed to sharing the thought leadership of our RCS Influencers since 2017,” states Heidi J. Ellsworth, president of RoofersCoffeeShop. “Each influencer brings a unique perspective to issues that are of importance to roofing contractors and the overall roofing industry. We are thankful and appreciative of their willingness to share their insights.”

We are proud to announce the following 2022 RCS Influencers: 

1. Anna Anderson – Art Unlimited 

2. Charles Antis - Antis Roofing & Waterproofing 

3. Julissa Chavez – SRS Distribution, Inc. 

4. Trent Cotney - Cotney Construction Law 

5. Kendall & Chris Ekerson – SA Roofing 

6. Heidi Ellsworth – RoofersCoffeeShop® 

7. John Esbenshade, Jr. – National Roofing Contractors Association 

8. Rudy Gutierrez - Shell Roofing Solutions 

9. Tammy Hall – CFS Roofing Services 

10. Mike Hicks – Hicks Industrial Roofing 

11. Joe Hoffman – Hoffman Weber 

12. Rae July – Chinook Roofing

13. Danny Kerr – Breakthrough Academy 

14. John Kiesel – Imagine Technologies/Division 7 Roofing 

15. Wendy Marvin - Matrix Roofing and Home Solutions 

16. Mandy McIntyre - 1st Choice Roofing 

17. Arty Molinari – Tremco Roofing & Waterproofing 

18. Mike Pickel - Texas Traditions Roofing 

19. Ashley and Seth Pietsch - Integrity Insurance & Bonding Inc 

20. Camila Santander – ASA Roofing 

21. Greg Serevetas – USA General Contractors  

22. Marty Stout - Go Roof Tune Up 

23. Curtis Sutton - Rackley Roofing

For more information on the 2022 RCS Influencers, meet them here. Download the Top 20 insights from our 2021 influencers eBook here.

About RoofersCoffeeShop 

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

RT3 member John Kiesel talks about how empowering tech savvy employees to bring technology into your company helps move the industry forward. 

Season 3, Episode 7 of the Coffee Conversations podcast celebrates Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of thought leaders who have come together to bring technology into roofing. Sponsored by ABC Supply, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Anna Anderson, Scott Riopelle and John Kiesel to discuss roofing technology and trends for 2022.  

Anna Anderson is the CEO of Art Unlimited and the current President of RT3. She is also on the executive committee of National Women in Roofing. Anna discusses the importance of integrations so that the entire workforce can be empowered to do their job with excellence. “We need technology as a whole within the industry to embrace that and start collaboratively looking at how do we solve it," says Anna.  

The 2020 innovator of the year for Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), Scott Riopelle, speaks to the importance of integrating your software. His company is a leader in using technology in systems. 

John Kiesel is the president of Division 7 Roofing and is also the President of Imagine Technologies. Imagine Technologies is a newer company that is bringing drone opportunities that turn imagery into virtual reality, which can then turn into 3D models. 

John talks with Heidi about how this technology can be used to bridge the gap between the office side of the industry and what is going on in the field. “For me, the tech of the future is imagery and how you can virtually see what's going on and connect the office to that in real-time and be able to influence the activities of the field from an office environment in real-time,” says John. “That to me is the technology that we need to be looking at, is how to bridge the gap between the white-collar side and blue-collar side of the business.” 

Putting more technology in the hands of roofers is all about recruiting and supporting people within the industry who can work to bring more tech to your business. “That may take a champion, as we like to call it in the industry, that's tech savvy and understands working out in the field to be that liaison person,” says john. “So find the champion, find the techy person that embraces this stuff, and start picking their brain and see how they can help you.” 

Learn more about the Imagine Technologies Group in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directories or visit www.imaginetechnologiesgroup.com. 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire Coffee Conversation to gain more insight on the future of roofing technology.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Heidi and RT3 members discuss the cutting edge of roofing technology and how it is moving the industry forward. 

In Season 3, Episode 7 of Coffee Conversations, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with some of the sharpest minds in the industry as they celebrate Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of thought leaders who have come together to bring technology into roofing. Sponsored by ABC Supply, Anna Anderson, Scott Riopelle and John Kiesel discuss all things technology, industry shortages, and what we will see coming in 2022.  

The conversation kicks off with sharing what roofing contractors should be looking at in 2022, focusing on the cutting edge of technology and trends on the horizon.  

Anna Anderson is the CEO of Art Unlimited and the current president of RT3. She is also on the executive committee of National Women in Roofing. Anna discusses the importance of integrations so the entire workforce can be empowered to do their job with excellence. 

“We need technology as a whole within the industry to embrace that and start collaboratively looking at how do we solve it," says Anna. She also talks about the knowledge gap, virtual reality and robotics “There's a lot of exciting things on the horizon for 2022.” 

John Kiesel is the president of Division 7 Roofing and is also the president of Imagine Technologies. Imagine Technologies is a newer company that is bringing drone opportunities to the roofing industry. He talks with Heidi about how this technology can be used to bridge the gap between the office side of the industry and what is going on in the field. 

“For me, it's imagery and how you can virtually see what's going on and connect the office to that in real-time and be able to influence the activities of the field from an office environment in real-time,” says John. “That to me is the technology that we need to be looking at, is how to bridge the gap between the white-collar side and blue-collar side of the business.” 

Scott Riopelle, who was the 2020 innovator of the year for RT3, talks about the importance of integrating technology and getting your software to talk to each other. His company is a leader in using technology in systems, which has allowed his company to expand nationally and internationally. 

“I think the back of the house technology is so often missed," says Scott. “Not only do we need technology for sales, we need technology to keep the sales and the numbers together. And that's something that really everybody needs to focus on in 2022.” 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire Coffee Conversation to gain more insight on the future of roofing technology and how it can be leveraged to empower the industry.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

As NWIR Day draws closer, look forward to these highlights. 

National Women in Roofing (NWiR) day is just days away! The fifth annual National Women in Roofing (NWiR) Day will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 30, just before the International Roofing Expo (IRE). If you aren’t already excited to connect, discover and cultivate new relationships with other women in the industry, read on for some exciting highlights.  And if you haven’t registered for the event yet, register today! 

1 - Keynote speaker Heather Whelpley  

Heather Whelpley is a speaker, consultant and author who focuses on leadership development for women. She works with women to help them let go of expectations and create their own rules. She will be giving a talk titled “Creating Your Own Rules for Success: How to Let Go of Perfect and Live your Truth.” 

Join Heather as she teaches you how to let go of the constant pressure to feel productive and like you are responsible for everything. Learn from Heather’s story of how to go from overcommitted and burnt-out to feeling joy and freedom. Through a blend of personal stories and practical tools, Heather will guide you on how to slow down and rediscover what you want, and how this helps you generate a greater impact.  

Key takeaways include: 

• Understanding the roles you’re playing by now, where they come from and if they still make sense for you. 

• Redefining success on your own terms. 

• Creating a new set of rules that align to your values, goals and the impact you want to have. 

2 - 45 Marketing Tips in 45 Minutes 

Join marketing specialists Liz Garza of My Roofing Crew, Anna Anderson of Art Unlimited, Mara Chapin of OMG Roofing Products and Chantalle Hepburn of Tremco for their personal marketing tips and playbooks. You won’t want to miss this action-packed session of 45 practical ways to level up your marketing strategy.  

3 - Workplace Conflict De-escalation 

Learn how to best handle different kinds of conflicts in the workplace. From leadership conflicts to work style differences, personality clashes and culture-based clashes, speaker Ashlee Poplin of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants has you covered on how to mediate any situation. 

4 - Demo of REAL Roofing  

This demo will highlight REAL Roofing, an interactive multi-media education program to bring Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) education to the roofing industry. The program will be available at a low cost to the entire industry. NWiR’s Executive Director Ellen Thorp, M.A., CAE, SRS Distribution Inc.’s Operation Manager Jess Cress and Chinook Roofing’s Director of Steep-slope Operations Rae July will lead this demonstration! 

5 - Roofing Is...Being an Upstander 

This interactive working session uses real examples from the industry to explore how to stand up and deescalate microaggressions so that we can create a more inclusive environment. Learn how to speak up when needed and become a better ally from GAF’s Jennifer Keegan. 

6 - 7 Resolutions for Making Better Technology Solutions for Your Company 

Cotney Consultants and Attorney’s Lee Lipniskis shows us how aerial imagery, lead tracking software and a good CRM can increase your organization's profitability and efficiency. Furthermore, she will teach us how to choose the best technology solution. 

7 - Fighting the Mental Health and Suicide Epidemic in Construction 

Construction comes with plenty of hazards, but we don’t always acknowledge the mental health aspect of the job. Construction workers are more likely to die by suicide than all other job site hazards combined. In this presentation, Harness Software’s Sue Drummond covers why that is and ways each of us can help combat it from both the perspective of the employee and the employer. 

View the full schedule for NWiR Day 2022 here! 

Learn more about NWiR in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nationalwomeninroofing.org.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

IRE promises to be one of the biggest events of the year, check out who will be at the expo! 

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) promises many exciting events, products, classes and more. The expo will take place February 1-3 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on the beat, sharing information and broadcasting live on YouTube. Additionally, you will find President Heidi J. Ellsworth moderating a panel on how to work with young people who are interested in roofing. The session takes place Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CT 

The Coffee Shop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with roofing contractors. Make sure you stop by our booth, number 249, and visit our RoofersCoffeeShop partners too:  

• ABC Supply Co., Inc. - Booth 1301 

• Angi - Booth 1455 

• A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply - Booth 3037 

• AccuLynx - Booth 637 

• Art Unlimited - Booth 3425 

• ATAS International, Inc. - Booth 3036 

• Beacon Building Products - Booth 231, 325 

• Bitec - Booth 2519 

• Breakthrough Academy - Booth 954 

• Castagra - Booth 2754 

• Cotney Attorneys & Consultants - Booth 2131 

• CertainTeed - Booth 2244 

• Chem Link, Inc. - Booth 2411 

• Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. - Booth 2837 

• DaVinci Roofscapes - Booth 1737 

• DECRA Metal Roofing - Booth 2019 

• Equipter - Booth 1801 

• Estimating Edge - Booth 3505 

• FlashCo - Booth 1845 

• Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) - Booth 3429 

• FiberTite Roofing Systems - Booth 2001  

• GREEN LINK  - Booth 2954 

• Hunter Panels - Booth 1601 

• HOVER - Booth 2719 

• ICP Building Solutions Group / APOC - Booth 1627 

• IB Roof Systems, Inc. - Booth 1325 

• IKO Manufacturing  - Booth 1909 

• Ingage - Booth 755 

• Jobba Trade Technologies - Booth 719 

• JobNimbus - Booth 1319 

• Johns Manville - Booth 1119 

• Karnak - Booth 1113 

• Leister - Booth 1133 

• Leap - Booth 337 

• Malarkey Roofing Products - Booth 2319 

• Metal Roofing Alliance - Booth 3055 

• MARCO Industries - Booth 2647 

• Midwest Roofing Contractors Association - Booth 1360 

• MFM Building Products - Booth 2613 

• National Roofing Contractors Association - Booth 1359, 2119 

• NRCA ROOFPAC - Booth 2119 

• National Women in Roofing - Booth 3523 

• New Tech Machinery - Booth 2901 

• Owens Corning® - Booth 1619 

• OneClick Code - Booth 848 

• PABCO Roofing Products - Booth 2031 

• Polyglass - Booth 1413, 1419 

• Podium - Booth 1655 

• Quarrix Building Products - Booth 1037 

• Roofmaster - Booth 1331 

• Roof Hugger - Booth TBD 

• Roofing Alliance - Booth 2119 

• SOPREMA - Booth 2209 

• SRS Distribution, Inc. - Booth 2437, 2761  

• SkyMeasure™ by CoreLogic® - Booth 636 

• S-5! - Booth 2527 

• SIKA Corporation  - Booth 2401 

• Sherwin-Williams -Booth 1831 

• Sales Transformation Group, Inc. - Booth 746 

• Sashco Inc. - Booth 850 

• TAMKO® Building Products - Booth 3129 

• Titebond/Franklin International - Booth 2748 

• Topps Products - Booth 3439 

• Watts Removal Products  - Booth 1831 

• 4C's Spray Equipment  - Booth 1260 

Don’t miss out, register today for IRE 2022!

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

With speeches, seminars and live demos, one with our very own RCS President and COO, NWiR Day 2022 is set to be a great day for women in the roofing industry. 

The fifth annual National Women in Roofing (NWiR) Day will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 30, just before the International Roofing Expo (IRE). The one-day conference is open to women professionals in the roofing industry who want to connect with other women in the industry. If you haven’t registered for the event yet, you can do so here. 

NWiR Day is a top-notch conference for women who work in the roofing industry. Here, they can meet up with other women roofing professionals and together they can learn about business strategies and success secrets. With speeches, live demos and seminars on the schedule for the day, there is no shortage of activities for attendees! 

The Power of Networking session 

One highlight of the day will be a special session on networking from RoofersCoffeeShop® President  Heidi J. Ellsworth and COO Karen L. Edwards. The two are set to discuss the power of networking, how to build a network and how to use that network positively for career success. This hour-long session is set to take place at 2:30 p.m. Save it to your schedule here! 

More NWiR Day highlights and sessions to look forward to: 

• Two DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Consciousness) sessions – Learn how to build a better team with the DISC behavior model, presented by Tremco’s Executive Vice President Mardee Billingsley and Career Matrix Group’s Career & Executive Performance Coach Susan Barnes. Session 1 will be held at 10:45 a.m. and Session 2 will be held at 1:15 p.m. 

• Live demo of proper flashing systems - This demonstration of the components of a proper flashing system, required tools and equipment, installation methods and more will be presented by Johns Manville. 

• RESPECT! Building Your Power to Influence Roofing Culture - A session on how to create allies and an inclusive environment for your employees. Beacon Building Product’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel Christine Reddy, Assistant General Counsel Paula Sumberg and Vice President Jennifer Lewis are all set to speak at this session. 

• Building Council Membership - SRS Distribution Inc.’s Regional Operations Controller Christine Mockenhaupt will discuss four specific methods to building a NWIR council for attendees who either currently lead a council or want to start one. 

• Fighting the Mental Health and Suicide Epidemic in Construction - Sue Drummond, customer success manager from Harness, will give a presentation on the mental health and suicide epidemic in the construction industry. She will present the reasons why the issue is so prevalent and how to combat it from an employee and employer’s perspective. 

• Live demo of Titan XT premium shingles - Join TAMKO’s sales representative and key account manager, Crystal Stone, as she demonstrates their new premium asphalt shingle. She will be joined by Lorena Garcia Cucalon, a research scientist for TAMKO, who will discuss the product, its development and how to market it. There will be two demonstrations held throughout the day for this product! 

• A Few Good Guys Become Allies: How Women Can Identify Male Allies and Partner to Impact Change - In this session, many members of the roofing industry will speak on how men and women can partner together and implement inclusion strategies to create change in the industry. Speakers include: Houston Young from Owens Corning, Percy Freeman and Sonya Wells from SRS Distribution Inc., Todd Nathan from Johns Manville, Todd Skaggs from Beacon Building Products and Pete Vollmar from GAF. 

• The Journey to Leading Courageous Conversations - This breakout discussion is designed to help attendees enhance their capabilities to embrace diversity and build an appreciative culture in their workplace and beyond. Join Owens Corning’s Inclusion and Diversity Lead Christie Taylor and Community Outreach Leader Houston Young for this insightful discussion. 

• 45 Marketing Tips in 45 Minutes - Join four marketing gurus for this fast-paced session as they share tips from their private marketing playbooks. Speakers include: Liz Garza from My Roofing Crew, Anna Anderson from Art Unlimited, Mara Chapin from OMG Roofing Products and Chantalle Hepburn from Tremco. 

• Demo of REAL Roofing - This demo will highlight REAL Roofing, an interactive multi-media education program to bring Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) education to the roofing industry. The program will be available at a low cost to the entire industry. NWiR’s Executive Director Ellen Thorp, M.A., CAE, SRS Distribution Inc.’s Operation Manager Jess Cress and Chinook Roofing’s Director of Steep-Slope Operations Rae July will lead this demonstration! 

• Technolution – 7 Resolutions for Making Better Technology Solutions for Your Company - Join Lee Lipniskis, associate consultant for Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, as she discusses how to make better decisions on technology solutions for your company. This discussion is great for those who struggle with deciding which software will best increase their organization’s profitability and efficiency. 

View the full schedule for NWiR Day 2022 here!

Learn more about NWiR in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nationalwomeninroofing.org.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Join members of the roofing industry, including our very own RCS president, for an exciting couple of days full of speaking sessions! 

This year's International Roofing Expo (IRE) is set to be an exciting couple of days for everyone in the roofing industry that is attending. The expo will take place on February 1-3 in in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Over the course of three jam-packed days, attendees will find that there is no shortage of speaking sessions to attend. Here are some of the most exciting sessions that will take place: 

Casting the Net for Your Future Workforce 

Join RoofersCoffeeShop® President Heidi J. Ellsworth as she moderates this panel on how to work with young people that are interested in roofing. During this session, she will join Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) contractor members as they discuss how they are working with schools and youth programs to help them joining the future roofing workforce. The speakers will be: Graham Roofing Incorporated Owner Christee Holbrook, PB Roofing Co-founder John Peck, Antis Roofing founder Charles Antis and Cognitive Contractor CEO Josey Parks. Information on this session can be found here. 

Tuesday, February 1 

• Coffee is for CLOSERS - Join SRS Distribution Inc.’s Director of Contractor Training John DeRosa for this presentation about provisions restoration contractors should consider.  

• Electrifying News – Steep-slope Contractors Plug Into Integrated Photovoltaic Roof Systems - Learn about the phenomenon of photovoltaic technologies and how roofing contractors are using them. Speakers include: Helene Hardy-Pierce from GAF, John Goodman from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Ken Kelly from Kelly Roofing, Mark Stancroff from CertainTeed and Tommy Rodrigues from Tesla. 

• The Sales Pitch for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: What Contractors Can Do Today to Improve Employee Recruitment and Retention - This session will cover elements of diversity, equity and inclusion as a leadership skill. Executive Director of National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Ellen Thorp and Preferred Accounts Manager of Roofing Systems at Johns Manville Jennifer Stone will be speaking. 

• Keynote Session: Lessons… An insider’s look at 40 years of Learning, Falling, Failing, and Succeeding - Join NRCA CEO The Honorable Reid Ribble for this special keynote session. Here he will share a whole life’s worth of lessons based on his work in the roofing industry and in Congress.  

Wednesday, February 2 

• NRCA Update on Roofing Industry Technical Issues - NRCA’s Vice President of Technical Services Mark Graham will present an overview of roofing-related technical issues. Time is allotted for questions from participants. 

• Evolving in an Everchanging Business Environment: Roundtable Discussion - This forum style discussion will allow participants to discuss how the pandemic has affected productivity and engagement in their company. Speakers include: Brad Sutter from Sutter Roofing, Charles Antis from Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, CJ Martin from Showalter Roofing Service, David Sanders from Beacon Building Products, Jason Stanley from IB Roof Systems, Kyle King from James King Roofing LLC and Paige Harvill from Nations Roof. 

• Job Hazard Analysis: How can they help with your company’s safety? - Join NRCA’s Richard Trewyn as he presents what Job Hazard Analysis is and how it can be used to enhance safety within your company. 

• Understanding Metal Roofing - Director at Metal Roof Advisory Group and CEO and founder of S-5!, Rob Haddock is set to present this course on metal roofing, which is a great introduction for both beginning and experienced building professionals. Part 1 will start at 7:45 a.m. and Part 2 will start at 9:30 a.m. 

• Stop Training Start Coaching - SRS Distribution Inc.’s John DeRosa will speak on the importance of how managers can coach employees as opposed to training them. 

• Resilient Asphalt Shingle Roofs - For this conference, join asphalt roofing experts as they discuss ways asphalt roofs can resist environmental challenges. Speakers include: Aaron Phillips from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), Brian Davis from GAF, Stephanie Kiriazes from Firestone Building Products and Steve Hern from CertainTeed Roofing. 

• The Economics of Roofing: The Market Ahead - Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Angi Inc., is set to discuss the economics driving the roofing market and what to expect in 2022. 

• Estimating the Right Way - Join John Kenney from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants as he discusses the ins and outs of making estimations. 

• Fundamentals of Insulation Vapor Retarders, Air Barriers and Attic Ventilation - NRCA’s Mark Graham will discuss fundamentals of vapor pressure drive and moisture vapor movement in an accessible way. 

• GEN Z: The Roofing Industry’s Future Has Arrived - This discussion panel will be all about educating roofing professional in how to recruit entry-level, younger employees into the roofing industry. Speakers include: Bob Morgan from Upstate Roofing & Painting, Nick Sabino from Deer Park Roofing Inc., Sherri Miles-Foley from JD Miles & Sons Inc., Tim Stephens and John Esbenshade, Jr. from NRCA. 

• Revolutionary Marketing - From NASCAR, to Football, to the Rackley Army - Anna Anderson from Art Unlimited and Chris Sutton from Rackley Roofing Company Inc. will discuss how to start a marketing revolution within your company. 

• How to Grow your Roofing Business by Cross-Selling Siding & Windows - Erik Zadrozny and Justin Powell from Beacon Building Products will present how to cross-sell siding and windows and grow your company by doing so. 

• Maximizing Efficiency with Polyglass Self-Adhered Roofing Membranes - Betiana Acha and Marco Sieber from Polyglass will present the innovations in self-adhered modified bitumen and how they can promote labor efficiency without sacrificing performance. 

Thursday, February 3 

• Adapting to Material Price Increases and Shortages - Learn about all of the latest issues involving material pricing and delays and strategies for negotiating. Speakers include: Jason Dark from Durolast Roofing, John Kenney from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, Leo Ibarra from Blue’s Roofing, Patrick Cochran from Red Dog Roofing and Trent Cotney from Cotney Construction Law. 

• How to Leverage your Distributor as a Partner for Success in Today’s Environment - Erik Zadrozny and Greg Bloom from Beacon Building Products will outline the easiest and best ways to improve your business by aligning with suppliers. 

• Metal Deck 101 - Metal Deck Replacement - Learn the ins and outs of replacing metal decks with A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply’s Sales Manager Michael Polizzi. 

• Unlocking Service Growth - Live! - Join Ryan Groth of Sales Transformation Group and Greg Hayne of the Hayne Coaching Group for a live version of their “Unlocking Service Growth” podcast. Other speakers include: Jim Bush from Weather Shield Roofing Systems, Jimbo Spann from Spann Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., Kyrah Coker from National Roofing Partners and Michelle Boykin from Rackley Roofing Company Inc. 

• 2021 I-codes: Roofing-Related Changes - NRCA’s Vice President Mark Graham will be speaking about the roofing related updates to the International Code Council’s model codes. Time will be allotted for audience questions. 

• Blueprint for the Future: Building a Successful and Resilient Company - This panel will discuss major issues the construction industry is facing and possible solutions. Speakers include: Erika Mosse from Pro Remodeler, Nick Sabino from Deer Park Roofing Inc., Rob Balfanz from Vinyl Siding Institute and Shashi Bellamkonda from Leap LLC.  

• Evolving Your Culture and Brand - Charles Antis from Antis Roofing & Waterproofing and The Honorable Reid Ribble from NRCA will discuss how the culture and brand of Antis shifted during the global pandemic 

• Making Your Business Better: Residential Contractors Committee Roundtable - This roundtable discussion will be moderated by John Arellano, senior manager of GAF. Speakers include: Derric Stull from Ridge Valley Exteriors Inc., Gary Howes from The Durable Slate Company and Ken Kelly from Kelly Roofing. 

View the whole schedule of sessions here! 

Learn more about IRE in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.theroofingexpo.com.