RoofersCoffeeShop https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/ Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More! en-us RoofersCoffeeShop® Will Be at IRE 2022, Will You? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:00:00 PST

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:  

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

]]> Check Out MRCA’s New Training Program! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/check-out-mrcas-new-training-program check-out-mrcas-new-training-program Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:00:00 PST

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

MRCA is now offering a new safety training programs for roof system installers and welders. 

Staying safe on the job is of the utmost importance for roofing contractors, so it’s always good to brush up on the latest safe practices. The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is proud to announce a new training program for roof system installers: the Hot Air and Induction Welding Safety Training (HAWT)® program for roof system installers. 

Hot Air and Induction Welding Safety Training (HAWT) 

The HAWT program educates participants on recognizing and controlling hazards associated with using electrical generators and hot air/induction welders. The program is taught by experienced instructors that will make sure crew members are “Trained to a Higher Standard.” 

The MRCA Hot Air and Induction Welding Safety Committee requires that workers using welding equipment understand basic OSHA requirements such as: personal protective equipment, hazardous materials, fire prevention and fall prevention. Workers also must understand safety requirements for electrical, generator and welding safety. 

A portion of the program is dedicated to reviewing these OSHA requirements to refresh participants who have already been trained on this subject. It also introduces these subjects to people who have not learned about the requirements. 

This training program offers safety instructions specifically to roof workers. The “Authorized User” training addresses safety requirements for roof system installers on how to perform their job safely.  

Every person who takes part in the program is required to take a written exam and hands-on review test to pass. They must show that they understand how to apply Hazard Controls when using certain equipment. 

Safety is vitally important in the roofing industry, so it’s worth it to spend time brushing up on your knowledge of safe practices with these in-depth courses. 

Find more information about the courses MRCA offers here. 

Learn more about the MRCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.mrca.org.

]]> Naphis Remembered and Honored https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/naphis-remembered-and-honored naphis-remembered-and-honored Tue, 07 Dec 2021 15:00:00 PST

By Lauren White, RCS Editor. 

An instrumental person in growing the safety program for MRCA, Naphis leaves some impossible shoes to fill.  

Passionate. Driven. Family man. Humble. These are all words used to describe Naphis Mitchell Reyes. For nearly 20 years, Naphis dedicated his career to construction safety. He worked as the safety and risk director for Empire Roofing and was influential in developing the safety programs for the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA).   

“Naphis was one of those people you just like hanging around.  He had a passion for life, faith, family, and lucky for us, safety,” shared Morgan Arwood, key staff person to the MRCA Safety Committee and the MRCA membership director. 

    

Bob Poutre, president of Roof Tech and a current member of the MRCA executive committee, was introduced to Naphis two years ago. Bob had previously been the chair of the MRCA Safety and Operations Committee, which was later renamed the Safety Committee to focus on safety.  When Bob became part of the executive committee, Naphis filled his chair on the Safety Committee. “It was like a whirlwind came through. Morgan and I kind of strapped in and held on when Naphis joined,” shared Bob.   

Even though Naphis was the risk management director for 13 Empire Roofing locations throughout the U.S. and Mexico, he still made MRCA a priority. “He always took my calls and answered my texts and emails. He shared his time so generously,” Morgan said. Both Bob and Morgan recalled that every time they spoke with Naphis he was either getting on or off a plane or getting ready to go someplace else the next day. “He had a bucket so full it was overflowing, but every time we talked about the Safety Committee, it was like we were the only issue he had on his plate,” Bob shared.   

Not only did Naphis share his time with MRCA, but also with the Dallas Fort Worth jail.  Sunday evenings he would minister to inmates. Morgan said, “I knew he was a great person, and finding out all these things it’s like ‘Wow, he’s really amazing.’”  

Naphis was also incredible at making safety interesting! Oftentimes when safety is brought up, people will sigh or roll their eyes, Morgan shared. “Somehow Naphis made it exciting and fun.  When he talked safety, his face would light up, he couldn't stay in one spot and his arms would start moving. And people would listen.  I don’t know how he did it,” she added.  

Anything was possible in Naphis’ eyes; “impossible” wasn’t even in his vocabulary. “I had conversations with him about things that seemed insurmountable, but that’s not how Naphis saw them,” Bob said. “He did everything with a passion that will probably never be equaled.” 

Amidst his busy schedule, Naphis was instrumental in developing the following programs for MRCA: 

  • Hot Air and Induction Welding Safety Training Program (HAWT): For roofing professionals who work with hot air and induction welding equipment, this program helps them identify and understand the hazards they face when installing roofing systems in addition to control the risks. 

  • SHARP Plus Safety Certification: Geared towards roofing contractor safety professionals, this program is designed to advance the safety culture in a company. This is accomplished through roofing-specific safety training webinars, educational sessions and participating in the MRCA Safety Award Program. 

  • Safety manual template: Whether a company has two employees or 200, this manual has everything a contractor needs to put a safety program together and keep workers safe. Naphis wanted this manual to be affordable and accessible to everyone and ensured the price was reasonable for all companies, large and small.  

It’s thanks to Naphis that the MRCA was able to grow and expand their Safety Committee to what it is today. His enthusiasm for life, his family, the MRCA and safety was unmatched and won’t be forgotten.   

While no one will be able to fill Naphis’ shoes, his friends at MRCA will carry on his legacy, saying, “We’re going to take it from here Naphis.” 

Naphis left his family, friends, coworkers and loved ones too soon.  Please help support his family in this time of loss and need by contributing to their GoFundMe.

]]> Bitec Shares Exciting News Live at the MRCA https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/bitecshares-exciting-news-live-at-the-mrca bitecshares-exciting-news-live-at-the-mrca Fri, 03 Dec 2021 09:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Learn about some updates Bitec has to announce as RCS interviews Alan Tatum at the MRCA. 

Committed to sharing Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) tradeshow with our viewers, RoofersCoffeeShop®’s Heidi J. Ellsworth takes you live onto the show floor as she meets with Bitec’s Technical Manager Alan Tatum for exciting updates within the company.

While most of us were learning how to bake bread over the pandemic, Bitec has been working on expanding their Imper-Sol™ line of roof coatings.

“Bitec has been in elastomeric coatings for many years now, but we've decided to expand that to include rubberized coatings and the silicone products, as well as accessories,” says Alan. “So we've got a full line of restoration products — or as we like to call them preservation products.” 

Coatings have been the fastest growing segment of the commercial roofing industry for a long time now, but with this new line, Bitec elevates the product. “We wanted to make sure we brought out something that matched our standards for quality,” Alan told Heidi. “Customer response has been positive; we just can't wait to get out there and start promoting more.” 

That’s not the only exciting changes within the company. Bitec is evolving into what they’re calling Bitec 2.0 with the addition of Joel Shealey to the company a few years ago. Joel’s father, Bruce Shealey, was the former president of Bitec for 42 years and under Joel’s leadership, the company is looking toward the future and turning more to digital strategies. 

“We also have other things coming out in the near future” Alan teases. Talk about coming back to tradeshows with a bang! Virtually visit Bitec’s booth and watch the full interview. 

Watch the entire live interview on YouTube for more information on Bitec and a closer look into the MRCA show. And don’t forget to subscribe to RCS on YouTube for more quality video content that takes you into the world of roofing. 

Learn more about Bitec in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit bi-tec.com.

]]> What’s New at A.C.T. Metal for November https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/whats-new-atact-metalfor-november whats-new-atact-metalfor-november Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:00:00 PST

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Learn about exciting events at A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply in November, including an expo booth and a new website. 

A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply, the country’s largest metal deck distributor, is all about being upfront with how they do business. Their mission statement is "to fulfill the needs of the metal deck user with integrity and reliability, while promoting the personal growth and well-being of our employees and their families." With that, they open their latest November newsletter with a message addressing supply chain concerns: 

“We Are Your Source of Supply! 

During the current volatile market conditions we are all experiencing, our turnaround time on requested proposals may be taking longer than what you are accustomed to when working with us.  Please know we are making every effort to get your pricing to you in a timely fashion. 

We are also asking our customers to check expiration dates on all proposals. Pricing and lead times are constantly fluctuating, and we are working diligently to ensure we do everything we can to meet all your metal deck job requirements. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we value the partnership we have with you, our valued customers. 

Our staff can be reached by email, phone, fax or requesting a proposal via our website to ensure we do everything to complete your project. 

We Are Your One-Stop Metal Deck Shop! 

We extend heartfelt sympathy to anyone impacted by the virus and sincere gratitude to the healthcare workers, first responders and all organizations on the front lines of battling this virus. 

Stay safe and healthy!” 

Other news at the company is as follows: 

Team spirit 

On October 29th, A.C.T. Metal hosted their 6th Annual Halloween Costume Party and Chili Cook Off.  

Gustav Linnér won best costume as Wolf/Grandma Red Riding Hood. 

Nick V. Polizzi won the Best Chili award, with Eric Abel coming in 2nd place and Michael Polizzi coming in 3rd. 

Company news 

Karen Munguia has joined the Sales Team, ensuring that all metal deck users will have their expectations met. She has a background in customer service and sales, and she is also fluent in Spanish. 

Melissa Varisco from the Sales Team celebrates her birthday this month. Happy Birthday! 

Sales Team member Kyle Reynolds and his wife Nicole are celebrating their anniversary this month. 

New website 

The company announced in their newsletter that they are developing a new website for the brand. The update will offer the same services with better navigation and a newer look. For more information on the launch date, they encourage you to watch your inbox. 

Upcoming trade show 

A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply will have a booth at the 71st Annual Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Conference & Expo. The show will be held from November 9th-11th at the Wisconsin Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Michael, Carm, Nicholas and Lauren will be at booth #417 to answer all your metal deck questions. 

For more information on the event, visit the MRCA conference and expo site here. 

Free merch 

The company is offering a free metal deck pocket profile card, facemask or magnet if you contact them at 800-894-7741 or sales@metaldecksupply.com. Be sure to include your name, company name and full address in order to get your free merch! 

See their complete November newsletter here.

Learn more about A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory.

]]> MRCA CON EXPO – Low-slope Education Series https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/mrca-conexpo-low-slope-education-series mrca-conexpo-low-slope-education-series Thu, 28 Oct 2021 18:00:00 PDT

By Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA). 

Don’t miss education that is just for you – the low-slope commercial contractor! 

The 71st annual MRCA (Midwest Roofing Contractors Association) Conference and Expo is taking place November 9-11, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here’s what you can expect from this three-day conference and expo. 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021     

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Update on Current Roofing Industry Technical Issues with Mark Graham, vice president of technical services for NRCA.

You need to stay up to date with the latest technical information to ensure your company’s success. Make sure to attend this one-hour session during which Mark Graham, NRCA’s vice president of technical services, will provide insider information into current technical issues in the roofing industry and answer your questions. This is a great way to keep abreast of technical developments and updates in the roofing industry. 

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Low-rise Foam Adhesive Research Project Report: Phase II with Rich Koziol, Tom Rowe and Jeff Plumridge of WJE & Associates, Inc. 

MRCA’s Technical & Research Committee has engaged WJE & Associates to conduct Phase II of our Research Work on Low Rise Foam Adhesives. Our research is focused on obtaining results to this question: What effect does ‘shelf life’ and ‘application temperature’ have on the chemical bond of low-rise adhesives and ultimate roof uplift capacity? The testing protocol is focused on developing real-world outcomes for the application of these products. 
 
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is a global firm of engineers, architects and materials scientists committed to helping clients solve, repair and avoid problems in the built world. WJE engineers and materials scientists will be conducting the tests for MRCA at their own state-of-the-art testing laboratory located in Northbrook, Illinois. 
 
At this session, WJE and the T & R Committee will give details of the testing procedure and the results of the research program. WJE and MRCA’s T&R Committee will then discuss what the results could mean to MRCA Member contractors. Come to this session and find out the facts about the performance of Low-Rise Foam Adhesive. 
 
Research projects like these are made possible by the MRCA Foundation. 

Thursday, November 11, 2021  

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | MRCA / IIBEC Panel Discussion on Communication 

This is a panel discussion with a professional building consultant, an owner (or owner's rep), and a contractor. During this session, we will discuss how to build the team to have the most successful project for everyone. We will talk about the differences between working with a consultant and direct with the owner, the importance of communication and how that affects the team and the benefits of working with a team for all parties involved. 

There seems to be one of two types of contractor perceptions regarding consultants: 1) consultants are unnecessary and 2) consultants get in the way. The exception is when a contractor and consultant work collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcome for the owner. How can this be best promoted within the industry? The role of the consultant is to be a facilitator between the owner and contractor. The consultant is there to ensure the owner's interests are protected and the contractor has the clearest roadmap to the next successful project. 

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Hot Air Welding Applicator Safety Certification Training: What Is It? with CERTA Chair Jim Ramser, T&R Chair Randy Adams and Instructor Chris Paulin 

Find out about MRCA’s newest safety training! The Hot Air Welding Safety Certification Program will train your crews on understanding the requirements for handling electric hot air and induction welding equipment and gasoline-powered generator equipment over combustible substrates. 

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | GAF Sponsored Session: Wind Design Based on ASCE 7-2016...for the Midwest with James Kirby from the GAF Building and Science Team 

This presentation will take an in-depth look at wind design concerns and installation considerations for low-slope roofs on commercial and industrial buildings. The latest revisions to ASCE 7-2016 and the impact of those revisions will be discussed. A number of Midwestern wind-design case studies (including design and installation) will be presented. Additionally, the new ASCE Pre-standard for Performance-Based Wind Design will be reviewed. This presentation will provide valuable information for both installers and designers. 

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association will be giving away a 2021 Harley Davidson Street Glide FLHX in classic gloss black to one lucky contractor!  Learn how YOU can walk away the winner! 

Register now for the 2021 MRCA Conference and Expo. 

Learn more about MRCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit mrca.org.

]]> Visit Bitec at the MRCA! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/visit-bitec-at-the-mrca visit-bitec-at-the-mrca Sat, 23 Oct 2021 15:00:00 PDT

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Come see Bitec at booth #325 at the 71st MRCA Conference and Expo.  

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is hosting their 71st annual MRCA Conference and Expo this November 9-11, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Milwaukee City Center. 

This year looks like it will be a great show! Bitec will be at the convention at Booth #325, showing off their new booth. Come visit them to see their cool designs, colors and innovations.  

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) Joel Shealey, the vice president of operations for Bitec told RCS in an interview, “There's a lot of rebranding work that's going on. We're trying to make a little bit of a new Bitec 2.0 at this point.” He says in addition to the new look of the Bitec booth, be on the lookout for a new and improved website.  

For many contractors, this will be the first convention and trade show in person since before the pandemic, so it is sure to be an exciting event. Get ready for new educational sessions both on and off the trade show floor as well as even more product demonstrations, hands-on experiences and enhanced technology-based interaction with the popular Product Peep Shows and Mobile Conference App! 

Also keep an eye out for RoofersCoffeeShop® at booth #316, where you can grab your RCS swag and learn what is new at the Coffee Shop.  

Learn more about Bitec in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit bi-tec.com. 

About Bitec 

Bitec, Inc.™ is a leading manufacturer and distributor of some of the industry’s highest-quality APP and SBS modified bitumen membranes. Since its founding in 1986, Bitec has remained committed to providing its customers with only the most innovative and highest-quality modified bitumen products. 

BITEC, Inc. offers a full line of modified bitumen waterproofing and roofing membranes suited for most commercial and industrial applications. BITEC membranes offer the contractor both conventional and current methods of application, and are available in either smooth surface or mineral surface in a variety of colors.

]]> Polyglass Cancels Participation in Remaining 2021 Trade Shows and Events https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/polyglass-cancels-participation-in-remaining-2021-trade-shows-and-events polyglass-cancels-participation-in-remaining-2021-trade-shows-and-events Thu, 21 Oct 2021 10:30:00 PDT

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems in the United States, decided to withdraw from exhibiting at all remaining tradeshows for the remainder of 2021.

This decision was made due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic and in consideration of the health and safety of staff members and the entire community.

List of the tradeshows we will not be exhibiting at enclosed below:

  • International Roofing Expo (IRE)

  • IIBEC/RCI-International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants

  • WSRCA (WRE Expo)

  • Buildex – Vancouver

  • Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA)

  • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA)

  • NFMTREMIX –National Facilities Mgmt. & Technology Expo ( Orlando)

  • The Building Show-Construct Canada

With primary priority to the health and safety of the entire community, Polyglass stated, it was the appropriate decision to make at this time. For any questions reach out to your local Polyglass Sales Representative at https://polyglass.us/sales-representative-locator/.

About Polyglass

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems. Known for its self-adhered modified bitumen roofing systems based on the company’s patented ADESO® Technology and CURE Technology®, Polyglass also produces a full line of premium roof coatings and roof maintenance systems. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Polyglass provides quality products and adds value through innovation. For more information about the premium products and services offered by Polyglass, call 800.222.9782 or visit polyglass.us.

]]> Attend the 71st MRCA Conference This November! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/attend-the-71stmrca-conference-this-november attend-the-71stmrca-conference-this-november Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:00:00 PDT

By Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA). 

MRCA board, committees, councils and staff look forward to the most memorable show yet. 

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is hosting their 71st annual MRCA Conference and Expo this November 9-11, 2021. The expo will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Milwaukee City Center. Registration is now open for all contractors interested in connecting with manufacturers, associations and new tech companies! 

After the cancellation of the 2020 Conference & Expo, the MRCA Board, committees, councils and staff have been working hard to keep up the momentum by putting all of their efforts into planning a great show. For many of us, this will be our first convention and trade show since prior to the pandemic, so everyone is doing their best to make it MRCA's most memorable show to date. 

Keep an eye out for new educational sessions both on and off the trade show floor as well as even more product demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and enhanced technology-based interaction with the popular Product Peep Shows and Mobile Conference App. 
 
This year, we are also excited to hold our 3rd Annual MRCA Roofer Challenge! All Contractors and their employees are encouraged to enter the Roofer Challenge which will be held on the Expo Floor the last day of the show and will feature four industry-related events. Each event will be scored on both speed and quality with the first place winner going home with $1,000 CASH! Registration is free so keep an eye out for details in upcoming conference promotion materials. 

Register to attend MRCA Conference today!

Learn more about MRCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.mrca.org.  

Original article source: MRCA 

About MRCA 

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is an association of roofing contractors that have joined together to develop and administer programs and services that help member companies build their business, save them money while continually working to improve the roofing industry. MRCA represents the needs of the contractor to manufacturers, consultants and other regulatory agencies. While MRCA consists primarily of roofing contractor members, those in the supplier segments are allowed to join as Associate members.

]]> Are You Ready for MRCA’s Conference and Expo? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/are-you-ready-for-mrcas-conference-and-expo are-you-ready-for-mrcas-conference-and-expo Sat, 25 Sep 2021 06:00:00 PDT

By MRCA. 

Join the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association for three days of roofing industry fun and enter for a chance to win a 2021 Harley-Davidson! 

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is hosting their 71st annual MRCA Conference and Expo this November 9-11, 2021. The expo will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Milwaukee City Center. Registration is now open for all contractors interested in connecting with manufacturers, associations and new tech companies! 

MRCA is also proud to announce their 2021 Conference & Expo Keynote Speaker, Bill Davidson of Harley-Davidson. This presentation will be Wednesday, November 10 and is FREE to all attendees and exhibitors! Bill Davidson, the great grandson of Harley-Davidson founder William A. Davidson, and the son of William G. "Willie G." Davidson, currently serves as the companies’ senior vice president and chief styling officer. 

Davidson, who joined the company in 1984, has ridden motorcycles since the age of seven and has been in various leadership positions within the company for more than 26 years, spending his career deeply focused on strengthening Harley-Davidson’s relationships with riders around the world. Currently, Bill Davidson is the vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum and Factory Tours for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. As the museum’s top executive, Davidson is responsible for overseeing the marketing activities and daily operations of the museum. 

In addition to being the keynote speaker at the annual meeting, Bill will be autographing the MRCA/CERTA sponsored 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX in classic gloss black that is going to be given away to one lucky contractor on the expo floor on Wednesday, November 10. Harley-Davidson of Wisconsin will also be there with a full display of Harley-Davidson bikes. 

See how you can walk away as the winner of a new HarleyDavidson bike!

Learn more about MRCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.mrca.org.  

Original article source: MRCA

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