By The Coffee Shops®.

A career in roofing can leave a mark in countless ways — through the businesses built, the people mentored, the jobs created and the communities served. Planned giving offers another way to leave a lasting impact.

Through the Roofing Alliance's Planned Giving Program, industry leaders can help ensure the work they value today continues well into the future. A planned gift can support scholarships, education and workforce development, research, innovation, community outreach and other initiatives designed to strengthen the roofing industry for generations to come.

For many donors, the decision is deeply personal. It may be a way to honor a family member or mentor. It may reflect pride in a company built over decades. It may be an opportunity to give back to an industry that provided a career, friendships and opportunities along the way. Or it may simply be a belief that the next generation deserves the same chance to succeed.

Whatever the motivation, planned giving allows donors to connect their legacy with the future of roofing.

The Roofing Alliance has always been about looking beyond today. Its members invest in students, professionals, research, education and new ideas because they understand that a strong industry must continually prepare for what comes next. Planned gifts can help sustain that work while also opening doors to new possibilities.

Donors may choose to support a particular area that is meaningful to them, including scholarships, workforce development, education, research or innovation. Gifts also can help advance the work of the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, which brings industry and academia together to address emerging challenges, develop new knowledge and help prepare roofing for the future.

There is no single way to create a legacy, and planned giving can be structured to reflect an individual donor’s interests, financial circumstances and estate-planning goals.

Ways to give

Planned giving opportunities may include:

• A bequest through a will or trust, including a specific dollar amount, percentage or portion of an estate.
• Beneficiary designations through retirement plans, life insurance policies or other eligible financial accounts.
• Named or endowed gifts supporting scholarships, education, research or other areas of special interest.
• Memorial or tribute gifts recognizing an individual, family, mentor or company.
• Other charitable arrangements developed in consultation with a donor’s financial, tax or estate-planning advisers.

Planned gifts can be made at many different levels. What matters most is the intention behind the gift and the impact the donor wants it to have.

The roofing industry has been shaped by generations of people willing to invest their time, knowledge and resources in those who would follow them. Planned giving continues that tradition. It is an opportunity to say: This industry mattered to me, and I want to help make sure it remains strong for those who come next.

You helped build roofing’s future once. Your legacy can help build it again.

For more information about planned giving opportunities through the Roofing Alliance, please contact Alison L. LaValley, CAE, Executive Director.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Students apply classroom training, meet industry professionals and discover career opportunities in roofing. 

For students exploring the trades, understanding what a career might actually looks like can be difficult without firsthand experience. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips® sponsored by National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Chase Huang and Damien Holloway, student champions of the 2025 SkillsUSA roofing competition, along with their mentor Tim Stephens, vice president of Architectural Sheet Metal, Inc. They discussed how SkillsUSA helps bridge the gap between theoretical roofing education and job experience by moving education beyond the classroom and giving students a chance to practice their abilities in an industry setting. 

Tim explained that no description of a career can replace direct exposure to the work. Students may know they want to work in construction, but without experience on a jobsite, they may not consider roofing as an option. “Nothing takes the place of real-world experience,” he said. “You get your hands in it, and you can see, okay, maybe there is an opportunity that I never thought existed.” 

For Damien Holloway, the experience was valuable because students were evaluated by professionals rather than practicing only in front of an instructor. The competition also introduced participants to companies supporting the roofing industry through booths and demonstrations. 

That connection benefits contractors as well as students. Contractors can observe participants installing the same types of systems their teams work with every day, while students can ask questions, explore potential employers and better understand what companies are looking for. 

The experience is worthwhile even when a participant does not win. According to Chase, the event gives students the opportunity to prove themselves as professionals. “I would say for students, SkillsUSA is one thing lifetime experience. If you have ambition, it's time to prove your talent and skills. All I can think of is the pros and the I will highly, highly encourage you students to go,” he said. 

By providing students with the chance to practice their skills in a hands-on environment, they are empowered to take ownership over their learning and future careers. The opportunity to test their skills while also learning from mentors and peers provides valuable feedback that will guide them moving forward. Whether students confirm that roofing is right for them or discover a different direction, they leave with meaningful real-world experience.  

Listen to the full podcast learn more about how SkillsUSA connects education with real-world roofing careers.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

NRCA’s people-centered initiatives strengthen leadership, workforce opportunity and well-being across the roofing industry. 

Throughout my years in the roofing industry, I have learned one simple truth: Our greatest asset is our people. They are the ones who create the products we rely on, run the equipment that keeps projects moving and install the roofs that protect homes and buildings. They show up every day ready to work and solve problems while supporting their teammates. 

That is why I love the strong focus that National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continues to place on people-centered initiatives. As an NRCA board member, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how the association invests in developing leaders, creating opportunities for workforce growth and supporting the well-being of the individuals who make our industry so strong. Those efforts matter because when we invest in people, we invest in the future of roofing.

Building leaders 

One of the recent topics highlighted by NRCA was about leadership and the importance of creating positive workplace cultures. That message resonated with me because great companies are built by great leaders. The best leaders are not simply experts in roofing. They are people who listen, communicate, mentor and create an environment where others can succeed. Every person in our industry wants to know that their contributions matter, and leadership plays a critical role in making that happen. NRCA’s focus on helping companies recognize the impact of leadership is an important reminder that the way we treat people directly influences the success of our businesses and our industry. 

That same people-first philosophy is reflected in NRCA’s partnership with The GLO Group. As our workforce continues to grow and evolve, communication becomes more important than ever. Through this partnership, they are able to offer an Executive Leadership Bilingual Program. This program is about far more than language; it is about helping individuals become confident leaders, strengthening relationships among team members and ensuring talented people have opportunities to advance within their organizations. When companies invest in leadership development, they are investing in the people who will guide the industry forward for years to come. 

Commitment to people 

I also love NRCA’s focus on and promotion of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The association recently highlighted that Latinos make up 35.4% of the construction workforce, and that statistic tells an important story about our industry. Every day, Hispanic professionals contribute their talents, dedication and leadership to roofing by manufacturing products, managing crews, operating equipment, running businesses and installing roofs in communities across North America. Their work helps drive our industry forward, making it essential that we recognize their impact while continuing to create opportunities for growth. We are proud to share these initiatives on RoofersCoffeeShop en Español because celebrating people and expanding access go hand in hand. 

It is this recognition that supporting our workforce means caring about the whole person, not just their training, that I appreciate most about NRCA. Roofing is demanding work, and recent resources have highlighted physical wellness, nutrition and mental health awareness. The ongoing conversation around mental health and suicide prevention in construction is especially important because it acknowledges that the people who make this industry great need support both on and off the jobsite. Through initiatives like BeToughEnough.com, NRCA is helping bring needed tools and awareness to the industry. When we invest in people’s well-being, we create stronger teams, stronger companies and a stronger industry. 

Closing thoughts 

As I look at these initiatives together, I see an association that understands what truly drives success in roofing. Yes, we need innovation. Yes, we need outstanding products and technical expertise. But at the center of every achievement is a person. It is the contractor developing the next generation of leaders, the supervisor helping a crew work more effectively, the manufacturer training employees for advancement and the team member who shows up every day committed to excellence. Roofing has always been a people business and NRCA’s continued investment in people is helping ensure a strong future for all of us. 

As someone who believes deeply in this industry and the people who make it great, I encourage you to become involved with NRCA. Together, we can continue building stronger leaders, stronger companies and a stronger roofing industry by investing in the people who make it all possible. After all, roofing has always been about people, and the stronger we make our people, the stronger we make our industry. 

Por Heidi J. Ellsworth, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Las iniciativas centradas en las personas de NRCA fortalecen el liderazgo, las oportunidades para la fuerza laboral y el bienestar dentro de la industria del techado. 

A lo largo de mis años en la industria del techado, he aprendido una verdad muy sencilla: nuestro mayor activo son las personas. Son quienes fabrican los productos en los que confiamos, operan los equipos que mantienen los proyectos en marcha e instalan los techos que protegen hogares y edificios. Son quienes llegan cada día listos para trabajar, resolver problemas y apoyar a sus compañeros de equipo. 

Por eso me entusiasma el fuerte compromiso que la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continúa demostrando a través de iniciativas centradas en las personas. Como integrante de la junta directiva de NRCA, tengo el privilegio de ver de primera mano cómo la asociación invierte en el desarrollo de líderes, crea oportunidades para el crecimiento de la fuerza laboral y promueve el bienestar de las personas que hacen tan fuerte a nuestra industria. Estos esfuerzos son importantes porque cuando invertimos en las personas, invertimos en el futuro del techado.

Formando líderes 

Uno de los temas recientes destacados por NRCA fue el liderazgo y la importancia de fomentar culturas laborales positivas. Este mensaje tuvo un gran impacto en mí porque las grandes empresas se construyen con grandes líderes. Los mejores líderes no son solo expertos en techado. Son personas que saben escuchar, comunicarse, orientar y crear un entorno donde otros puedan tener éxito. Todos en nuestra industria quieren saber que sus aportaciones tienen valor, y el liderazgo desempeña un papel fundamental para que eso suceda. El enfoque de NRCA en ayudar a las empresas a reconocer el impacto del liderazgo es un importante recordatorio de que la manera en que tratamos a las personas influye directamente en el éxito de nuestros negocios y de toda la industria. 

Esta misma filosofía centrada en las personas también se refleja en la alianza de NRCA con The GLO Group. A medida que nuestra fuerza laboral continúa creciendo y evolucionando, la comunicación se vuelve más importante que nunca. Gracias a esta colaboración, se ofrece un Programa Ejecutivo de Liderazgo Bilingüe. Este programa va mucho más allá del idioma; busca ayudar a las personas a convertirse en líderes seguros de sí mismos, fortalecer las relaciones entre los miembros de los equipos y garantizar que los profesionales talentosos tengan oportunidades para avanzar dentro de sus organizaciones. Cuando las empresas invierten en el desarrollo del liderazgo, están invirtiendo en las personas que guiarán a la industria durante los próximos años.

Compromiso con las personas 

También me encanta el enfoque de NRCA en la promoción del Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. Recientemente, la asociación destacó que los latinos representan el 35.4 % de la fuerza laboral de la construcción, una estadística que cuenta una historia importante sobre nuestra industria. Todos los días, los profesionales hispanos aportan su talento, dedicación y liderazgo al sector del techado mediante la fabricación de productos, la supervisión de cuadrillas, la operación de equipos, la administración de empresas y la instalación de techos en comunidades de toda Norteamérica. Su trabajo ayuda a impulsar nuestra industria, por lo que es esencial reconocer su contribución mientras seguimos creando oportunidades para su crecimiento. En RoofersCoffeeShop en Español nos sentimos orgullosos de compartir estas iniciativas porque celebrar a las personas y ampliar el acceso a oportunidades van de la mano.

Lo que más aprecio de NRCA es el reconocimiento de que apoyar a nuestra fuerza laboral significa preocuparse por la persona en su totalidad, no solo por su capacitación. El trabajo de techado es exigente, y los recursos recientes han puesto énfasis en el bienestar físico, la nutrición y la salud mental. La conversación continua sobre la salud mental y la prevención del suicidio en la industria de la construcción es especialmente importante porque reconoce que las personas que hacen grande a esta industria necesitan apoyo tanto dentro como fuera del lugar de trabajo. A través de iniciativas como BeToughEnough.com, NRCA está ayudando a proporcionar herramientas y generar conciencia sobre estos temas. Cuando invertimos en el bienestar de las personas, creamos equipos más sólidos, empresas más fuertes y una industria más resiliente.

Reflexión final 

Cuando observo todas estas iniciativas en conjunto, veo una asociación que entiende qué es lo que realmente impulsa el éxito en la industria del techado. Sí, necesitamos innovación. Sí, necesitamos productos de alta calidad y experiencia técnica. Pero detrás de cada logro siempre hay una persona. Es el contratista que desarrolla a la próxima generación de líderes; el supervisor que ayuda a su cuadrilla a trabajar de manera más eficiente; el fabricante que capacita a sus empleados para que puedan crecer profesionalmente; y el integrante del equipo que se presenta todos los días comprometido con la excelencia. La industria del techado siempre ha sido un negocio impulsado por las personas, y la inversión continua de NRCA en el desarrollo y bienestar de su gente está ayudando a garantizar un futuro sólido para todos nosotros. 

Como alguien que cree profundamente en esta industria y en las personas que la hacen posible, los animo a involucrarse con NRCA. Juntos podemos seguir construyendo líderes más fuertes, empresas más sólidas y una industria del techado más robusta al invertir en quienes hacen posible todo esto. Después de todo, el techado siempre ha sido una industria de personas, y cuanto más fortalezcamos a nuestra gente, más fuerte será nuestra industria. 

Obtenga más información sobre la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) en su directorio de Coffee Shop o visite su sitio web en www.nrca.net. 

By Emma Peterson.

Get ready for the largest roofing contractor conference in Texas!

The 2026 annual Texas Roofing Conference is coming up at the end of October (10/21/26-10/23/26 to be precise). This conference is organized by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and provides attendees with the opportunity to attend cutting-edge educational sessions, explore a two-day expo featuring the latest roofing products and network at a variety of fun events!

Experience incredible education

This year’s show boasts a variety of industry-leading speakers for its education program. Whether you’re a commercial contractor or residential roofer, attending these courses is a sure-fire way to find new ideas to build your business!

Here’s a few sessions The Coffee Shops® has bookmarked:

• The 5 Revenue Drivers Behind High-Performing Roofing Service Division: This session will be taught by Chad Westbrook of Service Alignment on Thursday, October 22. In the session, Chad will explain how contractors can “turn service work into dependable, profitable revenue.”
• OSHA Defense Mastery: also on October 22, this session will be taught by the incredible Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. During the 50-minute session, Trent will cover a practical roadmap for handling OSHA inspections. This is the perfect sessions for those wanting “a better understanding of how to reduce exposure before an incident occurs and how to respond if OSHA knocks.”
• NRCA update on roofing industry technical issues: in this session, the National Roofing Contractors Association’s Mark Graham will give attendees an update on building code changes, FM guideline revisions and other technical details that “change how roofing contractors design, bid and install roof systems.”
• Leadership, Performance, Teamwork, Resilience and Accountability: This session is actually the keynote of the 2026 show! It is taught by Clint Bruce, who is a former NFL linebacker, a Navy SEAL veteran and business founder. His presentation will draw on his experiences and focus on the role of leadership, performance, teamwork, resilience and accountability in success.

See the full schedule of sessions!

Explore innovations on the expo floor

The expo floor (which will be open 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on 10/22 and 10 a.m - 2 p.m. on 10/23) will host more than 150 manufacturers, suppliers, software and service providers such as ABC Supply, QXO, Polyglass, Tamko, Malarkey Roofing Products, Owens Corning, MetalVue by Sherwin-Williams, SRS Distribution, GAF, READYSLATE, JobNimbus, Eagleview and Johns Manville! Each exhibitor booth will showcase the newest, more innovative products and services in the roofing material and technology market.

There are also some fun prize opportunities! On October 22, door prize drawings will kick off at 2 p.m. (you must be present to win). As for October 23, there will be a $5,000 RCAT Raffle Winner drawing at 1:30 p.m.!

Attend events and make connections

And if the education opportunities and expo weren’t enough to keep you busy, RCAT has also planned a few special events during the 2025 Texas Roofing Conference:

• RCAT Annual Golf Tournament: hosted at the Cowboys Golf Club 1600 Fairway Dr, Grapevine, Texas 76051), this is your opportunity for some friendly competition! Players must register an advance.
• Welcome Reception: kick off the show by attending the welcome reception at the Gaylord Texan Mission Plaza. This event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to all fully registered conference attendees and exhibitors.
• Awards Luncheon: take a break from attending education sessions and exploring the expo floor with RCAT’s Annual Business Meeting & Awards Luncheon!

These are not just a great opportunity have some fun, but also to network with their peers and make connections with industry leaders that will last beyond the show!

The 2026 show will be hosted at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. Make sure you have your tickets!

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

El evento de este año se acerca rápidamente, con el primer día programado para el 27 de septiembre de 2026, y queremos ayudarte a crear la agenda ideal para aprovechar al máximo tu experiencia. 

El Western Roofing Expo (WRE), patrocinado por la Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), es uno de los eventos más importantes de la industria del techado y la impermeabilización. No solo está lleno de actividades reconocidas, como la competencia de instalación de tejas Roofing Games™ y la subasta en vivo, sino que también cuenta con 28 sesiones educativas, dos almuerzos con conferencias y mucho más. 

Es una gran cantidad de actividades para solo tres días (el evento de 2026 se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre), por eso queremos compartir algunas de las sesiones y actividades que no te puedes perder. 

Domingo, 27 de septiembre de 2026 

El primer día del evento estará enfocado principalmente en establecer conexiones con expertos y colegas de la industria. Hay varias actividades opcionales, como el Bob Porter Golf Tournament y el Sporting Clays Tournament, pero el evento principal del día será la bienvenida y subasta de WRE. Patrocinado por GAF,  este evento no solo marca el inicio de WRE 2026, sino que también recauda fondos para la Davis Memorial Foundation, la organización benéfica de WSRCA.

Lunes, 28 de septiembre de 2026 

El lunes comienza la acción con una agenda llena de más de una docena de sesiones educativas. Estas son algunas de las sesiones que recomendamos: 

• Tendencias importantes en la industria del techado: Heidi J. Ellsworth, de RoofersCoffeeShop®, presentará las tendencias que están marcando la industria. Esta sesión ofrecerá a los asistentes información valiosa sobre dónde ha estado la industria del techado y hacia dónde se dirige.  
• ¿Listo o no?: Nuestros amigos Trent Cotney y Benjamin Briggs, de Adams and Reese, hablarán sobre las redadas de ICE, las auditorías I-9 y cómo los contratistas de techado pueden gestionar su exposición ante el panorama migratorio actual.  
• De contratar rápido a contratar bien: En esta sesión en español, Amparo Sancen, de Latinos En Roofing, explorará cómo formar un equipo de techado que contribuya al éxito de tu negocio.  
• Uso de la IA en la estimación de proyectos de techado: John Kenney, de Cotney Consulting Group, compartirá información sobre el uso de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en las operaciones de techado, específicamente en los procesos de estimación.  

Además de estas oportunidades educativas, el lunes habrá dos opciones de almuerzos educativos, tres demostraciones y el esperado evento Roofer’s Feud. Aquí te contamos un poco más: 

• Almuerzos: El lunes habrá dos oportunidades para aprender durante el almuerzo. Una será para profesionales de habla hispana y contará con Victor Maya (Advantage Roofing, GAF), quien hablará sobre cómo maximizar las reclamaciones de seguros para techos comerciales. La otra contará con Craig Brightup (corresponsal político de WSRCA) y Chad Collins (presidente de la junta directiva de la National Roofing Contractors Association), quienes ofrecerán una actualización sobre temas políticos.
• Demostraciones: Habrá tres demostraciones el lunes. La primera comenzará a la 1:30 p.m. y estará a cargo de Polyglass U.S.A. La segunda, que comienza a las 2:30 p.m., será presentada por TAMKO Building Products, y la última demostración del día será a las 3:30 p.m. con Johns Manville.  
• Roofer’s Feud: Para cerrar las actividades del lunes llega Roofer’s Feud. Patrocinado por CertainTeed, será una excelente oportunidad para poner a prueba tus conocimientos y disfrutar de una competencia amistosa.  

Martes, 29 de septiembre de 2026 

¡Pero todavía hay más! Comienza el martes con un desayuno y conversaciones en mesas con el equipo de National Women in Roofing a las 7 a.m. (ten en cuenta que esta actividad requiere un registro adicional de $55). Después del desayuno, será momento de regresar directamente a las sesiones educativas. Algunas de las que recomendamos para el martes incluyen: 

• Mesa redonda sobre techado: Organizada por el Comité de Jóvenes Profesionales del Techado de WSRCA y dirigida por Rachel Garcia, de Malarkey Roofing Products, esta sesión se enfocará en cómo formar equipos multigeneracionales. 
• Estado de la industria: Trent Cotney regresa para otra sesión, esta vez para analizar desde una perspectiva legal lo que está sucediendo en la industria.  
• Salud mental y adicción en el lugar de trabajo de la industria del techado: Paul Reed, de Roofers in Recovery, dirigirá esta sesión sobre cómo los contratistas pueden apoyar mejor la salud mental de sus cuadrillas.  
• El costo de la desconexión: En esta sesión en español, Monica Vornbrock, de The GLO Group, analizará cómo las fallas en la comunicación después de una venta pueden afectar la confianza de los clientes y los ingresos de los contratistas.  
• Diseño de techos duraderos para climas fríos: En esta sesión, Mindy Dahlquist, de TRA Snow and Sun, analizará el papel de los sistemas de retención de nieve en el diseño de techos para climas fríos.  
• De un servicio reactivo a uno proactivo: En la última sesión de nuestra lista, Tracey Donels, de Service First Solutions, hablará sobre cómo crear un crecimiento empresarial más predecible a través de los servicios que ofrece una compañía.  

Al igual que el lunes, el martes habrá dos opciones para aprender durante el almuerzo y varias actividades que no te puedes perder: 

• Almuerzos: Imelda Perez, de CertainTeed, estará a cargo del almuerzo en español del martes. La otra opción será en inglés y contará con la oradora motivacional Shereen Thor.  
• Escenario: Después del almuerzo, el equipo de RoofersCoffeeShop® tomará el escenario de demostraciones para una interesante conversación con el presidente de WSRCA, Stan Robinson, y el próximo presidente de WSRCA, Ron Lloyd.  
• Roofing Games™: ¡Y para cerrar el día llega la esperada competencia de instalación de tejas! Patrocinada por Malarkey Roofing Products, esta es una excelente oportunidad para reunir a la comunidad y quizás hasta ganar algunos premios.  

Estas listas son solo una pequeña muestra de todo lo que encontrarás en el Western Roofing Expo de este año. 

¡Consulta la agenda completa y regístrate para asistir a WRE 2026! 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that every company can help employees find support before a crisis becomes a tragedy. 

The construction industry knows how to protect people from physical hazards. We hold safety meetings, conduct jobsite inspections, require fall protection and make sure crews understand the procedures that can save their lives. During Construction Suicide Prevention Week, September 14-18, 2026, we must bring that same commitment and consistency to mental health and suicide prevention. 

This year's theme, "Building on Progress," recognizes that progress is being made while reminding us that the work is far from finished. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to identify construction as one of the industries with the highest suicide rates, making this an issue every roofing and construction company must be prepared to address. 

For company owners and leaders, the first step does not require becoming a mental health professional. It begins with creating a workplace where people know it is safe to speak up, supervisors know how to respond and everyone understands where immediate help is available. 

One of the most important resources we can share is 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline gives employees and employers an easy-to-remember number they can use when they or someone they know needs emotional support. 

The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the United States and its territories. Employees can call or text 988 or chat online to connect with a skilled crisis counselor for free, confidential and judgment-free support. 

A person does not need to be actively considering suicide to reach out to 988. The Lifeline can also help people experiencing depression, anxiety, substance-use concerns, financial worries, relationship problems, loneliness or other forms of emotional distress. Employers, supervisors and coworkers can also call 988 when they are concerned about someone and need guidance on how to help. 

Construction companies should make 988 as visible and familiar as every other emergency and safety resource. Put it on jobsite posters, safety boards, hard-hat stickers, employee handbooks, company intranets and payroll communications. Include it in new-employee orientation and regularly remind employees that using 988 is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Most importantly, talk about it often enough that employees remember it when they need it. A phone number only helps when people know what it is, understand when to use it and believe they will not be judged for reaching out. 

This is where toolbox talks can make an immediate difference. Construction companies already use these short conversations to address fall protection, heat stress, personal protective equipment and other jobsite hazards. Mental health and suicide prevention deserve a place in that same safety routine. 

A toolbox talk can explain what 988 is, identify warning signs that someone may be struggling and remind employees to check on one another. It can also give supervisors the language they need to begin a difficult conversation with care and respect. Employers do not have to wait until someone is in crisis to make mental health part of their safety culture. 

The resources available through Construction Suicide Prevention Week make these conversations easier. Companies can register their participation, take the pledge and access toolbox talks and other materials that can be shared with crews. The 2026 pledge asks participants to learn at least one new way to seek help for someone in need, including learning about 988, company Employee Assistance Programs and toolbox-talk resources. 

Roofing companies should also visit the National Roofing Contractors Association's Be Tough Enough website. NRCA has developed roofing-specific mental health and suicide prevention resources, including a toolbox talk, suicide prevention fact sheet, break room poster, educational programs, hard-hat stickers and its powerful "Be Tough Enough" video. Many of these resources are available in both English and Spanish, helping companies bring this vital message to their entire workforce. 

The message behind Be Tough Enough is one our industry needs to embrace. Real toughness includes being willing to say you are struggling, asking someone if they are okay and standing beside a coworker as they connect with help. NRCA's materials give contractors practical ways to make those actions part of everyday business. 

I also encourage roofing and construction leaders to learn from Mandy McIntyre, a dedicated advocate for mental health in our industry. Mandy has worked tirelessly to help companies move beyond awareness by developing people who can recognize when someone may need support and help connect that person with appropriate resources. 

Through Mental Health First Aid, individuals can learn how to notice signs of mental health or substance-use challenges, approach a person with care and guide them toward professional help. Mandy's Mental Health First Aider resources are designed for the roofing and construction community, helping trained employees bring practical tools and greater understanding back into their businesses. 

Having trained Mental Health First Aiders within a company does not replace professional care. It gives employees trusted people who are prepared to listen, respond without judgment and help someone take the next step. Just as employees are trained in CPR or first aid, mental health training prepares them to respond when the warning signs are emotional rather than physical. 

At The Coffee Shops®, we are committed to spreading the word about suicide prevention and the lifesaving support available through 988. As part of that commitment, we will host two special Coffee Conversations, sponsored by Tremco, during Construction Suicide Prevention Week. 

On September 15, 2026,  we will be joined by Mandy McIntyre of Tremco for an English-language Coffee Conversation focused on mental health, suicide prevention and the actions companies can take to support their employees. On September 17, 2026, we will present a Spanish-language Coffee Conversation with Lorna Rojas of Tremco, ensuring this important information reaches Spanish-speaking roofing professionals, crews and their families. 

These conversations are intended for owners, managers, safety professionals and every person who works in roofing and construction. We encourage companies to watch as a team, share the programs with employees and use them to begin ongoing conversations within their organizations. We are grateful to Tremco for sponsoring both programs and helping us bring this message to English- and Spanish-speaking members of our industry. 

During Construction Suicide Prevention Week, please visit ConstructionSuicidePrevention.com, explore NRCA's resources at BeToughEnough.org and bring a suicide prevention toolbox talk to your company. Share 988 with your employees, participate in The Coffee Shops' upcoming Coffee Conversations and consider Mental Health First Aid training for members of your team. 

We build businesses, roofs, buildings and communities together. We must also build workplaces where people look out for one another, where difficult conversations are welcomed and where every employee knows they do not have to struggle alone. 

If you or someone you know needs emotional support, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911. These resources should be shared now, before someone needs them, because one conversation and one connection to help can save a life. 

By Emma Peterson.

This year’s show is coming up fast with the first day being September 27, 2026 and we wanted to help you build the ultimate attendee schedule.

The Western Roofing Expo (WRE), which is sponsored by Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), is one of the premier events in the roofing and waterproofing industry. Not only is it chock full of iconic moments, like the Roofing Games™ shingling competition and the live auction, but it also boasts 28 educational sessions, two keynote luncheons and more!

That’s a lot of programming for just three days (the 2026 show will be held from 9/27/26 to 9/29/26), which is why we wanted to break down some of our must-attend sessions and events!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

The first day of the show will mostly be networking with industry experts and peers. There are a few events you can opt to attend, such as the Bob Porter Golf Tournament and Sporting Clays Tournament, but the main event of the day is the WRE Welcome event and auction. Sponsored by GAF, this event not only marks the beginning of the 2026 show, but also raises funds for the Davis Memorial Foundation, WSRCA’s charitable organization.

Monday, September 28, 2026

Monday is when things get really busy with a stacked schedule of more than a dozen education sessions. Here’s our shortlist of must-attend sessions from this day:

• Roofing Trends That Matter: RoofersCoffeeShop®’s own Heidi J. Ellsworth will be presenting about roofing trends! This presentation will give attendees valuable insight into where the roofing industry has been and where it’s moving towards.
• Ready or Not: our friends Trent Cotney and Benjamin Briggs of Adams and Reese will be diving into ICE raids, 1-9 audits and managing roofing contractor exposure in our current immigration landscape.
• From Hiring Fast to Hiring Right: in a Spanish-language session, Amparo Sancen of Latinos En Roofing explores how to build a roofing team that will help your business win.
• Using AI in Roofing Estimating: John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group shares insight into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in roofing operations, specifically related to estimating.

In addition to those education opportunities, Monday boasts two luncheon options, three demonstrations and the much-anticipated Roofer’s Feud event. Here’s a bit about those options:

• Luncheons: there are two lunch learning opportunities on Monday. One is for Spanish-speaking professionals and features Victor Maya (Advantage Roofing, GAF) discussing how to maximize commercial roofing claims. The other features Craig Brightup (WSRCA political correspondent) and Chad Collins (chairman of the National Roofing Contractors Association board) as they give a political update.
• Demonstrations: as we mentioned, there are three demos on Monday. The first kicks off at 1:30 p.m. is hosted by Polyglass U.S.A. The second (which starts at 2:30 p.m.) is from TAMKO Building Products and the last demo of the day is at 3:30 p.m. and features Johns Manville.
• The Roofer’s Feud: closing out the Monday schedule is the Roofer’s Feud. Sponsored by CertainTeed, this is a great chance to test your trivia knowledge and enjoy some friendly competition.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

But wait, there’s more! Hit the ground running on Tuesday with breakfast and table talks with the National Women in Roofing team at 7 a.m. (please note, additional registration of $55 required for this event). After breakfast, it’s time to jump straight back into education sessions! Some of our must-attends for Tuesday include:

• The Roofing Roundtable: hosted by the WSRCA Young Roofing Professionals Committee and led by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products, this session is all about building multi-generational teams.
• State of the Industry: Trent Cotney is back for another session, this time exploring the legal perspective of what’s going on the industry.
• Mental Health and Addiction in the Roofing Workplace: Paul Reed of Roofers in Recovery takes the helm during this session about how contractors can better support the mental health of their crews.
• The Cost of Disconnection: for this Spanish-language session, Monica Vornbrock of the GLO Group dives into how post-sale breakdowns are costing contractors customer trust and revenue.
• Designing Durable Cold-Climate Roofs: in this session, Mindy Dahlquist of TRA Snow and Sun explores the role of snow retention in designing roofs in cold climates.
• Escaping Reactive Service: the last session on our shortlist is Tracey Donels (Service First Solutions) talk about creating predictable business growth through service offerings.

And just like on Monday, there are two options for lunchtime learning and some can’t miss events:

• Luncheons: Imelda Perez of CertainTeed will be hosting Tuesday’s Spanish-language luncheon. The other lunch option will be in English and features motivational speaker Shereen Thor.
• Sound stage: The RoofersCoffeeShop® crew will be taking over the demonstration stage after lunch for an insightful conversation with WSRCA President Stan Robinson and incoming WSRCA President Ron Lloyd.
• The Roofing Games™: and closing out the day is the much-anticipated shingling competition! Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, this is a great opportunity to bring the community together and maybe even win some fun prizes!

These lists are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything going on at this year’s Western Roofing Expo!

See the whole schedule and register to attend the 2026 show!

By Emma Peterson. 

This Quarterly Market Index Survey offers a clearer picture of contractor confidence, market conditions and future opportunities. 

Every quarter, the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) releases a survey sharing insights into the state of the reroofing market. This survey, aptly called the Market Index Survey for Reroofing, is made in collaboration with a variety of industry associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry. 

To learn more about this survey, Heidi J. Ellsworth brought experts from a couple of those association, McKay Daniels of NRCA and Brian Pallasch of IIBEC, onto an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

McKay opened the conversation by sharing some background on the survey. He explained, “It came out of COVID and the whole supply chain debacle. One thing that the industry learned from that situation was the importance of matching supply to demand.” He went on, “And that was what the inspiration for creating the index survey was – to create a way for manufacturers and distributors to see exactly what was going on at the rooftop and how to meet the needs there.”  

And the best part? It has helped more than just the distributors and manufacturers! Brian gave some examples, saying, “It confirms things for contractors in the field. Different regions in the country are facing different economic pressures and benefits and the survey helps contractors contextualize their experiences with that context. It also gives people a sense of where the industry is heading.” McKay added, “It really is a sentiment survey, asking contractors, company owners or other professionals how they’re doing this quarter versus last. And that creates insight into the state of the industry so that everyone knows more and can be more prepared going forward.”  

The result is not only more informed individuals but a stronger industry. As Brian put it, “The goal of the survey is to get a broad sense of what's going on out there in the roofing industry. And it really has gotten us all together, as the group of associations we all meet more frequently as a result, which helps the entire industry.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about the PIMA Quarterly Market Index on Reroofing. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

What roofing contractors should be watching.

While the construction industry continues to expect growth in the months ahead, the latest data suggests that confidence is beginning to soften. For roofing contractors, this serves as an important reminder to keep a close eye on backlog, sales pipelines and market trends as conditions continue to shift. According to the latest report highlighted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), construction industry leaders were less optimistic in July, with two of the three key measures in Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Construction Confidence Index declining from the previous month. 

Confidence is cooling, but growth is still expected 

The good news is that all three components of ABC’s Construction Confidence Index remained above 50 in July, which indicates contractors still expect growth over the next six months. However, the decline in sales expectations and staffing confidence shows that many contractors are becoming more cautious about the near-term market outlook.  

July's report showed: 

• Profit margin expectations increased slightly from 52.4 to 52.7. 
• Staffing expectations fell from 62.7 to 62.3. 
• Sales expectations dropped from 63.6 to 61.2. 

Although these numbers remain in positive territory, the downward movement suggests contractors are becoming less certain about future opportunities and market momentum. 

Backlog takes a significant hit 

Perhaps the most concerning data point for many roofing contractors is the decline in backlog. ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator fell from 8.8 months in June to 8.0 months in July, reaching its lowest level since January. The backlog figure was also down compared to July 2025. 

Backlog is one of the clearest indicators of future workload, and a shrinking backlog can signal slowing demand or increased competition for projects. 

For roofing contractors, strong backlog management becomes even more important during periods of uncertainty. Companies that consistently monitor lead generation, bidding activity and project scheduling are often better positioned to navigate softer market conditions. 

The data center boom is creating a divide 

A major theme in the report is the growing gap between contractors involved in data center construction and those serving other market segments. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted that contractors working on data center projects are experiencing substantially stronger backlog levels than contractors operating elsewhere in the construction industry. 

According to the report: 

• Contractors not working on data centers averaged 7.5 months of backlog. 
• Contractors with data center work averaged 11.4 months of backlog.  

This trend demonstrates how certain construction segments continue to outperform the broader market. For commercial roofing contractors, facilities supporting technology infrastructure, manufacturing and large-scale industrial development may represent valuable opportunities as investment continues in those sectors. 

Challenges for small and mid-sized contractors 

The report also highlights concerns for small and mid-sized construction companies. Backlog among firms generating between $30 million and $50 million in annual revenue dropped to its lowest level since March 2020.  

Many roofing contractors operate within this size range and may feel pressure from: 

• Increased competition for available work 
• Tighter profit margins 
• Rising labor costs 
• Ongoing material price volatility 
• Uncertainty surrounding future economic growth 

These challenges reinforce the importance of operational efficiency, strong customer relationships and proactive business development efforts. 

What roofing contractors should do now

While the report does not indicate a downturn is imminent, it does suggest that the market may be transitioning from the strong growth conditions many contractors have enjoyed in recent years. Roofing companies can use this period to strengthen their positions by: 

• Maintaining a healthy sales pipeline 
• Diversifying project types and customer segments 
• Focusing on recurring maintenance and service programs 
• Improving estimating accuracy and margin management 
• Investing in customer retention and referral strategies 
• Contractors who remain disciplined during periods of slowing confidence are often the best positioned to capitalize when new opportunities emerge. 

Looking ahead 

The latest ABC data paints a picture of cautious optimism. Growth is still expected, but contractors are becoming more measured in their outlook as backlog declines and some market segments lose momentum. For roofing contractors, the message is clear: stay focused on pipeline development, monitor market trends closely and continue building resilience into your business strategy. 

Those who adapt early and remain proactive will be in the strongest position regardless of where the market heads next.