Por The Coffee Shops.™ 

El roofing encontró energía, talento e impulso en el evento de este año. 

La industria del roofing tuvo una destacada participación en SkillsUSA 2026, y la conclusión fue clara: la próxima generación de profesionales de los oficios especializados está lista para incorporarse al mundo laboral. Celebrado durante la National Leadership & Skills Conference en Atlanta, el evento reunió a estudiantes, educadores y líderes de la industria para competencias prácticas, exploración de carreras y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral. Más de 19,000 personas asistieron y 7,000 estudiantes compitieron en 115 concursos, demostrando la gran energía y las oportunidades que actualmente rodean a los oficios especializados. 

Los estudiantes llegan con confianza y curiosidad 

Durante una conversación desde el piso de exhibición, Heidi J. Ellsworth, Karen Edwards y Lauren White de RoofersCoffeeShop® compartieron lo que más les llamó la atención del evento este año. Para Lauren, quien ha asistido a las competencias de SkillsUSA durante los últimos tres años, fueron los propios estudiantes. “Te miran a los ojos. Te hacen preguntas interesantes. Te dan la mano. No están viendo sus teléfonos,” comentó. “Están felices de estar aquí. Están felices de tener buenas conversaciones.” A lo largo del evento, estudiantes de diversos oficios mostraron interés en aprender más sobre el roofing y sobre las oportunidades profesionales que ofrece la industria. 

Esa curiosidad es importante. Lauren comentó que los estudiantes hacían preguntas como, “Cuéntame más. Háblame sobre roofing,” lo que demuestra el impacto que puede tener una simple conversación. Karen observó una tendencia similar al entrevistar a estudiantes, muchos de los cuales hablaron sobre cómo SkillsUSA les ayudó a desarrollar confianza en sí mismos y a salir de su zona de confort. Esa disposición para intentar cosas nuevas, aprender y crecer es precisamente lo que convierte a SkillsUSA en una sólida fuente de talento para los oficios especializados. 

La magnitud del evento reforzó ese mensaje. Los campeonatos ocuparon el Georgia World Congress Center, un recinto que cuenta con más de cuatro millones de pies cuadrados de espacio para reuniones y eventos, y que requirió el apoyo de casi 2,000 voluntarios de la industria para llevar a cabo las competencias. En el área de roofing, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continúa ampliando la presencia de la industria a través de la competencia de roofing comercial, que este año contó con 22 participantes.

El Roofing Pavilion sigue creciendo 

Lauren señaló que el Roofing Pavilion es una de las señales más claras de que la industria está comprometida con el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral. “Nuestro Roofing Pavilion crece cada año y siempre logra llamar la atención,” afirmó. Este año, el pabellón mostró más segmentos de la industria, incluyendo sistemas de teja y metal, ofreciendo a estudiantes y visitantes una visión más amplia de las oportunidades disponibles dentro del roofing. “Realmente están tratando de incluir todos los aspectos del roofing y todos los tipos de roofing para mostrar lo que es posible dentro de la industria,” explicó Lauren. 

Una industria, una oportunidad 

Ese apoyo más amplio por parte de la industria es una parte fundamental de la historia. La NRCA destaca que contratistas, fabricantes, distribuidores y asociaciones tienen un papel importante al apoyar programas locales, donar materiales, participar en competencias y fortalecer relaciones con escuelas y centros educativos. Ese espíritu de colaboración quedó claramente reflejado durante la conversación. Como señaló Heidi: “No se trata solo de los contratistas, no se trata solo de los fabricantes, no se trata solo de la distribución. Somos todos. Una sola voz. Una sola industria.” En SkillsUSA, ese mensaje se siente auténtico. Los estudiantes no solo observan desde las gradas. Muchos ya están estableciendo contactos, participando en entrevistas y, en algunos casos, obteniendo ofertas de trabajo antes de que concluya el evento. Uno de los competidores compartió que ya había recibido oportunidades laborales adicionales mientras participaba en la competencia, una señal clara de que los empleadores están prestando atención. 

Para una industria que continúa enfrentando escasez de mano de obra, SkillsUSA es mucho más que un evento inspirador: es parte de la solución. “No solo es una experiencia que te hace sentir bien, también ofrece soluciones reales para nuestros desafíos de fuerza laboral y escasez de trabajadores,” comentó Heidi. Su mensaje para los contratistas fue sencillo: “Si eres contratista, involúcrate.” Lauren sugirió un primer paso práctico: asistir a una competencia estatal, dedicar tiempo a conocer a estudiantes e instructores y comenzar a construir relaciones a nivel local. Ese enfoque local es una de las mejores maneras en que las empresas de roofing pueden fortalecer su fuente de talento. Participar con escuelas cercanas, apoyar programas educativos y colaborar en competencias como voluntarios, capacitadores o patrocinadores puede generar un impacto real, tanto para los estudiantes como para el futuro de la industria. 

Y los ganadores son... 

Nivel preparatoria 

• Primer lugar: Mason Miller, de Larned High School en Larned, Kansas 
• Segundo lugar: Nathan Lutz-Santos, de Lebanon High School en Lebanon, Tennessee 
• Tercer lugar: Austin Gibson, de Golden Strip Career Center en Greenville, Carolina del Sur 

Nivel postsecundario 

• Primer lugar: Sean McWilliams, de Alfred State College – School of Applied Technology 
• Segundo lugar: John Prophete, de Orange Technical College – West Campus en Ocoee, Florida 
• Tercer lugar: Adam Thornton, de Central Georgia Technical College en Macon, Georgia 

Al finalizar la semana, una cosa quedó clara: SkillsUSA 2026 fue mucho más que una celebración del talento. Fue una demostración de que el futuro del roofing ya está tomando forma. Los estudiantes aportaron habilidades, profesionalismo y curiosidad. La industria aportó oportunidades, visibilidad y apoyo. Juntos generaron el impulso necesario para abrir puertas, lanzar carreras profesionales y fortalecer los oficios especializados durante muchos años. 

Mira el video completo de cierre en vivo desde el Roofing Pavilion de SkillsUSA: 

¡Consulta la lista completa de entrevistas para conocer la experiencia de SkillsUSA directamente de la voz de los estudiantes!

By Emma Peterson. 

Roofing professionals share insight into the importance of mental health awareness and care in the industry.  

If you didn’t know, May was mental health awareness month in the United States! Mental health is a key issue in our industry, with construction having the second-highest suicide rate of all major industries in the U.S. To talk about how the industry is working on addressing this issue, Lynsey Hull of Tyelus, McKay Daniels of National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Joel Stanley of Anchor Products came by for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

The mental health movement in the roofing industry has been steadily growing over the years as people get more informed about the severity of the issue. A huge moment in that timeline came in 2024 when NRCA launched a microsite about connecting professionals to resources. McKay spoke about the page, sharing, “Knowing a place to start is half the battle, so we made BeToughEnough.org with the goal of providing some basic level resources, a place for both employers and employees to learn how to talk about mental health. And it has the NRCA logo on it, but it’s not about NRCA, it’s bigger than just one organization.” 

And in the years since that page launched, the movement has truly grown far beyond just the actions of one organization. For example, in 2026 the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) association announced a mental health task force, partially inspired by NRCA’s work. Joel shared the story:  

A couple of years ago, McKay  was speaking and he talked about how our industry focuses so much on physical safety. Which makes sense, we suffer from about 400 or so fall deaths a year... But he also pointed out that we’re forgetting the mental side of things. And those numbers are so much bigger; I think he said we suffer from over 6,000 deaths a year from suicide. And it really hit me, I have a family member who has struggled with mental health and it got me thinking.  

What was Joel thinking about? He realized that organizations like NRCA are great for general awareness, but they don’t have the personnel to be on jobsites all over the country, seeing people day-in and day-out and being able to notice when someone is struggling. Who has that presence? Roofing manufacturers. He explained, “Manufacturers have people on job sites every day that are inspecting and advising. Those people see contractors periodically throughout the year and I realized when you see people frequently, but not every day, it allows you to see and recognize changes in them. If we can equip those people with skills and resources, it could a do a lot of good.” 

Armed with this realization, Joel reached out to both McKay at the NRCA and the SPRI board to see if they could build a collaboration that could take his idea and put it into action. The result was the creation of the SPRI mental health task force.  

Lynsey was there when Joel presented his idea and immediately jumped on board to help co-chair the task force with Joel. He recalled:  

The response was really overwhelming. Our first meeting as a task force was standing room only. I've had people reach out who don't even attend SPRI and say, ‘Hey, our representative told me about this. I really want to be involved. I have some background in this or I'd like to contribute or we had this idea. What do you guys think about that?’”  

The first thing the task force worked on was collaborating with NRCA to raise awareness of the resources available on BeToughEnough.org. Lynsey explained why this was their first move, sharing, “What we're really trying to avoid is having multiple messages out there and splitting the focus. So we started by just finding ways to raise awareness and point people to NRCA’s existing resource library.”  

From there they started to collect and share stories of how people can speak up or reach out and make a difference on their job sites. Stories like the one Lynsey shared:  

Speaking up or reaching out doesn’t have to be big. I wear t-shirts from a brand that has different messages on the back. And I remember one day I was just walking my dog and a guy came up to me and grabbed my shoulder and just said, ‘I needed that today, I just wanted to say thank you,’ in reference to my shirt. And he left. When I got home I looked at the shirt and it read ‘I'd rather hear about your battles than learn you lost the war.’ And that just struck me, how just something so simple for me, wearing that shirt, meant so much. 

And at the end of the day, it’s interactions like the one in Lysney’s story that will help change mental health in our industry for the better. As McKay put it, “This effort is beyond any one organization and working together to divide the rocks that are in this pack so that we all carry a little bit is critical and key. Because while what we each do might seem like only a little on its own, if we’re all doing it we will move that ball downfield, bit by bit.”  

Want to learn more about mental health and roofing? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording of the podcast. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

ARCA and NRCA training helps roofing foremen and supervisors build practical leadership skills. 

There is a growing recognition across the roofing industry that leadership development cannot wait until someone reaches the executive level. It has to start in the field, where foremen and supervisors are guiding crews as well asinfluencing culture and jobsite performance every day. A training opportunity from the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is putting that belief into action with a focused, practical approach to field leadership.

The NRCA Field Leadership Training Level 1 program is designed to meet roofing companies where they are, equipping field managers with the skills they need to lead more effectively right now. This one-day training isn’t theoretical. It is built around real-world applications, helping participants immediately strengthen communication along with improving productivity and stronger, more accountable teams. 

What makes this training especially relevant is its focus on the daily challenges facing field leaders. Communication gaps, misaligned expectations and unresolved conflict can quickly impact both morale and project outcomes. By addressing leadership styles, team engagement and conflict-resolution strategies, the program gives foremen and supervisors tools they can use the moment they return to the jobsite. 

The training, scheduled for July 10, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, also brings together respected industry experts who understand the realities of roofing. Participants will learn from professionals such as Amy Staska, vice president of NRCA University, and Jon Goodman, an NRCA subject matter expert, former roofing contractor and ProCertification® assessor. Their combined experience in workforce development and contractor education ensures the content is grounded in what truly works in the field. 

For companies looking to take the next step, this program can be paired with NRCA’s Foreman Management Training, held the day prior. That course expands into broader job management concepts including safety, customer service, quality, productivity and profitability, giving participants a more complete perspective on how their decisions affect project success. 

Opportunities like this highlight an important shift happening across the industry. Contractors are realizing that investing in people is just as critical as investing in equipment or materials. Strong leadership at the field level improves not only project outcomes but also retention. 

For contractors and companies focused on building the next generation of leaders, programs like NRCA’s Field Leadership Training are more than a class. They are a strategic investment in the future of their teams and their business. If you are looking to strengthen leadership from the ground up, now is the time to take action. Explore the training, and engage your future leaders.  It is a commitment to invest in their success. The strongest companies are built on strong leaders in the field. 

To register visit www.azroofing.org/events. 

By The Coffee Shops.™ 

Roofing found energy, talent and momentum at this year’s event.  

The roofing industry made a strong showing at SkillsUSA 2026, and the takeaway was clear: the next generation of skilled tradespeople is ready to get to work. Held during the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, the event brought together students, educators and industry leaders for hands-on competitions, career exploration and workforce development. More than 19,000 people attended, and 7,000 students competed in 115 contests, showing just how much energy and opportunity is surrounding the skilled trades right now. 

Students bring confidence and curiosity 

In a conversation from the show floor, Heidi J. Ellsworth, Karen Edwards and Lauren White of RoofersCoffeeShop® shared what stood out most at this year’s event. For Lauren, who has attended SkillsUSA competitions for the past three years, it was the students themselves. “They’re making eye contact with you. They’re asking you thoughtful questions. They’re shaking your hand. They’re not looking at their phones,” she said. “They’re happy to be here. They’re happy to have good conversations.” Across the event, students from a range of trades were eager to learn more about roofing and where a career in the industry could take them. 

That curiosity matters. Lauren said students were asking questions like, “Tell me more. Tell me about roofing,” which showed how much impact a simple conversation can have. Karen heard a similar theme while interviewing students, many of whom talked about how SkillsUSA helped them build confidence and push past their comfort zones. That willingness to try, learn and grow is exactly what makes SkillsUSA such a strong pipeline for the trades. 

The size of the event reinforced that message. The championships filled the Georgia World Congress Center, a venue that features more than four million square feet of meeting and event space and relied on nearly 2,000 industry volunteers to support the competitions. On the roofing side, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continues to expand the industry’s presence through the commercial roofing competition, which featured 22 competitors this year. 

The Roofing Pavilion keeps growing 

Lauren pointed to the Roofing Pavilion as one of the clearest signs the industry is serious about workforce development. “Our roofing pavilion gets bigger every year, and it always makes a statement,” she said.

This year, the pavilion showcased more parts of the industry, including tile and metal, giving students and visitors a broader look at the opportunities available in roofing. “They’re really trying to pull in all aspects of roofing, and all types of roofing to show what’s possible in the industry,” Lauren said. 

One industry, one opportunity 

That broader industry support is a big part of the story. NRCA emphasizes that contractors, manufacturers, distributors and trade groups all have a role to play by supporting local programs, donating materials, showing up at competitions and building relationships with schools. 

That spirit of collaboration came through clearly in the conversation. As Heidi put it, “It’s not just contractors, it’s not just manufacturers, it’s not just distribution. It’s all of us. One voice. One industry.” At SkillsUSA, that message feels real. Students are not just watching from the sidelines. Many are already networking, interviewing, and, in some cases, getting hired before the event concludes. One student competitor shared that he had already received additional offers while attending the competition, a sign that employers are paying attention. 

For an industry facing ongoing labor shortages, SkillsUSA is more than an inspiring event, it’s part of the solution. “It’s not only a feel-good experience, but also real solutions for our workforce and labor shortage,” Heidi said. Her message to contractors was simple: “If you’re a contractor, get involved.” Lauren suggested a practical first step: attend a state competition, spend time getting to know students and instructors, and start building relationships locally. 

That local-first approach is one of the best ways roofing companies can strengthen their workforce pipeline. Getting involved with nearby schools, supporting curriculum and showing up at competitions as volunteers, trainers or sponsors can make a real difference, both for students and for the future of the industry. 

And the winners are... 

High school 

• First place: Mason Miller from Larned High School in Larned, Kansas 
• Second place: Nathan Lutz-Santos form Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Tennessee 
• Third place:  Austin Gibson from Golden Strip Career Center in Greenville, South Carolina 

Post-secondary level 

• First place: Sean McWilliams from Alfred State College-School of Applied Technology 
• Second place: John Prophete from Orange Technical College – West Campus in Ocoee, Florida 
• Third place: Adam Thornton from Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia 

By the end of the week, one thing was obvious: SkillsUSA 2026 was more than a celebration of talent. It was proof that roofing’s future is already taking shape. The students brought skill, professionalism and curiosity. The industry brought opportunity, visibility and support. Together, they created the kind of momentum that can open doors, launch careers and strengthen the trades for years to come. 

Watch the full wrap up video live from the Roofing Pavilion at SkillsUSA: 

Check out the full playlist of interviews to hear about SkillsUSA from the students themselves!

The industry is invited to recognize outstanding roofing workers by September 14.

The Roofing Alliance is now accepting nominations for its 2026-27 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards Program, which recognizes exceptional roofing workers whose leadership, dedication, craftsmanship and service make a lasting impact on their companies, co-workers and communities.

The MVP Awards celebrate individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their roles and serve as role models both on and off the jobsite. The program honors roofing professionals who demonstrate excellence in their work, commitment to safety, strong character and a willingness to support others.

Award categories include:

Outstanding performance and leadership

This category recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional job performance, leadership, initiative, dependability and a strong commitment to safety. Honorees are individuals who consistently exceed expectations, support their co-workers and make significant contributions to their organizations through their work ethic and professionalism.

Outstanding community involvement

This category honors employees who make a meaningful difference beyond the workplace. These individuals demonstrate compassion, service and leadership through volunteerism, community engagement, personal perseverance and a commitment to helping others. Their actions reflect the values of generosity, dedication and selfless service.

In addition to category winners, one recipient will be selected to receive the prestigious Best of the Best Award, presented to an individual who exemplifies excellence in both professional achievement and community involvement. The Best of the Best Award is sponsored by Professional Roofing magazine and OMG Roofing Products.

Roofing contractors, manufacturers and distributors are encouraged to nominate deserving employees who embody the highest standards of the roofing industry. Eligible nominees include field roofing workers, foremen, superintendents, warehouse employees, warehouse foremen, drivers and equipment operators employed by Roofing Alliance or NRCA member companies.

MVP winners and their nominators will be notified in early November and recognized during NRCA's 140th Annual Convention, February 16-18, 2027, in Las Vegas.

The nomination deadline is September 14, 2026. For nomination forms, eligibility requirements and additional information, visit roofingalliance.net/programs/mvp/.

About the Roofing Alliance

The Roofing Alliance unites a powerful network of more than 210 forward-thinking industry leaders committed to advancing and shaping the future of the roofing industry. Through strategic investments, collaboration and industry partnerships, the Roofing Alliance funds high-impact initiatives focused on education, cutting-edge research, workforce development and philanthropic outreach that strengthens communities across the country. From supporting the next generation of roofing professionals through scholarships, university partnerships and career development programs to driving innovation through industry research its Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, the Roofing Alliance serves as a catalyst for long-term growth, leadership and excellence across the roofing industry. For more information, please contact Alison L. LaValley, executive director, at alavalley@nrca.net.

By Emma Peterson. 

Ellsworth shares that she is looking forward to helping guide strategy and advocacy for the roofing industry in these new roles!  

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has advocated and support professionals across the construction industry through education, training and advocacy. NRCA operates through a board structure, with 35-40 directors and nine executive committee officers, all of whom are chosen through a nomination process.  

This year, we are thrilled to share that our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth will be joining the board! She was announced at the 139th NRCA Convention back in January, along with Greg Arnold, Matt Atkinson, Alexandra Chacon, Eric Dosch, Bryson Galloway, Dave Hesse, Anthony Kahny, Josh Kelly, Gregory Malcolm, Jonathan Reader and Tim Stephens.  

This incredible group will serve for the next three years, focusing on supporting strategy development and ensuring that the interests of NRCA members remain at the heart of operations. They will be led by an executive committee that includes Chad Collins as chairman of the board, Sherri Miles as chairman of the board-elect, Michelle Boykin as vice-chairman, Scott Kawulok as vice-chairman and Lynn Price as vice-chairman.  

And this is not the only board position Heidi will be taking on this year; she will also be joining the Roofing Alliance’s Board of Trustees! The Roofing Alliance is NRCA’s 501(C)(3) foundation and “serves as a catalyst for long-term growth, leadership and excellence across the roofing industry.” Their work includes everything from funding research and organizing workforce development sessions to coordinating philanthropic outreach and developing education resources. 

Overseeing all of these operations is their Board of Trustees, which is composed of “210 dedicated, diverse and thoughtful roofing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, service providers and industry professionals united in their commitment to shape, strengthen and advance the roofing industry.” Heidi will be joining this distinguished leadership group for the 2026-27 cycle, under the leadership of Sherri Miles and John Campbell. 

Looking ahead, Heidi cannot wait to start making a difference:  

I am honored to serve on both the NRCA Board of Directors and as a trustee of the Roofing Alliance. The roofing industry has given me so much throughout my career, and the opportunity to contribute to these outstanding organizations is truly humbling. I am committed to bringing strong leadership, fresh ideas and thoughtful collaboration that will help strengthen our industry, support its future growth and ensure roofing continues to thrive for generations to come. 

Learn more about Heidi’s roles at www.nrca.net/about/leadership and www.roofingalliance.net/about/leadership.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Helene's career is defined by leadership and service. 

Helene Hardy Pierce has long been a respected voice, dedicated volunteer and champion for excellence in the roofing and building enclosure industries. I am honored to also call her a longtime friend. When I heard that ASTM International had presented her with the Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award, I was thrilled. The recognition honors both her professional achievements and her enduring contributions to the industry. She has given so much back, and even more, she has empowered women like me to do more in this industry. 

For those who have worked alongside Helene, the award comes as no surprise. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing technical knowledge while strengthening the industry through collaboration and service. As a longtime member of IIBEC since 1993, she has played an active role in shaping conversations that influence roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure performance. 

Helene’s leadership has extended across numerous organizations and initiatives. She has been deeply involved with ASTM’s roofing and waterproofing committee, where her efforts have contributed to the development of standards that guide best practices across the industry. Her influence is also felt through her work with IIBEC, where she is recognized as a fellow and has served as a member of the Interface Editorial Board. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Helene has always been committed to sharing knowledge. Through her authored articles, mentorship and volunteer roles, she has helped elevate the next generation of professionals. Her service on the IIBEC Industry Liaison Committee and the RCI-IIBEC Foundation Board of Directors demonstrates a career rooted not just in personal success, but also in building opportunities and resources for others across the roofing and building enclosure community. She was also at the forefront of National Women in Roofing, working with the early founders to help women find their voice in the industry. 

Her contributions have been recognized before. In 2019, she received the NRCA J.A. Piper Award, the roofing industry’s most prestigious honor, recognizing professionals who have devoted constant, outstanding service to NRCA and the roofing industry. She was also the first woman to earn the honor, further underscoring the significance of her leadership and service. In 2022, she received IIBEC’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, adding to the depth of recognition and respect she has earned from her peers. But recognition has never been the goal. For Helene, the work has always been about strengthening the industry and improving the way professionals collaborate, design and build. 

The Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award carries particular significance, celebrating individuals who not only excel in their fields but also pave the way for others. Helene embodies that mission. Her career reflects how leadership, when grounded in service and expertise, can create a lasting impact well beyond individual projects or organizations. 

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we celebrate Helene’s achievements and the example she sets for all of us. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the top, but about lifting others along the way and shaping the future of the industry for generations to come. Thank you, Helene, for everything you have done for the industry and for helping women thrive. 

By Jenny Yu. 

Industry experts discuss how increased awareness and tight labor markets are driving a shift toward coating restoration systems. 

Roof coating restoration is gaining momentum as building owners and specifiers look for cost-effective, less disruptive ways to extend roof life. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, industry experts from KARNAK and Clarity Roof Consulting discussed how accessibility to information and evolving project expectations are driving this trend. 

According to Chris Huettig of KARNAK, demand for coating systems is increasingly influenced by more informed building owners. “It’s driven from the top down,” he said. “Building owners are more educated and have questions that they’re bringing to specifiers.” That shift is leading many to consider restoration over replacement, particularly when evaluating cost, speed and business disruption. Coating systems can often be installed faster and with smaller crews, making them an attractive option in a tight labor market. 

Dan King of Clarity Roof Consulting agreed, acknowledging a broader change in how roofs are viewed. “There's more information percolating,” he said. “There’s been a change in looking at your roof as just a cost item to seeing it as an asset.” That mindset encourages more strategic decision-making, where restoration can offer long-term value when aligned with building performance goals. 

From the specifier side, Dan emphasized the importance of being a trusted partner for property owners to achieve a successful joint outcome. “In our role, we have really been able to open conversations based on trust with our clients,” Dan stated. “We work transparently, we build that trust and we breed success. Then, you can start to look at the value of different solutions. If you don't have that shared knowledge, you end up being more risk averse.” 

The panelists also highlighted the importance of collaboration and access to reliable information when navigating codes, regulations and system selection. “There's subject matter expertise held in manufacturing,” Dan said. “We go to fire marshals, we go to code officials, SPRI, RCMA, NRCA, RoofersCoffeeShop®. I find the ICC codes library really helpful.” Establishing relationships with these industry staples and leveraging the available resources help contractors and specifiers stay informed and deliver quality, compliant projects.  

As labor constraints persist and owners seek greater return on investment, coating restoration is positioned as a practical solution that balances performance, efficiency and cost. 

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how to meet evolving project demands with coating restorations. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how she and the MCA team are advocating for the industry amid a complex business landscape. 

Recently, Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS was welcomed as the first female chair holder in the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s history. Lee Ann brings over two decades of industry experience and a passion for advocacy that is sure to fuel MCA’s mission of amplifying the collective voice of metal professionals. 

This prioritization of advocacy will be especially important in the current business environment, which economist Alex Chausovsky described as “changing from a state of uncertainty to a state of complexity.” These complexities that Alex references include everything from rapidly evolving geopolitics to the decentralized regulatory environment.  

With reduced federal government involvement and changes in administrative policy, state legislators and regulatory agencies are likely to become more active in setting regulations. 

How does the MCA and its prioritization of advocacy help us navigate this? Jeff Henry, the executive director of the Metal Construction Association, explained in an article for April 2026 edition of Metal Construction News: 

With reduced federal government involvement and changes in administrative policy, state legislators and regulatory agencies are likely to become more active in setting regulations...[Those are sectors where] an active, engaged voice [is key] to ensure the continuation of policies that directly benefit and strengthen the industry.  

Being that voice is the vital role MCA plays. Their advocacy takes many forms, including their partnership with the National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) National Roofing Day, advocation for immigration reform, involvement in Pell Grant fundraising and more! And with Lee Ann’s recent appointment as chair, we can only look forward to the other ways that MCA will be advocating for a business climate that their members can succeed in.  

Want to learn more about what MCA is up to? Read Jeff Henry’s entire article from the April 2026 edition of Metal Construction News.

Por Jessica Bravo. 

Involucrándose, participando y alzando la voz marca la diferencia en la industria y más allá. 

En este episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, Jessica Bravo conversa con Monica Vornbrock de The GLO Group y Lorna Rojas de Tremco, ambas miembros activas de National Women in Roofing y su iniciativa Conexión Hispana, sobre su experiencia participando en Roofing Day en Washington, D.C. 

Cada año, National Roofing Contractors Association organiza Roofing Day con el objetivo de reunir a profesionales de la industria con miembros del Congreso para dialogar sobre los desafíos que enfrentan. Este año, los temas principales incluyen la escasez de mano de obra y la vivienda asequible. 

La conversación destaca la importancia de la representación, la comunidad y el impulso para que más profesionales hispanohablantes y mujeres participen activamente en la construcción del futuro de la industria del techado. 

Ambas dicen que participar en eventos como Roofing Day es clave para generar un impacto real en la industria. Como explica Lorna, “para que la industria avance, tiene que haber comunicación en ambas direcciones. Tenemos que participar, dar nuestra opinión y ser parte del proceso para que realmente nos puedan apoyar” y Monica agrega que “cuando te mantienes informada y participas, tu voz importa. Las organizaciones están escuchando pero tienes que presentarte y compartir lo que está afectando a tu mercado.” 

Durante el mes de marzo, como preparación para Roofing Day, escuchamos a nuestros Influencers En Español reflexionar sobre la importancia de este evento. Como explica Carlos Rodríguez, “Nuestra voz tiene un impacto que va mucho más allá de los techos que construimos o reparamos,” mientras que otros también destacan que “en donde no estamos, no somos vistos” y que “las voces siempre hacen falta,” reforzando la idea de que no podemos generar un cambio si no participamos ni usamos nuestra voz. 

Escucha este episodio para entender la importancia de presentarte, porque cada voz cuenta y ahora es el momento de alzarla.