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. 

Throughout the retreat, attendees built lasting relationships, shared experiences and leaned into conversations that extended beyond business, creating a foundation of trust and support.

The Exterior Contractor Alliance (ECA) women’s group, fondly known as “The BARBs,” gathered in Folly Beach, South Carolina, for a powerful multi-day retreat focused on connection, growth and personal and professional transformation. Hosted at the Folly Ocean Breeze Beach House, the retreat brought together women from across the industry and the country to step away from day-to-day demands and into a space designed for reflection, learning and meaningful relationships.

Led by ECA Director Keely Roberts, who also serves as a proud Board of Directors member for National Women in Roofing (NWIR), the retreat reflects a continued commitment to creating meaningful spaces for women to grow, lead and connect within the industry.

Centered around the theme of the 7 Munson Must Do’s, a way of life authored by retreat facilitator, Candace Munson, the retreat’s tone reflected a mindset rooted in love, not fear, which allowed attendees to engage deeply, challenge themselves and support one another in both personal and professional growth.

Creating space for real conversations and breakthroughs

From the opening welcome reception and deep conversation sessions to immersive workshops and shared experiences, the retreat was intentionally designed to foster vulnerability, authenticity and connection.

Attendees participated in sessions including The Munson Way, Owning the Room Before You Enter It, Energy Audit and Rewrite Your Story, alongside interactive experiences like Paint Your Person (BARB Edition), group meals and a sunset sound bath meditation.

Reflecting on the experience, retreat facilitator Candace Munson shared, “I have so many takeaways; chief among them is that with vulnerability and the support of others, real change can take place. I witnessed real compassion and real changes take place for the better, and that is what I will bring back with me. The space was better because we showed up for each other. I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead it.”

A community that shows up for each other

The BARBs retreat reinforced the strength of the ECA community and the importance of creating spaces specifically for women leaders to connect, grow and lead together.

“Being a first-timer to attend this, I really did not know what to expect,” said ECA member Casey Troxclair of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing. “It was amazing, and wow — the transformations. I came back home on fire and with a full cup.”

Throughout the retreat, attendees built lasting relationships, shared experiences and leaned into conversations that extended beyond business, creating a foundation of trust and support that continues long after the event ends.

Looking ahead

Following the success of this year’s retreat, ECA plans to continue expanding BARBs programming and opportunities for women within the organization.

About ECA and FEI Group

ECA is a division of FEI Group. FEI Group is a leading interior and exterior finishes organization that has been at the forefront of innovation since 1998. With a focus on delivering exceptional solutions and services, FEI Group has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to thrive in the rapidly evolving new home construction, multifamily, remodeling, kitchen and bath, roofing and traffic safety segments. For more information about FEI Group and upcoming events, visit feigroup.net.

By The Coffee Shops™.

During National Roofing Week, the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council helped coordinate a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need. 

For the past three years, the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council has partnered with Catalyst NW during National Roofing Week to provide complimentary roofs for community members in need. This year, the council’s effort brought together contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners to replace the roof of Maria George’s home in Northeast Portland. 

Maria’s home had multiple active leaks and had been tarped several times over the past year, according to information shared by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products®, chair of the NWIR Oregon Council. Her insurance carrier had also set a May deadline for the roof to be replaced or she would face cancellation of her policy, though that deadline was extended. Because of the roof’s steep pitch, the project was not well-suited for a traditional volunteer-based Catalyst build. 

The workday became a clear example of the collaboration the roofing industry can create when companies set aside competition to focus on service. Stephanie Baird of Oregon Roofing Co said this year’s project had more roofers involved than ever before. 

“Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring,” Stephanie said. “For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service.” 

The project included more than 25 people throughout the day, with at least 13 working on the roof and others handling cleanup on the ground. Rachel said the roof had five or six layers that needed to be removed, including cedar shingles. Maria’s grandchildren also came outside to express their gratitude to the volunteers. 

For Melissa Hill of Snyder Roofing, the most meaningful moment came when a neighbor stopped while walking her dog and shared how deserving Maria was of the new roof. 

“She said they both have lived in the area a long time and that she is always taking care of someone at that house,” Melissa said. “It was her turn to be taken care of.” 

Learn more about the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council and its community outreach efforts.

By Kate Whatley for National Women in Roofing.

Why National Roofing Week is about all of us.

Every year, National Roofing Week gives our industry a moment to pause and celebrate the work we do. The craft, the grit, the skill. The people who show up every single day in all weathers, doing work that the world depends on but rarely notices until something goes wrong.

And that celebration matters. It genuinely does.

But above and beyond celebration we know that our industry has more potential than it’s currently realising. And unlocking that potential requires us to do something that doesn’t always come naturally to people who are used to working independently, in their own patch, on their own terms.

It requires us to collaborate. To share. To look beyond our own borders. 

The roof doesn’t stop at the border 

I’m based in the Midlands in the U.K. I’ve spent over two decades in the roofing industry — in operations, in leadership, in training, in advocacy. When I first connected with National Women in Roofing USA, what struck me wasn’t the differences between our two industries. It was how profoundly similar the challenges are. 

The same barriers, the same conversations happening and also the same extraordinary resilience. The same passion. The same hunger to make the industry better. 

Our Atlantic distance as a divide, it is an opportunity. We’re facing the same challenges and we should be sharing the same solutions.

Real collaboration means picking up the phone to someone in a different country, a different specialism, a different background — and genuinely listening. It means sharing what’s worked. Being honest about what hasn’t. Asking questions without ego. Offering insight without agenda.

It means a roofing professionals on both sides of the atlatic realising they have more in common than either of them thought, and building something useful from that realisation. It means mentors sharing the knowledge it took them years to earn — freely, generously — so that the next generation doesn’t have to work as hard just to reach the starting line. It means organisations like National Women in Roofing USA and Raise the Roof in the U.K. standing together, not in competition, but in alignment — because we are working toward the same future, just from different points on the map.

That’s the version of collaboration I believe in. And National Roofing Week is the perfect moment to commit to it more deeply.

Ideas are not finite resources

One of the most important things I’ve learned in my career is that knowledge shared is notknowledge lost. It doesn’t diminish when you give it away. It multiplies.

The roofing industry has an enormous wealth of expertise sitting in the heads and hands of people who’ve spent decades in the trade. Techniques. Systems. Ways of thinking. Hard-won lessons from projects that pushed every boundary imaginable. And so much of it is never passed on.

Not out of selfishness, necessarily — but out of habit. Out of a culture that has historically treated knowledge as competitive advantage rather than collective resource. Out of the belief, sometimes unspoken, that the way we do things here is the only way worth knowing.

When we share ideas across borders — across countries, companies, generations, backgrounds — we don’t just spread good practice. We elevate it. We interrogate it. We find ways to make it better than any one of us could alone. The best innovations in any industry don’t come from isolation. They come from connection.

Breaking the barriers that are still there

It requires each of us to want more. Not just for ourselves, but for the industry as a whole. 

Want More — For All of It

This is the message I carry with me everywhere I go in this industry. It’s what Elevate Advisory and Raise the Roof were built on. It’s what I hear echoed in every conversation I have with women in roofing on both sides of the Atlantic.

Want more for your business. Want more for your people. Want more for the next generation who is watching us right now, deciding whether this is a place worth building a future.

This week why not reach out to someone you’ve never spoken to. Share something you know. Ask something you’ve been afraid to ask. Connect across the divide — of country, of specialism, of background, of experience. The roofing industry is stronger when all of us are in it, fully and unapologetically. 

Learn more about NWIR (National Women in Roofing) in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.nationalwomeninroofing.org.

About Kate Whatley

Kate Whatley is the founder of Elevate Roofing Advisory and co-founder of Raise the Roof, a diversity, inclusion and leadership organisation for the UK roofing and built environment sector. She has over 22 years of experience in the roofing industry and is one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Construction 2025. 

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.

By Jenny Yu.  

The honor highlights Heidi's leadership in advancing the roofing and outdoor industries. 

The Coffee Shops™ are proud to share that our President, Heidi J. Ellsworth, was recently recognized by Women We Admire as one of the Top Women Leaders of Oregon for 2026. The annual list honors accomplished women leaders who are making significant contributions across industries while demonstrating leadership, innovation and a commitment to advancing their professions. 

Women We Admire is a membership organization and professional network comprised of women executives and leaders across the United States and Canada. Through its annual recognition programs, the organization celebrates women who are driving growth, fostering innovation and creating positive impact within their industries and communities. 

Heidi was recognized for her decades-long leadership in the roofing and building industries and for her role in helping grow The Coffee Shops into some of the industry's most influential media and community platforms. Heidi has spent more than 30 years advancing roofing sales, marketing, business development and industry engagement and is also widely known for her advocacy of workforce development, industry inclusion and education. 

Under Heidi’s leadership, The Coffee Shops have continued to expand their reach and influence. Over the past year, they've launched OutdoorCoffeeShop™, a digital community dedicated to the outdoor living and exterior construction markets. The new platform extends The Coffee Shops’ mission of connecting contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals through education, networking and business resources. 

They also expanded internationally with the launch of RoofersCoffeeShop.uk, bringing its established model of industry news, education and community engagement to roofing professionals across the United Kingdom. The expansion reflects the growing demand for accessible industry resources and opportunities to connect roofing professionals around the globe. 

In addition to leading The Coffee Shops, Heidi remains active throughout the industry through speaking engagements, board service and mentorship initiatives. Her work with organizations such as National Women in Roofing, National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofing Alliance has helped strengthen opportunities for professionals throughout the roofing sector. 

To learn more about the women recognized on this year’s list, visit Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders of Oregon for the 2026 feature. You can also learn more about Heidi’s ongoing impact on the industry at her RoofersCoffeeShop directory! 

CEO of Rejoice and Restore LLC in Naugatuck, Connecticut, voted grand prize winner, earning $10,000.

QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) today announced Vanessa Fusco, CEO of Rejoice and Restore LLC in Naugatuck, Connecticut, as the winner of its 2026 North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year campaign, a national program that recognizes exceptional women working in the roofing industry across the U.S. and Canada. As this year’s honoree, Fusco earns $10,000 and tickets to the 2027 National Women in Roofing Days and the International Roofing Expo.

Now in its sixth year, the program shines a spotlight on female roofing professionals who are making a difference through innovation, mentorship, safety and a commitment to excellence in their field. Fusco won in a nationwide public vote against four other accomplished finalists.

Fusco built Rejoice and Restore from the ground up. Since completing its first project in 2024, the company has quickly scaled to multi-million-dollar revenue. Fusco leads with a mission-driven approach, creating opportunities for individuals in recovery while delivering strong business results. Her leadership blends operational excellence with a deep commitment to community impact.

“The roofing industry is stronger because of women like Vanessa leading it,” said QXO Chief Human Resources Officer Josephine Berisha. “She and this year’s finalists are setting the standard for what leadership in this industry looks like.”

The four other finalists who will each receive funding to support their professional development are:

• Jennifer George, co-founder and CEO, Northern Arizona Roof Services, Flagstaff, Arizona
• Lauren Marsh, president, Ridgeline Construction HSV, Inc., Athens, Alabama
• Kathleen Maxwell, CEO, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee
• Stacey Oakley, chief of staff, ProFormance Builder Solutions, Winter Garden, Florida

“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the incredible women who are changing the roofing industry,” Fusco said. “I’m proud to share this recognition with the women who mentored me, the team that shows up every day and the customers who trust me with their most important investment. I hope our work inspires more women to pursue careers in roofing and other areas of building materials.”

This year’s finalists were selected from over 2,000 nominations across the U.S. and Canada. The finalist committee included QXO executives, prior winners and female industry leaders who reviewed submissions.

To learn more about QXO’s annual Female Roofing Professional of the Year program, the finalists and the program rules, visit: go.qxo.com/femaleroofpro.

About QXO

QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) is the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing and related products and the second largest publicly traded distributor of lumber and building materials in North America. QXO is the fastest growing company in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and plans to become the tech-enabled leader by delivering best-in-class customer satisfaction and outsized returns for its shareholders. The company is targeting $50 billion in annual revenues within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit QXO.com for more information.

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at the Oregon National Women in Roofing Council’s recent calendar. 

Recently, the Oregon Council of National Women in Roofing (NWIR) sent out a snapshot of their recent and upcoming events – and they are certainly keeping busy!  

On April 21, they hosted their 2026 annual member drive, which was a resounding success. The theme of the event was luau and attendees enjoyed a fun, festive afternoon full of prizes and new connections. It was an especially good evening for Tracie Reyes with Superior Roofing, who won the event’s grand raffle prize — a $1,500 Hawaiian Airlines gift card! Overall, it was a great way for the Oregon Council to kick off the spring and get ready for what’s coming in the rest of the year as they continue to build their community.  

Then on May 12, 2026, the Oregon Council worked with SRS Distribution to give their NWIR members a special opportunity – a Hands-On James Hardie training at SRS Distribution Inc. in Clackamas! Trainers at this event walked through everything from siding best practices and installation tips to industry insights and more!  

And just three days after that event, on May 15, 2026, the council was tabling at the Oregon Tradeswomen Career Fair! This event is about introducing women to the apprenticeship and trade opportunities and saw thousands of students, jobseekers and employers come together to network and connect.  

And looking forward, they’re not slowing down! The next big event on the Oregon Council’s calendar is a community service project on June 9, 2026. Held in conjunction with National Roofing Week, this event is the free reroof for a family in Portland, Oregon. The entire project is made possible by donations from NWIR members and industry companies, like Malarkey Roofing Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing, ABC Supply and SRS Distribution. If you want to get involved, there’s still time. You can sign up to donate to the project or send questions to stephaniebaird@comcast.net. 

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres 

Celebra el Mes del Orgullo escuchando a profesionales LGBTQ+ de la industria hablar sobre autenticidad, comunidad e inclusión. 

Al acercarnos al Mes del Orgullo, reflexionamos sobre algunas de las conversaciones que hemos tenido la oportunidad de compartir con diferentes profesionales de la industria del roofing pertenecientes a la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Estas historias nos han permitido conocer experiencias, desafíos y perspectivas que ayudan a construir una industria más inclusiva y donde la autenticidad también tiene un espacio. Una de esas conversaciones tuvo lugar el año pasado durante un episodio especial de Coffee Conversations, donde profesionales del sector compartieron cómo su identidad, experiencias y orgullo han influido en su camino dentro de la industria.  

En este episodio, patrocinado por Tremco WTI, RoofersCoffeeShop® celebra el Mes del Orgullo con una conversación especial sobre autenticidad en la industria del roofing. Megan Ellsworth conversa con Maureen Greeves y Justin Ray de Tremco, Sarah Lechowich de True North Roofing y Joshua Adams de Roof Scout sobre la conexión entre la excelencia profesional y el orgullo queer. Durante el panel, cada invitado compartió parte de su experiencia en la industria y la importancia de crear espacios donde la diversidad y la inclusión sean valoradas. 

Maureen, originaria de Cleveland, Ohio, ha trabajado en la industria del roofing por más de 13 años. Compartió parte de su trayectoria: “Tuve la fortuna de llegar a la industria del roofing desde una empresa donde podía ser abierta y sentirme orgullosa de quien soy, y donde mis compañeros estuvieron junto a mi esposa y a mí cuando tuvimos a nuestros hijos.” Para ella, el cambio hacia Tremco fue algo que le generó nervios, pero encontró una comunidad que la recibió con los brazos abiertos. 

Justin, paralegal corporativo de Tremco, compartió una experiencia similar a la de Maureen. Explicó, “He estado con Tremco por dos años y tengo una calcomanía del orgullo en la parte trasera de mi carro. Recuerdo que la primera vez que fui a la oficina pensé: ‘¿Debería quitarla? No lo sé… es una compañía de construcción.’” Sin embargo, encontró una comunidad que lo recibió y le permitió mostrarse auténticamente. 

A diferencia de Maureen y Justin, quienes llegaron a la industria más adelante, Josh creció alrededor del roofing. Compartió algunas reflexiones sobre lo que la comunidad LGBTQIA+ aporta al lugar de trabajo: “Comparten un mensaje interno sobre ser auténticos que puede influir en todos. Sin importar en qué parte del espectro estés, llevar autenticidad al lugar de trabajo es algo que las personas perciben y que se contagia.” También enfatizó que esto beneficia a todos dentro de la empresa, tanto a la comunidad LGBTQ+ como a sus aliados, porque la autenticidad conduce a un mejor trabajo. 

Sarah, propietaria de True North Roofing en Minnesota, también destacó cómo la identidad queer y la autenticidad benefician tanto a las empresas como a la industria en general. Explicó: “Creo que ser una empresa liderada por una mujer y también una empresa liderada por una persona queer significa no evitar esos espacios. Intento crear un entorno donde las personas se sientan vistas, valoradas y escuchadas, tanto dentro de mi empresa como entre mis clientes y propietarios de viviendas.” Al crear estos espacios, busca que todos se sientan más cómodos para trabajar mejor juntos. 

Este año, National Women in Roofing (NWIR) celebrará el Mes del Orgullo con una marcha virtual que se llevará a cabo junio 25 de 2026, donde compartirán historias para seguir construyendo un espacio donde todos se sientan valorados y bienvenidos. 

Escucha la conversación completa o mira el webinar para conocer más sobre cómo estos panelistas están haciendo roofing con orgullo. Registrate para participar en la marcha virtual del Mes del Orgullo.

By Jenny Yu.  

The SkillsUSA 2026 Championship will connect students, educators, contractors and manufacturers through hands-on skilled trades competitions. 

After a year of honing their skills and participating in local competitions, students from across the country are set to compete at the culminating event: the SkillsUSA 2026 Championship. Taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from June 1-5, 2026, the event brings together more that 6,700 state champions competing across 114 skilled and leadership contests as part of the broader National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). 

On top of providing the platform for students to compete and showcase their talent, the SkillsUSA program builds the next generation of skilled professionals and elevates the value of careers in the trades. Roofing continues to expand its presence at the event as students can explore career opportunities and compete in roofing-related challenges including Commercial Roofing and Teamwork. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the competitions are designed to connect career and technical education students with real-world industry opportunities while helping address the skilled labor shortage facing roofing contractors nationwide. 

Here at RoofersCoffeeShop®, we are excited to be a sponsor of the NRCA Roofing Pavilion, the event’s central hub for students and CTE teachers to connect with industry professionals on training and career opportunities.  

Additional sponsors supporting the NRCA booth include ABC Supply, Central States Manufacturing, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Johns Manville, Elevate™, IB Roof Systems™, Leister, National Roofing Partners, National Women in Roofing (NWIR), QXO, Roofing Alliance, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), SRS Distribution and TAMKO®. This robust participation reflects industry-wide collaboration to help SkillsUSA continue to grow as a pipeline for skilled professionals entering the trades. 

The SkillsUSA Championships have become a critical recruiting and education platform for the roofing industry. NRCA notes if even 5% of SkillsUSA students entered roofing careers, the industry could gain more than 5,000 new workers annually. 

To learn more about the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships, the Roofing Pavilion and ways to get involved, visit the SkillsUSA and NRCA websites. We hope to see you there!