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.

Building a stronger future through collaboration

The Roofing Alliance proudly welcomes Danco Roofing Services, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, as an esteemed governor member. As its 210th member, Danco Roofing Services further strengthens the Roofing Alliance’s national network of industry leaders dedicated to advancing the long-term success of the roofing industry.

“We chose to support the Roofing Alliance because we believe collaboration, education and investment in the next generation are essential to strengthening the roofing industry,” said Daniel Becker, president of Danco Roofing Services. “We’re proud to join an organization committed to advancing our industry and building its future.”

The Roofing Alliance brings together the roofing industry’s leading voices to invest in ideas, people and programs that move the industry forward. Through collaboration, research, education and philanthropy, the Roofing Alliance helps develop the next generation of roofing professionals, advance innovation and technology, strengthen workforce development, promote sustainability and create meaningful impact across the industry and the communities it serves.

“What makes the Roofing Alliance special are the people behind it,” said Roofing Alliance Executive Director Alison L. LaValley. “Our members care deeply about this industry and about giving back in ways that truly matter. Whether it’s education, research, workforce development or helping others, they are willing to step forward, get involved and invest in the future of roofing. That commitment is what continues to move the Roofing Alliance forward and helps us strengthen and improve the industry for the next generation of roofing professionals.”

Join the industry leaders helping shape the future of roofing. To learn more about becoming involved with the Roofing Alliance, contact Alison L. LaValley at alavalley@nrca.net or visit roofingalliance.net.

About Danco Roofing Services

Danco Roofing Services is a full-service commercial roofing contractor serving businesses throughout Central Indiana. They provide roof installation, repair, maintenance and asset-management solutions with a commitment to quality workmanship, safety and lasting customer relationships.

About The Roofing Alliance

The Roofing Alliance brings together more than 210 forward-thinking industry leaders committed to advancing the future of roofing. Through strategic investments, collaboration and industry partnerships, the Roofing Alliance funds initiatives in education, research, workforce development and philanthropy. Its work includes scholarships, university and career development programs, industry research and the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, all designed to strengthen the industry, develop future leaders and create lasting impact. For more information, contact Alison L. LaValley, executive director, at alavalley@nrca.net.

By Emma Peterson. 

How participating in associations like the Roofing Alliance gives professionals a chance to build a legacy. 

From providing broader industry advocacy on a national level to providing individual contractors with the resources they need to succeed, trade associations are invaluable resources. A prime example of one of these invaluable organizations is the Roofing Alliance. To learn more about what this foundation does for the industry, Trent Cotney, a partner and the construction team lead at Adams and Reese law firm, came by for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

Trent is the perfect person to talk to about this, as he is both Roofing Alliance’s legal counsel and their parent association, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s general counsel. He opened by sharing some background on Roofing Alliance:  

The Roofing Alliance is NRCA's foundation, but operates as its own entity. It has existed for almost 30 years, and over the years, it has been instrumental in charitable efforts like providing free roofs and repairs to Ronald McDonald houses nationwide. They also work to support the roofing industry, specifically with education and research. 

Their educational support often comes in the form of scholarships and their research is usually focused on critical economic and technical challenges facing the roofing market. And they have made a huge impact in both areas, reporting that their “members have invested [and raised] over $16 million to fund transformative research, educational initiatives and scholarships, all dedicated to enhancing industry performance and long-term success.” 

At the end of the day, the work that the Roofing Alliance has done not only supports professionals in the industry today but also our future tradespeople. “The Alliances is so valuable. Not only is it a great opportunity to meet your peers in the industry, but it’s a great way to give back to the industry,” he shared. “Personal career and financial success are great, but when I think about when I'm dead and gone, I want to have left a positive mark on the world. I want to have done what I can to give back and to help. And groups like Roofing Alliance are the way I feel like I am doing that.” 

Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the Roofing Alliance and its invaluable work in the roofing industry. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

New roofing sustainability course helps contractors prepare for an evolving industry

As building performance expectations continue to change, roofing contractors are being asked to do more than install quality roof systems.To help roofing professionals stay ahead of these trends, the Roofing Alliance–Clemson University Professional Training Program has introduced a new course focused on one of the industry's fastest-growing areas: sustainability and resiliency.

The fully online, self-paced program now offers four roofing-specific courses designed to help professionals expand their knowledge and strengthen their careers. For a limited time, participants can save $300 per course using promotional code 85XNX8.

A timely focus on sustainability and resiliency

The new roofing sustainability and resiliency course gives contractors practical knowledge about sustainable roofing practices, resilient building design and the trends influencing today's construction market. As building owners look for roofing systems that can reduce environmental impact and better withstand severe weather events, understanding these concepts can help contractors have more informed conversations with customers and identify new business opportunities.

Training that fits the roofing industry

Rather than focusing solely on technical specifications, the course provides a broader perspective on how sustainability and resiliency are shaping project requirements, building performance goals and future industry growth. For contractors looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, that knowledge can be a valuable asset.

Additionally, one of the biggest advantages of the Roofing Alliance–Clemson University Professional Training Program is its flexibility. Because the courses are fully online and self-paced, participants can learn on their own schedules without disrupting project timelines or business operations.

Whether you're onboarding new employees, preparing team members for leadership roles or investing in your own professional growth, the program offers industry-specific instruction that can be applied directly to real-world roofing challenges.

Four courses built for roofing professionals

In addition to the new sustainability course, the program includes three other professional development opportunities covering key aspects of the roofing industry.

1. Roofing fundamentals introduces participants to roofing materials, installation methods, safety practices and structural concepts, making it an effective resource for new employees entering the industry.
2. Roofing management focuses on project planning, crew leadership, quality control and jobsite operations, helping professionals strengthen their management capabilities.
3. Roofing business and leadership explores the business side of roofing, including financial strategy, marketing, leadership development and company culture.

Together, these courses provide a well-rounded education that supports professionals at every stage of their careers, from field personnel to company leadership.

Enroll today

The roofing industry continues to evolve, and contractors who stay informed about emerging trends will be better positioned to compete and grow. The new roofing sustainability and resiliency course provides an opportunity to gain insight into a rapidly expanding area of roofing while building knowledge that can benefit both your projects and your business.

With $300 off each course using promotional code 85XNX8, now is an excellent time to explore the program and invest in your team's future success.

By Emma Peterson. 

From major industry announcements and scholarship awards to emerging market trends and wildfire preparedness, these were the RCS articles that got the most clicks this August.  

August was a month of announcements here at The Coffee Shops®! For our team, we launched a new microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.ca) designed specifically for the Canadian market. Similar to our U.K. microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.uk), this site will not only bring together contractors in its dedicated region but also strengthen the global roofing community.  

In addition to our big announcement, our site saw a lot of announcements and quite a few of them made our August 2026 top article list. For example, one of our R-Club members, Excel Roofing and Siding, sent out an announcement of a name change to Excel Slate and Copper. This change was designed to “better reflect the company’s long-standing expertise in slate roofing, copper craftsmanship and historic home restoration.”  

Another example was the Roofing Alliance’s announcement about the 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship. “A total of $59,000 was awarded for new scholarships with an additional $55,000 for 12 renewal scholarships.” 

And coming in first and second on our August 2026 top 10 article list were two announcements, both from industry associations. In second place was an article about the Colorado Roofing Association’s new advisory about wildlife code requirements. As for first place, that went to the he Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s announcement of the results of metal roofing market study conducted by FMI Consulting. 

The top 10 August articles 

10 - Excel Roofing and Siding becomes Excel Slate and Copper

9 - Why the most successful roofing contractors plan further ahead by John Kenney. 

8 - TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs by The Coffee Shops® 

7 - When the economic signals don’t agree by John Kenney. 

6 - Becoming a ROOFEREE by Emma Peterson. 

5 - The secret to managing commercial roofing projects by Emma Peterson. 

4 - The Roofing Alliance announces 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship recipients.

3 - Heavy-duty adhesives for every jobsite by The Coffee Shops®. 

2 - New advisory helps Colorado roofers prepare for wildfire code requirements by Alex Tolle. 

1 - New market survey forecasts strong growth, significant potential for residential metal roofing in U.S. 

By Alex Tolle.

When a Southern California camp serving children with cancer needed some help, nearly 70 roofing professionals joined forces to deliver five brand new cabin roofs.

On August 18, 2026, roofing professionals gathered at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Southern California to install new roofs on five of the camp’s 14 cabins. The work was made possible by volunteers who contributed their time and professional expertise, along with companies that provided the labor and materials needed to complete the installations. Participating companies included Antis Roofing and Waterproofing, Gabella Construction, GAF, Howard and Sons Inc., QXO and Shell Roofing Solutions.

About the camp

The project helped protect a place where children with cancer can step away from hospitals and treatments and spend time simply enjoying being kids. As described on their website: 

Camp programs provide children with cancer and families the opportunity to pause, connect with others who are facing similar challenges, and renew a sense of hope. We help youth build courage and independence, and experience a sense of belonging in a healing, medically safe environment. Learn which program is right for you.

About the project

Together, the participating professionals addressed more than one-third of the camp’s cabins in a single day. Their contributions supported the camp’s ability to continue providing children with a special place to get away from the medical environments that are often part of their daily lives.

The project continued the longstanding partnership between Ronald McDonald House and the Roofing Alliance. Since 2017, Roofing Alliance and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) members have donated millions of dollars in roofing materials and labor to assist Ronald McDonald House programs across the country.

Reflecting and looking forward

For contractors, manufacturers, distributors and other roofing professionals, efforts like this show how industry knowledge can serve communities beyond the jobsite. Every volunteer and participating company played a role in protecting the facilities that help make the camp experience possible.

This day of service represented the roofing industry at its best: Professionals coming together, sharing their talents and making a meaningful difference for children and their families.

Learn more about how the Roofing Alliance and NRCA members support Ronald McDonald House programs through donated roofing materials and labor.

This fully online, self-paced training course gives roofing professionals practical knowledge of sustainability and resiliency across the roofing supply chain.

The Roofing Alliance–Clemson University Professional Training Program has launched its newest course, Roofing Sustainability and Resiliency. This fully online, self-paced training course gives roofing professionals practical knowledge of sustainability and resiliency across the roofing supply chain—and participants can now earn 8 AIA Continuing Education credits.

Topics explored during this new course include:

• Sustainability and resiliency
• Raw material extraction and procurement
• Manufacturing and production process
• Distribution considerations
• Roof construction and installation
• Installation quality assurance and quality control
• Post construction performance and maintenance
• Life cycle assessment
• Innovation in roofing
• Market drivers, trainings and certifications
• Challenges and commitment to sustainability

The new course joins three existing professional training courses:

• Roofing Fundamentals
• Roofing Management
• Roofing Business and Leadership

Take one course or all four. Participants have 60 days to complete each course and, upon successful completion of the coursework and final examination, earn a Certificate of Completion. NRCA members save $100 per course, and Roofing Alliance members save $300 per course. Bulk pricing also is available.

To learn more about roofing sustainability and resiliency, visit here.

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.

This year, Antis Roofing, Shell Roofing, QXO, GAF, Howard and Sons and Gabella lead the charge.

August 18 marks a major roofing event for Southern California Roofing Alliance and Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Mountain Center, California. The event includes five live-action roof installations onsite, while mariachi music and a festive fish taco luncheon by Wahoo’s Fish Tacos take place below.

This is the third big event for the Southern California team since the first took place in 2017. The second one occurred in 2021. This year, Antis Roofing, Shell Roofing, QXO, GAF, Howard and Sons and Gabella lead the charge.

The partnership will continue its service for RMHC roofing as needs arise, adding it to other philanthropic commitments that each partner has in its own community.

Nearly a decade of providing new roofs for one of America’s most beloved charities

The Roofing Alliance was the first collaborative roof donation effort dedicated to a national nonprofit. Antis Roofing and several other Roofing Alliance members stepped up and committed to installing new roofs, or repairing existing roofs, for all 165 Ronald McDonald Houses across the US in 2017. They undertook the first collaborative roof maintenance project for RMHC in 2017, with a particular focus on Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.

“There are partners who give, and then there are partners who continue showing up year after year,” says Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez, chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. “For the third time since 2017, Antis Roofing, Shell Roofing and their material partners are investing in Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times and the families we serve. Their generosity ensures our camp remains a safe, welcoming place where children with cancer and their families can focus on what matters most; creating joyful memories, building resilience and simply being together.”

The roofing events are organized to be as celebratory as they are useful. “Returning to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times for the third time since 2017 is what partnership and purpose look like in action,” says Charles Antis, Founder and Chief People Awakener at Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. “We’re incredibly grateful for our generous industry partners, Shell Roofing, QXO and GAF, whose continued commitment allows us to provide five new roofs so the camp can keep focusing on what matters most - the kids and families it serves!”

Alumni camper Monet will be attending the August 18 event. She started out as a camper and is now on staff as the camp’s social media manager.

Event details

Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Location: Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, 56400 Apple Canyon Rd, Mountain Center, California 92561

Schedule

8:30 am – Welcome (shirts & striped socks distributed to all guests)

9:30 am – Group photos

10:15 am – Interviews with donors, roofers and RMH staff

11:30 am – Lunch, special recognition tributes and remarks

1 pm – Camp tour

2 pm – Event ends

About Antis Roofing & Waterproofing

Founded in 1989, Antis Roofing and Waterproofing is a fully licensed, bonded and insured provider of roofing and waterproofing services for homeowner’s associations and multi-tenant housing communities in Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Utilizing innovative technology, comprehensive photo-documentation systems and the industry’s most experienced technicians, Antis is one of the most trusted names in the roofing industry and a respected leader in community philanthropy. For more information, visit www.antisroofing.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Sherri Miles’ journey to leadership and her new role as the Roofing Alliance’s president. 

Recently, we had Sherri Miles of Miles Roofing on an episode of Roofing Road Trips® to talk about her roofing career. Her journey to becoming a contractor started even before she was born, as she’s a fourth-generation roofer. She recalled, “My company was started in 1910 by my great-grandfather, who was a tinner. We've been here in Chesapeake for 116 years now and still get calls from people who we put their roof on five or six decades ago.”  

Over the course of Sherri’s roofing career, she has not only worked her way up to taking the helm as president of the family business, but also taking the helm of Roofing Alliance, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s charitable arm. As Sherri described it, “The Roofing Alliance is a foundation for the roofing industry as a whole. We're based on four pillars – supporting philanthropy, innovating with sustainability, developing the workforce and revolutionizing roofing technology.” 

Taking on the role of president is a huge undertaking, but one that Sherri is excited for. She shared, “I'm so proud and happy to be president during this really cool time. We’re 30 years young this year and everyone working at the Alliance is excited to build on that legacy.” And that legacy is especially important to Sherri, as she explained, “My dad, Dudley, was a former NRCA president in the early nineties and he was going around with Bill Good and Melvin Krueger to raise funds and to this day he still remains involved with whatever he can do with the Alliance...So taking on this role is really amazing.” 

Want to learn more about Sherri, her journey and her plans as the Roofing Alliance’s newest president? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

The Melvin Kruger Scholarship Program awarded 13 new and renewal scholarships to students for the 2026-27 year. 

The Roofing Alliance, a powerful network of more than 210 forward-thinking industry leaders committed to advancing and shaping the future of the roofing industry, is proud to be supporting the next generation of construction and roofing industry professionals through the 2026-27 Melvin Kruger Scholarship Award!  

This program offers three scholarship opportunities and is open to employees of roofing industry companies, their spouses and dependent children. It is also open to undergraduate-level construction management students and students enrolled in career and technical education programs or schools, regardless of industry affiliation.  

The entire goal of it is to support young people pursuing construction management, architecture, engineering, business and related studies. As Roofing Alliance Executive Director Alison LaValley put it, “Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future of our industry. By supporting students pursuing careers in construction management and related fields, we're not only helping them achieve their educational goals — we're strengthening the workforce and ensuring the roofing industry has the talented leaders it needs for tomorrow.” 

For the 2026-27 program year, the Roofing Alliance awarded a total of $59,000 spread among 13 new Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship recipients! These recipients were Garrett Beckstead (Louisiana State University), Nasheed Benjamin (Tuskegee University), Jaleni Diaz De Leon (Colorado State University), Carter Dominique (Ohio State University), Tanner Gawith (Tuskegee University), Sascha Oliveira (Penn State York), Rylee Raukits (University of Florida), Yahir Reyes-Morga (Forsyth Technical Community College), Alessandro Rignanese (Florida International University), Ashwin Varadhan (Auburn University), Norman Warcholik (Arizona State University), Austin Ziringer (Columbus State Community Colleg) and Kyle Ziringer (Ohio State University). 

An additional $55,000 was awarded to 12 students through renewal scholarships. All of this brings the total number of students and awarded funds in the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship program to 186 students and $1,366,500.