Breaking down stereotypes, building up careers

By Jenny Yu.  

This roofing company hosted a day for youth to learn about the trades! 

On July 10, 2025, Red Dog’s Roofing held their first Community Roofing & Trades Day in Gardner, Massachusetts. The goal of the event: show young people what’s possible and unlock their future.  

“We believe the trades are not just a job, they’re a pathway to pride, purpose and prosperity,” said Matt Landry, reputation manager at Red Dog’s Roofing in a press release. “This event is our way of giving back to the community and showing students that success can come from using your hands and heart.” 

Since 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing has served their community with integrity, premium service and quality craftsmanship. They are dedicated to training and forming up-and-coming professionals, as evident through this educational, community-forward event.  

The Community Roofing & Trades Day included hands-on stations where students could explore various tools of the trades with industry professionals, resume workshopping opportunities and fun prizes and giveaways.  

One key part of the day was the Trades Panel and Q&A session. “This panel was about breaking down stereotypes,” panelist Patrick Cochran, CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing, shared with The Gardner News. “The trades offer freedom — financial freedom, creative freedom and the chance to rise as far as your work ethic will take you.” 

The event drew support from several industry leaders, including National Women in Roofing, SRS Distribution, CertainTeed, Owens Corning and ABC Supply. Together with Red Dog’s Roofing at the helm, these leaders created an experience that showed the diversity of people and opportunities that the trades provide — from shingle installation and siding application to sales, marketing and recruiting.  

“This is how we change the narrative,” Patrick stated. “We need more young people to see the trades as not just an option, but a smart, powerful path forward. Today, I think we planted a lot of seeds.” 

Learn more about Red Dog’s Roofing and their community efforts.

Photo source: Red Dog's Roofing