Colorado’s NWiR Look Toward the Future and Female Leadership

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

NWiR Northern Colorado and Denver Council hosted a nationwide member meeting addressing proactive planning and celebrating women in the industry. 

In June 22, the National Women in Roofing Northern Colorado and Denver council held a meeting with over 35 attendees in state and many out-of-state attendees attending virtually. The meeting featured a panel conversation with representatives from each sector of the roofing industry. Jennifer Ford-Smith of Johns Manville, Anna Poe of Gulf Eagle Supply and Suzie Boyd of Academy Roofing Inc. All represented manufacturing, distribution and contracting perspectives for the “Managing the Unexpected & Proactive Planning to Finish 2021 Strong” panel.  

Cotney Consulting Group’s Lee Lipniskis, moderated the conversation, covering the state of the industry today and how, as an industry, we can prepare for the upcoming months. NWiR reports that the top three takeaways from the conversation were: 

• Communication is key. 

• We must remain a community and work together even if it means reaching out to a competitor.  

• Thinking outside the box for non-traditional solutions, like offering a temporary roof to a client when material is delayed. 

Numerous other solutions were proposed, and many hard questions answered with honest answers.   

In addition to a powerhouse panel, the NWiR member spotlight was on Beacon Building Products Female Roofing Professional of the Year Nominee Stephanie Pouse of Brahma Roofing and Construction. Stephanie lit up the room with her enthusiastic energy. Stephanie spoke on how she got into roofing by going with her father to his construction sites for “take your daughter to work day.” She also shared her experience being a nominee for Female Professional of the Year Award.  

NWiR in Northern Colorado and Denver says they are so excited to have her as part of the Colorado council. 

The Female Professional of the Year Award sheds light on women in the industry who have faced adversity and persevered to go the extra mile for customers, co-workers and their communities, celebrating how women in the industry strengthen and inspire others. 

Colorado Roofing Association President Suzie Boyd said in the July newsletter, “It gives me great hope for our roofing industry to see all of these bright ladies adding so much to what we all do each day. I am so proud of all the inroads we’ve made in roofing and I know we’ll see more progress in the years ahead. The road hasn’t always been easy, but the ladies have just kept showing up!” 

As a fellow Coloradoan, I am proud to see so many amazing women in my hometown market and the ripples of impact they have on the roofing industry. 

Learn more about NWiR in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nationalwomeninroofing.org.