Hiring for success

By Dani Sheehan.

Learn how to identify talent, retain employees and build a strong hiring strategy with these expert insights.

In a recent RoofersCoffeeShop® Lunch & Learn, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Lorna Rojas and Gaetano Mastroianni from Tremco Roofing and Weatherproofing Technologies Incorporate (WTI) to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in the roofing industry: attracting and retaining top talent. As a recruiter and regional business manager, Lorna and Gaetano bring a wealth of experience in finding the right people and ensuring they thrive in the company.

While many hiring managers focus on experience and technical ability, Gaetano stresses that cultural fit is just as crucial. “We’re looking for someone that can fit our culture,” he shares about their practices at WTI. “Whenever I bring somebody on, the goal is to obviously make them successful. We want to give them the tools that they need. So, we try and get to know them, what their history is, where they come from, if they have experience, why are they leaving their current company, what may have happened.”

By understanding a candidate’s history, motivations and previous challenges, hiring managers can ensure they’re not just filling a role but fostering long-term success. Gaetano also highlights the importance of setting clear expectations from the start, ensuring new hires fully understand the job and what it entails.

Lorna brings the recruiter’s perspective, emphasizing that while technical skills can often be taught, certain soft skills and attitudes are non-negotiable. “You can train for some skills, but there’s some attitude that you need to see in a candidate before you can actually offer a job,” she offers.

A great roofer not only has physical ability – they must also be a team player, accountable and engaged with the company’s mission. Lorna also points out that a deep understanding of the job description is key to identifying the right candidate. In her experience, sometimes the best way to do this is by spending time on the roof and seeing firsthand what the job demands.

If you’re looking to refine your hiring strategy, Lorna and Gaetano offer these actionable steps:

• Prioritize cultural fit as much as technical ability.
• Ask the right questions during interviews to understand a candidate’s motivations and expectations.
• Identify which skills can be trained and which attitudes are essential from day one.
• Clearly define the job role to both recruiters and candidates.

Read the transcript or Watch the full Lunch & Learn to find more valuable strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in the roofing industry.