How Associations Create Community and Lifelong Friendships

By Adam Cabrera. 

Roofing associations not only offer business connections but also avenues for personal growth and a sense of belonging. 

In a recent Roofing Road Trips, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Wayne Sorensen, owner of Top Line Roofing, who talked about the significance of association membership and involvement. Wayne, a veteran with over 30 years of roofing experience, shared the secrets of his success. 

Originally from San Diego, Wayne started as an accountant before a friend's offer changed the direction of his career. Now, thanks in part to networking and community support, he is a business owner specializing in both residential and commercial roofing. 

Association membership played a vital role in Wayne's growth. His active involvement with the San Diego Roofing Contractor Association and the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration, key factors to his business's success. 

Wayne passionately explained, "It was a great association to mingle with people. That gave me the perspective that in reality, the contractors that want to get involved with associations like that are usually the better contractors." He highlighted that associations allow contractors to go beyond just gaining benefits for themselves, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. 

"You get benefit but also you need to reach out and give back to the community and that's important, the most important to the board," Wayne said. 

Sharing common goals, values and a desire to advance the industry, these connections are more than just business associations. Wayne's story illustrates how engaging with like-minded professionals can lead to personal growth and a sense of belonging. From fostering camaraderie to offering valuable resources and training, association membership is a gateway to a thriving career in the roofing industry.  

The cost of membership, as Wayne says, is "minuscule compared to the benefits you receive." 

Listen to the full Roofing Road Trips episode or read the transcript to learn more about the WSRCA and how they help roofers connect.