How inclusivity is reshaping roofing recruitment

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders say expanding access to talent is becoming essential to meet workforce demands and sustain long-term growth. 

The roofing industry is undergoing a meaningful shift as contractors and service providers reevaluate how they attract, hire and retain talent. What was once a narrow recruiting pipeline is expanding, driven by labor shortages, generational turnover and the increasing complexity of modern roofing operations. At the center of that evolution is a growing emphasis on inclusivity, not as a symbolic initiative, but as a necessary strategy for building a sustainable workforce. That shift was discussed in this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, where Rae July-Fistonich from Chinook Building Envelope Services and Kristin Case from Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions explored how broadening recruitment efforts is helping companies strengthen performance across multiple areas of the business. 

Rae, director of business development at Chinook, said outdated perceptions continue to limit how people view roofing careers. Contrary to the common assumption, the industry spans far beyond just installation work. “Our industry is multifaceted,” Rae said. “You have the manufacturing side, you have the distribution side, you have accountants, you have controllers… you’ve got scientists that work in the roofing industry.” That scope, she explained, requires a diverse workforce capable of supporting everything from technical innovation to financial management. 

As a result, hiring strategies are becoming more intentional. Kristin, co-owner of Hi-Peak Staffing, said companies are seeing stronger engagement when they present opportunities in a way that reflects inclusivity and growth. “We really have to be inclusive and bringing women in and allowing them to thrive,” Kristin said. “When they read that, they’ll say, ‘Oh, that’s me. I can do that.’” 

Those efforts are producing measurable results. Employers are placing greater value on communication, adaptability and attention to detail, while also considering candidates from outside the roofing industry who bring transferable skills. That broader approach is helping companies expand their talent pool without sacrificing quality. 

At the same time, internal culture is becoming a decisive factor in recruitment success. Rae noted that companies must ensure their messaging aligns with their actual workplace environment. “If you want to recruit talent and be inclusive, the content you’re putting out there has to be reflective of that diversity.” 

Overall, these changes signal a broader transformation. As companies continue to remove barriers and widen access, inclusivity is no longer a secondary consideration. It is becoming a defining element of how the roofing industry grows, competes and sustains itself moving forward. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about how inclusivity is expanding the industry’s talent pipeline, reshaping hiring strategies and strengthening long-term industry growth!