How supporting women strengthens the roofing industry

By Jesse Sanchez. 

What TAMKO’s long-standing commitment to National Women in Roofing reveals about workforce growth and leadership. 

Building a strong workforce depends on more than just quality products and processes. It requires intentional investment in people, leadership development and inclusive pathways that expand to all segments of the industry. For many contractors, those priorities intersect with the mission of National Women in Roofing (NWIR), an organization focused on education, mentorship and career advancement for women across the roofing supply chain. TAMKO Building Products has remained a founding and Diamond Sponsor of NWIR, a role the company describes as being aligned with its long-term view of industry growth. Rather than tying that support to a single event or season, TAMKO ensures its involvement is as an ongoing commitment to strengthening the workforce contractors rely on every day. 

“Supporting organizations like NWIR is a key focus for our team here at TAMKO. It’s very important to who we are as a company to commit to the growth of our industry — and that includes supporting organizations like NWIR,” said Konner McIntire, TAMKO’s Director of Communications & Community Relations. 

For contractors, the value of that support shows up in practical ways. NWIR connects women to training, certifications and leadership development that can strengthen operations from inside the company. Mentorship and peer learning help employees build confidence and clarity around career paths, which in turn supports retention and collaboration on jobsites and in offices. 

TAMKO team members who participate in NWIR events often point to the impact of community. “Being part of NWIR is a reminder of how powerful it is when women support each other,” said Julie Weissenberger, TAMKO Tuscaloosa General Manager. “Every time we connect through mentorship or collaboration, we’re building confidence and expanding what’s possible in this industry. I’m proud to be part of a company that values those connections and invests in the next generation of women leaders.” 

That emphasis on people extends across roles.  “Working in TAMKO’s R&D has brought a continuous stream of challenges and learning opportunities, which I’ve truly enjoyed,” said Gizem Reese, Material Science Engineer. “The variety of projects and collaboration across teams have allowed me to connect people and ideas, build relationships, and help bring forward knowledge that strengthens both innovation and growth within the company.” 

For contractors navigating labor shortages and succession planning, those experiences matter. Exposure to broader networks and shared learning can translate into stronger communication, more engaged teams and leadership capacity that benefits the entire organization. 

Crystal Stone, TAMKO’s Sales Southwest Regional Manager, pointed to the role educational gatherings play in building that momentum. She shared, “I love attending educational and inspirational events with like-minded professionals. It’s an opportunity to grow awareness, build connections and strengthen the presence of women in the roofing industry.” 

As NWIR continues its work through local councils and national initiatives, TAMKO’s involvement represents a broader industry message. Investing in mentorship, education and inclusion is not separate from business performance. It is a foundation for it. 

At its core, support for organizations like NWIR reflects a belief that when people are empowered, the industry moves forward together. For contractors, that translates into access to a more prepared, motivated and resilient workforce — one built through shared commitment rather than short-term attention. 

Learn more about how supporting women strengthens the roofing industry and how long-term investment in education, mentorship and leadership development can help contractors build stronger, more resilient teams!