Inside a Superdome workshop built for roofing growth

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors and manufacturers show how off-season training can sharpen crews for 2026. 

In a business where storms and schedules can change overnight, the “slow season” provides a strategic window to evaluate operations, strengthen skills and position the company for the next wave of demand. A live episode of Roofing Road Trips® from the Caesars Superdome brought together Pelican Roofing owner and CEO Nathan Rath, Baton Rouge sales representative Jason Laneaux and CertainTeed territory manager Wayne McAndrew to explore that mindset during the Contractor’s Edge Business Builders workshop. The discussion treated training as a competitive advantage and highlighted the manufacturer’s investment in contractor education and regional growth. 

 Jason rejected the idea that winter has to mean stagnation. “I keep hearing people in my industry say things like, well, it's the slow season. Yeah, I don't believe in that. I believe that it's only slow if I think it's slow,” he said. 

Nathan expressed the power of regional connection, noting, “What’s really cool about this event? Regionally, you're bringing a lot of roofers together that deal with the same things that we deal with, every day.” Jason agreed and shared the mindset shift he is bringing to his team, saying, “It's all about sharpening up, honing our skills, being motivated, driving forward into the new year.” And Wayne pointed to the depth of manufacturer support behind the scenes, adding, “Events like this, they get to see who's really back there.”  

As contractors look forward to the months ahead, the message from the Superdome workshop was that growth is built in the margins of the calendar, not just in the height of storm season. By investing in training, strengthening regional relationships and leaning into manufacturer support, crews can enter the year more disciplined, more informed and more unified. In a market shaped by shifting demand and rising competition, those who treat the off-season as preparation rather than pause are positioning their businesses and their customers for stronger, steadier performance in the future. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about how off-season training, regional collaboration and manufacturer support can help your roofing business build momentum before the next surge of demand!