Rising voices: Relationships, innovation and career growth

By Dani Sheehan. 

Join the next generation of roofing leaders at WRE 2025’s Young Professionals’ Annual Discussion. 

The roofing industry has no shortage of experienced voices, but what about the next generation stepping in to take the lead? At this year’s Western Roofing Expo (WRE) 2025, one session is putting young leaders front and center: “Rise to the Top: Unlock Your Career Potential in the Roofing Industry” Young Roofing Professionals’ Annual Discussion on Tuesday, September 30, from 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Designed specifically for the next generation of roofers, this interactive discussion gives attendees the chance to share ideas, ask questions and build lasting relationships with peers from across the country. 

Creating space for young leaders 

For Mindy Dahlquist, business development manager at TRA Snow and Sun and WSRCA associate advisory council member, the roundtable is about more than networking. It’s about giving young professionals the space to ask questions and be heard. “The hope of this roundtable event is to draw new faces and determine who is serious in the industry and have some of those conversations that maybe they don’t have the ability to have with their coworkers,” she said. “It’s something that we’re wanting to continue to grow and build into a supportive part of the industry.” 

That support, she added, makes the event valuable for professionals at every stage. “The most interesting thing is the people who are coming into these groups, maybe they’ve been in the industry for five days or maybe for five years. It’s open to all levels, so being able to touch each level with this conversation is kind of special.” 

Conversations that matter 

The 2025 discussion will tackle some of the biggest challenges facing roofing today, including artificial intelligence, career growth, networking and the labor shortage. For James Wolfgram, sales representative at Duro-Last® and member of WSRCA’s advisory council, the real value is in hearing how different people are approaching those issues. 

“Our goal is to inject thought-provoking ideas into a roundtable-style discussion,” James explained. “Individuals from all over the country – whether you’re the person on the roof, the salesperson, the business owner, the supplier, the distributor – get to share ideas, our hardships and our success stories, and just open that relationship network that we so heavily rely on in this industry,” he continued. 

Both Mindy and James are especially interested in seeing how peers are using AI in practical ways, from streamlining building code information to improving business efficiency or expanding marketing efforts. For attendees, those conversations could provide real strategies to take home and apply. 

Building a career through relationships 

If there’s one theme both Mindy and James return to, it’s relationships. In their own careers, the connections they’ve built through the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) and WRE have opened doors and built foundations for long-term success. 

“Successful people in the roofing industry are always learning. They have this want for more knowledge,” James shared. “This discussion allows individuals like me a chance to deepen their knowledge base and network with individuals and share experiences that will help advance their careers.” 

Mindy agreed: “Walking into these sessions is a great opportunity, not just for what you’re going to learn and take away from it, but the networking alone. I’ve learned so much just from the people I’ve met through this association.”  

Don’t miss the conversation 

Add the Young Professionals Roundtable to your WRE 2025 schedule now and interact with the next generation of roofing leaders. This event offers a chance to listen, learn and join the conversation about where the industry is heading next. 

Register for the Western Roofing Expo 2025!