Roofing Alliance Student Competition Team from Clemson University Delivers Impressive Performance at the 2026 International Roofing Expo

By Heidi J. Ellsworth 

From competition stage to career path, Clemson students showcase teamwork, innovation and the future of roofing. 

The Roofing Alliance 2026 Student Competition, once again, brought together some of the brightest emerging talents in the construction industry. The team from Clemson University stood out with a strong, collaborative performance that reflected months of dedication and preparation.  

Representing Clemson University were Remi Nguyen (team captain), Drake Hamlin, Ben Reynolds, Grant Thomas and Sean Linnane (team alternate), under the guidance of faculty advisor Dr. Dhaval Gajjar and industry mentor Will Fort of  Aqua Seal Manufacturing & Roofing Inc.  

Clemson University earned an impressive third-place finish in the national competition, following first-place Auburn University and second-place University of Florida. Adding to the team’s success, Remi Nguyen was recognized as the top individual presenter in the competition, highlighting both individual excellence and the strength of Clemson’s program.  

The Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition is one of the industry’s premier workforce development initiatives. Each year, universities are challenged to develop a comprehensive bid proposal for a real-world roofing project tied to the location of the International Roofing Expo. For 2026 the project focused on the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, where teams were required to submit a detailed bid package and present their solutions to a panel of industry judges.  

During an interview with RoofersCoffeeShop at the International Roofing Expo, the Clemson team shared insights into their experience, from months of preparation to presenting on a national stage. 

For the Clemson team, the competition represented the culmination of extensive effort, teamwork and problem-solving. From early planning stages to final presentation, the students worked through the same processes used by professional contractors, including estimating, scheduling, safety planning and project management. 

When the final presentation wrapped, the feeling was both relief and pride. The experience left a lasting impression, not only because of the work involved but also because of the opportunity to collaborate closely and perform on a national stage. 

One of the most impactful aspects of the competition was the opportunity to visit the project site in person. After months of studying plans, touring the roofing location provided a new level of understanding. 

Students noted that being on site added perspective that simply cannot be gained from drawings alone. Details related to layout, access and conditions became clearer, reinforcing how important field experience is in roofing. For one team member with prior roofing experience, the visit confirmed what many contractors already know. Seeing the project firsthand changes how you approach planning and execution. 

“It gives you a whole other aspect of what you’re looking at,” says team member Drake Hamlin. 

Like many student teams, Clemson participants were also struck by the scale and innovation on display at the International Roofing Expo. For students with limited prior exposure to roofing, the breadth of technology and specialization within the industry was eye-opening. From materials and equipment to advanced systems and processes, the expo demonstrated just how dynamic and evolving the roofing sector has become. 

“Walking around and seeing how different people do different things is really interesting,” team member Sean Linnane notes. 

The experience helped broaden the team’s understanding of potential career paths and highlighted the many opportunities available within the roofing industry. As these students prepare to enter the workforce, many are already considering careers in roofing, thanks in part to their experience in the competition. When discussing what matters most in an employer, one theme stood out above all others: company culture. 

Students emphasized the importance of working for organizations where respect, collaboration and teamwork are prioritized at every level. “Having that culture and knowing that you’re part of a team is really something I look for,” team member Ben Reynolds explains.   

This perspective reflects a broader shift among emerging professionals, who value not only career growth but also a positive and inclusive work environment. 

Clemson University’s continued involvement in the Roofing Alliance Student Competition highlights the strength of its program and its commitment to preparing students for industry success. With a top three national placement and recognition for the competition’s best individual presenter, Clemson is helping set the standard for roofing education and leadership development. 

The Roofing Alliance Student Competition remains one of the most powerful ways to connect students with the industry, offering real-world experience, mentorship and exposure to national events like the International Roofing Expo. For the Clemson team, the experience was more than a competition. It was a gateway into an industry filled with innovation, opportunity and long-term career potential. 

To watch the full interview, visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/RV1wsnO5qyk.  To learn more about the Roofing Alliance, the Student Competition and its workforce development initiatives, visit roofingalliance.net.