Roofing Technology Think Tank opens nominations for 2026 Innovator of the Year Award

The award recognizes a roofing contractor who has demonstrated a commitment to technology and the advancement of the roofing industry.

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a 501c6 association focused on technology education and the advancement of technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced that it has opened the nomination period for the 2026 Innovator of the Year Award.

This award was created to nationally recognize a roofing contractor that has contributed to the advancement of the roofing industry through technical innovation and/or product development in one of the following areas:

• Production/Technology Efficiency
• Safety Innovation
• Client Service/Quality of Delivery 
• Employee Recruitment/Training/Retention
• Environmental Impact

Award judging criteria will be based on innovation, results, design and strategy. Nominations are reviewed blindly by a team of RT3 members and past award recipients who select the winner. The 2026 recipient will be announced at the Best of Success conference, December 7-9, 2026, at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, Florida.

To be eligible, a roofing contractor must be licensed and bonded for a minimum of five years and have a minimum of $2 million in annual revenue. They also must be a member of a professional industry association and be able to cite community enrichment ties through support of non-profits or company culture programs.

Previous winners include:

• Nick Zavala of Fulton, Maryland-based American Home Contractors (2025)
• Paul Spies of Corvallis, Oregon-based Iron Head Roofing (2024)
• John Kiesel of Galena, Ohio-based Division 7 Roofing (2023)
• Joe Hoffman of Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Hoffman Weber Construction (2022)
• Ken Kelly of Naples, Florida-based Kelly Roofing (2021)
• Scott Riopelle of Denver, Colorado-based Interstate Roofing (2020)
• Curtis Sutton of Carthage, Tennessee-based Rackley Roofing (2019) 

For more information and to submit an award application visit https://rt3thinktank.com/innovator-award/. The nomination period closes September 30, 2026.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3):

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry.  RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses.  With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. www.rt3thinktank.com.