S2E10: Coffee Conversations - Generation Z Takeover!

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Learn what some of the brightest young minds in roofing have to say about the industry and what companies can do to attract the future generation of workers.  

In this exciting Coffee Conversations RoofersCoffeeShop® multi-media manager and podcast producer, Megan Ellsworth takes over for Heidi J. Ellsworth to interview guests Lexie Sutton, Xavier Carmona and Katya Khalimon. The four discuss topics such as recruitment, technology, company culture and more. This episode is a must-listen for any contractor interested in hearing perspectives from the most technologically advanced and diversified generation in history.  

The four kicked off the conversation by diving into the qualities they look for in an employer. Many members of Generation Z are either in college or just entering their careers. With the Coronavirus complicating this generation’s entrance into the workforce, it was no surprise that job security and a business that can function fully online are two enticing qualities this generation will be looking for in a company. 

“I was looking for a job in the middle of a pandemic,” said Lexie, a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee who now works for Cotney Consulting Group in sales operations. “So, the most important thing for me was job security and that a company can run even if it was all from home...and that's going to be something that I look for from this point forward.” 

They also mentioned a company that offers more than just a job, but a place where they can grow as an individual and that offers a career path. When Katya was looking for a job over a year and a half ago, she was drawn to LTD Exteriors because of their openness to train and encouraging company culture, whichhas helped her develop her career. She recently took over more office work within the company and is learning the position of project coordinator. 

“My top thing to look for in an employer is that they’re also interested in me and what I bring to a company,” said Katya. “I want to know that they will invest their time into me, teach me and help me with my life progression.”  

Xavier was an athlete at Assumption College in Worcester and graduated in 2019. He brought up an inclination towards an engaging position. Similarly to Katya, he was interested in finding a position that would both challenge and encourage him to grow as an employee and person. He now works in sales for Golden Group Roofing. 

“When I was looking for employment, I was looking for something a little out of the ordinary,” said Xavier. “I had done sales before when I was in high school, and was looking for something in the same realm and roofing came up. When they started talking to me about the sales and marketing side and going out, bidding on jobs, meeting people, I liked that.” 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire Coffee Conversations to learn more about how to recruit, retain and capture the interest of this exciting generation that represents the future workforce.