The career path younger generations are overlooking

By Dani Sheehan. 

What’s the difference between the earning potential of an electrician compared to a lawyer or doctor? Learn about the untapped potential of roofing and other trades in this latest podcast episode. 

In a recent episode of People Make Roofing, Luke McCormack and Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Kyrah Coker, CFO and president of National Roofing Partners to discuss the challenges facing the industry – most notably, how to attract younger generations to roofing. Kyrah’s passion for the people in this industry was clear as she explained why she believes roofing offers more opportunities than people realize. 

Like many in the industry, Kyrah didn’t seek out roofing – it found her. With prior experience in concrete and paving, roofing seemed like a natural transition. What captivated her though wasn’t the work, but the community. “I met the people and that was what I feel like changed my life forever. And that’s not meant to be cheesy,” Kyrah shared. “I walked around the building, and the people here were so passionate about what they did and so passionate about providing a safe environment for people – keeping people dry but also being there for each other.” 

That love for people, growth and community is something Kyrah believes roofing has to offer the next generation. However, she noted a growing divide between young people who still see college as the only path to success and those who are drawn to entrepreneurship but may not consider roofing as an option. She explained that education can really change the game for the industry, saying, “We have to make sure that we’re a part of some sort of education, like the program the Roofing Alliance is working on with Clemson University to develop and things like that to really move the needle to get people that are looking for a higher level of education into roofing.”  

She also emphasized the varying paths the roofing industry offers, highlighting Luke and Heidi’s roles. She explained, “Being able to show paths, like people like you, Luke and Heidi on that entrepreneurial path, will help people understand that you don’t necessarily have to go work this standard 9 to 5 job to be in roofing. You can start your own business, or you can be a part of something that encourages people not only to have flexible schedules and work environments, but to push change.” 

It’s more than just a job when you get into roofing. For Kyrah, it’s about growth and the potential the industry offers to anyone willing to invest in it. “There’s no difference between your potential of being an electrician or a lawyer or a doctor,” she said. “You can save on tuition, have great earning potential and impact lives in a real way.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to discover why roofing might just be the path young professionals didn’t know they needed.