What The Future Generation of Roofing Professionals Want in a Company

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® interviews the University of Florida students of the Roofing Alliance competition.   

The Roofing Alliance hosted its eighth Construction Management Student Competition at this year’s IRE. RoofersCoffeeShop® was on the beat, interviewing the finalists of the student competition and figuring out what they are looking for in a roofing company as they prepare to enter the industry.  

In this interview, Karen Edwards meets with the University of Florida student team, comprised of Ryan Freeman, John Zielinski, Ansley Spofford (team captain), Avery Tyndall and Robert Duckworth, for insight on the competition and what the future of the roofing industry will look like.  

“We started the process of selecting the team members in September. Then we started working on the proposal, which was 40 pages, including a full estimate site logistics.” says team captain Ansley.  “The presentation today was kind of an overview of what that was. Then that was finished by Christmas break December.” 

Team members reflected on the project presentations that happened the morning of the interview. “A lot of work went into it,” says John. “My favorite part was seeing it all come together at the end and delivering a product that we were all proud in.” 

For the students of the University of Florida , the best part of IRE in general has been “being able to see the trade show, really getting to learn a lot more about working,” says Ansley.  “It's just been a great networking event.” 

As the upcoming generation of roofing professionals, these students have invaluable insight into what the future of roofing will look like, and into what company culture is attractive to new roofers. “For the most part, we are all looking to work for commercial construction, general contractors for the most part,” says Ryan. “I think something to look for is definitely to be valued and see your work as valuable and to be treated in a manner that, what you do means something.” 

John agrees with Ryan’s described workplace, saying he wants to work in a place where his work is appreciated and where he has opportunities to grow and learn. “We can only learn so much in the classroom,” says Ryan. " So we got to learn as much as we can. So basically, I would say the opportunity to learn is what I was looking for.” 

“I want it to be somewhere where I'm not afraid to ask questions and can learn as much as possible,” adds Avery. “Also, I think the culture of the company is very important. You're going to be there all the time and I feel like that's the most important thing.” 

Ansley also agrees with her colleagues, adding that she looks for not only a place where she feels valued and can learn, but also can see her work itself as a valuable project and where she can be an asset to the company. 

Overall, these students are looking to work for companies where they are more than just a number, but a valuable part of a team in a company culture that fosters their growth and development.  

Watch the entire video for more insight from the University of Florida students on what they want out of a roofing employer, details on the competition and more.   

Learn more about the Roofing Alliance in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit www.roofingalliance.net.