Why Roofing Contractors Should Get Involved With Their State Associations

By Cayden Wemple. 

Joining an association helps you avoid being “on the outside always looking in” on the industry. 

In the latest episode of Roofing Road Trips, Heidi J. Ellsworth met with Justin Shirley, CEO and president of Achten’s Quality Roofing and president of the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW). Heidi sat down with Justin to discuss the upcoming RCAW tradeshow as well as the importance of roofing contractors joining their state associations.  

Being on the outside and looking in is no way to build up your reputation in any industry. Joining your local roofing association allows you to get involved in the roofing community and provides great networking opportunities. It also is a great way to gain intel on the latest news and innovations in the industry. Justin recalls his time before joining RCAW as “hindering.” He told Heidi, “Walking into a supplier or being in a group of roofing contractors, I always felt like an outsider. I didn't know what was going on. When a new shingle came out, I was probably the last one to know because it finally rolled in through the doors of whatever supplier I was buying from.” 

Justin also told Heidi that joining an association like RCAW “strengthens the industry.” Whenever he told people what he did for a living people would say, “Oh, I feel sorry for you,” and he’d reply, "No, you don't understand. Roofing has fed my family, has made me the individual that I am, has made me the professional that I am, has bolstered my life. I would never turn around. I don't have any regrets."  

Having a community of people who are just as passionate about the industry as you are truly enlivens it. Whenever he talks to contractors who are not involved in an association, he shares with them that all the answers are in the association and encourages them to “definitely come to a trade show.” 

Learn more about Roofing Contractors Association of Washington in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.rcaw.com. 

Listen to the podcast for more information on the exceptional education and networking offered at the RCAW tradeshow. 

About Cayden  

Cayden is a reporter for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When he isn’t writing about roofs, he’s usually playing guitar or writing songs for his musical endeavors.