By Emma Peterson. 

How collaboration, mentorship and shared expertise strengthen individual careers and the industry on a whole.  

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Keely Roberts, Lee Lipniskis and Jewels DeCorsey stopped by to chat with Megan Ellsworth about the Exterior Contractor Alliance (ECA). Lee and Jewels are both newer members of the advisory board, which Keely is the director of! When they’re not working on the board, Lee is the owner of Levello Construction and Jewels is the general manager at All Craft Exteriors.  

The conversation opened with a closer look at what the ECA is and who they serve. Keely shared, “The ECA started as the fifth division of the FEI Group. It was based on a collective dream of bringing the best of the best together to work as a group to solve the world's problems, rather than just as competitors.” 

Today, it's people like Keely, Lee and Jewels that are making that dream a reality. Jewels shared a bit about how she was drawn into the ECA circle, saying, “I came into the roofing industry about four years ago from the concrete industry. And when I got into roofing, I realized it really wasn't about chasing recognition or anything like that. It was about building operational excellence.” From there, she realized the best way to achieve that goal was surrounding herself with experts and peers she could learn from – and she found her way to ECA.  

As for Lee, ECA and their goal of working with professionals from all parts of the industry was a perfect fit. She explained, “I came into the roofing industry from the insurance side like 19 years ago...I always tell people I can speak insurance, speak contractor and speak homeowner. And I joined ECA in 2024 after talking with Keely and hearing about the collaboration they do across fields.”  

Ultimately, ECA is the perfect place for driven professionals who, like Jewels and Lee, want to improve both their own careers and the industry as a whole. As Keely put it, “This group is really about the drive within each of us to want to grow both personally and professionally...We’re really focused on building a place where we can grow and adapt to the changes in our industry together; to be a school of fish swimming together instead of being alone in the ocean.”  

Listen to or Watch the whole podcast with Keely, Jewels and Lee to learn more about ECA. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

The ECA Member Meeting and Cocktail Reception provided an opportunity for ideas to come to life, as members, partners and sponsors connected ahead of a busy week at IRE. 

Members of Exterior Contractor Alliance (ECA) kicked off the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026 at the Stirling Club in Las Vegas for a full day of education, open dialogue and a chance to network. Now in its seventh year as an organization, ECA continues to bring together contractors who come to the table with an eagerness to learn, a willingness to share and a growth mindset.  

Practical, peer-led conversations 

The member meeting featured three panel discussions focused on the real-world challenges contractors are navigating today. Each panel encouraged thoughtful conversation, with active Q&A’s that highlighted the depth of experience in the room. 

The first panel explored purchasing strategies in an ever-changing pricing environment. Panelists discussed how they are managing both price increases and decreases, weighing invoice pricing against incentive-based models and leaning on trusted supplier relationships. Technology was a recurring theme, with contractors sharing how digital tools are helping streamline their administrative processes, improve pricing accuracy and support more efficient sales operations. 

The production-focused panel addressed challenges that happen in the field. Panelists shared insights into what can go wrong on job sites and how teams can navigate those moments effectively. Topics included: 

• Managing bilingual crews 
• Communicating clearly when issues arise  
• Maintaining customer trust when projects don’t go according to plan 

The discussion also touched on the current immigration climate and its impact on labor availability, reinforcing the need for adaptable systems, strong leadership and proactive planning. 

The final session opened the floor to cooperative partners, sparking conversation around the broader forces shaping exterior contracting businesses today. Diversification emerged as a key theme, with members sharing how they are expanding services to reduce risk and better serve changing customer needs. Others discussed implementing new systems and processes, as well as adapting to economic shifts and evolving customer demographics. The peer-to-peer exchange highlighted ECA’s culture of trust, transparency and a shared goal of elevating the industry. 

Honoring leadership and legacy 

During the meeting, Earl Ward, founder of ECA, was presented the ECA Founders Award as he prepares for retirement in April 2026. The recognition honored Earl’s vision, leadership and dedication to building an organization grounded in collaboration and service. As ECA continues to grow nationally – representing more than 150 members, over 500 branch locations and nearly $4 billion in combined top-line revenue – the moment served as a reminder of the foundation on which that growth was built. 

Following the meeting, members and industry partners gathered for a cocktail reception to continue conversations with old friends and start new ones with like-minded industry professionals. From practical insights to meaningful recognition, the ECA Member Meeting and Cocktail reception was an incredible reminder that when contractors collaborate with purpose, the entire industry moves forward together. 

By Jenny Yu.  

At the FEI Group 2025 National Conference, the top contractors in the country made lasting connections to better the future of the industry. 

The FEI Group 2025 National Conference in San Diego was one for the books. Keely Roberts, director of Exterior Contractors Alliance (ECA), part of FEI Group, spoke with Heidi J. Ellsworth in this Roofing Road Trips® episode about the conference’s 25th anniversary.  

“This is truly an ecosystem with suppliers, with our industry partners such as RoofersCoffeeShop,” Keely shared. “We want everyone to walk away energized and full of little nuggets to be able to integrate into your own businesses.” 

One of the main ways attendees gathered those nuggets of knowledge and inspiration was through the many networking opportunities available. As a smaller conference, the FEI National Conference invites contractors from across the industry to rub shoulders with one another, allowing for meaningful relationship building and creative collaboration.  

“In our breakout sessions, we encourage discussion,” Keely stated. “We have member-led panels. We have round-table discussions. It's a lot of free conversation, which is really where we find the most benefit. You're gaining new networks just by sitting next to someone during a meal or a learning academy session.”  

These networks are built from the get-go. On the first evening, FEI hosted a give-back event. “It’s very important to us,” Keely explained. “One of the tenants of FEI group as the parent company is, anytime there are more than 50 of us — meaning staff, supply partners, members — we create an event to give back to the community.” This year, conference attendees packed meals and toiletry bags to support No Child Hungry, an organization that serves children and families in need in the San Diego area. And of course, an element of competition made the event all the more enjoyable. “It becomes a little competitive at the tables, which is always fun,” Keely added.  

The fun continued at a party during the later part of the conference with the theme “rep your state.” Attendees dressed in their hometown best and danced atop the USS Midway, continuing a tradition of going all-out for FEI festive fun amongst peers.  

“That's really what it's all about,” Keely said. “Making connections.” 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about all the FEI Group National Conference had to offer. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Looking for a way to start your new year on the right foot? Consider joining the ECA’s OKC Memorial Race team!  

Back by popular demand, the ECA will be hosting their Belongship Event at the Oklahoma City (OKC) Memorial Marathon on Sunday, April 26, 2026! This marathon honors the victims of the 1995 bombing and community that came together to support one another in the aftermath. As their websites explains, “The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is about more than running  —  it’s about celebrating life... The Run to Remember brings together runners and spectators from around the world to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Each race begins with 168 seconds of silence in honor of those who were killed. Along the course, runners pass by 168 banners, each representing the name of one of the bombing victims.” 

This is the third year that ECA, a division of the larger FEI Group, will be back at the race. It is the perfect setting for their Belongship Event, as it aligns with FEI’s larger belief that “being physically fit supports mental fitness, and that without a community you’re simply a commodity.” 

There are many different ways that you can participate in this community event and whatever your pace or distance, your ECA family will be with you! Check out the overview of the Belongship Event weekend:  

    Arrival: Attendees can arrive on Friday (4/24/26) or Saturday before lunch (4/25/26). There will be packets to pick up, an expo to explore and a pre-race dinner at 6 p.m. 

    Race day: Sunday (4/26/26) is race day! The gun start is at 6:30 a.m. There are multiple options for distances, including full marathon (26.2), half marathon (13.1) and quarter marathon (6.55). For the quarter marathon in particular, you can either run solo or join a four-person team completing a full marathon together. 

    Celebrate: After everyone’s crossed the finish line, there will be a celebratory group brunch. There will also be a closing ECA dinner on the evening of Sunday (4/26/26), so make sure to stick around! If you’re looking to fill time, check out some of Oklahoma City’s monuments like the Memorial, Museum and Survivor Tree. 

Learn more about the race!

By Emma Peterson. 

Highlights from the 2025 FEI Group National Conference. 

We are a supply partner and supporter of the Exterior Contractor Alliance, so when their 2025 FEI Group’s National Conference came around at the end of September, we knew one of our crew members had to be there! That crew member ended up being Alex Tolle, The Coffee Shops’ own marketing manager. To learn more about the networking, collaborating and learning that happened at the conference, we caught up with Alex for a quick chat.  

One of the big things that Alex highlighted was the amazing community that was attending the show. She explained, “I was able to connect with many of the ECA contractors as well as many other FEI Group members throughout the different industries they serve. Some of the most inspiring people I talked with were the ECA Trailblazers. These Trailblazers are the next generation of contractors who are paired with seasoned ECA contractors for mentorship. These contractors include Lee Lipniskis (Levello Construction), Ian Bowers (Frontline Exteriors & Construction) and Amanda Veinott (Maven Roofing & Exteriors).” 

In addition to getting to meet friends new and old in the industry, Alex got the chance to attend a variety of academic sessions. She shared, “I was able to attend a couple of ECA Breakout sessions. I also attended the WebRX session led by the director of FEI Group, Steve Kuhel.”

In this session, Steve shared about how a “website is a living, breathing extension of your brand [that] is one of your most powerful business tools.” Some of Alex’s takeaways from the session included “the importance of backlinks and ways to improve the quality of content on your website and social media.” 

Beyond the education sessions, Alex also got to attend some community-building and networking events. She shared, “We helped pack meals for No Child Hungry. We also got to attend an event called ‘Dinner Party on the USS Midway’ that was a lot of fun!” Overall, she described her experience at the 2025 FEI Group’s National Conference as “jam packed with networking, education, trade show exploration and fun.” 

By Jenny Yu.  

Don’t miss this year's educational sessions and networking opportunities! 

From September 25-27, 2025, FEI Group is hosting its annual National Conference in San Deigo, California. This conference is the premier event that brings industry leaders face-to-face for meaningful interactions and results through keynote speakers, educational sessions and fun networking activities.  

FEI Group supports the largest network of contractors, with operations across more than 200 markets. Members benefit from collective negotiating strength, participation in invitation-only events and exclusive business resources.  

Exterior Contractor Alliance, one of six divisions of FEI Group, is an invitation-only cooperative for high quality, full-service roofing and exterior finish contractors who service the single-family, multi-family, remodel, storm and insurance restoration and commercial market segments.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® is excited to participate in this event. We’re hosting a live soundstage with ECA members at SupplyConnect, the tradeshow-style event with FEI Group’s exclusive roster of supply partners all in one place. Don’t miss our interviews with industry experts, and enjoy mingling, games and prizes at SupplyConnect!  

In addition, FEI Group’s National Conference is a great opportunity to learn how to elevate your business to the next level. Some educational sessions you won’t want to miss include:  

Thursday, September 25, 2025 

• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. - Welcome session with Keynote by Dave Berke 

Friday, September 26, 2025 

• 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. - General session with keynote Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda 
• 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. - Build your competitive advantage with Lynne-Jenson Nelson, founder of Conversion-omics Speakers & Consultants 
• 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. - The burnout breakthrough: Empowering leaders to prevent workplace burnout with Julia Coit and Lindsey Coit of Capital H Consultants 
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - The winning formula: Creating teams that outperform expectations with Josh Sparks, CEO of Infinity Home Services 
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Executing a financial blueprint: Strategies for success with Brian Bank and Logan Marita 

Learn more about FEI Group’s 2025 National Conference and Exterior Contractor Alliance. 

Elevating the standards of exterior contracting with excellence and innovation.

The Coffee Shops, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education in roofing, metal and coatings, are pleased to welcome Exterior Contractor Alliance (ECA) into their community.

ECA is an exclusive, invitation-only cooperative dedicated to uniting high-quality, full-service roofing and exterior finish contractors. Serving the single-family, multi-family, remodeling, storm and insurance restoration and commercial markets, ECA members are forward-thinking entrepreneurs committed to continuous improvement and industry excellence.

What to expect from ECA:

• Benchmarking opportunities: ECA offers the industry's first peer-to-peer financial benchmarking workshop, enabling members to track performance and optimize their businesses.
• National account programs: Through strategic partnerships, ECA collaborates with single-family and multi-family property managers, creating additional business opportunities to its members.
• Storm remediation support: ECA serves as a liaison between Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) and members, helping to streamline direct repair programs.
• Industry advocacy: With a national presence, ECA harnesses collective buying power and influence to benefit members at both the local and national level.
• Networking and collaboration: Members gain access to national, regional and digital networking events focused on discussing industry trends and best practices.
• Exclusive supply programs: ECA ensures that members receive the most competitive supplier relationships, optimizing business operations and procurement strategies.
• Comprehensive training and leadership development: Through interactive workshops and leadership development programs, ECA helps members refine their skills and grow their businesses.

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Exterior Contractor Alliance!

About Exterior Contractor Alliance

ECA members are industry leaders who strive to elevate business standards through collaboration, innovation and ethical practices. Membership is extended only to the most reputable exterior contractors who align with ECA’s shared mission and values. To qualify, businesses must meet rigorous industry standards, demonstrating a strong financial history, compliance with licensing requirements and commitment to ethical business practices.

As part of FEI Group, the nation’s leading network of interior and exterior finish contractors, ECA offers unparalleled resources, from operational support to industry-leading training. FEI Group’s collaborative ecosystem provides its members with access to national business programs, benchmarking tools, best practices and brand marketing support.

By fostering meaningful industry relationships and advocating for business excellence, ECA ensures that its members have the resources and support they need to succeed.