RoofersCoffeeShop

Building connections, one invitation at a time

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:00:00 PDT

By Christine Mockenhaupt, National Women in Roofing.

Help empower women by introducing them to the National Women in Roofing community.

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) was started to be a place for women in the industry to learn, grow and take up space together. And to keep growing this space, we need to build each other up – something that begins with simply inviting new people into the fold.

One of the things I’ve learned, both in my own journey and in watching so many women within NWIR, is that most people don’t hesitate because they lack ability. They hesitate because they’re unsure they’re needed. How many times have you said, “I didn’t think I was ready,” “I didn’t know anyone thought of me” or “I wasn’t sure I had anything to offer.”

But readiness rarely comes first. More often, confidence grows after someone reaches out and says, “We’d love to have you involved.”

That moment matters because being asked tells someone that they were noticed. It signals trust. It communicates value. Sometimes, it becomes the turning point in someone’s willingness to step forward. As we continue leaning into Connection with Purpose, I want us to think intentionally about the role of invitation within National Women in Roofing. You can't always assume people are aware of the opportunities that we have to offer.

If you’ve been involved for a while, consider this:

Who have you noticed showing up consistently?
Who brings thoughtful ideas but hasn’t yet stepped into a role?
Who might just need a nudge to believe they belong here?

Connection with purpose isn’t passive. It requires action by all of us and sometimes that action is simply extending an invitation. You don’t have to wait for a formal opening or the perfect moment. A phone call. A message. A conversation at a meeting. These are often the beginning of something meaningful.

And if you’re on the receiving end of that invitation this year, I encourage you to pause before saying no. Growth rarely feels comfortable at first, but it is almost always worth it and it's why I'm here today, because someone asked me.

If you’re willing, take one step this month:

Invite someone.

And once you do, message me. Tell me who you invited or how you stepped into something new. Or if you know of someone that would be a great fit, but don't know exactly what to ask them, let's figure that out together! Each month, I’ll be asking you to reach out and share one small action you’ve taken toward connection. Not for tracking, but for encouragement and to keep our conversations going. I would love to celebrate those moments with you and help keep us accountable in simple, meaningful ways.

Let’s keep building connections, one invitation at a time.

Los 5 artículos que marcaron junio en el sector del roofing

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 03:00:00 PDT

Por Alberto Torres.

Desde estrategias de negocio hasta innovación, estos fueron los favoritos de nuestros lectores.

Cada mes en RoofersCoffeeShop®en español compartimos los artículos más leídos. Junio no fue la excepción con este artículo, “Un socio, tres pilares para el éxito,” donde APOC compartió los tres pilares que ellos ofrecen a contratistas para hacer crecer sus conocimientos y negocios. Estos programas educativos como: Contractor Pro Program, Los Programas de Garantia y Certified Applicator Program son herramientas que han ayudado a contratistas a elevar sus negocios.

Otro tema que destacó durante junio fue Marketing. En un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, Jason Jimenez de Gasper Roofing compartió sobre la importancia de entender el marketing como una herramienta clave para tener un negocio competitivo. En este episodio que fue grabado en el Business Building Workshop (BBW) de CertainTeed, Jason explico la importancia de seguir aprendiendo sobre marketing y crecimiento empresarial. Este contenido llamo la atención por ofrecer información relevante para profesionales que buscan mantenerse actualizados en una industria que continúa evolucionando.

La capacitación también siguió ocupando un espacio importante entre nuestros artículos, Luis Ramos de MuleHide nos recordó en un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, como la importancia de seguir aprendiendo y aprovechar los recursos de fabricantes como MuleHide ponen al alcance de los contratistas para fortalecer sus negocios. Junio también nos dejó espacio para conocer historias y tendencias de las líneas de colores de shingles que TAMKO ofrece, ya que esa innovación sigue vigente y está evolucionando día con día.

Por último, Monica Vornbrock de The GLO Group y Lorna Rojas de Tremco, miembros de National Women in Roofing (NWIR), hablaron sobre lo que vivieron en Roofing Day en Whashington, D.C. recordando a los profesionales la importancia que tiene el hacer que se escuche su voz. Esta participación fortalece a toda la industria y ayuda a impulsar decisiones que benefician a contratistas, fabricantes y trabajadores.

Agradecemos a todos nuestros lectores por seguir haciendo de RoofersCoffeeShop® En Espanol un espacio para aprender, compartir y mantenerse informados. Si aun no has leído alguno de estos artículos, te invitamos a descubrir porque fueron los favoritos del mes de junio.

5. Roofing Day se trata de representar a la comunidad y a la industria

4. Innovación inspirada en la naturaleza: Una apuesta audaz en la estética del roofing

3. El verdadero valor de un representante del fabricante

2. Marketing y aprendizaje

1. Un socio, tres pilares para el éxito

NRCA encourages roofing professionals to complete latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:00:00 PDT

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the second quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps give an indication of the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the first quarter of 2026, 70% of responses came from roofing contractors and 30% came from roof consultants.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at https://bit.ly/RoofingSurvey.

Survey responses may be submitted through July 20.

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

That’s a wrap on National Roofing Week 2026

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

By Emma Peterson.

We had a great time sharing stories and photos over social media with our roofing community!

National Roofing Week is an annual event hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that aims to raise awareness of the roofing professionals who keep our communities safe and secure. The event also acts as a way to build community with other professionals, both near you and across the country.

Participation in National Roofing Week is primarily conducted online by posting photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. And NRCA has created themes for each day of National Roofing Week to guide posts.

Sunday – Kickoff

The week kicked off with posts about the importance of roofers. NRCA started everything with a post sharing the schedule for the week and some highlights from last year’s National Roofing Week! Here at The Coffee Shops™ we joined in the fun on all our social media pages, making sure to thank the coating installers, roofing professionals and contractors who make our community amazing.

Monday – Signature projects

For the Monday theme, NRCA invited National Roofing Week participants to share photos showcasing their company’s signature residential and commercial projects. There were too many amazing projects posted to put them all here, but some that stood out to us came from QXO, Sika and Eagle Roofing Products!

QXO’s post was a carousel of some of their customers projects, including one from Toitures Scott, one from Nedlaw Group and one from RUHS in California. Likewise, Eagle Roofing Products’ post showcased signature projects featuring their concrete roof tiles from across the country.

As for Sika, they took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on their 2025 Sika Project of the Year award winners, which includes stunning projects like the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project in Los Angeles, California and the South Station Tower project in Boston.

Tuesday – Charitable projects

The next day of National Roofing Week was all about giving back, and the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council stole the show with a free roof!

The replacement went to a community member in need, which is an incredible reminder of the power our industry has to do good.

They put it best in their post:

Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas, and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring. For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service.

Projects like this showcase the heart of our industry. The relationships we build, the willingness to lend a hand, and the collective impact we can make when we work together are some of the best parts of being in roofing.

NWIR extended huge thanks to industry partners, like Malarkey Roofing Products, ABC Supply, SRS Building Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing and Raindrop Roofing NW, for making this incredible charitable project possible.

Wednesday – Employee appreciation

The midpoint of the week was all about the people who get things done – the employees that keep our industry moving. For this theme, the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag was flooded with pictures and appreciations for hardworking workers around the country.

Drexel Metals posted some behind-the-scenes of their team hard at work, captioning it, “To everyone who continues to show up ready to learn, teach and push the industry forward: thank you. Your commitment is what drives stronger partnerships, better projects and continued progress year after year.”

IKO Industries and CertainTeed also posted, shouting out the ROOFPROS who get the job done every day and recognizing the “craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of the teams who help bring CertainTeed products and solutions to life” respectively.

Thursday – Training and learning

For Thursday, NRCA chose training as the theme, inviting contractors and companies to share the ways they keep learning and growing on the job. For this theme, GAF joined the party, sharing an incredible milestone from their GAF Roofing Academy – since 2020, the tuition-free program has helped more than 3,000 individuals find employment in the roofing industry!

And this is just one of the many stories added to the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag! The Durable Restoration Company posted about the hard work their craftspeople put into their apprenticeship program and QXO shared how they connect their team with everything from stand downs to plant tours.

Friday – Celebration

And you can’t have National Roofing Week without taking the time to celebrate the amazing industry we are all a part of! For this theme, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) took their followers on a trip down memory lane, sharing the “conferences, tournaments, regional events and industry gatherings where Texas roofing professionals connect, learn and celebrate together.”

Drexel Metals also posted, sharing a common sentiment of thanks related to the power of the industry, “From the shop floor to the jobsite, your dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration are truly what make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be part of an industry built on innovation, resilience and strong partnerships.”

Saturday – Wrap up

Overall, this year’s National Roofing Week was a resounding success. From everyone that posted to event sponsors like International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance and SOPREMA, it was all made possible thanks to the incredible roofing community.

The Coffee Shops crew already can’t wait for next year’s roofing week! As Atlas Roofing put eloquently in their final #NationalRoofingWeek2026 post, “This week gave us the opportunity to celebrate the people, organizations and partnerships that make the roofing industry such a rewarding one to be part of. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation and success.”

Lo mejor de FRSA 2026

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 03:00:00 PDT

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Jessica Bravo.

Un vistazo a las conexiones, conversaciones y el sentido de comunidad que se vivieron en FRSA 2026.

A principios de junio, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) celebró su esperada Convención y Expo. Considerado el evento regional de roofing más grande de Estados Unidos, reunió a cientos de expositores y miles de asistentes en el Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center de Kissimmee, Florida, para tres días de educación, networking y diversión.

El evento comenzó con una Recepción de Bienvenida patrocinada por nuestros amigos de Adams and Reese, que incluyó comida y barra libre. Fue una excelente manera de marcar el inicio de la convención y prepararse para los días de actividad que estaban por venir. ¡Y vaya que fueron días ocupados!

Hubo innumerables sesiones educativas y oportunidades de aprendizaje, entre las que destacaron la sesión Table Talks de National Women in Roofing (NWIR) y el Almuerzo de Negocios de FRSA. Además, los asistentes pudieron disfrutar de eventos como el Beer Bust, patrocinado por Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply y GAF, así como de la tradicional Foundation Auction. Por supuesto, también estuvo presente la amplia área de exhibición comercial, donde empresas líderes como GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries y Progressive Metals, mostraron sus productos y servicios para que los asistentes los exploraran entre sesiones y actividades.

The Coffee Shops™ también estuvo presente con varios miembros del equipo operando un escenario de entrevistas (patrocinado por TAMKO) ubicado en el lobby de la expo. Una de ellas fue Jessica Bravo, coordinadora de nuestro programa En Español quien compartió un poco sobre su experiencia:

FRSA es una de mis ferias comerciales favoritas del año. Como se lleva a cabo durante el verano, tiene un ambiente muy familiar y siempre es agradable ver a tantas familias asistir juntas. Este año tuve la oportunidad de ayudar a operar el escenario de entrevistas. Sentada detrás del equipo, con audífonos conectados a los micrófonos, pude escuchar conversaciones y entrevistas realmente interesantes durante todo el evento.

Nuestra presidenta, Heidi J. Ellsworth, también compartió algunos de los momentos más destacados de la semana, "El escenario patrocinado por TAMKO sirvió como punto de encuentro para las conversaciones de la industria durante todo el evento, albergando más de 30 entrevistas con contratistas, fabricantes, distribuidores, líderes de asociaciones y profesionales del roofing de toda Norteamérica. Además, realizamos dos ediciones completas de Coffee Conversations, donde paneles de expertos analizaron tendencias, desafíos y oportunidades clave que actualmente impactan a la industria del roofing."

Si deseas ver algunas de esas conversaciones, están disponibles bajo demanda en el canal de YouTube de RoofersCoffeeShop®.

FRSA 2026 highlights

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 PDT

By Emma Peterson.

A look at the connections, conversations and community at FRSA 2026.

At the beginning of June, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) held their much-anticipated Convention and Expo. The biggest regional roofing show in the United States, the event saw hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida for three days of education, networking and fun!

The show kicked off with a Welcome Reception sponsored by our friends at Adams and Reese and featuring food along with an open bar. It was a great way to set the tone for the show and get ready for the business of the next few days. And the next few days were busy!

There were countless education sessions and opportunities to attend, with highlights including the National Women in Roofing (NWIR)’s Table Talks session and the FRSA Business Luncheon, along with plenty of events to keep you busy, like the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF and the annual Foundation Auction. Not to mention the extensive trade show floor, featuring leading companies like GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries and Progressive Metals, that was waiting for attendees to explore between events and sessions.

The Coffee Shops™ was in attendance with several crew members running a soundstage (sponsored by TAMKO) in the expo lobby. One such crew member, Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, shared a bit about the experience:

FRSA is one of my favorite trade shows of the year. Since it takes place during the summer, it has a great family friendly atmosphere and it's always nice to see so many families attending together... This year, I had the opportunity to help run the soundstage. Sitting behind the equipment with headphones connected to the microphones, I was able to listen in on some truly great conversations and interviews throughout the event.

Our president, Heidi J. Ellsworth, shared some highlights from the week, saying, “The TAMKO-sponsored sound stage served as a hub for industry conversations throughout the event, hosting more than 30 interviews with contractors, manufacturers, distributors, association leaders and roofing professionals from across North America. In addition, two full-length Coffee Conversations brought together expert panels to discuss key trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the roofing industry today.”

If you want to check out some of those conversations, they are available on demand via the RoofersCoffeeShop® YouTube channel!

Helene Hardy Pierce honored for leadership and lasting impact on the roofing industry

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:00 PDT

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Helene's career is defined by leadership and service.

Helene Hardy Pierce has long been a respected voice, dedicated volunteer and champion for excellence in the roofing and building enclosure industries. I am honored to also call her a longtime friend. When I heard that ASTM International had presented her with the Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award, I was thrilled. The recognition honors both her professional achievements and her enduring contributions to the industry. She has given so much back, and even more, she has empowered women like me to do more in this industry.

For those who have worked alongside Helene, the award comes as no surprise. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing technical knowledge while strengthening the industry through collaboration and service. As a longtime member of IIBEC since 1993, she has played an active role in shaping conversations that influence roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure performance.

Helene’s leadership has extended across numerous organizations and initiatives. She has been deeply involved with ASTM’s roofing and waterproofing committee, where her efforts have contributed to the development of standards that guide best practices across the industry. Her influence is also felt through her work with IIBEC, where she is recognized as a fellow and has served as a member of the Interface Editorial Board.

Beyond her technical expertise, Helene has always been committed to sharing knowledge. Through her authored articles, mentorship and volunteer roles, she has helped elevate the next generation of professionals. Her service on the IIBEC Industry Liaison Committee and the RCI-IIBEC Foundation Board of Directors demonstrates a career rooted not just in personal success, but also in building opportunities and resources for others across the roofing and building enclosure community. She was also at the forefront of National Women in Roofing, working with the early founders to help women find their voice in the industry.

Her contributions have been recognized before. In 2019, she received the NRCA J.A. Piper Award, the roofing industry’s most prestigious honor, recognizing professionals who have devoted constant, outstanding service to NRCA and the roofing industry. She was also the first woman to earn the honor, further underscoring the significance of her leadership and service. In 2022, she received IIBEC’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, adding to the depth of recognition and respect she has earned from her peers. But recognition has never been the goal. For Helene, the work has always been about strengthening the industry and improving the way professionals collaborate, design and build.

The Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award carries particular significance, celebrating individuals who not only excel in their fields but also pave the way for others. Helene embodies that mission. Her career reflects how leadership, when grounded in service and expertise, can create a lasting impact well beyond individual projects or organizations.

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we celebrate Helene’s achievements and the example she sets for all of us. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the top, but about lifting others along the way and shaping the future of the industry for generations to come. Thank you, Helene, for everything you have done for the industry and for helping women thrive.

ECA women’s retreat brings female leaders together for a transformational experience in Folly Beach

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:00:00 PDT

Throughout the retreat, attendees built lasting relationships, shared experiences and leaned into conversations that extended beyond business, creating a foundation of trust and support.

The Exterior Contractor Alliance (ECA) women’s group, fondly known as “The BARBs,” gathered in Folly Beach, South Carolina, for a powerful multi-day retreat focused on connection, growth and personal and professional transformation. Hosted at the Folly Ocean Breeze Beach House, the retreat brought together women from across the industry and the country to step away from day-to-day demands and into a space designed for reflection, learning and meaningful relationships.

Led by ECA Director Keely Roberts, who also serves as a proud Board of Directors member for National Women in Roofing (NWIR), the retreat reflects a continued commitment to creating meaningful spaces for women to grow, lead and connect within the industry.

Centered around the theme of the 7 Munson Must Do’s, a way of life authored by retreat facilitator, Candace Munson, the retreat’s tone reflected a mindset rooted in love, not fear, which allowed attendees to engage deeply, challenge themselves and support one another in both personal and professional growth.

Creating space for real conversations and breakthroughs

From the opening welcome reception and deep conversation sessions to immersive workshops and shared experiences, the retreat was intentionally designed to foster vulnerability, authenticity and connection.

Attendees participated in sessions including The Munson Way, Owning the Room Before You Enter It, Energy Audit and Rewrite Your Story, alongside interactive experiences like Paint Your Person (BARB Edition), group meals and a sunset sound bath meditation.

Reflecting on the experience, retreat facilitator Candace Munson shared, “I have so many takeaways; chief among them is that with vulnerability and the support of others, real change can take place. I witnessed real compassion and real changes take place for the better, and that is what I will bring back with me. The space was better because we showed up for each other. I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead it.”

A community that shows up for each other

The BARBs retreat reinforced the strength of the ECA community and the importance of creating spaces specifically for women leaders to connect, grow and lead together.

“Being a first-timer to attend this, I really did not know what to expect,” said ECA member Casey Troxclair of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing. “It was amazing, and wow — the transformations. I came back home on fire and with a full cup.”

Throughout the retreat, attendees built lasting relationships, shared experiences and leaned into conversations that extended beyond business, creating a foundation of trust and support that continues long after the event ends.

Looking ahead

Following the success of this year’s retreat, ECA plans to continue expanding BARBs programming and opportunities for women within the organization.

About ECA and FEI Group

ECA is a division of FEI Group. FEI Group is a leading interior and exterior finishes organization that has been at the forefront of innovation since 1998. With a focus on delivering exceptional solutions and services, FEI Group has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to thrive in the rapidly evolving new home construction, multifamily, remodeling, kitchen and bath, roofing and traffic safety segments. For more information about FEI Group and upcoming events, visit feigroup.net.

Roofing community rallies for Oregon homeowner

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

By The Coffee Shops™.

During National Roofing Week, the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council helped coordinate a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need.

For the past three years, the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council has partnered with Catalyst NW during National Roofing Week to provide complimentary roofs for community members in need. This year, the council’s effort brought together contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners to replace the roof of Maria George’s home in Northeast Portland.

Maria’s home had multiple active leaks and had been tarped several times over the past year, according to information shared by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products®, chair of the NWIR Oregon Council. Her insurance carrier had also set a May deadline for the roof to be replaced or she would face cancellation of her policy, though that deadline was extended. Because of the roof’s steep pitch, the project was not well-suited for a traditional volunteer-based Catalyst build.

The workday became a clear example of the collaboration the roofing industry can create when companies set aside competition to focus on service. Stephanie Baird of Oregon Roofing Co said this year’s project had more roofers involved than ever before.

“Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring,” Stephanie said. “For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service.”

The project included more than 25 people throughout the day, with at least 13 working on the roof and others handling cleanup on the ground. Rachel said the roof had five or six layers that needed to be removed, including cedar shingles. Maria’s grandchildren also came outside to express their gratitude to the volunteers.

For Melissa Hill of Snyder Roofing, the most meaningful moment came when a neighbor stopped while walking her dog and shared how deserving Maria was of the new roof.

“She said they both have lived in the area a long time and that she is always taking care of someone at that house,” Melissa said. “It was her turn to be taken care of.”

Learn more about the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council and its community outreach efforts.