By Dani Sheehan. 

Take an inside look at the 2026 ORCA Annual Conference and Trade Show to better understand the conversations shaping Oklahoma roofing. 

The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) Annual Conference and Trade Show brought together contractors, industry leaders and policymakers that encouraged networking, advocacy and accountability this year. From legislative updates to a keynote panel featuring candidates for Oklahoma insurance commissioner, one message carried through: ORCA is making sure the roofing industry has a seat at the table. 

ORCA’s mission: Advocacy at the state level 

Executive Director Avery Smith opened the general session by reinforcing why this association exists in the first place, sharing its mission to represent contractors in regulatory and legislative conversations that directly impact their businesses. With ongoing efforts to build credibility at the state level, ORCA continues to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including the Oklahoma Insurance Department and lawmakers at the Capitol. As several speakers throughout the day noted, there is no shortage of activity in Oklahoma’s legislative landscape. 

Ashley Scott from the Oklahoma Insurance Department shared updates on initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s housing stock and improving the insurance environment. A major focus is the expansion of the IBHS FORTIFIED Program, with a statewide rollout gaining momentum and efforts underway to remove the program’s sunset provision. A second wave of the program is expected to launch this spring. 

Additional legislative efforts highlighted were: 

• Omnibus insurance reform efforts aimed at improving response times and strengthening consumer protections 
• Enhancements to how insurance companies handle claims and communicate coverage 
• Continued work to improve transparency across the insurance process 

Legislative momentum and what it means for Oklahoma contractors 

Fred Jordan of Jordan Strategies provided a deeper look into the realities of Oklahoma’s legislative session amidst the four-month marathon shaped by shifting priorities and budget constraints. Despite funding challenges, several key bills are moving forward that could significantly impact contractors: 

• House Bill 1628 (a major ORCA win) is currently being implemented by the Construction Industries Board (CIB). By January 2027, contractors must be properly licensed and endorsed to perform work in the state. 
  • Contractors have until January 2028 to meet continuing education requirements or pass an exam. 
• House Bill 3800 aims to clean up the Roofing Registration Act and extend the implementation timeline of HB 1628. 
• House Bill 2933 proposes a major overhaul of property insurance plans, focusing on: 
  • Increased transparency in claims and coverage 
  • Stronger consumer protections 
  • More accessible mediation processes 
• Additional legislation, including Senate Bill 1590, could streamline endorsement requirements for commercial contractors. 

With insurance rates continuing to rise across Oklahoma, these legislative efforts are directly tied to how contractors operate, compete and serve their customers. To support contractors through these changes, ORCA is also working with Roof Rx University to develop continuing education opportunities, addressing a current gap in residential roofing resources. 

The keynote panel: A spotlight on insurance 

The keynote luncheon featured a panel discussion with the four candidates for Oklahoma insurance commissioners, including Chris Meredith, Marty Quinn, Greta Schuler and Bob Sullivan. 

While each candidate brought a unique perspective, the structure of the discussion and themes that emerged offered contractors valuable insights into how future leadership could shape the insurance landscape in the state. 

The panel focused on real-world challenges affecting contractors and homeowners alike, including: 

• What’s driving stress in Oklahoma’s insurance market? 
• Are coverage gaps leaving homeowners underinsured? 
• How should competing interests be balanced across the industry? 
• How can fraud be addressed consistently? 
• What role should the state play in improving building resilience? 

Across the discussion, candidates acknowledged that Oklahoma’s insurance market is under significant strain, driven by a combination of: 

• Rising premiums 
• Increasing deductibles 
• Narrower coverage 

This has led to what many described as a growing coverage gap, where homeowners are technically insured but can't afford to use their policies. For contractors, this can translate into delayed repairs, compounded damage and more complex projects. 

Trust, transparency and the role of the contractor 

One of the strongest themes to emerge was the need to restore trust in the insurance system. Candidates pointed to confusion around policy coverage, lack of communication when policies change and disputes during the claims process. In that context, contractors were consistently recognized as critical players in helping homeowners navigate the insurance process. There was clear agreement that roofing professionals must be part of the conversation when shaping solutions. 

Another key theme was the recognition that fraud exists across all sides of the industry, from contractors to carriers and everyone in between. Rather than isolating one group, the discussion emphasized the need for consistent enforcement, stronger penalties for bad actors and better resources for investigation and oversight to increase protection for reputable contractors, reinforcing the value of professionalism and compliance. 

Resilience as a strategy 

Looking ahead, candidates agreed that Oklahoma’s challenges are rooted in risk. With severe weather continuing to drive claims, there is growing emphasis on: 

• Stronger building practices 
• Impact-resistant materials 
• Programs like FORTIFIED 

As Oklahoma faces a pivotal political year with key races for insurance commissioner and attorney general, the conversations at ORCA’s trade show made one thing clear: the roofing industry is deeply connected to the decisions being made at the state level. 

Through advocacy, education and collaboration, ORCA is working to ensure contractors are not just affected by those decisions – but actively shaping them.

By Dani Sheehan. 

See why ORCA’s 2026 Annual Conference matters more than ever this year. 

Insurance reform, shifting storm patterns, rising costs, labor pressures, private equity and emerging technologies are all converging at once in our industry. How do we navigate these complexities while still moving the needle forward? In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth sits down to talk with Avery Smith, executive director for the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) to discuss how bringing contractors together can directly shape the industry’s future. 

Avery has been busy preparing for ORCA’s 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show in Edmond, Oklahoma, March 9-10. Since stepping into his role nearly two years ago, he’s been focused on redefining what a state association can be for the industry, but also for advocacy overall. “Our goal when I came on board was to make ORCA a premier trade association in the country,” he shared. “We do that by creating great events, being organized and offering educational opportunities.” 

Contractors need events that respect their time, address real problems and deliver takeaways they can actually see. ORCA’s annual conference is creating a shift across the industry: trade shows are an invaluable chance to help contractors navigate an environment that’s becoming harder to predict. 

Creating a space for contractors 

Oklahoma’s roofing market has historically been shaped by storm-driven insurance claims. But as Avery points out, “It’s getting much more expensive for the consumer and much more challenging for the contractor... I think it’s important that we get together, talk about these issues, bring in the right people and network with one another.” 

This year’s agenda was built deliberately around everyday contractor pressures. For the first time, ORCA is offering separate education tracks, allowing companies to divide and conquer based on roles, experience and growth goals. Key sessions include: 

• Insurance-focused legal insight from Merlin Law Group, led by Drew Houghton 
• Commercial roofing and building envelope essentials with Josh Rhodes from Secondary Rhodes 
• Weather and performance strategy from HailTrace, presented by Derik Kline 
• Workers’ compensation insights tied directly to member benefit development 
• Technology and AI adoption with Jason Shandy 
• Team performance and sales alignment with The People Catalysts, led by Karla Nelson 

One of the most exciting sessions will be the keynote luncheon, when Scott McCollum moderates a live forum with all four Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner candidates. “We need to know as an industry what they plan to do. Not just coach, not just talk, but what tangible plan do you have?” Avery emphasizes. This really highlights the value of participating in trade associations, particularly in Oklahoma. Individual contractors rarely get this level of access. Together, they create a platform that demands real answers, and that’s how industry voices influence policy. 

Walking away stronger than you arrived 

Avery has made a concerted effort to establish an exhibitor strategy that allows contractors and vendors to quickly establish relationships that will sustain the industry. The trade show floor, as well as the speed networking event on March 9, are designed to compress months of relationship-building into a single room. For vendors, this means creating efficient access. For contractors, this is curated exposure. At the end of the day, ORCA’s approach reflects a simple but powerful goal: “We want them to walk away with one or more things that can help them grow their business, do a better job for homeowners and continue their growth cycle.” 

ORCA’s 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show is a reminder that the industry only moves forward together. Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about this year’s event!

By Jenny Yu.  

Roofing professionals will gain insights from experts and connect with leading industry sponsors at the 2026 trade show. 

The 2026 ORCA Annual Conference and Trade Show is set for March 9–10, 2026 at the Hilton Garden Inn Edmond Conference Center in Edmond, Oklahoma, bringing roofing professionals together for two days of learning, networking and industry-forward discussions. Hosted by the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA), the event offers a mix of educational sessions, sponsored programs and exhibit opportunities designed to help contractors, suppliers and manufacturers sharpen their skills and grow their businesses. 

On Monday, March 9, the Speed Networking event will kick off the festivities, providing an opportunity for bronze, silver, gold, event and item sponsors to meet one-on-one with conference participants in a rotating, structured format. Gold sponsors include ABC Supply Co. Inc., GAF, Malarkey Roofing Products®, Owens Corning® and Polyglass. Silver sponsors Gibraltar Building Accessories and SRS Building Products along with bronze sponsor Geocel round out an exciting roster. 

Tuesday, March 10, offers the main educational events of the conference. The General Meeting and ORCA Legislative Update will kick off the day at 8:30 a.m., where Avery Smith of ORCA, Fred Jordan of Jordan Strategies and Ashley Scott of Oklahoma Insurance Department will provide an overview of what the industry landscape is facing in the coming year.  

Later that day, the Keynote Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. will feature the Mount Rushmore of Oklahoma Roofing Panel, including Gary Basey of Basey’s Roofing, Neil Cagle of All-American Roofing, JR Emrich of Reroof America and Jim Lane of A-Best Roofing. Immediately following the luncheon at 12:30 p.m., James Brooks of GAF will moderate the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Candidate Forum, with candidates Chris Meredith, Marty Quinn and Bob Sullivan.  

As a proud ORCA partner, RoofersCoffeeShop® is thrilled to be in attendance with a booth on the trade show floor, giving roofing professionals a chance to connect with our community and learn how we support contractors education and networking year-round. 

Don’t miss ORCA’s annual event, which is sure to deliver insightful takeaways and immeasurable networking experiences. 

Register now to secure your spot at the 2026 ORCA Annual Conference and Trade Show!

By Dani Sheehan.

This show offered invaluable opportunities to learn, connect and grow!

The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) Conference and Trade Show may be a smaller event, but it packed a punch when it came to networking, learning and growing our industry connections. As first-time attendees representing The Coffee Shops™, Alex Tolle, our marketing manager, and I were excited to introduce ourselves to the Oklahoma roofing community – and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

A show on the rise

This year’s ORCA Conference welcomed over 200 attendees and featured more than 40 exhibitors. “The show was a huge success,” Alex shared. “A lot of people didn’t know who RoofersCoffeeShop® was because we haven’t attended before, so it was a great opportunity to build our brand in the state and in this region.”

That sentiment was echoed throughout the event, with ORCA’s Executive Director, Avery Smith, sharing that attendance is expected to double next year. The momentum is building, and we’re excited to see how this event grows in the coming years.

Meaningful conversations across the industry

One of the standout aspects of ORCA 2025 was the range of professionals in attendance. While roofing contractors made up a significant portion of the crowd, we also spoke with experts in marketing and sales, multimedia, insurance, technology and more.

When Alex and I caught up after the show, we talked about how exciting it was to talk to so many people who are interested in education and see the value in providing resources to contractors. We had conversations about everything from navigating insurance claims to expanding into metal roofing, adding siding or even integrating drones into business operations. These conversations highlighted the evolving landscape of roofing and how businesses are actively seeking ways to differentiate themselves.

The magic of smaller trade shows

Coming off the heels of the massive International Roofing Expo (IRE), ORCA offered a refreshing contrast. There’s just a magic in the small trade shows. At IRE, everyone knows RoofersCoffeeShop, and it’s go, go, go. But here, we got to have real 10–15-minute conversations that felt personal. I now have a list of amazing contacts who are within driving distance to where I live, and I know I can follow up with them in a meaningful way.

Alex and I also had a great time at the opening night icebreaker and bowling tournament! If awards had been given for our performance, Alex proved to have the best bowling skill by far, Trevor Thomson with CertainTeed would have won social butterfly for networking more than anyone and Skyler Ormsbee with Maxx Challenger had the most creative way of throwing a strike!

With ORCA on track for even greater attendance in 2026, we’re eager to return and continue building relationships in the Oklahoma roofing community. If you’ve never attended, we highly recommend marking your calendar for next year – March 9-10, 2026! It’s the perfect setting to expand your network, discover industry and regional trends and engage in meaningful conversations that can shape the future of your business.

Until next time, Oklahoma!

By Dani Sheehan.

If you’re looking to sharpen your industry knowledge, expand your business connections and have a great time with local peers, the ORCA Conference and Trade Show is the place to be.

Mark your calendars! The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) is hosting its Annual Conference and Trade Show on March 10-11, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Edmond Conference Center in Oklahoma City. You’re sure to make new friends and connections with this year’s networking, education and business growth opportunities.

If you haven’t registered, don’t wait! The conference is just around the corner, and this is your chance to connect with local manufacturers, distributors and service providers who can help you grow your business. With an engaging lineup of speakers, insightful breakout sessions and a packed exhibitor hall, the event will fly by.

Don’t miss our booth during the trade show! We’re excited to announce that RoofersCoffeeShop® will be exhibiting at this event. Stop by our booth to say hello and discover how we support our roofing partners with valuable education, networking and news. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories from the field!

Kick things off with the opening night icebreaker and bowling tournament! The fun starts Monday, March 10, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Showbiz Cinemas, conveniently located across the street from the Hilton. Whether you’re a pro bowler or just looking to unwind, this is the perfect chance to relax, enjoy great food and drinks and connect with fellow roofing professionals in a casual setting. Be sure to register in advance to secure your spot!

The conference will feature a dynamic agenda tailored to help contractors stay ahead in the industry. Highlights include:

• Speed networking: A fast-paced opportunity to meet potential partners and grow your network.
• Educational sessions: Learn from industry leaders on topics such as permitting, legislative updates, business growth strategies and insurance claims.
• Keynote luncheon: Featuring Mathew Mulholland, host of the Listen to this Bull podcast, which offers insights on navigating insurance property claims.
• Exhibitor breaks: Time to explore new products, services and solutions that can enhance your roofing business.
• Closing reception: Wrap up the event with a final networking opportunity in the exhibit hall.

With so much to gain from this event, you won’t want to miss it! For more details and to secure your spot, visit the ORCA registration page here.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about industry trends, connect with others in the field and explore new tools at ORCA’s one day expo! 

Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) is hosting their annual Roundup Mini Expo on March 5, 2024 in Oklahoma City.  ORCA knows that trade shows can seem intimidating and it can be hard to schedule the necessary time off for the bigger shows. Their solution? A one-day expo to fit into your schedule. And the best part? Contractors attend for free! 

Roofing expos like this come with a myriad of benefits, for those on both sides of the table! When professionals across the industry come together to share their insights, it creates incredible networking and professional development opportunities. These expos also allow participants to show off their new products. Attendees get to learn more about how the industry is pushing forward and exhibitors get to demonstrate innovative products and systems that improve the field.  

Contractors who register for the expo receive a complimentary boxed lunch with a beverage and attendance to the expo’s classes. It is also a great opportunity to raise awareness of your company! Exhibitors can expect to have a table with a tablecloth prepared for them there with access to wireless and electrical connection. The expo also offers great exposure and marketing opportunities for exhibitors. As another perk for exhibitors, there will be complimentary tickets for lunch and drinks for two provided.  

Register today to be an attendee or exhibitor at the ORCA expo! 

By Anna Lockhart. 

The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association has announced the fifteen individuals who will be leading the organization this year.  

The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) was created to unite individuals and companies in the roofing industry in the state of Oklahoma. Their goal is to provide information and resources for both businesses and homeowners in their state, as well as to inspire legislation that will benefit the community ORCA represents. ORCA hopes to represent their members and their best interests by electing a diverse board of leaders that will bring respect and fellowship to the roofing community and homeowners of Oklahoma.  

We are pleased to congratulate the following outstanding individuals who were voted in as the ORCA 2023 Board of Directors:  

Officers:  

• Meredith Shaevitz, Pitch Perfect Roofing & General Contracting (president) 

• Matt Morgan, Scissortail Roofing (vice president) 

• Susan Fye, Reroof America (secretary, treasurer)  

• Shelley Davison, ORCA (executive director)  

Board of Directors:  

• James Brooks, GAF  

• Michael Cagle, All American Roofing 

• David Corona, Gideon Steel 

• Drew Dozier, Certified Roofing and Construction  

• J. Drew Houghton, ESQ, Merlin Law Group  

• William Kneeland, Basey’s Roofing & Sheet Metal 

• Stephanie Lee, Coppermark Public Adjusters  

• Eddie Munson, SRS 

• Brandy Salazar, Salazar Roofing & Construction  

• Steve Walden, Chisholm Trail Roofing & Construction 

Learn more about ORCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.orcagroup.org.  

About the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association  

The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association is a non-profit organization created to promote, train and educate both our members and consumers on best practices for the roofing industry in Oklahoma.  

Oklahoma roofing contractors, both large and small, have acknowledged the importance of sustaining professional business standards and upholding the highest quality workmanship and protection for our clients. Our member companies have worked hard to guarantee that quality roofing systems are installed and their clients who support their business are treated fairly. Together, we continue to promote professionalism, benevolence and self-preservation within our state's roofing industry.

By Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA). 

Last year's golf tournament brought out over 100 roofing industry members for the friendly competition, fun and food. 

Every fall, the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) holds their Golf Outing and Dinner for roofing industry members. Last year's outing was a great success, with over 100 contractors, distributors, manufacturers and manufacturers' representatives in attendance.  

The day was full of fun activities including a golf tournament, dinner and the chance to win prizes. Every year at the outing, most attendees have the chance to win something from their door prize inventory. 

The day was successful both for those attending and for ORCA financially thanks to the Golf Outing sponsors. There are a few opportunities for companies to sponsor the event, including sponsoring holes, prizes, food and/or golf accessories for competitors. Some RoofersCoffeeShop® partners sponsored last year’s tournament, including: 

• Bitec 
• Polyglass 
• Malarkey Roofing 
• Owens Corning 
• CertainTeed 
• Duro-Last 
• Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) 
• National Women in Roofing (NWIR) 

Even some of our partners won the tournament. The Polyglass team placed 3rd and SRS Distribution got 1st place overall!  

Stay tuned for more information on ORCA’s Golf Outing this fall by visiting their events page. 

Learn more about ORCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit orcagroup.org.  

About The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association  

The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association is a non-profit organization created to promote, train, and educate both our members and consumers on best practices for the roofing industry in Oklahoma.  

Oklahoma roofing contractors, both large and small, have acknowledged the importance of sustaining professional business standards and upholding the highest quality workmanship and protection for our clients. Our member companies have worked hard to guarantee that quality roofing systems are installed and their clients who support their business are treated fairly. Together, we continue to promote professionalism, benevolence, and self-preservation within our state's roofing industry. 

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The upcoming ORCA Roundup Mini Expo is a one-day roofing event for Oklahoma contractors to get connected. 

Roofing contractors know that their busy schedules can make it hard to make time for roofing expos and conventions. At the same time, attending these events gives contractors valuable resources, knowledge of trends and it gets them connected with other roofing industry members. The upcoming Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) Roundup Mini Expo is a one-day event that’s great for on-the-go contractors. It’s set to take place on March 29, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association in Oklahoma City.  

The ORCA Roundup Mini Expo is great for busy contractors who may not have time to visit a larger convention. If you want to grow your company but don’t have time for a three-day tradeshow in another state, this expo is just the thing your company needs. Plus, the event is free to attend! 

There will also be educational classes held throughout the day. One of the classes is “Dismantling Bias Engineer Reports and Cosmetic Exclusions” and will be taught by Coppermark Public Adjusters. This class will be held twice during the day, once at 10:30 a.m. and once at 1:30 p.m., so you won’t miss your chance to attend! 

Visit this page for more information and to register for the event. 

Learn more about ORCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.orcagroup.org. 

About the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association 

The Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association is a non-profit organization created to promote, train and educate both our members and consumers on best practices for the roofing industry in Oklahoma. 

Oklahoma roofing contractors, both large and small, have acknowledged the importance of sustaining professional business standards and upholding the highest quality workmanship and protection for our clients. Our member companies have worked hard to guarantee that quality roofing systems are installed and their clients who support their business are treated fairly. Together, we continue to promote professionalism, benevolence and self-preservation within our state's roofing industry.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The SRC Summit is offering a special discount to all ORCA members who register now! 

This year’s SRC Summit is one you don’t want to miss. The premier storm restoration conference will take place January 21-23 in Irving, Texas at the Toyota Music Factory. Right now, the SRC Summit is offering members of the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) a special discount on ticket prices. 

If you are a member of the association, the SRC Summit is a great place for you and your peers to interact with other members of the storm restoration community. This conference is the place to help improve employee performance through continuing education and offering more opportunities for responsibility. The summit is known for its team-building atmosphere and supportive culture. It aims to bring change to the storm restoration community through education and building connections. 

This year’s summit features: 

• Keynote speaker retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. 

• Exciting speaking sessions held by industry leaders, such as David Carlson, co-founder of EagleView and Christie Hutcherson, the founder of Women Fighting for America. 

• Multiple speaker panels where professionals can ask questions and engage with other storm restoration professionals. 

• Breakout sessions from many storm restoration professionals, including a TikTok Workshop held by TJ McCormack. 

• A special live performance from musical artist, Coffey Anderson on January 23 at 7 p.m.  

As an employer, you also can benefit from treating your staff to this special conference. You will be educating your staff in an empowering way by giving them the opportunity to connect with other industry members and to learn about new technologies within the industry. Don’t miss out on attending the number one storm restoration event!

For ORCA Members, use promo code “ORCA” for an additional $200 off general admission tickets. (Group rates are discounted and don’t require a promo code). Order your tickets today!