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<channel>
<title>RoofersCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>Celebra la industria del roofing este junio</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/celebra-la-industria-del-roofing-este-junio</link>
<description>celebra-la-industria-del-roofing-este-junio</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/nrca-celebrate-the-roofing-industry-this-june.png'
            alt='Celebrate the roofing industry this June'
            title='Celebrate the roofing industry this June'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>&iexcl;La Semana Nacional del Roofing 2026 se llevar&aacute; a cabo del 7 al 13 de junio y es el momento perfecto para mostrar tu orgullo por la industria del roofing!&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Cada a&ntilde;o, la <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a>&nbsp;organiza un evento llamado National Roofing Week. El objetivo de esta iniciativa es crear conciencia sobre el &ldquo;<a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week">papel esencial que desempe&ntilde;an los techos y los contratistas profesionales de roofing en cada comunidad</a>.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&iquest;C&oacute;mo puedes participar? &iexcl;Es muy sencillo: comparte tu historia! NRCA invita a los profesionales de toda la industria a compartir fotos y videos utilizando el hashtag #NationalRoofingWeek2026. Adem&aacute;s, han creado una gu&iacute;a tem&aacute;tica para cada d&iacute;a de la semana:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Domingo:</strong> Inicio de la National Roofing Week&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Lunes:</strong> Proyectos destacados &mdash; comparte fotos mostrando los proyectos residenciales y comerciales m&aacute;s representativos de tu empresa.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Martes:</strong> Proyectos comunitarios &mdash; comparte im&aacute;genes que muestren las iniciativas ben&eacute;ficas o de apoyo a la comunidad realizadas por tu empresa.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Mi&eacute;rcoles:</strong> Reconocimiento al equipo &mdash; comparte fotos de los colaboradores de tu empresa.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Jueves:</strong> Capacitaci&oacute;n del equipo &mdash; comparte im&aacute;genes que demuestren c&oacute;mo capacitan a sus trabajadores.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Viernes:</strong> Celebraci&oacute;n &mdash; comparte fotos mostrando c&oacute;mo tu empresa celebr&oacute; la National Roofing Week.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>S&aacute;bado:</strong> Cierre y resumen de la semana.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Participar en redes sociales no solo ayuda a fortalecer la comunidad y brinda la oportunidad de destacar el incre&iacute;ble trabajo de tu equipo, tambi&eacute;n contribuye a dar mayor visibilidad a la industria y al papel fundamental que desempe&ntilde;an los profesionales del roofing en la protecci&oacute;n de personas y propiedades. &iquest;Quieres ir un paso m&aacute;s all&aacute;? &iexcl;<a href="https://industry.nrca.net/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=NRCAStoreList&amp;site=nrca&amp;es3_key=c6a0779d-7cb9-4f69-a677-c11783f891a5">Consigue camisetas de <em>National Roofing Week</em></a> para tu equipo! Las existencias son limitadas, as&iacute; que ord&eacute;nalas cuanto antes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>La edici&oacute;n de este a&ntilde;o de National Roofing Week es posible gracias al apoyo de varios patrocinadores de la industria: <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/georgia-pacific">Georgia-Pacific Building Products</a>, Hanover Architectural Products, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/srs-distribution-inc">SRS Distribution</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance">Roofing Alliance</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/soprema-2">SOPREMA</a>, OMG Roofing Products y TuffWrap.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>M&aacute;s informaci&oacute;n en</strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week">www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Celebrate the roofing industry this June</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/celebrate-the-roofing-industry-this-june</link>
<description>celebrate-the-roofing-industry-this-june</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/nrca-celebrate-the-roofing-industry-this-june.png'
            alt='Celebrate the roofing industry this June'
            title='Celebrate the roofing industry this June'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>National Roofing Week 2026 will be June 7-13 and it&rsquo;s the perfect time to show your roofing pride!&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Each year, the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a> hosts an event called National Roofing Week. The goal of this event is to raise awareness of the &ldquo;<a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week">essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community</a>.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>How do you participate? It&rsquo;s as simple as sharing your story! NRCA invites professionals across the industry to share photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. NRCA has created a week-long guide of themes to post about:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Sunday:</strong> National Roofing Week kickoff&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Monday:</strong> Signature projects &mdash; share photos showcasing your company&rsquo;s signature residential and commercial projects&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Tuesday:</strong> Charitable projects &mdash; share photos that demonstrate your company&rsquo;s charitable giving&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Wednesday:</strong> Employee appreciation &mdash; share photos of your company&rsquo;s employees&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Thursday:</strong> Employee training &mdash; share photos that demonstrate how you train your workers&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Friday:</strong> Celebration &mdash; share photos showing us how your company celebrated National Roofing Week&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Saturday:</strong> Wrap-up&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Not only does participating through social media help build community and give you an opportunity to brag about your incredible team, but it also helps raise visibility of the industry and the critical role roofing professionals play in protecting people and properties. Want to go the extra mile in support? Get your crews <a href="https://industry.nrca.net/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=NRCAStoreList&amp;site=nrca&amp;es3_key=c6a0779d-7cb9-4f69-a677-c11783f891a5">National Roofing Week T-shirts</a>! Supplies are limited, so order soon!&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year&rsquo;s National Roofing Week is made possible by a variety of industry sponsors: <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/georgia-pacific">Georgia-Pacific Building Products</a>, Hanover Architectural Products, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/srs-distribution-inc">SRS Distribution</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance">Roofing Alliance</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/soprema-2">SOPREMA</a>, OMG Roofing Products and Tuffwrap.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Learn more at <a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week">www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>NRCA continues to advance roofing through workforce, advocacy and safety initiatives</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/nrca-continues-to-advance-roofing-through-workforceadvocacyand-safety-initiatives</link>
<description>nrca-continues-to-advance-roofing-through-workforceadvocacyand-safety-initiatives</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/hje-nrca-nrca-continues-to-advance-roofing-through-workforce-advocacy-and-safety-initiatives-customer.png'
            alt='NRCA continues to advance roofing through workforce, advocacy and safety initiatives'
            title='NRCA continues to advance roofing through workforce, advocacy and safety initiatives'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>Understanding key updates and insights on the initiatives shaping the future of roofing as I prepare to join the NRCA board in June 2026.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>One of the most important resources we have in the roofing industry&nbsp;are&nbsp;our associations. They bring contractors, manufacturers,&nbsp;distributors&nbsp;and service providers together to solve challenges, advocate for our&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;and help move the industry forward. I am proud to be joining the board of the <a href="/directory/nrca" target="_blank">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) </a>in June of 2026 and as I continue to learn about new initiatives, ongoing&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;and meaningful advocacy efforts, I want to share this information with the industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the things I appreciate most about NRCA is the communication and transparency coming from leadership. McKay&nbsp;Daniels, CEO of NRCA, consistently keeps members informed about what is happening behind the scenes, not just the wins, but also the challenges and priorities shaping the future of roofing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a recent update to industry executive members,&nbsp;McKay&nbsp;shared, &ldquo;Here is a rundown of some of the things the association has been up to recently. Please don&rsquo;t hesitate to reach out&nbsp;with&nbsp;any questions,&nbsp;ideas&nbsp;or suggestions. NRCA is a volunteer-led organization&hellip; your input really matters.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>That is exactly how McKay leads, with open arms and an open mind. It is a leadership style rooted in collaboration and listening, recognizing that some of the best ideas come directly from contractors and roofing professionals working in the field every day. Here are just a few updates from his recent&nbsp;communication&nbsp;and why they matter to the roofing industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If there is one issue touching every contractor today, it is&nbsp;workforce. Whether companies are looking for labor, training future&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;or helping crews advance professionally, NRCA continues to invest heavily in workforce development and education.&nbsp;McKay&nbsp;shared that the association recently &ldquo;delivered multiple CERTA Train-the-Trainer and private classes for members&rdquo; while also completing&nbsp;PROCertification&nbsp;exams to help contractors meet project specification requirements. These programs continue to strengthen professionalism in roofing while creating career pathways for workers entering the trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time, NRCA is expanding its reach with the next generation. NRCA staff attended <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/skillsusa" target="_blank">SkillsUSA</a>&nbsp;competitions in California,&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;and Washington, with Texas and Washington&nbsp;representingnew state participation. That momentum is continuing nationally as NRCA prepares to support a record number of roofing competitors at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership &amp; Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this June. The growing participation reflects increasing awareness of roofing as&nbsp;a viable&nbsp;and rewarding career path and highlights the association&rsquo;s commitment to introducing young people to opportunities in the roofing trades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By showing students what roofing careers can offer, NRCA is helping build awareness of an industry filled with opportunity,&nbsp;innovation&nbsp;and long-term career growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NRCA also continues its commitment to education beyond the rooftop. The association recently hosted its annual&nbsp;LegalCon&nbsp;Virtual seminar, addressing issues contractors are navigating every day.&nbsp;McKay&nbsp;noted topics ranging from immigration issues and managing risk in roofing contracts to using telemetry fleet data as a legal advantage.&nbsp;LegalCon&nbsp;has become a trusted annual event, helping members stay informed on legal,&nbsp;operational&nbsp;and business risks&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;roofing companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of course, workforce conversations naturally lead to&nbsp;advocacy&nbsp;and this continues to be one of NRCA&rsquo;s strongest areas of focus. Roofing Day in D.C. recently brought together 200 roofing professionals to meet with lawmakers across 158 House and Senate offices, advocating for workforce solutions and affordable housing policies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>McKay&nbsp;also reported that &ldquo;NRCA staff met with senior White House officials on immigration reform tied to security and workforce needs,&rdquo; while the association endorsed the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act, legislation proposing payroll tax credits to offset apprentice wages and training expenses. These efforts matter because advocacy happening in&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;D.C. directly&nbsp;impacts&nbsp;the future workforce available to roofing contractors across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Safety and worker wellbeing also&nbsp;remain&nbsp;front and center. NRCA served as a lead partner for the National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction while continuing to educate contractors on fall prevention resources, including NRCA&rsquo;s Roof Deck Integrity Assessment Tool. During Mental Health Awareness Month, the association also highlighted mental health resources and worker wellbeing initiatives, reinforcing that jobsite safety extends beyond physical hazards.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="/directory/roofing-alliance" target="_blank">The Roofing Alliance,&nbsp;</a>the foundation for the industry, is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year while continuing to make a tremendous impact through scholarships,&nbsp;research&nbsp;and education. From supporting students pursuing roofing-related careers to investing in long-term industry research, the Alliance continues to help strengthen roofing for future generations.&nbsp;McKay&nbsp;shared that the Alliance approved $114,000 in scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year supporting 23 students, while more than 600 professionals have completed roofing training through Clemson University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Research through the Roofing Alliance is also uncovering important insights into jobsite culture and safety.&nbsp;McKay&nbsp;noted that ongoing research is showing that &ldquo;inconsistent safety behavior is driven more by risk perception and workplace culture than by rule awareness,&rdquo; reinforcing that strong safety cultures are built through leadership,&nbsp;trust&nbsp;and engagement, not simply enforcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Technical leadership continues to be another core focus.&nbsp;McKay&nbsp;reported that the Manual Update Committee recently completed the next update to&nbsp;<em>The NRCA Roofing Manual,</em> with the <em>2027&nbsp;Membrane Roof Systems</em>&nbsp;volume now in design and printing. These resources continue to provide contractors with trusted technical guidance and best practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As I prepare to join the NRCA board, I continue to be impressed by the depth of work happening every day on behalf of roofing professionals. Associations matter because they amplify our voices, create&nbsp;opportunities&nbsp;and help guide the future of our industry. I look forward to sharing more updates from NRCA as together we continue building a stronger future for roofing.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Roofing Alliance celebrates 30 years of industry leadership, innovation and impact</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-alliance-celebrates-30-years-of-industry-leadership-innovation-and-impact</link>
<description>roofing-alliance-celebrates-30-years-of-industry-leadership-innovation-and-impact</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/roofing-alliance-celebrates-30-years-of-industry-leadership-innovation-and-impact-pr.png'
            alt='Roofing Alliance celebrates 30 years of industry leadership, innovation and impact'
            title='Roofing Alliance celebrates 30 years of industry leadership, innovation and impact'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>As part of its 30th anniversary milestone, the Roofing Alliance will highlight the members, partners and programs that have defined its legacy.</h2>

<p>The Roofing Alliance proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of advancing the roofing industry through education, research, philanthropy and workforce development.</p>

<p>Serving as the foundation for the roofing industry, the Roofing Alliance brings together forwardthinking leaders committed to shaping the future of the industry. Through strategic investments and collaborative initiatives, the organization has helped address critical challenges, elevate professionalism and create lasting opportunities across the roofing sector.</p>

<p>Since it&rsquo;s founding in 1996, the Roofing Alliance has funded millions of dollars in impactful programs, including university partnerships, student scholarships, groundbreaking research and national workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen and sustain the industry.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The Roofing Alliance was founded on a simple but powerful mission: to secure the future excellence of the roofing industry,&rdquo; said Alison L. LaValley, executive director of the Roofing Alliance. &ldquo;For 30 years, our members have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to that mission &mdash; investing in education, advancing innovation and giving back to the communities we serve. As we look ahead, we remain focused on building a stronger, more resilient industry for generations to come.&rdquo;</p>

<p>As part of this milestone, the Roofing Alliance also recognizes its 2026-27 president, Sherri Miles, J.D. Miles and Sons, Chesapeake, Virginia, whose leadership will help guide the organization in the year ahead.</p>

<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s an honor to lead the Roofing Alliance at such a meaningful moment in its history,&rdquo; said Miles. &ldquo;For three decades, this organization has made a lasting difference &mdash; not only within the roofing industry, but in communities across the country. From supporting students and schools to advancing critical research and workforce initiatives, the Roofing Alliance continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration and commitment to doing good.&rdquo;</p>

<p>As part of its 30th anniversary milestone, the Roofing Alliance will highlight the members, partners and programs that have defined its legacy, including current president Greg Hudson, Duro-Last Roofing, Saginaw, Michigan, whose steadfast commitment to the Roofing Alliance&rsquo;s mission has helped strengthen and advance the foundation for decades to come. The future has never looked brighter.</p>

<p><strong>About the Roofing Alliance </strong></p>

<p>The Roofing Alliance unites a powerful network of more than 210 forward-thinking industry leaders committed to advancing and shaping the future of the roofing industry. Through strategic investments, collaboration and industry partnerships, the Roofing Alliance funds high-impact initiatives focused on education, cutting-edge research, workforce development and philanthropic outreach that strengthens communities across the country. From supporting the next generation of roofing professionals through scholarships, university partnerships and career development programs to driving innovation through industry research its Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, the Roofing Alliance serves as a catalyst for long-term growth, leadership and excellence across the roofing industry. For more information, please contact Alison LaValley, executive director, at <a href="mailto:alavalley@nrca.net">alavalley@nrca.net</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Beyond the roof: Taking care of families in need</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/beyond-the-roof-taking-care-of-families-in-need</link>
<description>beyond-the-roof-taking-care-of-families-in-need</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/contractor-outlook-beyond-the-roof-taking-care-of-families-in-need.png'
            alt='Beyond the roof: Taking care of families in need'
            title='Beyond the roof: Taking care of families in need'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Learn about the partnership between the Roofing Alliance and Ronald McDonald House.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In 2017, Charles Antis of <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/kpost-roofing-waterproofing">KPost Roofing and Waterproofing</a> stood up in a <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance">Roofing Alliance</a> meeting and suggested a nationwide project where roofers could adopt Ronald McDonald House programs. Our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth was there that day and has seen how that idea has grown over the last decade. To talk about this initiative, she hosted <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/katie-fitzgerald">Katie Fitzgerald</a>, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Global, for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/ronald-mcdonald-house">an episode of Contractor Outlook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ronald McDonald House dates back to the 1970s when a renowned pediatric oncologist named Dr. Audrey Evans realized that many of the families of her patients at the Children&#39;s Hospital of Philadelphia had nowhere to stay during treatment. For families who traveled especially far for their child&rsquo;s treatment, some would even sleep in waiting room chairs or on hospital floors, just to be close&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In partnership with McDonald&rsquo;s and the Philadelphia Eagles, she opened the first Ronald McDonald House, which provided families with free housing so they could be close to their children and the life-saving treatment they needed. Today, there are over 400 Housesin 60countries and regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The growth was incredible, but with that growth came support needs. Katie explained:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>In the United States alone, our 165 standalone Houses, which are safe havens of comprehensive support for families with social services, emotional support, meals, transportation, art therapy and even schooling, take up around six million square feet of physical infrastructure. That&rsquo;s a lot to take care of and honestly, our organization is very lean. Our Houses need help with the day-to-day operations, let alone the bigger maintenance tasks.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>It&#39;s that need that Charles&rsquo; idea aimed to fill, and the best part is it worked! Heidi shared some of her first-hand experience of what the mobilization looked like after Charles&rsquo; presentation to the Roofing Alliance in 2017, saying, &ldquo;Contractors were calling contractors across the country. Someone from Philadelphia was calling someone in Oregon or Washington or wherever it may be and saying, &lsquo;Hey, we&#39;re doing this here. You guys really should think about this.&rsquo; And it was because they shared their stories of supporting Ronald McDonald House and how powerful it was that a lot of people were able to get involved, adopt and be a part of this big program.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Katie and broader Ronald McDonald House System, that mobilization was game changing. She explained, &ldquo;I think since that time, there&#39;s been over $3 million of support for everything from maintenance to full-on roof replacement. The partnership is saving our nonprofit partners who perform this work tremendous amounts of money that they can put into the family instead. It&rsquo;s been amazing... And one of the best parts is just seeing roofers all over the country fall in love with our mission and go beyond the roof to help. I know roofers around the country have been involved in other sorts of activities to take care of the houses beyond the roofs &mdash; fundraising, volunteering, collecting holiday gifts and more! They&rsquo;re really connected with this mission so beautifully and we need the help.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/ronald-mcdonald-house">Listen to the newscast</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTRlB8gy5c8&amp;feature=youtu.be">Watch the whole episode</a> for more about how contractors all over are supporting Ronald McDonald House&rsquo;s incredible mission.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Roofing Alliance student voices from the 2026 competition highlight what the next generation wants from the roofing industry</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-alliance-student-voices-from-the-2026-competition-highlight-what-the-next-generation-wants-from-the-roofing-industry</link>
<description>roofing-alliance-student-voices-from-the-2026-competition-highlight-what-the-next-generation-wants-from-the-roofing-industry</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/hje-article-roofing-alliance-student-voices-from-the-2026-competition-highlight-what-the-next-generation-wants-from-the-roofing-industry.png'
            alt='Roofing Alliance student voices from the 2026 competition highlight what the next generation wants from the roofing industry'
            title='Roofing Alliance student voices from the 2026 competition highlight what the next generation wants from the roofing industry'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>From culture to career growth, students share what matters most as they prepare to enter the roofing workforce.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>At the <a href="/directory/ire" target="_blank">International Roofing Expo (IRE)</a>, the <a href="/directory/roofing-alliance" target="_blank">Roofing Alliance</a> Student Competition&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;more than the technical skills of construction management students. It provided a powerful look into the mindset of the next generation entering the roofing industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through a series of interviews conducted by&nbsp;RoofersCoffeeShop&nbsp;with teams from Bradley University, the University of Florida, Auburn University, Colorado State University and Clemson University, a clear and consistent message&nbsp;emerged&nbsp;about what these future professionals are looking for as they begin their careers: Company culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Students consistently emphasized the importance of working in an environment built on respect,&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;and connection. They are not simply looking for a job. They are looking for a workplace where they feel valued,&nbsp;supported&nbsp;and part of a team. Many described wanting to work for companies where leadership is approachable and where success is shared, not dictated by hierarchy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That emphasis on culture naturally extends to relationships. Students spoke about the importance of camaraderie, open&nbsp;communication&nbsp;and trust among coworkers and leadership. In an industry known for its fast pace and demanding schedules, having&nbsp;a strong team&nbsp;environment is not just a&nbsp;benefit,&nbsp;it is essential.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Work-life balance also&nbsp;emerged&nbsp;as a key priority. While these students understand the commitment&nbsp;required&nbsp;in construction, they are looking for flexibility and employers who respect their time. They recognize that balance leads to better performance and long-term career satisfaction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opportunities for growth and advancement are equally important. Students want to join organizations that invest in their development, offer&nbsp;mentorship&nbsp;and provide clear pathways for career progression. They are eager to learn,&nbsp;take on&nbsp;responsibilityand build their careers, but they expect support and guidance along the way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many also expressed a desire to stay engaged and challenged in their roles.&nbsp;They are drawn to dynamic environments where they can contribute across multiple aspects of a project, gaining hands-on&nbsp;experience&nbsp;and&nbsp;diversifying&nbsp;their skill sets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Representation and inclusion were also part of the conversation, particularly among women entering construction. Feeling supported,&nbsp;represented&nbsp;and included in the workplace is&nbsp;an important factor&nbsp;as they evaluate potential employers and long-term career paths.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students are looking for companies that care about their people, their&nbsp;projects&nbsp;and their impact. Whether through safety,&nbsp;innovation&nbsp;or community involvement, they want to be part of organizations that stand for something meaningful.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perhaps most&nbsp;encouraging for the industry is the growing enthusiasm for roofing itself. Many students entered the competition with limited exposure to roofing, but through hands-on experience,&nbsp;mentorship&nbsp;and engagement at IRE, they developed a&nbsp;more&nbsp;genuine interest in pursuing careers in the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Roofing Alliance Student Competition continues to play a vital role in building&nbsp;a strong and motivated workforce for the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To hear directly from these students, watch the interviews:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Bradley University:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/xfZ_pOO1UYk" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/live/xfZ_pOO1UYk</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>University of Florida:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/SIEy9ofUUuo" rel="" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/live/SIEy9ofUUuo</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Auburn University:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/E2nYV7TRhAY" rel="" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/live/E2nYV7TRhAY</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Colorado State University:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/aSD9TeF-b94" rel="" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/live/aSD9TeF-b94</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Clemson University:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/RV1wsnO5qyk" rel="" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/live/RV1wsnO5qyk</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>To learn more about the Roofing Alliance and its workforce development initiatives, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.roofingalliance.net/" target="_blank">roofingalliance.net</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Roofing Alliance Student Competition team from Auburn University earns first place at International Roofing Expo</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-alliance-student-competition-team-from-auburn-university-earns-first-place-at-international-roofing-expo</link>
<description>roofing-alliance-student-competition-team-from-auburn-university-earns-first-place-at-international-roofing-expo</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/roofing-alliance-student-competition-team-from-auburn-earns-first.png'
            alt='Roofing Alliance student competition team from Auburn earns first'
            title='Roofing Alliance student competition team from Auburn earns first'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>From digital models to real-world execution, Auburn University students demonstrate leadership, innovation and excellence in roofing.</h2>

<p>The <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance">Roofing Alliance</a> 2026 Student Competition brought together top construction management programs from across the country, challenging students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world roofing scenarios. Rising to the top, Auburn University earned first place after months of preparation, a comprehensive written&nbsp;proposal&nbsp;and a strong final presentation at the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo (IRE)</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Representing&nbsp;Auburn University were Madi Goodwin, Heather Henderson, Patrick Johnson, Graham Roh (team captain)&nbsp;and Ashwin Varadhan (team alternate). The team was guided by faculty advisor Dr. Kenneth Sands and mentored by Paige Harvill of Nations Roof.&nbsp;<img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/04/roofing-alliance-auburn-university-earns-first-at-ire-2.JPG" style="float:right; height:300px; margin-left:20px; width:400px" /></p>

<p>The Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition is one of the industry&rsquo;s premier workforce development initiatives. Each year, participating universities develop a complete bid package for a real project tied to the location of the International Roofing Expo. In 2026, the project focused on the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, requiring teams to prepare detailed estimates,&nbsp;logistics&nbsp;plans, safety&nbsp;protocols&nbsp;and deliver oral presentations to a panel of industry judges. Written proposal scores and oral presentation scores were combined to&nbsp;determine&nbsp;final rankings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The competition results highlighted the strength of roofing education programs nationwide, with Auburn University taking first place, the University of Florida earning second and Clemson University placing third. Individual presenter honors were awarded to Remi Nguyen of Clemson University and Sophia&nbsp;Petrandis&nbsp;of the University of Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/E2nYV7TRhAY?si=qNxVyreaiyNebaWi">interview with&nbsp;RoofersCoffeeShop&reg;&nbsp;at the International Roofing Expo</a>, the Auburn team shared insights into their experience, reflecting on the months of preparation&nbsp;that got them to the top spot&nbsp;and the opportunity to present on a national stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:center"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E2nYV7TRhAY?si=qNxVyreaiyNebaWi" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Throughout the competition, the Auburn team&nbsp;operated&nbsp;as a mock roofing company, assigning leadership roles that mirrored real-world industry structure. Team members took ownership of key areas including estimating, project management, field&nbsp;operations&nbsp;and safety planning, working collaboratively to build a complete and competitive proposal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After months of preparation, the team described&nbsp;a strong sense&nbsp;of accomplishment following their final presentation, having successfully translated&nbsp;their plan&nbsp;into a polished delivery&nbsp;that earned them the number one placement.&nbsp;One of the most impactful aspects of the experience was visiting the project site in person. After analyzing drawings, digital&nbsp;models&nbsp;and site&nbsp;logistics&nbsp;for months, stepping onto the roof of the Cannery Casino and Hotel brought a new level of understanding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Students noted that transitioning from two-dimensional plans to a full-scale structure reinforced the importance of accuracy,&nbsp;coordination&nbsp;and attention to detail. Elements that had only existed on paper became tangible, giving real-world context to their&nbsp;logistics&nbsp;plans and construction strategies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The experience also highlighted the growing role of technology in construction. The team incorporated digital modeling into their preparation, reflecting the increasing use of advanced tools in roofing and project planning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While not all team members had prior roofing experience, the competition sparked a strong interest in the industry. Through hands-on learning, research and mentorship, students gained a deeper appreciation for commercial roofing and the opportunities it offers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Walking the&nbsp;expo floor further expanded that perspective. From induction welding systems and material lift equipment to&nbsp;emerging&nbsp;AI-driven solutions, the team saw firsthand how&nbsp;the industry&nbsp;continues to evolve with innovation and technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As these students prepare to enter the workforce, they emphasize the importance of company culture, work-life&nbsp;balance&nbsp;and opportunities for professional growth. They&nbsp;seek&nbsp;organizations that value teamwork, invest in their&nbsp;people&nbsp;and provide meaningful career development.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/04/roofing-alliance-auburn-university-earns-first-at-ire.jpg" style="float:left; height:300px; margin-right:20px; width:533px" />The Auburn University team&rsquo;s first-place finish reflects not only technical excellence but also strong collaboration,&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;and adaptability.&nbsp;This team perfectly&nbsp;demonstrates&nbsp;the caliber of students entering the roofing industry and the impact of programs like the Roofing Alliance Student Competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Auburn University, the experience was more than a competition. It was a launching point into an industry defined by innovation,&nbsp;teamwork&nbsp;and long-term opportunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>RIIG - HOOTL joins Roofing Alliance</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/riig-hootl-joins-roofing-alliance</link>
<description>riig-hootl-joins-roofing-alliance</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/riig-hootl-joins-roofing-alliance-linkedin.png'
            alt='RIIG - HOOTL joins Roofing Alliance'
            title='RIIG - HOOTL joins Roofing Alliance'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>RIIG - HOOTL develops AI-driven solutions that streamline and automate critical workflows across the customer lifecycle.</h2>

<p>We&rsquo;re excited to share that <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/riig-technology" target="_blank">RIIG</a> - HOOTL is now a full member of the Roofing Alliance.</p>

<p>Joining this community marks an important step as we expand our presence in the roofing and broader field service industries. We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, contributing to the Alliance&rsquo;s mission and gaining deeper insight into where the market is heading.</p>

<p>At RIIG, we are actively working alongside leading data providers and industry partners to develop AI-driven solutions that streamline and automate critical workflows across the customer lifecycle, including lead generation, estimation and customer interaction.</p>

<p>To further support this effort, we are proud to welcome two new board advisors:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Steve Little</strong> &ndash; head coach at KPost Company | Building Envelope Contractor and CEO of National Roofing Partners.</li>
	<li><strong>Reed Gooding</strong> &ndash; CEO at GSM Roofing.</li>
</ul>

<p>Their industry experience and leadership ensure our solutions remain grounded in real-world operational needs while accelerating adoption across the sector.</p>

<p>We believe the next wave of innovation in roofing will be driven by intelligent automation, better data utilization and seamless system integration, and we&rsquo;re excited to help shape that future alongside the Alliance and its members.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.riigtech.com/">Visit www.riigtech.com for more information.</a></strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>University of Florida student team earns second place at Roofing Alliance Student Competition</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/university-of-florida-team-earns-second-place-at-roofing-alliance-student-competition</link>
<description>university-of-florida-team-earns-second-place-at-roofing-alliance-student-competition</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/roofing-alliance-university-of-florida-team-earns-second-place-at-roofing-alliance-student-competition-drakeheidi.png'
            alt='Roofing Alliance University of Florida Team earns second place at Roofing Alliance Student Competition'
            title='Roofing Alliance University of Florida Team earns second place at Roofing Alliance Student Competition'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>From classroom concepts to real-world execution, University of Florida students demonstrate excellence in roofing and construction management.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/04/roofing-alliance-univ-of-florida-team.JPG" style="float:right; height:400px; margin-left:20px; width:300px" />The <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance" target="_blank">Roofing Alliance</a> 2026 Student Competition brought together leading construction management programs from across the country, challenging students to solve real-world roofing scenarios while gaining invaluable industry experience. Among the top performers was the University of Florida, whose team earned an impressive second-place finish through strong collaboration, technical expertise and months of dedicated preparation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Representing the University of Florida were Nicholas Fredette (team alternate), Tyler Isaacson, Sophia Petrandis, Rylee Rauktis (team captain) and Christian Walker. The team was guided by faculty advisor Professor Jim Sullivan and mentored by a former student competition competitor, Caleb Stauss of Big D Roofing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition is one of the industry&rsquo;s premier workforce development initiatives. Each year, participating universities develop a comprehensive bid proposal for a real project tied to the location of the <a href="http://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire" target="_blank">International Roofing Expo</a>. In 2026, that project focused on the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, where teams prepared detailed estimates, logistics plans, safety protocols and delivered oral presentations to a panel of industry judges. Written proposals and oral presentation scores were combined to determine final rankings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The competition results highlighted the strength of roofing education programs nationwide, with Auburn University taking first place, the University of Florida earning second and Clemson University placing third. In addition to the team&rsquo;s success, Sophia Petrandis was recognized as one of the competition&rsquo;s top individual presenters, placing second in the category, highlighting the depth of talent within the Florida program.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an interview with RoofersCoffeeShop&reg; at the International Roofing Expo, the University of Florida team shared insights into their experience, from months of preparation to presenting on a national stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:center"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SIEy9ofUUuo?si=UsqFug9UvuCxNfDX" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Throughout the competition, the University of Florida team operated as a mock roofing company, assigning leadership roles and collaborating across disciplines. From estimating and logistics to safety planning and quality control, each team member contributed to building a comprehensive and competitive bid package.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/04/roofing-alliance-univ-of-florida-1.JPG" style="float:left; height:300px; margin-right:20px; width:400px" />One of the most impactful elements of the experience was visiting the project site in person. After months of reviewing drawings, walking the roof of the Cannery Casino and Hotel brought a new level of understanding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Students noted that the scale of the building was significantly different than anticipated. Elevations estimated from plans appeared much larger in person, and details that seemed straightforward on paper required deeper consideration in the field. The experience reinforced the importance of understanding real-world conditions and how they influence project planning, material selection and installation strategies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opportunity to explore the expo floor further expanded their understanding of the roofing industry. For many team members, the competition marked their first in-depth exposure to roofing and cemented just how diverse and innovative the industry has become.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From membranes and shingles to advanced safety systems and specialized components, the students saw firsthand how interconnected the roofing industry is and how rapidly the technology continues to evolve. The experience emphasized the importance of combining technical knowledge with leadership, communication and adaptability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As these students prepare to enter the workforce, they are focused on finding companies that align with their career values. Company culture, integrity, transparency and opportunities for growth were consistently highlighted as key factors in choosing an employer. They are seeking organizations that invest in people with a focus on long-term success.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/04/roofing-alliance-univ-of-florida-wins.jpg" style="float:right; height:225px; margin-left:20px; width:400px" />The University of Florida team&rsquo;s performance in the Roofing Alliance Student Competition reflects not only their technical capabilities but also their commitment to excellence through education. Their second-place finish represents months of hard work, strong mentorship and the ability to perform at a high level on a national stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Roofing Alliance Student Competition continues to play a critical role in developing the next generation of roofing professionals, connecting students with contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders while providing meaningful, hands-on experience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the University of Florida team, the experience was more than a competition. It was a gateway into an industry filled with opportunity, innovation and long-term career potential.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/SIEy9ofUUuo?si=y7qFdrhy2mfHd-qP">Watch the full interview.</a></p>

<p>To learn more about the Roofing Alliance, its Student Competition and workforce development initiatives shaping the future of the roofing industry, visit <a href="http://roofingalliance.net" target="_blank">roofingalliance.net</a>.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Get ready for National Roofing Week 2026!</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/get-ready-for-national-roofing-week-2026</link>
<description>get-ready-for-national-roofing-week-2026</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/nrca-get-ready-for-national-roofing-week-2026.png'
            alt='Get ready for National Roofing Week 2026!'
            title='Get ready for National Roofing Week 2026!'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Celebrate your crew and share your story with NRCA this June.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Roofing is the hidden hero in many people&rsquo;s lives; roofs protect their homes, families, businesses and possessions from the elements. To raise awareness about the significance of roofing and the important work of professionals across the roofing industry, the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a> will be hosting their annual National Roofing Week from June 7-13, 2026.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the week, NRCA will be sharing stories from professionals around the industry across their social media platforms. NRCA encourages members to &ldquo;<a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week/social-media">share their stories</a> of charitable giving, crew and staff appreciation and signature roofing projects&rdquo; by using the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 tag.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another great way to show your support for this initiative is by <a href="https://industry.nrca.net/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=NRCAStoreList&amp;site=nrca&amp;es3_key=c6a0779d-7cb9-4f69-a677-c11783f891a5">decking your crew out in National Roofing Week swag</a>! These shirts are a great way to show your roofing pride with style. You can find more <a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week/member-resources">detailed information about participation</a> and <a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week/member-resources">National Roofing Week assets</a> to use in your photos and videos online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year&rsquo;s event is sponsored by a variety of industry-leading companies, including <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/georgia-pacific">Georgia-Pacific</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/srs-distribution-inc">SRS Distribution</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo</a>, Hanover Architectural Products, OMG Roofing Products, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance">Roofing Alliance</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/soprema-2">SOPREMA</a> and TuffWrap. If you need more information on National Roofing Week, contact NRCA Director of Communications Krista Berns (847-493-7531 or <a href="mailto:kberns@nrca.net">kberns@nrca.net</a>) or NRCA Social Media Manager Madison Mahoney (847-493-7548 or <a href="mailto:mmahoney@nrca.net">mmahoney@nrca.net</a>).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week"><strong>Join the NRCA in celebrating the essential work your crew does each day and promote the importance of hiring professionals!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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