By Emma Peterson. 

From the first Roofers Exchange to the first roof museum, learn how people across the industry are building spaces for our community. 

Recently, Heidi J. Ellsworth had the opportunity to sit down with Donavan Morgan, founder of The Roof Museum and The Roof Gallery, and Vickie Sharples, co-founder of RoofersCoffeeShop® and executive director for Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California, for an episode of Roofing Road Trips® about creating spaces for roofers.  

This is a topic that Vickie knows well, having been the powerhouse behind Roofers Exchange – a newspaper dedicated to serving the roofing industry. She shared the why behind creating it, explaining, "When we first started this, you would go to the wholesalers and they would be selling products and doing help wanted ads and that was the extent of our industry’s communication.” What Roofers Exchange did was create a space for all those classifieds to live that could be distributed around the country – building a network of roofers and wholesalers supporting one another.  

It was a very similar idea – building a space where roofers can celebrate each other – that inspired Donavan to start the Roof Museum. As he put it, “I wanted to have a place where we could celebrate roofers that are doing things on a high level.”  

And so, he built the first museum dedicated to the roofing industry in Marietta, Georgia. And not only is this space dedicated to recording the history of the industry – from the great roofers in their hall of fame to their exhibits showcasing historic roofing tools – it is also dedicated to creating the future of the industry. Donavan explained:  

We want to use this space to celebrate the industry and get more people excited about roofing. So, we have a few block parties, and we also have events like the Home Depot Kids Workshop. Overall, just really trying to use this space to showcase the industry and show people what a cool industry this is.  

It is people like Vickie and Donavan who are dedicated to uplifting our industry and building spaces for our community to grow that inspire us here at The Coffee Shops™. Our goal is to be the place the industry meets online and, as our president Heidi puts it, “It's because of people and contractors like Vickie and Donavan, the people that want to build spaces for roofers, that RoofersCoffeeShop has really become what it is today.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more from Donavan, Vickie and Heidi about building spaces dedicated to roofers. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Through workforce development programs, RCASoCal is creating opportunity, elevating the profession and ensuring roofing has a strong future in the region. 

It’s no secret that the roofing industry has increasingly felt the strain of a shrinking workforce. Retirements are accelerating, fewer young people are entering the trades and the traditional legacy path of working for a parent or joining a friend’s weekend roofing crew is no longer enough to sustain the industry. 

Vickie Sharples, founder and co-owner of RoofersCoffeeShop® and now executive director of the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal) has always been passionate about staying involved in her local community and fostering excitement around roofing as a career. “I saw something recently that struck me,” she explained. “The NRCA shared a statistic that for every five people that retire, only three people are replacing them.” 

This realization drove RCASoCal to help and provide support for roofing installation training with two important CTE programs: at the high school level through SkillsUSA and at the postsecondary level with the Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education (BPACE) in Baldwin Park, California.  

Baldwin Park’s roofing CTE program 

The roofing program at BPACE is the first state-recognized nonunion CTE roofing course in California, and a blueprint for how roofing education can be scaled across the state. The idea began when Vickie contacted BPACE about renting a classroom for potential roofing workshops. Instead, administrators surprised her: “They said, ‘Well, you’re in roofing, we need to put a roofing program together.’” 

Vickie has always been so passionate about encouraging roofing as a career and teaching young people that she joked about having an entire outline for Vickie’s Roofing School. So, when BPACE started putting conditions together, she laughed, sharing that they gave her three conditions: 

1. The program couldn’t carry her name. 
2. It might take a long time to build. 
3. She had to guarantee jobs for the students who graduated. 

“All easy yeses,” Vickie laughed. “I just wanted it to happen. And I told them, ‘If you educate these kids, employers will hire them. That’s not going to be a problem at all.’” 

Creating the roofing program required: 

• A state-approved curriculum, developed with industry and resources 
• Qualified teachers, with at least five years of roofing experience and a willingness to earn teaching credentials 
• Tools, equipment and supplies for hands-on learning 
• A direct pipeline to roofing contractors for job placement 

With a generous donation from Baldwin Park-based Highland Commercial Roofing and HCI Equity Partners, RCASoCal was able to dedicate a workforce development fund to support this program.  

Finding teachers was the toughest step. To teach adult education CTE in California, candidates must complete an 18-month credentialing program on top of their roofing experience. Vickie helped secure two teachers to begin with, and this fall, the first 400-hour course officially launched. Students have begun with tool basics and classroom readiness, and roofing-specific coursework begins in January 2026. BPACE provides access to financial aid that allows students to purchase their own tools, so they’re ready for employment from day one. 

And this is only the beginning. Once this pilot succeeds, the program can “be a cookie-cut model across Southern California,” Vickie said. Any adult-education center can replicate it, expanding roofing pathways to communities across the state. 

To make this program happen, RCASoCal also raised money at the association’s Clays for a Cause charity shoot, which will now serve as the program’s annual fundraising drive. The association also connects: 

• Contractors ready to hire students 
• Volunteers to mentor, speak at events or help with hands-on demonstrations 
• Donors providing tools, materials and equipment 
• Members ready to support SkillsUSA competitors 

It’s a community-wide effort, something Vickie emphasizes repeatedly. The roofing trade won’t fix its workforce problem with a single class, but “if we meet 100 kids and even two are interested, that’s a win. And if we do that over and over again, we start to fix the shortage,” she shared. 

Changing perception inside and outside the industry 

One of Vickie’s biggest motivators is the pride she has after working nearly 50 years in this industry. Roofing professionals know this trade changes skylines, protects families and builds businesses. But many schools, and even other trades, still overlook roofing as a viable career path. “Why would they not include roofing?” Vickie asked. “It’s a beautiful trade. And you can have a very successful business.” She loves telling students: “Can you drive down the street, point to a roof and say, ‘I did that’? In roofing, you can.” 

This movement is only possible with contractor support. RCASoCal still needs: 

• More teachers 
• Mentors and classroom speakers 
• Donations of tools, safety equipment and materials 
• Help funding teaching credentials and SkillsUSA travel costs 
• Volunteers to join at school events and career days 

“Who wants to listen to how great roofing is from me?” Vickie joked. “I need younger faces, people who look like them, people who love this trade.” 

Southern California is becoming a model for how regional associations, schools, contractors and manufacturers can work together to build long-term workforce pipelines and restore pride in the trade. If the ripple effect continues with the success of this program, they’ll be rewriting the narrative of how roofing careers begin. 

By Victoria Sharples, RCASoCal. 

Learn how the industry came together to support roofing students from Kern County, California!  

SkillsUSA is a organization that was founded in the 1960s with the goal of getting students involved in the trades. Their work connects students at CTE and high schools across the country with more than 120 different trades. As of 2023, thanks to the efforts of National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and other industry leaders, roofing is now one of the trades represented in the competition.   

This type of outreach is crucial for industries, such as roofing, that have faced challenges with persistent labor shortages. The roofing program through SkillsUSA introduces the younger generation to a standardized curriculum designed by NRCA that teaches them about TPO roofing. From there, NRCA has continuously worked to expand the reach of the program.  

Their goal is to get individual states to add roofing to their SkillsUSA curriculums while also encouraging high schools/CTE training centers to adopt the program as well. While challenging, they quickly realized that the best way to go about this is rallying support from local roofing professionals! 

NRCA worked with their members to mentor students from four states who advanced to compete at the national competition in Atlanta in 2023. That number grew the following year to 12 states and now, in 2025, 25 states are represented! It was an exciting leap, with California sending its first student!  

We were able to gain exposure as an accepted trade by having students compete at the national SkillsUSA competition. Schools come by and many were interested in adding roofing to their CTE programs. From there, the word spreads. 

One such school that took notice was the Kern County High School. Chad Wright, construction trades instructor, was at the national championships and wanted to add roofing to their training options. He persistently requested roofing be added to the California SkillsUSA competitions. After a last-minute approval, he reached out to the NRCA to help with the necessary curriculum and training materials.  

Kern County needed roofing industry support for the upcoming Ontario competition. Having no industry support in their own community, NRCA contacted the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal), who rallied together the rest of the resources needed for the competition.  

All of these efforts culminated on a beautiful April day, in Ontario, California, with four students dressed in uniform and full fall protection. With a four-hour window, they installed insulation and TPO, cutting and welding around penetration and corners. Beforehand, the students took a written test and received safety training before moving onto the installation. They each did their best to complete the task and a winner was chosen.  

Never before was it so apparent of the true meaning of the phrase, “It takes a village.” This event came to fruition because of a little help from a lot of people.  

A round of thank you’s 

Many thanks to: 

• Chad Wright from Kern High School for stopping by the SkillsUSA Roofing Pavilion in Atlanta last year and being inspired enough to fight for roofing in California. 
• June Brentanos and Amy Staska at NRCA for providing the communication, foundation and knowledge so this could be developed to benefit Southern California.  
• Shane Muncy from NRCA for flying to Bakersfield from Nashville, then on to Ontario, to assist the students.  Without him knowing how to set it up, do the paperwork and the competition experience this never would have happened.  
• Matt and Hector Guttierrez from Shell Roofing for driving three hours to Bakersfield to work with the students when they found out that no contractor stepped forward to mentor them.   
• Competition judges Ian Bailey at GAF Commercial and Robert Flores from KRGS Roofing for spending time with the students, coaching and motivating them and being our judges. 
• Highland Commercial Roofing and HCI Equity Partners for their generous donation that provided the funding to launch our Workforce Development Program.  This enabled us to provide the tools and equipment to the students for the competition and help our newly minted California winner get to Atlanta to represent our state. 
• Ryen Van Grol at Assembly Supplies Co. in Escondido, California for loaning us the hot air tools for the competition. 
• Jeff Meinhart at Roofmaster Products for donating the fall protection gear for the competition. 
• RCASoCal Association President Brian Hoyt from Hoyt Roofing who, with 10-days’ notice, agreed to build and deliver four of the specially designed mock-ups, with a “No Problem.” 
• The 15 students that went through the NRCA TPO TRAC program and the four students, Fatima, Juan, Gregory and Hector, that were selected to compete, training before and after school to learn our trade. 
• Finally, I would like to thank myself for resisting the urge to not get involved. To think of all I would have missed. I encourage anyone to take the time to get involved, just a little bit.  Remember that it only takes a little help, from a lot of people. 

I am sure that those in attendance were all pretty touched by the experience, and we realized we were witnessing something special. After spending the time and learning about the process there is no hesitation that the RCASoCal and all the parties involved will be back next year with some local schools of our own.    

How you can help! 

SkillsUSA and other CTE programs are an important step in changing the perception of the roofing industry and securing its future. Here are some ways to get involved:  

• Be available for the donations of tools, equipment, supplies and money. 
• Volunteer to build an installation mock-up in a school or for the state competition. 
• Be a contractor mentor to a high school or ROP class. 
• Help in reaching out to ROP centers and high schools. 
• Retire from the ladder and become a teacher in the next CTE school 

Remember, for every five that retire from the roofing industry only two are replaced.  Please contact RCASoCal or Southern California or National Roofing Contractors Association for more information. 

Original article and photo source Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal). 

Supporting workforce development in Southern California.

Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal) is proud to help establish and provide support for roofing installation training with two important CTE programs*. First at the high school level through SkillsUSA, then postsecondary level beginning with the Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education (BPACE) located in Baldwin Park, California.   

With a generous endowment from Baldwin Park-based Highland Commercial Roofing and HCI Equity Partners, RCASoCal was able to establish a workforce development fund dedicated to supporting these two important programs. 

Additionally, in May the RCASoCal added to this fund with the donations raised at its Clays for a Cause clay shooting event, and it will be the primary fundraising event supporting this new initiative going forward. 

Our goals for the SkillsUSA program are to introduce roofing in school districts in each of the counties we serve. Our support will consist of help with contractor mentorship, hands-on materials, tools and financial backing for the students to attend the state and national competitions. Our first contribution was at the April 2024 State SkillsUSA Competition in Ontario, California where we witnessed the first roofing students in the state (from Kern County) compete. RCASoCal contributed to the expenses for the winner get to Atlanta to represent California in the national competition.

With BPACE, our efforts so far have been to find qualified roofing professionals to teach roofing classes. They will offer a first in the state CTE roofing course offered at a nationally recognized school in Los Angeles County. We will be assisting with the tools, equipment and supplies needed for the classrooms plus helping with opportunities for special presentations. Once classes begin this October, this pilot program can be rolled out to educational centers throughout California.  Our financial support will extend to scholarships for roofing education at this school. 

Motivated by this sobering statistic, “For every five that retire from the roofing industry only two are replaced,” RCASoCal’s goal going forward is to use our workforce development resources to expose more students to the opportunities the roofing industry has to offer. 

To help with this initiative please contact RCASoCal to support workforce development with mentorship, donations of tools, equipment, supplies and financial support. 

We are so excited to help bring roofing industry education and respect to Southern California and joining the country with recognition for our great industry.  

About Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education (BPACE) earned national recognition from the Council for Opportunity in Education for its exceptional workforce partnerships, high job placement rates and commitment to educational excellence. 

About SkillsUSA 

SkillsUSA is the number one development organization for the trades. As the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students, the SkillsUSA Championship is one of the largest hands-on workforce development events in the world. SkillsUSA is organized around regional, state and national contests that encourage the best from participating industry leaders, students and instructors. 

About Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal) 

Established in 1936 RCASoCal has been raising the level of professionalism of our local Roofing Industry by keeping our members well informed and by helping them comply with rules and regulations affecting their businesses, their employees and their customers; and in supporting the education, health and safety of our members. 

What is CTE 

CTE in high school: High school CTE programs often involve a sequence of courses that provide students with coherent and rigorous content, preparing them for postsecondary education or careers.  

CTE in postsecondary education: Post-high school CTE programs can lead to credentials like industry-recognized certifications, or customized training for specific employers.   

Johnny’s unwavering commitment to his craft, his integrity, and his community has left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

February 8, 1939 – April 9, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we remember Johnny Zamrzla, Western Pacific Roofing Corp., whose impact on the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal) and the entire industry will never be forgotten. Johnny’s unwavering commitment to his craft, his integrity, and his community has left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

As a long-standing member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California, Johnny played a crucial role in advancing the values and standards of the industry. He was not just a contractor, but a mentor, a leader, and a true advocate for the professional community. His contributions to RCASoCal were invaluable and as a three-term president he helped shape the direction of the association and improve the lives of countless roofing professionals.

In 1990, the RCASoCal established the Johnny Zamrzla award, which recognizes extraordinary service on behalf of the roofing industry. It is the most prestigious and highest tribute the Association gives. Fittingly the first recipient was Johnny Zamrzla, Western Pacific Roofing Corp., and the award was given his name in honor of his continuous, active leadership in theindustry and association work, from local to national forums.

Johnny worked with the IRCC, served on the RCAC Board and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1996. He helped form the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), entering its Hall of Fame in 1999. He also served as NRCA President, earning their highest honor—the J.A. PiperAward—in 1984.

Johnny was also a prominent figure in California's rodeo community. He was deeply involved in the sport for decades, serving as the President of the PRCA California Circuit from 2011 onward and as Chairman of Showdown Rodeo, Inc.

Beyond his contributions to rodeo, Johnny’s leadership extended to various civic roles, including appointments to the White House Conference on Small Business and the California Senate Select Committee on Small Business. He was also active in local organizations such as the Antelope Valley Board of Trade and the Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation. Johnny's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to public service.

Though he may no longer be with us, Johnny’s influence will continue to resonate in every roof raised, every project completed with care, and every person he mentored along the way.

Rest in peace, Johnny. Your work here is done, but the foundation you built will stand for generations to come.

Read Johnny Zamrzla's Obituary.

If you would like to honor Johnny’s memory, the family has suggested contributions be made to one of the two organizations listed below:

• Justin Cowboy Crisi Fund
• Antelope Valley Vets 4 Veterans

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders present key strategies for business success and financial security, along with a holiday celebration you won’t want to miss. 

Roofing and financial professionals are in for a treat this fall, as Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal) rolls out a series of exclusive events designed to help businesses thrive and individuals grow their networks. With industry experts offering actionable advice, these events provide valuable opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate with peers. Whether you're focused on enhancing your digital presence, ensuring financial security or simply enjoying a festive evening, RCASoCal has something for you. 

Build your brand with Heidi J. Ellsworth 

First on the agenda is a not-to-be-missed presentation by Heidi J. Ellsworth of RoofersCoffeeShop, a leading voice in the roofing industry. Heidi will share her insights on how professionals can build their brand using digital platforms and social media — a vital skill in today’s competitive landscape. Attendees can expect to gain a clear, step-by-step guide on expanding their network and turning it into a positive force for business success. 

This is an incredible chance for roofing professionals to stay competitive in today’s market. Heidi will demonstrate the importance of digital marketing in modern business strategy. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting to build your brand, this presentation will equip you with the tools you need to grow. 

For added convenience, this event will be held via Zoom, giving professionals across Southern California the flexibility to attend. 

Financial planning for business success 

In addition to marketing know-how, RCASoCal has teamed up with Tax & Financial Group to offer a comprehensive session on financial planning. This event is designed for business owners and managers who want to position themselves for long-term success, regardless of where they are in their career journey. 

From retirement planning to setting up your company for future growth, this session offers practical, easy-to-follow advice. “You don’t need to be ready to retire to benefit from this presentation,” Tax & Financial Group notes, emphasizing the importance of financial planning at every stage of business development. Held in both Orange and Riverside counties, this event provides crucial financial insights for roofing professionals and business owners alike. 

Celebrate the season at the RCASoCal Holiday Dinner 

As the year winds down, RCASoCal is also hosting its annual Holiday Dinner at the renowned Anaheim White House on December 8, 2024. This festive evening is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Set in one of Southern California's most iconic restaurants, the event will feature exquisite dining in a warm, holiday-themed atmosphere. 

The dinner, scheduled for 5:30 p.m., ensures that guests will be able to enjoy the event and still make it home early enough to start their week fresh. However, space is limited and early registration is highly encouraged to ensure a spot at this exclusive gathering. 

Why you should register now 

RCASoCal’s upcoming events provide a well-rounded mix of professional development and holiday celebration. From learning the latest in branding strategies with Heidi J. Ellsworth to gaining critical financial planning insights, these sessions are designed to empower attendees to succeed both in business and in life. 

Don’t wait to register — whether you want to boost your brand, secure your financial future or simply enjoy a holiday dinner with peers, these events offer something for everyone. Sign up today and take advantage of these exciting opportunities!

By Emma Peterson. 

Brought together on one project, people from across the industry made this reroof a success! 

Every year, the Southern California Roofing Contractors Association (RCASoCal) brings their local industry together onto a collaborative, community-based project! The first of these projects was in 1989, with the reroof of Sierra Hillview Acres Children’s Home in Chino Hills. From there, Project Reroof has helped community members, including the Orange County Teen Challenge and Agape House of Prayer, Christian Community Center. The only requirement of the project is that it focuses on charitable organizations in need and the materials and services for it are all donated by the companies providing. 

The most recent of these jobs, Project Reroof 2023, was just completed successfully by an amazing team of Roofing All Stars! This collaboration yet again showcased the power of the RCASoCal community through the reroofing of Faithway Fellowship - Colton Church of the Nazarene. Special thanks to Robert Price of Premier Roofing and Building Co. and Bill Jordan of Jordan Roof Company whose guidance, perseverance and dedication made this project the success it is. Further thanks are owed to the roofing companies that have donated time and resources, in no particular order: Hoyt Roofs, Jordan Roofing, Lang Roofing, South Coast Shingle, Chapman Coast Roofing, Premier Roofing and Building Co., Elite Roofing Supply and Beacon Building Products. 

The dedication of the RCASoCal roofing community is continually impressive and inspiring. The Roofing All Stars who worked on this project truly earned their title and their efforts to support their community are deeply admirable.  

View this year’s Project Reroof booklet! 

Image source: RCASoCal

By Roofing Contractor's Association of Southern California.

Take advantage of this opportunity to receive financial assistance and educational support.

The Jim Nienow Memorial Scholarship is open to applications! Since 1993, we have recognized the achievements of 288 deserving students. Over the last 17 years, we have awarded over $352,000 to the family of members and their employees. Overall, the goal of this scholarship is "to develop qualified professionals through education." Applicants must be entering into secondary education programs at accredated colleges or univsersities within the the next academic year.

This year, we will award scholarships of up to $10,000 to immediate family members of our members as well as member employees. That money is split into multiple awards, typiucally ranging from $500 to $2,500 per scholar. Half of those funds will be paid to the institution while the other half is intended to be used for tuition and fees, book purchases, room and board and other expenses. Take advantage of this opportunity to receive financial assistance and educational support.

Last year, we had the privilege of supporting 19 exceptional individuals, each of whom is embarking on a unique path toward their future. Thank you to our members and supporters for your support of our scholarship program. Over the past 30 years, our scholarship program has supported the educational  pursuits of our member families and employees with more than $350,000 awarded to date. Thank you for being part of the impact we are making together.

How is this scholarship is made possible? Sponsorships! Thank you to our annual sponsors, if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please check out our website! Interested in professional growth but not a student? Join RCASoCal! This association fosters better working relationships and a more cohesive working environment between roofing contractors, suppliers and consultants.

Download the 2024 Jim Nienow Scholarship application today!

By the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California.

A heartfelt thank you to all of the roofing rock stars that made Project Reroof 2023 a success!

By the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California.

The future is bright! Meet the Jim Nienow Memorial Scholarship recipients.

Last year, the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California had the privilege of supporting 19 exceptional individuals, each of whom is embarking on a unique path toward their future. Thank you to our members and supporters for your support of our scholarship program. Over the past 30 years, our scholarship program has supported the educational  pursuits of our member families and employees with more than $350,000 awarded to date.  Thank you for being part of the impact we are making together.

We encourage you to explore the profiles of our 2023 scholarship recipients below.
 

Amber Garcia
Bachelor’s in Science / Bachelor’s in Nursing
Daughter of Tommy Garcia, SRS Distribution / JB Wholesale

"What really drew me close to the idea of becoming a nurse was my aunt. My aunt’s sister passed away on August 12, 2002. This was the exact day and year I was born, with her passing away early morning around the same time I was born. My aunt’s sister was a registered nurse. She had just finished her 12 hour shift and was on her way home when she fell asleep behind the wheel, which resulted in a tragic car accident. My aunt told me once I was old enough to understand that she believes her sister left this world so that I could enter it. I feel a strong connection to honor both my aunt and her sister by following in her footsteps of becoming a nurse."

Gianna Gatson
Biology
Stepdaughter of Paul Rodriguez, National Nail

"Being a student-athlete, I was always interested in maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. I was originally interested in sports medicine, which shifted into wanting to be a pediatrics physicians assistant."

Grace L. Rucka
Business Marketing
Daughter of Ben Rucka, Malarkey Roofing Products

"Marketing is a highly competitive and rewarding field. I have always been a creative problem solver and feel that I can utilize this skillset in the ever-challenging and exciting world or marketing, especially digital marketing. I first became interested in pursuing a marketing degree during my high school psychology class. I found the study of human behavior regarding choices of products and brands to be fascinating."

John (Jack) Bennett Rucka
Business
Son of Ben Rucka, Malarkey Roofing Products

"One of the main reasons I am interested in pursuing business in college is the people I admire the most have a Business degree or background. These mentors of mine have shown me the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of building strong work relationships. I also like the flexibility that a degree in Business offers. It is broad enough to help prepare me for a wide range of career opportunities across many different industries."