By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Supporting industry connection, giving back and celebrating five decades of roofing leadership.

The West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA) is marking a major milestone in 2026 as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and invites the industry to be part of that celebration at one of its most anticipated events of the year. The Annual Sporting Clays Shoot-Out returns and promises to bring together roofing professionals for a day of camaraderie, competition and purpose, all while supporting an incredible cause.

Set for May 21, 2026, in Tampa Bay, Florida, this year’s event continues a long-standing tradition of connecting contractors, manufacturers, distributors and service providers in a relaxed outdoor setting that fosters real relationships. And the Shoot-Out is more than just a day on the course, it is an opportunity to give back to those who have served. The proceeds of the event benefit the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, an organization dedicated to helping combat veterans heal through outdoor experiences.

Attendees can expect a full day of activities including sporting clays competition, networking opportunities, raffle prizes and lunch, all kicking off with an 8:00 a.m. registration. The event consistently draws a strong turnout, offering companies a unique environment to strengthen relationships and build new connections outside of the typical jobsite or boardroom.

Bridget Wilson, co-owner and director of marketing for Cardinal Roofing, shared the importance of this year’s event, noting that reaching the 50-year mark makes this gathering even more meaningful for both the association and the industry it serves. She emphasized that the Shoot-Out reflects the heart of WCRCA’s mission by bringing people together while supporting veterans in a way that creates lasting impact. The combination of industry engagement and meaningful philanthropy is what continues to make this event so special year after year.

And attending isn’t the only way to engage with this event and it’s meaningful cause! WCRCA is extending an invitation to partners across the roofing community to sponsor parts of the event. These sponsorship opportunities are available for companies looking to align their brand with this milestone celebration, and raffle prizes or swag donations are welcomed to help enhance the attendee experience while supporting the event’s charitable mission. It is a simple yet powerful way to show support for both the industry and the veterans who benefit from this program.

The Coffee Shops has always believed in supporting associations that are driving the industry forward through education, connection and advocacy. Events like this highlight exactly why those partnerships matter. They bring the roofing community together with purpose, creating opportunities that extend well beyond the day itself. 

For those planning to attend or support, registration and additional details can be found at www.wcrca.net. Whether you are stepping onto the course, sponsoring a station or contributing a raffle item, this is an opportunity to be part of a legacy event that celebrates 50 years of leadership while making a real difference.

By Emma Peterson. 

From permits in Louisiana to lien law in Florida, Trent Cotney gives insights on legal changes across the country. 

Trent Cotney, a partner with Adams and Reese, is a well-known name in the roofing world. He specializes in roofing litigation and arbitration and has spent the last three decades working with roofers on construction defect claims, lien/bond law claims, OSHA citations, contractor licensing, bid protests and more. Trent also works as a general legal counsel for multiple roofing organizations, including the West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA), the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) and National Women in Roofing (NWIR).  

Needless to say, he is an invaluable resource when it comes to understanding the legal landscape in relation to the roofing industry. And he has made it easy for contractors like you to access his insights with his monthly Cotney Briefs! These newsletters are a great way to keep up with shifting legislation and regulations in the industry. Here are some of the topics Trent highlighted in his September 2025 brief!  

1 – Permits and licenses in Louisiana 

Acts 239 and 422 in Louisiana outline that “any contractor undertaking residential roofing projects valued at $7,500 or more will be required to hold either a residential roofing license or a residential construction license.” This comes into action on January 1, 2026.  

What this means for contractors: Make sure that you meet examination requirements and/or have the appropriate classifications to get permits in Louisiana for every residential or commercial roofing and reroofing job. 

2 – Lien procedure in Florida 

A Florida appeals court has ruled on the case Custom Homes By Triumph, LLC v. Sverdlow. This case was brought about when Custom Homes filed a complaint against the Sverdlows over a possible breach of contract and the closing of a claim of lien. The court’s ruling outlined that “the 20-day deadline for responding to a show-cause summons under Section 713.21(4), Florida Statutes only begins when the summons is actually issued and served, not merely when a complaint or counterclaim is filed without such a summons.” 

What this means for contractors: The big takeaway is that if lienor or contractors have filed a lien foreclosure action prior to a show-cause summons being served, the lien is preserved. For contractors, this underscores the importance of monitoring and responding to formal summonses to “safeguard your lien rights.”  

3 – Owner-Furnished Materials Disclaimer   

In some cases, you might have clients who want to supply materials for a project themselves. This can be due to reasons such as wanting to cut costs or having a preferred product. This is fine, but what is not fine is when those owner-furnished products come late or damaged, throwing off the timeline of a project and the contractor is blamed.  

What this means for contractors: Make sure to include an Owner-Furnished Materials Disclaimer to clear up any liability questions. Trent recommends something like:  

“Materials Supplied by Owner  

If Owner elects to provide any materials for use in the Work, Contractor shall not be responsible for defects in such materials, nor for delays arising from late delivery or shortages. Contractor’s warranty shall exclude failures or deficiencies caused in whole or in part by Owner-furnished materials.” 

4 – “Pay-if-Paid” and “Pay-when-Paid” Clauses  

Many contractors and subcontractors are struggling with “pay-if-paid” and “pay-when-paid” clauses in their contracts. Pay-if-paid is a condition precedent that says payment to a subcontractor is conditional based on the contractor first receiving payment. As for pay-when-paid, this is a timing clause that delays payment until a “reasonable time.” Both of these clauses shift the payment responsibilities downstream and can lead to a variety of issues if the owner defaults. 

What this means for contractors: It is key to remember that even in “jurisdictions that allow pay-if-paid, subcontractors may preserve lien or bond rights and are often the only leverage available if payment is withheld.” Further, it is important to remember that enforcement of these clauses operate differently depending on your state. At the end of the day, this issue illustrates the importance of reviewing payment language and negotiating terms carefully. 

Check out Trent's past briefs online to hear more of his valuable insights.

By Emma Peterson. 

Enter for a chance to win a free book from industry leader and expert Trent Cotney! 

Being a roofing contractor often means wearing many hats, whether it’s the hard hat at the job site or a baseball cap while working on sales and marketing in the office. But one of the most challenging hats to wear is that of a legal expert. From contracts and invoices to warranties and insurance, it can be very overwhelming to start a roofing project.  

This is something that Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese is very familiar with. Trent is a lawyer with a specialization in roofing litigation and arbitration. He has almost three decades of experience “defending roofers on construction defect claims, prosecuting lien and bond law claims, defending OSHA citations, contractor licensing defense and bid protests.” Further, he is the general legal counsel for several industry associations including the West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA); Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA); and National Women in Roofing (NWIR).  

And his expert insights and advice are available to you through his new book, Roofing Law: Contracts. In this book he dives into the process of starting a roofing project from a legal perspective. As he puts it, “Getting payment from customers has always been an issue, but the need for contracts and written documents was not as important as it is today. I always say that roofers’ policies, procedures and contracts are like wills; they don’t want to look at them until it’s too late.” This book was designed to be accessible to professionals working in the field. In other words, it was “written for contractors, not lawyers.”  

Enter for a chance to win a free copy of Trent’s new construction law book today! 

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Step up on the next ladder rung of your career by becoming a certified professional roofing project manager. 

Cotney Consulting Group Roofing Project Management Certification Training Program is designed for professionals looking to advance their career towards a managerial role in the roofing industry or for roofing companies looking to train their candidates to become project managers.  

Project managers play a pivotal role in the success of their company as they are responsible for planning and controlling every stage of a roofing installation, from pre-construction to completion. Project managers must be able to effectively plan for multiple concurrent construction projects to be completed on time and within budget while guaranteeing that roofing teams work in safe conditions in order for a job to be successfully completed. That is why it is so critical to ensure that project managers are well trained and provided with all the necessary tools for their success. 

Cotney’s Roofing Project Manager Certification Training Program provides the necessary training to prepare candidates to take on a professional management role. In this self-paced course, participants will master aspects of project management, like project scheduling, coordination and cost systems.  

Learning modules:  

• The Business of Roofing 

• Introduction to Project Management 

• Project Estimating 

• Project Risk Management 

• Project Planning 

• Concepts of Project Scheduling  

• Production Planning  

• Managing Time  

• Resource Management  

• Project Scheduling Applications  

• Project Coordination  

• Project Cost System  

• Project Financial Management 

From organizational to strategic aspects, those who take this course will gain the knowledge and fundamentals for overall success.  

Get ready to take the next step in your career, take Cotney’s Roofing Project Manager Certification Training Program and become a certified roofing project manager. 

Learn more about Cotney Consulting Group in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.cotneycl.com. 

About Cotney Attorneys & Consultants  

Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, LLP is a national construction law firm that advocates for the roofing industry. The firm serves as General Counsel to National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA) and a number of other national, regional, local industry associations. Cotney Attorneys & Consultants’ practice areas include construction law, litigation, arbitration, contract review & drafting, immigration, employment, OSHA defense, licensing defense, bid protests, lien law, bond law and alternative dispute resolution. Learn more at www.cotneycl.com.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Discover how taking your training to the next level can differentiate your business in this RLW.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® has made it easier than ever for members of the roofing and construction industries to learn how they want, when they want, where they want with their Read, Listen, Watch (RLW) initiative. Whether you want to read a transcript, listen to a podcast or watch a webinar, the Coffee Shop has made it possible for you to learn your way. 

In an upcoming RLW, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group to consider the value of estimating training and certification programs. As the industry learns to cope with the labor shortage, it is more pressing than ever to use employee training as a way to recruit and retain your employees.  

John Kenney is the chief operating officer at Cotney Consulting Group, and has 45 years of experience in the construction industry prior to joining Cotney. John has worked for multiple roofing contractors and is intimately familiar with all aspects of roofing production, estimating and operations. He volunteers his time as a member of the Board of Directors for the West Coast Roofing Contractors Association. 

John and the Cotney team have developed programs designed to train all levels of employees, from newcomers to seasoned veteran estimators, delivering customized course content that can prepare estimators and project managers for certification. Learn about the difference a certified, well-trained employee can make to a bid and estimate in this webinar.  

Join Heidi and John on January 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. PT to learn how to certify and train your team to take them to the next level. You won’t want to miss this expert insight on gaining the most value of your training and certification programs.  

Register now for this RLW to learn more about how employee training and certification can help differentiate your business.

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Learn why it’s so important to cultivate a veteran-friendly culture in your roofing company and how you can help more veterans.  

Coffee Conversations is a live Q and A event occurring every other week where contractors, manufacturers, distributors and other professionals in the industry discuss current trends in roofing. This episode was all about celebrating the many veterans in the roofing industry. Listen in as this group of veterans talks about how to create a veteran-friendly culture to help attract more veterans into roofing and what the industry is doing now to help veterans in need. This episode was sponsored by TAMKO Building Products who continually hires and supports veterans through generous donations to veteran organizations. 

Coffee Conversations guests, Casey and Meredith Marsh-Shaevitz own Pitch Perfect Roofing, a veteran- and woman-owned business in Oklahoma City. Along with co-owning this business, Casey is also a licensed professional counselor. Her career in the Navy was cut short due to an injury that has left her disabled. “Coming into the civilian world of roofing was not anywhere on my radar at all,” she said. 

Meredith has a background in the medical field and helped her brother start his business prior to building her own. Now she finds passion in real estate development, working with subcontractors and helping new companies develop into great businesses. “I really want to try and give as much of my knowledge that I can to people so that they can also achieve their goals and their dreams. When we're all successful, everybody's doing better and that's the point,” said Meredith. 

Casey and Meredith decided to build their business together three years ago and are finding more ways they can give back to veterans. “We would like to implement scholarships for veterans who are really wanting to learn a specific trade. We'd love to be able to offer those types of things to our veterans,” said Casey. 

The third guest for this lively conversation was Justin Jennings, a Marine Corps veteran, who is also new to the roofing industry and currently works with Main Street Roofing and Construction out of Texas. His main focus is giving back to veterans and raising money to put roofs over their heads, free of charge. “We're trying to just put a better roof over their head. We've only been able to do a few of them. We've been trying to push five or six this year, but of course, 2020 had its own path for everybody. We're trying to make the difference,” said Justin.  

Wayne Heironimus and Dave Winters joined the conversation to share what they’re working on in Florida. Wayne has been with Delta Rep Group for 30 years and is on the Board of Directors for the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA). Years ago, Wayne felt the need to give back to his community of veterans and met Dave Winters, who owns the non-profit Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, which provides hunting, fishing and other outdoor opportunities for wounded veterans.  

“We connected the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club with the [Florida] West Coast Roofing Contractors Association and we've been putting on a lot of events to benefit both organizations, to promote what Black Dagger does for the veterans and what the West Coast Roofing Contractors Association does for our industry,” said Wayne. “The big goal is to connect the veterans back to the community in our area. We're a small organization and we want to eliminate two of the big negative factors, which a lot of veterans face that come back. One is isolation and the other is loneliness, how they fit back into the community,” said Wayne.  

Dave is a retired Air Force veteran and worked for the United States Special Operations Command. He runs the volunteer-based, non-profit outdoor sports club and is passionate about getting veterans connected to their community. “That’s the key,” Dave said, “the connection is the cure.” 

Listen to the entire Coffee Conversations on RoofersCoffeeShop® and be sure to join us for the next live session.  

You can also Read or Watch the podcast here.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS Partner.

James Waite, lifelong Florida Roofer passes after falling from a roof.

On June 3rd, 2020, the roofing industry tragically lost a great friend and professional, James Waite. James was a lifelong roofer and a friend to West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA).  He was working on a roof, doing the thing he loved when he fell from the roof and tragically passed from his injuries. 

WCRCA president John Kenney remembers James as, "A great man, always eager to help!”

“He will truly be missed,” continued Kenney who is also the COO of Cotney Construction Law.  “We wanted to do something to help the family, so WCRCA has created a GoFundMe with the goal to allow his family to have some financial relief in this time of need.  It is in Loving Memory of James Waite (7/25/59 - 6/3/2020).  Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones.” 

He is the son of Charles and Dorothy Waite (deceased)

James is survived by his loving wife Cheryl of Spring Hill Florida and his children who include Dean Strawcutter wife Jessica Carufel, Spring Hill, FL., Chaz Lewis New Albany, In., Stacey Jo Bankes, Bloomberg, Pa., and daughter in law Amanda Lewis, Bartow, Fl.

James siblings include Eddie Waite (Susan), Marlene Wade (Ray) all of Erie Pa.
James is survived by 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Donate here..

About West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA)

WCRCA is a trade association of roofing contractors that serve both the residential and commercial markets. Our group of professionals represents the most qualified roofing contractors located on the west coast of Florida. WCRCA works to support our members by keeping them up to date through educational information, technical data and specs and industry contacts and connections. We also serve as a database of qualified roofers for potential customers who may need roofing services. 

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA) in Florida raises funds for Black Dagger Military Hunt Club.

One of the greatest things about working in the roofing industry is seeing how it gives back to others in need. That’s definitely the case at Florida’s West Coast Roofing Contactor’s Association.  After hearing from a speaker at the Black Daggers Military Hunt Club, the association members were moved to help the group with their efforts.

According to their website, “Black Dagger Military Hunt Club Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides shooting, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor opportunities for veterans and active duty military (wounded and well).”  I spoke to John Kenney, president of WCRCA and Chief Operating Officer at Cotney Construction Law about their efforts to support the group. “They came to talk to us a few years ago when they were just getting started,” explained John. “They are a 100% volunteer organization with all funds donated going directly to the programs for the veterans.”

“We organized a clay shoot and sponsor the veterans to come and participate,” John shared. “All of the proceeds are donated back to the organization.” The clay shoot has grown in popularity, with local station Fox 13 providing coverage of the event.  

“We also work with [Black Dagger Military Hunt Club] to help provide roofs to veterans who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it,” John shared. WCRCA was able to help an American Hero from Hillsborough County, Florida by donating a roof on December 14, 2019. Jim Collins served in World War II with Merrill’s Marauders and is one of the last living survivors of the Bataan March in 1942. 

ABC Supply, Aderhold Roofing, Cotney Construction Law, Dockside Roofing, RAMCON, Service Works Roofing, Gideons & Greco Plumbing Co, Inc. and Sutter Roofing all contributed toward making this are whom made this possible.

This is truly an industry with a big heart! We see it almost every day and profile those contractors who are doing good deeds in our Caught Doing Good section of your site.

Do you have news to share about someone giving back? Tell us about it at info@rooferscoffeeshop.com.

What do military veterans who have fought in Marshall Islands, Viet Nam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Florida roofing contractors have in common.  A passion for sporting clays, the outdoors, and good old-fashioned fellowship.

On the 11^th of January at the 1^st Annual West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA) Clay Shoot they brought together their organization to honor and support military veterans through a Florida 501(C)3 all-volunteer nonprofit, the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club Inc. based in Tampa.

The Black Dagger team serves veterans from all eras without limitation to when or where they served.  They are a Community Partner with the James A. Haley VA Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program in Tampa Florida, the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition, and active duty military members on MacDill AFB.  In addition, on a case-by-case basis, they work with veterans supported by other agencies to meet a specific need that their team can satisfy.  They serve veterans recovering from and learning to adjust to life with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, loss of sight, and post-traumatic stress.  They have specialized equipment to accommodate some of the most injured military heroes thus helping our honored veterans find their “new normal”.

The Tampa Bay Sporting Clays and Archery complex provided a superb Florida backdrop for a perfect day.  There was a WWII veteran who fought in the Pacific Theater, a few months shy of 95 years old, who knocked down clays with the best of them.  Many of the veterans joined teams in shooting teams with some of the roofing contractors.  The event was aired on two local Tampa news outlets which highlighted the good done by WCRCA for these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our Nation.  The relationship between the two groups has grown over the past few years.  The funds raised will be used to aid in Black Dagger’s Adaptive Sports programs where they get some of Florida’s most injured veterans outdoors hunting, shooting, and fishing.

Their nonprofit is one that takes no salaries (for seven years, 97% has gone directly to their veteran programs), operates a lean but robust program, and help hundreds of veterans each year.  You can see their programs in action at youtube.com/blackdaggermhc.  Anyone can help by donating or offering shooting, hunting, fishing opportunities for some of the veterans in their programs.

Find out more on their website at www.blackdaggermhc.org or at www.facebook.com/bdmhc

Their main contact is Dave Winters, dave@blackdaggermhc.org.