By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

In honor of Women's History Month, we celebrate some women-led businesses in the roofing.

Roofing is an overwhelmingly male occupation. Whether contractor or crew, the majority of workers are typically men. The U.S. Department of Labor considers roofing a male-dominated profession, but that doesn’t mean women in roofing are unicorns. Take Marianne Sumter, owner of Wil-Mar Products, as proof of how women are not only present in the roofing industry, but are essential to its success.  

With a desire to continue her husband’s legacy, Marianne became the owner of Wil-Mar Products, stepping into a leadership role in a male-dominated industry. And she has successfully led the company with strength and expertise. To this day, Marianne continues to provide excellent customer service, meet the demands of the industry and develop lasting relationships with women. 

And there are even more stories of women revolutionizing the roofing industry. Women now fill positions ranging from roofing, marketing and sales to consulting, manufacturing and research. Female professionals are also stepping into leadership roles at roofing manufacturing companies and starting their own roofing companies. Read on as we highlight women leading the roofing industry! 

Ethelmae Humphreys has been a trailblazer for women in roofing since the 1940s. She had just graduated from high school in 1944 and her parents moved to Joplin, Missouri to start TAMKO Building Products. Ethelmae headed to college at the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. Upon graduation it became clear that her father’s failing health meant he would need assistance running the company, so she came home and helped out, and was named the executive vice president of TAMKO. Together with her husband, she grew the company into one of the largest privately owned roofing manufacturers in the country. After her husband’s death in 1993, she took over as CEO until her son took on the role of president and CEO the following year. 

Associations 

Plenty of roofing associations pride themselves on being women-led or having women in high-ranking positions. The Roofing Alliance, celebrating 25 years as the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), has appointed Alison LaValley as the new executive director and recently has made Kelly Van Winkle the first female vice president. 

Additionally, Lisa Pate serves as the executive director of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Tracey Prociw is the executive director and board secretary of The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) and Suzie Boyd is the current president of the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA). With female leadership, these associations have prospered and grown; these women have paved the path to a better roofing industry.  

Plus, there are plenty of women in roofing who hold leadership positions. Johns Manville is proudly led by a team of women who represent their Roofing Systems Leadership, including: Director of Human Resources Brandi Duncan, Director of Product Management and Marketing Jennifer Ford-Smith, Owner Services Leader Mandy Schweitzer, Director of Commercial Services and SIOP Tesha Kroll and Director of Technology Zebonie Sukle. 

Many women have started their own businesses in the industry too. Art Unlimited is a women-owned business, with the second-generation leadership of Anna Anderson and Elizabeth Chapman taking the company’s digital and marketing expertise to a national stage. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® is women owned and led too! Established in 2002 by Vickie Sharples, the Coffee Shop is “where the industry meets.” Heidi J. Ellsworth became a partner in the company with Vickie in 2015 and today the RCS crew is led by Heidi, who also has her own marketing and consulting business, HJE Consulting.  

RCS COO Karen L. Edwards has helped Heidi grow the website and push boundaries in this male-dominated industry that is slow to change. She is also the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)’s communications and engagement leader and owns her own marketing and sales company, Casimir Group. Studies show that women who support other women are more successful. Research conducted by Harvard Business Review found that having a network of close female contacts helps females land executive positions.  

According to Forbes, these inner circles provide necessary support and recommendations when their peers are faced with challenges and cultural bias, especially in male-dominated industries like roofing. As the president of RoofersCoffeeShop, Heidi has exceled in empowering other women to be successful within the roofing industry, fostering employees at all levels within the company to build a strong network that is both diverse and supportive of all people, brining then into the trades for an opportunity of a great career. 

Furthermore, organizations like National Women in Roofing, of which Heidi is a founder, are providing opportunities and support for women in the roofing industry. Today, with the efforts of many in the roofing industry, NWIR has created a new understanding, interest and demand for diversity. Women are more prevalent than ever in the field and at trade shows, meetings and board meetings. Through mentoring, education and networking, women have more support than ever to find a rewarding career in this industry.   

There is more than enough space on the roof for women in this industry. With so many female role models and female-led roofing initiatives, the future of roofing looks female! 

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news.

This year's Western Roofing Expo will be at the Paris Las Vegas, September 24 - 26.

Early Bird registration* is currently open for the 2022 Western Roofing Expo! Roofers, learn how to modernize your business, address labor shortages and implement technology to maximize your profits! Network with your local distributor and manufacturer reps, educate your employees and take advantage of all the ways that will help you better serve your clients. A great investment of your time and money!

*Early Bird pricing includes 10% off full registration packages until June 30.

Hotel rooms starting at $86 per night

Reserve your room now at the Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood or Bally's! WSRCA has secured room rates starting at just $86 per night. Stay close to all the action at the Western Roofing Expo and enjoy the modern Las Vegas experience!  

Expanded exhibit floor

Sit, meet, mingle and engage with over 170+ companies on the exhibit floor. Bring more meaning to your attendee experience by interacting and learning about the latest products and solutions the roofing industry has to offer. Don't miss the live product demonstrations starting every hour. Best of all — roofing and waterproofing contractors can walk both days of the exhibit floor absolutely FREE!

Welcome event and lively silent-auction 

Fantastic food, hosted bars, industry camaraderie and lots of great auction items...everyone walks away with a smile! There will be travel trips, jewelry, golf items, roofing items, electronics, sports memorabilia and much more to bid on. All proceeds benefit the Davis Memorial Foundation scholarship fund. Since its founding in 1997, the Foundation has awarded over 150 scholarships totaling more than $650,000 — thanks to your continued support! 

Sponsored by: GAF®

Legislative luncheon

Our favorite Washington insiders, including McKay Daniels (National Roofing Contractors Association) will be at the top of their game discussing critical issues affecting the $30 billion dollar commercial and residential roofing industry. You will not want to miss these insider views and valuable information during this most important time! 

Sponsored by: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Annual luncheon with mentalist Eric Dittelman

Often known by just his surname, Dittelman combines amazing mind reading with stand-up and improv comedy. In 2012, he blew audiences away as the first-ever mind reader on NBC’s America’s Got Talent where he was a season 7 Top Ten finalist and judges’ favorite. He has since appeared on Ellen, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He’s also been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone and even The National Enquirer. Dittelman reveals your thoughts, influences your decisions, and makes you laugh while leaving your jaws dropped in amazement! 

Sponsored by: Malarkey Roofing Products®

Roofing seminars - Earn AiA and IIBEC CEU's

The Western Roofing Expo has expanded its educational seminar offerings! Earn AiA and IIBEC CEU's and educate yourself on industry best practices at the same time. This years' outstanding seminar lineup schedule will provide a wealth of roof design approach strategies, best business practices and sales expansion ideas. Increase your bottom line and work more effectively with these proven methods from industry experts!

Free exhibit floor pass for roofing contractors

All roofing and waterproofing contractors (and their employees), architects, consultants, engineers and all media can walk the Western Roofing Expo exhibit floor using the complimentary exhibit floor pass. Register online and have your badge waiting for you at 'Will Call' — or visit here to download the free pass, and bring it with you to register when you arrive in Las Vegas. You can't beat the cost-effectiveness of FREE, can you?!

Roofers feud and roofing trivia game shows

On Sunday, September 25, Trent Cotney and John Kenney will host an interactive game experience on the trade show stage highlighting all aspects of roofing trivia including the history of roofing from thatch to monolithic and everything in between. Trent and John are both roofing memorabilia collectors with over 10,000 pieces. The presentation will include questions on historical photos, advertising, specification manuals and other pieces of roofing history. The audience will be able to participate! 

National Women in Roofing - Mimosa breakfast

Join NWiR Monday, September 26 for a breakfast conversation with the women of the WSRCA Board! Have questions ready for how they utilized networking, found allies and their personal growth to earn their positions in their companies and as board members! We’ll be serving complimentary breakfast and mimosas; you won’t want to miss out — register today! 

Davis Memorial Foundation - Bob Porter golf tournament

Join us for a fun filled day of golf in Nevada! The Revere Golf Club provides golfers with 36 holes of championship golf which traverses through the rugged desert canyons and valleys of the Las Vegas foothills. Throughout your round, golfers will be presented with expansive, breathtaking views of the famed Las Vegas skyline and mountain landscapes beyond. The Concord course offers 7,034 yards of golf playing to a par 72 ensuring a challenging yet playable round for golfers of all playing abilities. 

Sponsored by: BEACON®

Davis Memorial Foundation - Sporting clays tournament

Pro Gun Club offers a challenging 21-station sporting clays course, which can give the master class shooter a run for their money while the beginner shooter can go out and enjoy a day busting clays. Stations are changed frequently so shooters will never get bored at seeing the same targets over and over again. Strap your shotgun in to one of their golf carts and set off into the rolling desert terrain stopping at each station to shoot. The course overlooks the El Dorado Valley and Boulder City providing a scenic setting for the shooter’s enjoyment. 

Sponsored by: BEACON®

The Roofing Games - Monday, September 26

In 2022, Western States Roofing Contractors Association, Malarkey Roofing Products® and Makita USA® will again team up to showcase the steep-slope nailing competition. Roofers will compete against one another by installing a Malarkey Roofing Products® roofing systems on a small deck. Participants will be judged on accuracy, aesthetics, speed and workmanship. Don’t miss this exciting event being held at the end of day two on the show floor! 

Sponsored by: Malarkey Roofing Products® 

Powered By: Makita®

Register today to save 10% off full registration packages!

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Join National Women in Roofing and Rebuilding Together as they replace Merlita’s roof at no cost to her. 

Each year, the She Builds program from the Rebuilding Together organization gives back to women in communities across the country by making sure they are in safe spaces and homes. Their upcoming reroofing project will be for Merlita from Tacoma, Washington and they are looking for volunteers! Registration is open for this year’s She Builds reroofing project until March 31. The event itself will take place April 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Merlita is a 65-year-old grandmother who lives and works in Tacoma. She has lived in her home for 27 years with her daughter Stephanie. Her daughter’s children, ages 13, 9 and 5, live there as well. When Merlita was in need of a new roof, she reached out to Rebuilding Together South Sound for assistance and now she is getting a complete reroof, free-of charge. PABCO Roofing Products and Beacon Building Products have donated all the materials needed for the project. 

The Seattle chapter of National Women in Roofing will be helping with the project and is in need of volunteer services. They are planning a multi-layer tear off and will be installing a PABCO roof system. They already have a labor tear and install team, but they are looking for volunteers to help with yard cleaning, mowing and gardening.  

If you can’t make it to the She Builds event but would still like to donate, Director of Operations and Administration of NWIR, Brittany Wimbish says you can contact her to sponsor the event. 

Register for the She Builds volunteering event today! 

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

About National Women in Roofing 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) is a volunteer-based organization that supports and advances the careers of women roofing professionals. We provide networking, mentoring, education and recruitment opportunities from the rooftop to the boardroom, for the young professional at the start of her career to the seasoned manager in the executive suite. 

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Takeaways from Sue Drummond’s breakout session at NWiR Day about one of the most pressing issues in the industry. 

Construction comes with plenty of hazards, but we don’t always acknowledge the mental health aspect of the job. Did you know that construction workers are more likely to die by suicide than all other job site hazards combined? 

It’s not an often-discussed subject in construction, but mental health in the workplace is clearly a pressing issue within the industry. That's why Harness Software’s Sue Drummond held a breakout session at National Women in Roofing (NWiR) Day that asked us to look at one of the biggest issues of the industry and gave us the tools to talk about it.  

It cannot be stated enough how important it is to focus on mental health and have these conversations even if the conversation can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Sue highlighted in her session “we have to talk about it. This is too important to ignore because it isn’t fun to talk about.” Getting rid of the stigma and culture that makes it harder for those around you to ask for help or admit how they feel is the first step towards preventing suicide. 

The truth is, statistically someone on your crew is probably struggling right now. Sue suggested throughout her session that we be thoughtful about what we are saying and ensure it will encourage your co-workers or employees to talk to you about these difficult topics instead of discouraging it.  

The breakout session provided participants with plenty of opportunities to express and share ideas and concerns surrounding their mental health programs, featuring a brainstorming session where everyone told the group what their company does for mental health and how it has helped. Everything from offering mental health days to carving out time for one-on-one check ins with employees was suggested as excellent ways to make mental health a priority within your company. 

Although talking about suicide and mental health is a serious topic, Sue shed a lot of light on the subject and promised those in the session that there is hope. By focusing on mental health of employees and making improvements to company culture, we can prevent suicide and create a better safety program for all employees.  

Sue offered everyone in the session the Construction Mental Health Toolkit; The one resource you need to start focusing on building mental health into your safety program and critically assessing how company culture is contributing to your employee's mental health.  

Inside the toolkit you will find: 

• A template letter to management outlining the issue and the reasons taking action makes smart business sense. Sue was clear that these kinds of programs need an advocate if they are going to become a big part of the company culture. Reminding your company that these programs not only save lives but make your company an attractive atmosphere to work in can help incentivize building mental health into safety programs.  

• A step-by-step guide to improving the mental health at your company. This is a top resource for ensuring that you have happier and healthier employees. For anyone looking to save lives and improve the atmosphere at work, look no further than this guide to start working on this issue today.  

• Top toxic company culture factors found in the industry and ways to eliminate them. Focusing on mental health not only helps suffering employees, but improves the lives of all employees. After all, focusing on mental health is a guaranteed way to attract and retain employees. 

• Warning signs and appropriate ways to respond. Sue covered symptoms throughout the session, reminding us that the toolkit would help us start having these hard conversations that can be lifesaving. 

• Mental health wellness check to offer your employees for self-screening. A great strategy to ensure that employees get access to help when they need it is to build self-screening for employees to focus on how they are doing. Sue recommends having mental health checks become as normal as toolbox talks, as they catch when people are struggling with their mental health before it becomes a life-threatening issue.  

• Questions to ask during a supervisor check-in, and how to respond. Talking about these issues can be hard, that’s why this toolbox offers information and insight into how to respond and conduct these conversations professionally.  

• Three mental health toolbox talks with Spanish translations. Sue stressed the importance of having these resources available in employees' first languages. When we are already so stressed, mental translation can be just another thing that exhausts us. Providing resources in someone's first language makes a huge difference and shows how much you care about their wellbeing. 

Making these changes in the toolkit is a sure way to improve your company culture and save lives, resulting in healthier and happier employees. You don’t have to have attended the breakout session to benefit from Sue’s presentation. Harness Software, as a leader in the construction health and safety industry, believes they have a moral obligation to help fight this epidemic in every way possible. So, they offer the toolkit for free with no obligation.  

The toolkit includes all the information covered in Sue’s session and does the legwork for you; all you need to do is implement it. Download the toolkit today. 

If you’d like to talk to someone about your mental health or that of a loved one, these resources are free, confidential and available 24/7. 

• Crisis Text Line: Text “hello” or “help” to 741741

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255  

Learn more about Harness in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.harnessup.com.

1st Choice Roofing Company is proud to announce Mandy McIntyre as vice president.

For more than eight years Mandy has been an integral member of the 1st Choice team. She has grown from her initial position as a scheduler to leading the production and service departments, to overseeing all business operations in her most recent role as operations officer. Mandy is an active member of National Women in Roofing and a frequent contributor to RoofersCoffeeShop. In addition to her official role, Mandy is a tireless mental health advocate and a certified yoga teacher, offering a free yoga class for 1st Choice employees every week. 

Learn more about Mandy McIntyre and her work with 1st Choice Roofing in her RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory page.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS President. 

Attendees will experience networking, educational opportunities, fun events and great speakers. 

Those who are attending the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show will experience some of the best networking, education and hospitality in the roofing industry. The conference will welcome building enclosure professionals from across North America to the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida March 17 – 22, 2022. 

“Our 2021 convention, which took place in September, was a success, but we’re pleased to be holding our 2022 convention at the normal time in the spring,” said Brian Pallasch, executive vice president and chief executive officer at IIBEC. “IIBEC members are looking forward to the networking, educational opportunities and great speakers that make our international convention and trade show the premier event for building enclosure consultants and industry professionals.” 

“Exhibitors are excited to be returning to in-person events like the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show,” said Karen McElroy, vice president of events at IIBEC. “We know the strong interest we’re seeing among exhibitors will be matched by the interest in their products and services among the building enclosure professionals who will attend the trade show.” 

Several RoofersCoffeeShop partners will be at the show including: 

1. Duro-Last 819 

2. SOPREMA 713 

3. EVERROOF 417 

4. FlashCo 908 

5. Metal-Era 332 

6. S-5! 626 

7. Sika 600, 601 

8. Western Colloid 514 

9. Leister 110 

10. ATAS International 411 

11. CertainTeed  821 

12. IB Roof Systems 229 

13. Johns Manville  201 

14. Master Builders Solutions  518 

15. ROCKWOOL  501 

16. Roof Hugger 415 

17. National Women in Roofing (NWiR)  113 

18. Nations Roof 106 

19. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 316 

20. Single Ply Roofing Institute (SPRI) 215 

In addition, Johns Manville will be hosting a hospitality event to celebrate their 50th Bursi Anniversary on March 18, 2022, from 7:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Conway Room, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. There will be cocktails and appetizers served during the reception. They are excited to celebrate their 50th Anniversary for the BURSI Program and would love to hear any stories attendees may have to share from attending past BURSI events. Be sure to RSVP here. 

According to IIBEC, the education will be off the charts, “Those looking to boost their continuing education hours (CEHs) at the show will earn 2.0 CEHs for spending up to four hours on the trade show floor and 3.0 CEHs for spending more than four hours at the trade show. The convention also includes more than 17 hours of live, in-person educational seminars. Kicking off the educational content on Friday, March 18 is an auxiliary seminar, “Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Product-Approval Process,” presented in three sections: the history of the Florida Building Code’s HVHZ section; Miami-Dade product-control requirements for fenestration and cladding components and systems; and Miami-Dade product-control requirements for roofing components and systems.” 

The opening general session will feature Duncan Wardle, founder of iD8 & innov8, who will share how he created magical consumer experiences while head of innovation and creativity at Disney, and how his unique Design Thinking process can help embed a culture of innovation into today’s workforce. 

Whether you are already attending or still thinking about attending, there is time to register and make a great plan for the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. Simply visit their website for full event details. 

Learn more about IIBEC in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit iibec.org

Polyglass U.S.A. Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing solutions, is celebrating women in the roofing industry during Women’s History Month by highlighting women throughout different roles in the company.

Women’s History Month celebrates women’s contributions to history, culture, society and has been observed annually in March in the United States since 1987. The roofing industry is historically male-dominated and still is, with women only making up 0.05 percent of the roofing professionals in the USA today. Polyglass is proud to have women in all different departments within the company. Especially during Polyglass’ 30th anniversary, they want to draw attention to some of the women contributing to the company’s growth.

Here are some of the women of Polyglass and what they have to say about their role in the company and being a woman in the roofing industry:

Betiana Acha, director of research & development and codes & compliance

“I’ve been a member of the Polyglass family for ten years and have loved every minute of it! Polyglass values diversity and has always supported and encouraged my professional development within the organization and in the roofing industry. More generally, I feel that the roofing industry has been friendly and welcoming; I see more and more women entering the industry and having great career opportunities.”

Zaharoula Nativi, director of human resources

“It is a very exciting time for Polyglass as we take a new leap within the industry. I am so excited to be working with such a diverse team and privileged to be part of this family, which only continues to grow.”

Manuela Corrales, corporate quality control engineer

“A woman’s success is seeing ourselves as INDIVIDUALS, striving high, working hard and persevering! Teamwork, support, feeling like I belong, and my opinion matters is being part of the Polyglass Family.”

Agnes Prosniak, strategic marketing manager

“I’ve joined Polyglass 6 years ago without any previous roofing experience. I was fortunate to connect with great mentors at Polyglass USA and within the roofing industry. As time progresses women continue to become more involved in the roofing industry as CEOs, marketing directors, sales, distributing, on roofs and other leading roles. Currently women make up only about 0.5 percent of the roofing industry but with fast-growing and ever-changing diversity and industry dynamic, I am very proud to be a part of this paradigm shift.”

Polyglass also supports National Women in Roofing (NWiR), an organization that supports careers of women roofing professionals, with many of the women in the company that are members or participate in events. Also, their Creative Marketing Manager Amy Przybylski is on the South Florida Chapter’s leadership council. Polyglass has been continuously dedicated to help empower and encourage women to join in every aspect of the roofing industry and looks forward to growing and supporting women’s careers in the business.

About Polyglass

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems. Known for its self-adhered modified bitumen roofing systems based on the company’s patented ADESO^® Technology and CURE Technology^®, Polyglass also produces a full line of premium roof coatings and roof maintenance systems. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Polyglass provides quality products and adds value through innovation. For more information about the premium products and services offered by Polyglass, call 800.222.9782 or visit polyglass.us.

By Johns Manville. 

As more tradeshows and expos ramp up, Johns Manville is excited to return to some normalcy. 

This year's International Roofing Expo (IRE) in New Orleans was full of fun, education and networking.  The Johns Manville team enjoyed seeing so many people back at the show — residential and commercial contractors, builders, distributors, architects, engineers, suppliers, manufacturers and more. With more people in attendance at this year’s expo than IRE 2021 in Las Vegas, it felt more like the pre-pandemic days. 

As a Diamond Sponsor, members of the Johns Manville team attended the one-day National Women in Roofing (NWiR) conference. The event hosted seminars on marketing tips, highlighted mentoring circles, and fostered an open and honest conversation about how women can identify male allies and partner with them to impact change. 

JM's team is looking forward to getting back to in-person events with our customers and colleagues as more tradeshows, customer meetings and other events take place this year. We hope to see you at one of the many tradeshows in person in 2022. 

Learn more about Johns Manville in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.jm.com. 

Original article source: Johns Manville

About Johns Manville 

Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B), is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical insulation, commercial roofing and roof insulation, as well as fibers and nonwovens for commercial, industrial and residential applications. JM serves markets that include aerospace, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, filtration, waterproofing, building, flooring, interiors and wind energy. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales over $3 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. Johns Manville employs 8,000 people and operates 46 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.

Members of the roofing industry engaged in three days of industry connection, education, networking and competitions with the industry’s leading brands and experts.

International Roofing Expo (IRE), Informa Markets' premier roofing and exteriors event serving the roofing industry, concluded its 67th annual event held earlier last month, February 1-3, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. With 10,002 registered professionals, the annual event connected notable and emergent brands with thousands of buyers, while providing ample networking opportunities and a full range of education led by renowned industry experts.

The 2022 edition of the International Roofing Expo took over 142,483 NSF of the award-winning Convention Center, hosting nearly 400 industry-leading suppliers in the expo hall; thus, offering attendees access to a wide variety of products and activations from the world’s largest suppliers and manufacturers to specialized SMBs with specific services. Manufacturers and suppliers showcased the latest products, services, and technology for the roofing and exterior industries, including notable companies such as ABC Supply Co. Inc., Beacon Building Products GAF/Siplast, SRS Distribution, Beacon Building Products, Owens Corning and more.

“The International Roofing Expo was an amazing and productive experience for both attendees and exhibitors, serving as the industry’s leading platform driving company growth and enabling collaboration within the roofing industry,” said Lauren Lamb, vice president of strategy, marketing and conference at International Roofing Expo, organized by Informa Markets. “Every year, brands exhibit at our event to make new deals and re-establish connection with existing partners – and this year was no different. The expo floor was electric with buyers perusing new brands and products, and conference rooms were packed as professionals sought out solutions to today’s challenges. We were thrilled to be able to return to a larger format, while still holding onto the intimate feel of last year’s event.”

In addition to an expansive expo floor, registered participants had the opportunity to engage with world-class education made available at the event. The event’s educational programs served as inclusive and productive sessions that allowed for connections in specific groups, such as the National Women in Roofing conference, as well as the SRS Para Latino Lounge on the show floor that offered custom-tailored educational and networking opportunities for Latinos in the roofing industry.

National Women in Roofing (NWiR) hosted their 5th annual NWiR Day conference on January 30 in conjunction with the IRE. Multidisciplinary women professionals in the roofing industry get together at the event to learn about the latest business tactics and strategies and to share their business secrets. They announced their new DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) education program called REAL Roofing at the event.

The Roofing Alliance hosted its eighth Construction Management Student Competition this year at IRE. The five finalist teams presented on Wednesday, February 2 at the International Roofing Expo as the final stage of the competition. The Roofing Alliance is proud to announce Texas A&M University as the winning school and Allie Stark from Clemson University as the Best Individual Presenter. Winners were announced at the Cocktail Reception and Awards Ceremony held on Wednesday, February 2, including Kyler Hardison (team captain), Blake Bocchino, Kyle Cahill, Canyon Martine and Alexia Palomares (team alternate).

In support of the local community, each year, IRE partners with Rebuilding Together to make critical home repairs for those in need. On January 31, 56 volunteers gathered for the 13th Annual Community Service Day Project to rebuild the homes of those who were severely damaged in Hurricane Ida. As a result, there were considerable donations made, including a $10,000 donation from IRE, $15,000 from Sika Sarnafil, the primary sponsor, and a running total of $2,497 from IRE attendees and exhibitors. Other sponsors of the community service day included Carlisle Construction Materials, CentiMark, Damato Enterprises, GAF, ICP Building Solutions Group, and OMG Roofing Products, along with a special additional donation from GAF of 50 roofs to Rebuilding Together New Orleans.

Follow The International Roofing Expo on social for event news #RoofingExpo #IRE

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Save the date for IRE 2023

Next year's event is headed to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, in Dallas, Texas, March 7-9, 2023. Get notified when registration opens this fall by signing up to receive show news and updates from the IRE.

To learn more about Informa Markets events, visit www.informamarkets.com. For more information on IRE, visit www.theroofingexpo.com. 

About The International Roofing Expo

The International Roofing Expo® is the premier event for both the commercial and residential roofing and exterior construction industries. The IRE brings the professional community together to help them stay current on trending knowledge and to see the largest selection of products and services. The event helps professionals improve their business through education, exhibitions, and networking. The International Roofing Expo is owned and operated by Informa Markets. The official show sponsor is NRCA and the official show publication is Roofing Contractor. For more information, please visit www.theroofingexpo.com.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. 

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Rae July and Terae Kearney talk about their experiences as black women in the roofing industry and meet with Mandy McIntyre and Heidi Ellsworth to discuss how diversity will revolutionize the industry. 

RoofersCoffeesShop® celebrates Black History Month in roofing in a phenomenal Coffee Conversations on diversity. RCS President Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Rae July of Chinook Roofing and Terae Kearney of IronShore Contracting for a conversation on the experience of being a black woman in the roofing industry. Mandy McIntyre of 1st Choice Roofing joins the conversation as a member of the National Women in Roofing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee for a discussion on why we need inclusion, equity and diversity in the roofing industry and how it is the key to the industry’s future success. 

“Having this conversation is huge, and I just really want to thank you for giving us this platform to discuss it,” says Mandy. 

“Being able to use a platform such as this, to be not only a voice for women but also to be a voice for black women, it's very difficult to put in words. So I just thank you,” agrees Terae Kearney. 

Rae July, as a co-chair of the DEI committee and fellow RCS influencer with Mandy, stresses the importance of using these platforms to discuss race. “Representation matters. When they see someone like me with a platform talking about being a black woman in the industry, it helps other black women come out,” says Rae. “Seeing someone who looks like them be open and honest about what it's like to be a black woman in this industry is the catalyst that we need to bring more diversity into the industry.” 

Rae explains the importance of speaking out as a black woman on her experiences, and how conversations about race and gender can help bridge disconnects in the industry and strategize on what needs to get better.  

“We represent for every black woman out there,” explains Rae. “And that is a burden that we don't want to carry. I can't change the color of my skin, but I can change the people's minds about who I am and who black women are.” 

Terae discusses how she identifies with this sentiment in her experience with the roofing industry. “Once I got into the roofing industry, I was faced with a lot of challenges. My representation was questioned,” says Terae. “I use it as a tool as opposed to something that can cripple me, because I already walk into the room with expectations of somebody thinking that I'm crippled. So I'm reminded to keep pushing forward to show you what I am capable of.” 

Women like Terae and Rae are pushing open the doors for redefining who gets to be a roofer and what the industry looks like. As a company, taking action and beginning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives not only helps to pave the way for these remarkable women to revolutionize the industry, it invites a more diverse workforce into your company and a diverse clientele.

“I think the world is evolving and the roofing industry needs to level up and evolve as well. And that means elevating your business,” adds Mandy. “So when we talk about labor shortages, I just think that people aren't looking in the right direction, they're looking in the same place. And it's a whole world out there that is being overlooked and it's underrepresented.” 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire Coffee Conversation for more insight from Terae and Rae’s stories, and for strategies on why the roofing industry needs to grow to be a better, more inclusive community.