By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Learn all about the game-changing, highly durable Titan XT™ shingle in the latest RLW. 

In a recent Read Listen Watch™, TAMKO Director of Marketing Communications Kim Eckerman, Director of Innovation Chris Freeborg, and Manager of Marketing and Communications Melissa Dunson, spoke with RoofersCoffeeShop® President Heidi J. Ellsworth about their newest shingle, the Titan XT™. 

Innovation has always been a driving force behind TAMKO and the products they offer. They continue to improve and incorporate the latest technology into their products, and the Titan XT shingle is no exception.  

TAMKO designed the shingle with the customer and roofer in mind by addressing their top concerns. The main things customers are looking for in a shingle are weatherproof technology, durability and good aesthetic qualities. Roofers want a shingle that installs quickly and is easy to handle. The Titan XT shingle addresses all these concerns and more. 

Melissa broke down all the components of the shingle for us, stating, “It includes a proprietary reinforcement of that nail line in the common bond. It includes advanced sealants that are very aggressive and so sticky. It includes a really innovative high wind warranty.” On top of all that, it has an enhanced top coating for maximum durability. 

The TAMKO team is confident that contractors will love their shingle, and some already do! Their wide nailing zone makes installation faster and easier. It gives roofers a reinforced area on the shingle that’s easy to hit and gets the shingle on with fewer nails. The increased coating of the shingle adds a high-performing weathering layer to the product that contractors can quite literally feel. 

“When contractors have picked up Titan XT...they run their hand over it and they're like, ‘That's a good shingle’...They can feel the difference of it,” Melissa says. 

Read Listen or Watch the webinar to learn more about the Titan XT shingle and how you can market it to customers. 

Learn more about TAMKO in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.tamko.com. 

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.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Get a deep dive into the innovation of TAMKO’s Titan XT™ Shingle and learn how it can revolutionize your next roofing job. 

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 our 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, TAMKO‘s Melissa Dunson, Kim Eckerman and Chris Freeborg discuss the new Titan XT™ Shingle with Heidi J. Ellsworth. These experts will share how the leading-edge technology of the Titan XT™ shingle is transforming the way roofing contractors sell, install and warrant roofs for their customers.   

This extreme new technology offers an advantage to homeowners and contractors alike, offering faster installations, a high-performing weathering layer and the strongest seals, as well as the best wind protection, color line ups and curb appeal.  

Learn about how TAMKO designed these shingles to accommodate professional installers, offering their largest defined nailing zone ever for quick and efficient installation. Plus, with an AnchorLock™ layer and UltraMAX Weathering™ Layer, contractors can deliver on a high-performance roof that can withstand up to 160 mph winds.  

You won’t want to miss out on learning about how roofing contractors can Experience Titan XT™ through sales opportunities and current promotions that are changing the way roofing companies are doing business. 

Join Heidi and the experts at TAMKO March 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. PT for an RLW that will take you inside the innovation of TAMKO’s most advanced shingle yet. 

Register now for this RLW to learn more about the Titan XT™ and the value it brings to the roofing contractor.  

By Melissa Dunson. 

A testament to a life well-lived is when a person can live to be nearly 95 years old and the world still thinks you were gone too soon.  

With the 2021 year-end passing of longtime TAMKO Chairman Emerita Ethelmae Humphreys, called “the matriarch of the roofing industry” with nearly three quarters of a century in the industry, the roofing industry lost a longtime pillar from the generation that made roofing what it is today, especially for women in a still traditionally male-dominated field.  

Ethelmae lived well. And if we pay attention to her example, we can too. Here are five lessons that we can learn from Ethelmae’s life to help carry forward her legacy of excellence in the roofing industry and make our own businesses, relationships and communities better: 

1 - Know who you are 

As a single woman, in her 20s, leading a manufacturing company in the 1940s, Ethelmae Humphreys was unusual. Despite leading the company, she was sometimes treated as the receptionist by others and some men wouldn’t even discuss their business dealings in front of her. She got a kick out of offering to get coffee for customers and suppliers, and then later in the meeting revealing that she was the CEO or Chairman. She knew who she was, even if others assumed differently or doubted her abilities because she was a woman. Eventually, everyone would come to see that she knew her business and could hold her own with anyone. And through it all, she took on the assumed role of receptionist, secretary, or her actual role as Chairman with a pleasant smile and warm personality.  

2 - Surround yourself with good people 

When Ethelmae took the helm at TAMKO, she went and found the other leaders in the company who cared about the business as much as she did. She looked for and found excellent people – excellent not only because of their institutional knowledge and skill, but also because of their integrity and heart. She surrounded herself with trusted advisors who knew the business and wanted it to succeed. She credited this decision to hire the best early-on in her leadership of TAMKO as the number one key to her success when thrust into her new role.  

3 - Become what is needed 

Ethelmae never intended to end up in the roofing industry as she had studied foreign languages in college. But, when her father’s health began to fail, and she realized she would need to return home to run the family business, Ethelmae took a look at her skills, was realistic about where she needed to grow and improve and then did something about it. She was smart and had the confidence that she could learn to do whatever was needed. She enrolled in a business school and gathered the needed skills to run the business. (And despite her college degree, she also agreed to learn shorthand and to take dictation, to satisfy her father’s expectations, because, after all, she was a woman). Later in her life, she reminisced that she probably should have been nervous, but because she had been raised to believe that she could do whatever she set her mind to, she just went out and became the person that the business needed her to be.  

4 - Bring others up with you 

Throughout her life, when Ethelmae found someone with talent, intelligence, heart or work ethic that was deserving of a greater opportunity, she made sure they got one. She brought attention to those who were deserving of an extra look. She used her influence to create opportunities for musicians, authors, free-market thinkers, and of course, many TAMKO employees. Simply because of who she was, Ethelmae was automatically a commanding presence in any room she walked into. And yet, she always used this opportunity to highlight someone else. Once at a reception in her honor, she took every handshake and request for a media interview as an opportunity to introduce a young woman, a TAMKO employee, who had accompanied her: “Ah yes, thank you, but have you met my friend yet?”  

5 - Be a force for good 

It wasn’t enough for Ethelmae to be successful or influential. Throughout her entire life, she used her position and resources to be a force for good in every sphere of influence she had. She served on numerous nonprofit boards, helped build hospitals and schools, funded the arts and helped educate several generations on the enabling power of free market principles. She will be remembered for her philanthropic endeavors every bit as much as her industry success. She was a woman who had made up her mind to make a positive difference in every opportunity presented to her. 

These principles are simple, yet life-changing. If we all lived a little more like Ethelmae, the world would be a better place. In her absence, let’s make a commitment to learn from her life and put these into practice.   

Learn more about TAMKO in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.tamko.com. 

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Join the TAMKO Edge to check out the new RoofersCoffeeShop®vendor page and our exclusive members-only deals! 

If you haven’t checked out TAMKO’s certified contractor rewards program, The TAMKO Edge™, now's as good a time as any! RoofersCoffeeShop now has a special landing page within the program and RCS is offering two special offers for members only. When you become a Team TAMKO contractor, you get 10% off R-Club membership fees and a one-time free classified ad.  

RCS is honored to partner with TAMKO and offer members of the rewards programs with additional perks. The TAMKO Edge contractor program is specifically designed to help contractors grow their business. This multi-tiered program offers something to every contracting business, regardless of their size. With special business tools, enhanced warranties and discounts like the one RCS is offering, the program has something for everyone! 

The RCS landing page on The Edge site is only accessible to Team TAMKO contractors. Once you join, you can access these great deals, such as the R-Club discount! The R-Club is our exclusive club for roofers who want to get their name out there and meet other roofers. By joining you’ll get access to many perks, including a directory page, discounted classified ads, exclusive forums and more.  

If you’d like to learn more about the resources both RCS and The TAMKO Edge program has to offer, we are teaming up for a webinar highlighting all these perks. In the webinar, we’ll show you how you can use the digital platform resources RCS provides as well as the benefits of joining TAMKO’s affinity program. The webinar will take place on March 11, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. PT, so don’t miss it! 

Register for the webinar to learn all about what RCS and TAMKO have to offer!

Learn more about TAMKO in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.tamko.com.

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS COO. 

In honor of Women's History Month, we are sharing some highlights of women who have blazed trails in roofing.

While women had been working outside of the home prior to World War II, the push for them to join the workforce while the men were off fighting was promoted heavily by the U.S. Government. The National Archives features a promotional flyer produced by the War Manpower Commission, imploring women to seek employment in the shipyards of Mobile, Alabama. They hosted a Women’s Registration Week and urged women “in this time of national crises as a good American to register with the United States Employment Service.” 

Women answered the call and were soon operating cranes, building ships and manufacturing aluminum which was in demand for airplane production. Without the women, the shipbuilding and aluminum plants would not have been able to meet the demand. The men who were working alongside of these women didn’t welcome them with open arms. In fact, to help with the addition of women to a typically all-male workforce, a Womanpower brochure was produced and distributed among workers to help with the transition.   

Once the war ended, women left the factories, and many had saved their salaries which led to a post-war economic boom that lasted into the 1970s. It was during this economic boom that some of the first female roofing industry trailblazers began their nontraditional career journeys.  

Building one of the largest privately owned manufacturing companies 

Ethelmae Humphreys 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. Her career ambitions changed, she told the Joplin Globe, when it became clear that her father’s failing health meant he would need assistance. “By the time I graduated from college, I knew I needed to come home and help out,” Humphreys told the Globe. 

She took on roles in bookkeeping, handling payroll and working as a secretary. Her father’s health worsened, and he began spending winters in Florida. At just 23 years old, Ethelmae was named executive vice president of the company.   

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. She served as chairman of the board until stepping down in 2019. She continued to come to the office almost daily as she said it was “like my home and I love my home.” 

Following her death at age 94 in 2021, the company said in a statement that Ethelmae was a matriarch in the roofing industry. “She succeeded in a predominantly male industry, confidently leading a major corporation as a 20-something woman in 1950s America, setting an example for women in the manufacturing and roofing industries.” 

From pregnant teen mom to the richest self-made woman 

Another powerhouse woman in the roofing industry who has been blazing a trail for other women to follow is ABC Supply’s Diane Hendricks. Named by Forbes as America’s Richest Self-made Woman, she topped the list over other more well-known household names, including Oprah Winfrey and Sheryl Sandberg, who ranked #12 and #15 respectively. 

Diane has worked hard to get where she is today. According to her bio on Brooksy Society, at age 17, she became pregnant and did what her parents thought was the right thing to do – marry the baby’s father. She found work on an assembly line and tried waitressing but knew she needed to find something else that would support her as a single mom, telling Brooksy, “I never had any doubt I could raise my son. I filed for divorce a week after I was 21.”  

She took a job selling new construction while she studied to earn her broker’s license. It was during this time that she met Ken Hendricks, who had a roofing business he started after dropping out of high school in 11th grade.  

In 1982, after finding success in roofing, real estate and flipping properties Diane founded ABC Supply with Ken. After his death in 2007, she took on the role of chairman and sole owner. She was at the helm of the company during the purchase of rival Bradco in 2010 and for the acquisition of L&W Supply. As of 2020, she has grown the company to nearly 800 branches and with over $12 billion in annual revenues.    

Diane continues to lead ABC Supply under the mission, “To be the biggest, best and easiest service company distributing select exterior and interior building products.” 

She is quoted in the Brooksy biography as saying, “You’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to be dissuaded, don’t quit. I’ve got signs in my office, I’ve got it on there, don’t quit. I mean, because quitting… you quit, you’re done. You just gotta be so strong, life is tough, you know. It just is.”  

Supporting their communities 

Both of these female roofing industry leaders had a passion for giving back. In Ethelmae’s obituary, it was noted that she “established two charitable foundations: the E.L. Craig Foundation in 1960 to honor her late father and the J.P. Humphreys Foundation in honor of her husband.” 

These foundations donated generously to organizations and institutions supporting individual rights, community development and civil society. Ethlemae supported both Mercy and Freeman Hospitals and provided significant monies to help rebuild Mercy Hospital after it was destroyed in the historic May 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado. 

Diane has also worked hard to support her local community of Beloit, Wisconsin through revitalization efforts. She once purchased an entire city block, demolishing the existing buildings and bringing in new businesses including a sushi restaurant and an upscale burger joint. She calls it not just “beautifying the city,” but “beautifying the economy.” 

Since the beginning, giving back has been® a core value for ABC Supply and their team members are encouraged to get involved in community initiatives because as noted on their website, not only is giving back important, “It’s the right thing to do.” 

Encouraging more women to consider roofing 

While things have come a long way from the days of World War II, when brochures and marketing campaigns were used to help women be more successful in nontraditional roles, we still have a long way to go. Fortunately, organizations like National Women in Roofing are providing opportunities and support for women working in the roofing industry. Through mentoring, education and networking, women have more support than ever to find a rewarding career in this industry.   

Whether it’s working in the field, running service departments or owning their own businesses, women are seeing every day the opportunities that exist within this industry to achieve fulfillment and success for themselves and their families.  

If you’re considering roofing as a career, be sure to visit RoofersCoffeeShop®’s classified listings to explore the openings.

By TAMKO. 

Learn all about CRM systems and how they can improve your relationships with customers. 

While the right materials and labor are important aspects of installing roofs successfully, any contractor knows there’s a lot more to it than that. There are numerous elements to juggle such as customer communications, estimations, invoices, etc. Thankfully, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by all these factors. There are now many technological advancements that help you complete your projects in a timely manner and in a way that satisfies your customers. 

As your roofing business grows and jobs begin to pile on top of one another, the challenge of tracking all these fine details also grows. If you’re fortunate enough to find quality, hardworking installers to add to your crew, you can complete more roof jobs. But when it comes to managing the business side of each project, and the paperwork that comes with it, the challenge remains. That’s where a Customer Relationship Management system, or CRM, adds value to your roofing business. 

So, what is a CRM system? 

In short, a CRM system is a digital platform that empowers businesses to better manage and organize projects and customer relationships to increase efficiency and profitability. 

JobNimbus is one of the most popular roofing industry CRMs and the tool has been helping roofing contractors work smarter and grow their sales. Since joining forces with TAMKO Building Products to offer new discounts in The TAMKO Edge™ contractor loyalty program, participating roofing contractors have more advantages than ever to grow their businesses with a host of digital tools aimed at improving customer relationships and better managing projects. 

What are the benefits? 

JobNimbus offers industry-specific features geared toward helping roofers better manage their customer relationships and roofing projects. Through the JobNimbus platform, roofing contractors can set appointments, save contact information, get reminders and organize their work and teams more efficiently. For example, JobNimbus has the capability to capture photos, store documents, collect customer signatures and log important notes on-site, while also continuing real-time communication with other team members and customers as well. 

The platform also features automation that can help cut unnecessary repetition to increase productivity and ensure that no detail slips through the cracks. 

Once a roofing project has been well tracked in JobNimbus and the roof installation has been completed, roofers can also use the platform to send invoices to customers, collect payment and create reports for advanced business decision-making. 

The right CRM can make a huge difference in helping you grow relationships with your customers and improve roofing sales. Overall, JobNimbus estimates its tools and services have helped its users see 43% average annual revenue growth, save 8 hours a week per person, and collect 25% more payments. 

Roofing contractors can sign up for The TAMKO Edge™ program for free to see JobNimbus discounts and details, and TAMKO Certified Contractors are eligible for even more discounted services and perks.   

The products or services offered by JobNimbus are not the products or services of TAMKO, nor is TAMKO a party to any relationship and/or agreement between JobNimbus, a TAMKO contractor or a homeowner. 

Learn more about TAMKO in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.tamko.com. 

Original article source: TAMKO

SRS Distribution will be located at booth #2437 and the SRS Distribution Para Latinos Lounge at booth #1937.

SRS Distribution Inc., a leader in the building products distribution industry, is proud to announce its participation at the upcoming International Roofing Expo in New Orleans with two exhibitor booths, one exclusively dedicated to offering educational resources and networking opportunities for Spanish-speaking roofing contractors.

“We are excited to bring a customized Latino engagement experience to IRE that will empower and educate the Latino roofing community! We believe that offering these workshops and networking events will bring key tools and resources to Latino contractors that will support their future growth. At SRS we believe that the growth of the Latino contractor is a key factor to the future of the industry,” stated Julissa Chavez, Program Manager, Latino Sales and Marketing.

The SRS Distribution Para Latinos booth will offer visitors the exclusive opportunity to connect with industry experts and partners, product demonstrations and a first-class lineup of workshops and presentations geared towards supporting roofing contractors grow their businesses.

SRS Distribution will also host an Expert Contractor Panel discussion with owners of the largest and most successful roofing companies in the US to offer Latino contractors, customers, and attendees the latest insight on the industry, best practices on business and sales process to drive immediate improvement in their-day-to-day operations and bottom line.

Also, for the first time ever, SRS Distribution will hold the Premios Éxito (Contractor Success Awards), an initiative to reward and recognize Latino contractors in various categories: Contractor of the Year, Emerging Contractor, and Community Hero. The winners will be announced during the Cocktail Networking Hour at the Alluvial Plaza, during day one of IRE.

SRS is collaborating with IKO, GAF, CertainTeed, TAMKO to provide training content on relevant topics such as Sales 101, Preparing For Storm Season, 2022 Strategic Planning. Additionally, SRS will introduce TopShield Quality Products. This learning & development experience will include a VIP Cocktail Event sponsored by Owens Corning featuring Latin-inspired cuisine and entertainment from Mariachi Jalisco.

SRS Distribution will be located at booth #2437 and the SRS Distribution Para Latinos Lounge at booth #1937.

About International Roofing Expo

The International Roofing Expo is the premier roofing industry event, where leaders and experts from across the world gather to share the latest business trends, knowledge, and skill-building training opportunities.

About SRS Distribution

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in McKinney, TX, SRS has grown to become one of the largest and fastest growing building products distributors in the United States. Since our inception, we have established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving our customers, partnering with our suppliers, and attracting the industry’s best talent. We currently operate under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 590 locations across 44 states. SRS Distribution is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and Berkshire Partners LLC. For more information www.srsdistribution.com.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

In a special Lunch and Learn webinar, learn about how loyalty programs help you grow your business. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® is proud to bring this iconic digital roofing community to the fingertips of contractors. In a special RCS Webinar Lunch and Learn, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Melissa Dunson, manager of marketing and communications at TAMKO, about their new loyalty program. 

With their recently launched contractor loyalty program, The TAMKO EDGE™, the team at TAMKO has put together tools and resources that are providing a competitive edge like no other. Walking through the program online, Heidi and Melissa talk about the benefits and necessity of strong loyalty programs in today’s market. Listen to learn about the need for these types of programs and why it is important for contractors to totally engage. 

Melissa tells Heidi that the loyalty program was created by asking contractors for what they needed. “We went and asked contractors, ‘What could we be doing to better support your business?’ And then we listened to what they had to say and we built a program around it,” says Melissa. “They wanted a program that fit them at whatever stage in their business they were at regardless of their size, and then also made room for them to grow with the business and grow with the program.” 

Melissa continues to explain TAMKO’s tiered program that includes one non-certified contractor tier for those who might not meet the requirements but still would like to have a business relationship. These tiers exist for contractors to find the place their business fits into TAMKO’s program. 

“TAMKO's about options, right?” says Melissa. "You want this, we have an option for that. We have a way to have this program fit inside their business, regardless of what your business looks like right now.” 

You can learn more about TAMKO’s Loyalty Program and see a tour of the Edge in the Lunch and Learn Webinar. 

Learn more about TAMKO in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.tamko.com.

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor. 

Sometimes you can’t see everything at the IRE, so we’ve compiled a top 10 list for you to help make the most of your time at the show. 

If you’re headed to the International Roofing Expo in New Orleans February 1 – 3, 2022, there are many cools and exciting events, products, classes and more to attend. It’s just not possible to be in all places at one time so the crew here at RCS wanted to give you a little bit of help with what we think are the can’t-miss opportunities at this year’s show.  

Product innovations 

Watts Removal Products – This is like the magic eraser for roofing contractors. It works on brick, stone, concrete, metal, painted surfaces, plastic and acrylics. It removes graffiti, rust stains, paint overspray, adhesive and more. They even have a unique partnership with Sherwin-Williams that ensures the product won’t void any warranties. Visit them and get a demo in the Sherwin-Williams booth 1831.  

Geocel Phantom™ – Speaking of Sherwin-Williams, you need to see their innovative Geocel Phantom roof sealant while you’re in booth 1831. The product features six translucent, customizable colors that allow any panel color to shine through and blend with the surface for a great look and superior protection – saving you time and money. 

FlashCo – While their prefabricated accessories aren’t new, they have rolled out some new programs that can save you time and frustration. The FlashCo Edge takes the confusion out of getting flashing and accessories. Simply send them your list and they take care of the rest. See them in booth 1845 to learn how they can help you save time and labor! 

PABCO Cascade™ Signature Cut Shingles – An asphalt shingle that complements historical style? PABCO’s unique and distinguished Cascade diamond-shaped shingle is the perfect choice for historical-style homes. The exclusive U.S. patented design has a style that honors a home’s heritage. Stop by booth 2031 to see the beauty of these shingles for yourself.  

Jobba – This powerful roofing technology platform is designed to help commercial roofing contractors and larger community roofers generate new business, build stronger customer relationships, and save valuable time by automating manual processes. They make it easy to grow your service department with their recently released customer portal that streamlines communications between you and your clients. Visit them and get a demo in booth 719. 

TAMKO Edge™ – The TAMKO Edge has raised the bar when it comes to contractor rewards programs. They have opened it to non-certified TAMKO contractors who are now eligible for cash rewards. They have also expanded the rewards for certified contractors. Be sure to visit booth 3129 to learn how to take advantage of this new program enhancement. 

Can’t-miss events 

Coffee Conversations Live – From the RCS Sound Stage on the show floor, you won’t want to miss the conversations happening in booth 249. Hear from leading industry professionals about what’s hot in roofing and what’s coming in 2022. Stop by February 1 and 2 at 1 p.m. CT to join in.  

Roofing Alliance Student Competition – See the future of the roofing industry in action as five teams compete in the oral presentation portion of the competition on Wednesday, February 2 at 8 a.m. The Four Points Sheraton Hotel located on Bourbon Street in New Orleans is the project for this year’s competition. Finalists include teams from California Polytechnic University, Clemson University, Colorado State University, Texas A&M University and the University of Florida.  

First-time attendees reception – Sponsored by your friends at RoofersCoffeeShop, the first-time attendees’ reception is a friendly event to meet people, network and learn how to maximize your attendance at the IRE. Immediately following the event is the much-loved welcome party. Both events are being held at Mardi Gras World and begin at 5:30 p.m. on February 1.  

Future workforce educational panel – Don’t miss this session featuring contractors who are also members of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) as they share how they are creating a pipeline for the future workforce of the roofing industry. From multi-organizational apprenticeship programs to working with youth from schools who don’t want to pursue college to getting involved in the community and developing in-house training opportunities, these contractors will share what they are doing, how they got started and tips for success.  

Be part of industry research 

Each year for the past four years, the RoofersCoffeeShop crew has conducted a survey and developed a trends report that shows what is happening in the roofing industry. This year’s survey is sponsored by our friends at Beacon. It’s easy to participate.! We ask about 20 questions that provide insight into materials, labor challenges, hiring practices, technology and more.  

While you’re at IRE, swing by the RCS booth 249 and pick up a card with a QR code link to the survey. The first 100 respondents get a $10 Amazon gift card and EVERYONE who completes the survey receives $50 toward RCS Classified ads.  

Get the full scoop on what’s happening at IRE and access discounted rates at our IRE 2022 countdown page, sponsored by Leister.