As I was saying …

During the past few months, I have been getting reacquainted with the roofing industry and visiting with old friends. And I've noticed one thing that keeps coming up like moles in a Whack-a-mole arcade game: the workforce problem. I can hardly visit with a contractor from anywhere in the U.S. without addressing the topic—and then I ask some hard questions.

"What are you doing about it? Do you know NRCA can help?"

This is when I'm usually met with a blank stare. Ultimately, contractors often confess they haven't really tried anything other than placing advertisements in local newspapers and all too often are unaware of what NRCA can offer. It's time for an intervention.

If you are struggling to find workers, it's going to take significant involvement by you and your company—maybe more than you want to commit.

It starts with an attitude adjustment. I have heard all the reasons people do not want to be roofing workers. Yes, it's hot, dirty, difficult work, and not many people view it as a great career choice because of those reasons. The obvious question to then ask yourself is: Why did you choose roofing? You chose it because it's good work. Hard? For sure. Rewarding? Absolutely. But you can't expect anyone to respect what you do if you don't respect it yourself. People are more likely to be drawn to the industry (and your company) if they see you and your employees are happy there.

Next, try investing in your workforce in a noticeable way. Provide a safe, clean workplace. Have your employees show up to work in clean work clothes branded with your company logo and name. Take pride in how your job sites look. Fight against the typical stereotype that roofing is mostly dirty work by making your job sites clean and organized. Make sure employees are courteous to customers and clean up after themselves. Not only will your current and future workers like it, but your customers will, too.

Most important, train your workers. Nothing demonstrates you care for them more than when you invest in their futures. Recently, I asked more than 100 roofing contractors what they want most from NRCA. The overwhelming responses were worker education and training. Training your workforce to be safer and more productive will be difficult because doing so takes time, effort and money. But you ultimately will end up with more time, less effort and better company financials as a result.

And take advantage of your NRCA membership. We have a robust online career center geared specifically toward the roofing industry. We have webinars and educational programs that can enhance what you currently do. And most important, and exciting, we are developing our NRCA ProCertification Series to put the roofing industry on par with other construction-related trades. When your workers complete their training and can demonstrate competency, they will earn nationally recognized certifications, providing them with limitless pride in what they do and how they do it. And that, friends, is how you whack the moles.

Stay tuned.

Reid Ribble is NRCA's CEO.