Focus

Sometimes, a product becomes such a part of our lives, we substitute its brand name for what it actually is: Think Kleenex,® Dumpster® and WD-40.®

If you are like most roofing professionals, WD-40 has been integral to your work, and WD-40 Co., San Diego, now is looking to reward the tradespeople who use its product daily.

WD-40 Co. and Rebuilding Together,® NRCA's national charitable partner, are conducting a national search for the 2011 Tradesperson of the Year. The individual must be someone who gives back to the community, adds value to his or her skilled trade industry, is committed to helping others, and reflects the values of Rebuilding Together and WD-40 Co.

To me, it would be most fitting if a roofing professional were named Tradesperson of the Year. Roofing professionals are known for being giving and highly skilled, making them perfect candidates for such an honor.

And you can't beat the prizes. The grand-prize winner will receive:

• Super Bowl XLVII New Orleans getaway for two
• Air travel
• Lodging
• Game tickets
• $500 spending cash
• $10,000 worth of tools and products from Sears and a selection of WD-40 Brand products

In addition, five runners-up will receive $1,000 worth of tools and products from Sears and a selection of WD-40 Brand products, and nominators of the finalists each will receive $500 worth of tools and products from Sears and a selection of WD-40 Brand products.

Nominations are due Jan. 20, 2012, and the winner will be announced April 28, 2012.

To learn more, log on to RTTradespersonOfTheYear.com and WD40.com/GettingTheJobDone.

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Profes­sional Roofing and NRCA's senior director of communications.