Excitement ran high at NRCA's 132nd Annual Convention and Irving, Texas-based Informa's 2019 International Roofing Expo in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 9-13. A record-breaking crowd descended upon the Music City Center to network and learn about the latest industry products and trends at the largest trade show in the event's 65-year history.
"This year's show was a terrific success by any measure," says Reid Ribble, NRCA's CEO. "A record 14,295 roofing professionals attended, and I heard countless positive comments about being in Nashville. The 152,000-square-foot exhibit floor was the largest yet, and nearly 500 companies showcased their products and services in 1,520 booths, including 106 first-time exhibitors. As always, this 'must-attend' annual event exceeded everyone's expectations!"
The convention kicked off Saturday, Feb. 9, with NRCA's Executive Committee meeting, NRCA's Affiliate Executives Council meeting and NRCA's board of directors meeting at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
On Saturday afternoon, National Women in Roofing held a Building Better Together Education Day. During the event, 220 roofing professionals heard a keynote address given by Sherry Holmes, a contractor, designer and daughter of celebrity contractor Mike Holmes; networked with peers; and attended presentations about business development, mentoring and roofing technology. The event was sponsored by Johns Manville, Denver; the Roofing Alliance; SRS Distribution Inc., McKinney, Texas; TAMKO® Building Products Inc., Joplin, Mo.; and Tremco® Roofing & Building Maintenance, Beachwood, Ohio.
Community matters
On Sunday, Feb. 10, Informa partnered with Rebuilding Together® Nashville to host the IRE's tenth annual Community Service Day. Sixty-five volunteers helped renovate five local houses and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee's Cleveland Park Club.
The volunteer crew showed up ready to spend the day painting, installing lights, prepping for flooring installations and building storage solutions for homeowners in need.
Local resident Angela Terrell expressed gratitude after her house received renovations.
"Thank you kindly to the volunteers who helped me out," she said. "I truly appreciate you all!"
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee's Cleveland Park Club, volunteers built two sets of cubbies, painted bathrooms and a hallway, and built shelving for gym equipment storage. Community children will benefit from the building improvements as they participate in the organization's after-school youth development programs.
Community Service Day is sponsored by Canton, Mass.-based Sika® Sarnafil. Carlisle Construction Materials, Carlisle, Pa., provided tools and equipment. Volunteers received breakfast courtesy of ICP Adhesives & Sealants Inc., Norton, Ohio, and lunch was provided by OMG® Roofing Products, Agawam, Mass. Damato Enterprises, Duluth, Ga., provided shuttle transportation.
At the expo
The IRE kicked off Monday, Feb. 11. Directly before the keynote address, Ribble gave an update about NRCA's latest activities to a crowd of roofing professionals. He shared a video encouraging industry participation in Roofing Day in D.C. 2019 and discussed the successful launch of NRCA ProCertification,™ the association's national certification initiative designed to create a competent, sustainable and high-performing industry workforce.
After Ribble's NRCA update, Jesse Itzler, co-founder of Marquis Jet and ZICO® coconut water, delivered the keynote address. The entrepreneur shared his thoughts about living fully throughout life's journey. Attendees heard Itzler explain how to tap into an attitude of determination and exceed personal limits.
During the evening, a welcome party sponsored by Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance was held at Nashville Underground, a popular live music restaurant and bar located in the heart of downtown Nashville. Guests danced, mingled and enjoyed food and drinks throughout the evening.
NRCA's Young Contractors Committee held its Emerging Business Technology in the Roofing Industry roundtable discussion Tuesday, Feb. 12. Designed to benefit people who are new to the industry or those with new management responsibilities within their companies, the event attracted more than 100 participants who discussed the latest technology trends in the industry and learned how peers are using technology effectively. Immediately following the event, the committee held a meetup at NRCA's booth where emerging professionals learned more about how to become involved in NRCA.
NRCA's booth attracted 1,277 roofing professionals who had the opportunity to learn about the benefits of NRCA membership and speak with NRCA experts about NRCA ProCertification, Roofing Day in D.C. 2019, technical topics and risk management matters. Information about the 2019 edition of The NRCA Roofing Manual, Professional Roofing magazine and other resources also was available. Many visitors also tried their luck at the NRCA "Spin to Win" prize wheel, and a few lucky winners received prizes such as a Yeti cooler, portable tailgate grill and one-year NRCA membership. During the IRE, 45 companies joined NRCA.
The educational sessions offered during the IRE also were well-attended by enthusiastic audiences. During the week, roofing professionals attended NRCA's CERTA Train-the-trainer Authorization Program; NRCA Roofing Industry Fall Protection from A to Z; Working Together to Recruit, Train and Retain; and NRCA's For Foremen Only, Level 1 program.
Class 8 and Class 9 of NRCA University's Future Executives Institute met twice separately during the week to study human resources, marketing, leadership, insurance and contract law, and strategic planning and coaching. In addition, 150 current and former FEI participants and Executive Management Institute graduates attended the annual FEI Alumni Reception held Feb. 11. The students in FEI—Class 8 graduated Feb. 12 during NRCA's Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. A list of the graduates can be viewed at www.nrca.net/0219-FEI-graduates.
Legal luncheon
Following Itzler's keynote address, the National Roofing Legal Resource Center hosted its annual luncheon program. The sold-out event attracted a record audience of more than 240 roofing contractors who gathered to hear about legal and technical issues relevant to the industry.
Attendees heard a technical update from Dane Bradford, president of Bradford Roof Management Inc., Billings, Mont., and Mark Graham, NRCA's vice president of technical services. Stephen Phillips, a senior partner with Atlanta-based law firm Hendrick Phillips Salzman & Siegel P.C., shared information about how roofing contractors can limit their liability and protect themselves from legal, technical and relationship problems. Phillips also moderated a debate about a roofing construction case discussed by Mike Johannes, president of Nations Roof LLC, Yonkers, N.Y.; Sherri Miles, vice president of J.D. Miles and Sons Inc., Chesapeake, Va.; George Patterson, president of Bennett and Brosseau Roofing Inc., Romeoville, Ill.; and Brad Sutter, executive vice president of Sutter Roofing Co. of Florida, Sarasota.
ROOFPAC events
ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee, hosted a wildly successful Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Songwriter Extravaganza during the evening of Feb. 10. More than 300 industry professionals attended the event hosted at one of Nashville's premier attractions and enjoyed a concert, interactive songwriting experience and open bar. Attendees also bid on items during an exciting live auction led by retired auctioneer Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.). The unique event raised $57,700.
In addition, from Feb. 11-12, ROOFPAC held its annual silent auction in NRCA's booth. On Tuesday afternoon, registered participants could enjoy an open bar while bidding against their peers for jewelry, vacations, electronics and other items. The silent auction raised $44,255.
A record $101,955 was raised during ROOFPAC's events. The funds will be used to help support pro-business congressional candidates.
Student competition
The creativity of young minds was on display during the IRE as five finalist teams of college students competed in the Roofing Alliance's fifth annual Alliance Construction Management Student Competition.
Student teams from Auburn University's McWhorter School of Building Science, Auburn, Ala.; Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, Fort Collins; Louisiana State University's Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Baton Rouge; Minnesota State University's Department of Construction Management, Mankato; and University of Florida's M.E. Rinker School of Building Construction, Gainesville, conducted research, reviewed plans and specifications, and assembled a full estimate proposal to submit a qualified bid package for a roof system installation on the Hilton Franklin Cool Springs Hotel in Franklin, Tenn. The teams each delivered oral presentations before a panel of judges Feb. 12.
The student team from Minnesota State University won the competition. The team received a trophy and a $5,000 L.B. Conway scholarship for its school, and team members Hunter Campbell, Shola George, Jon Harrington, Hunter Morsching and Chase Olson (team captain) received individual trophies presented during NRCA's Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. Tony Centro from the University of Florida received the award for Best Individual Student Presenter. The student team from Colorado State University placed second in the competition. Colorado State University team members received a team trophy, a $2,500 scholarship for their school and individual awards.
Honoring the best
On Feb. 12, NRCA honored top roofing industry professionals during NRCA's Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. The ceremony involved the presentation of the industry's most prestigious awards, including the J.A. Piper Award; CNA/NRCA Community Involvement Award; the Roofing Alliance's Gold Circle Awards and Most Valuable Player Awards; and NRCA's Charlie Raymond Award.
The event began with the presentation of the slate of officers for NRCA's 2019-20 board of directors, who were officially installed following a vote. Next, the students in FEI—Class 8 graduated, and the winning teams from the Roofing Alliance's student competition were recognized. NRCA also recognized the first NRCA ProCertified installers and foreman: NRCA ProCertified Asphalt Shingles Installer Juan Segura, roofing technician for Raincoat Roofing Co., Broadview, Ill.; NRCA ProCertified Thermoplastic Systems Installer Rhyan McKinney, thermoplastic installer for Nations Roof LLC, Villa Park, Ill.; and NRCA ProCertified Roofing Foreman Nick Zwart, steep-slope foreman for Korellis Roofing Inc., Hammond, Ind.
J.A. Piper Award
Helene Hardy Pierce, vice president of technical services, codes and industry relations for GAF, Parsippany, N.J., received NRCA's 72nd J.A. Piper Award. Named for former NRCA President Joseph A. Piper, whose extraordinary efforts kept NRCA alive during the Great Depression, the J.A. Piper Award is the industry's most prestigious honor. Each year, the award is presented to a roofing professional who has demonstrated constant, outstanding service to NRCA and the industry. Hardy Pierce is the first woman to earn the honor.
Hardy Pierce serves on NRCA's board of directors and is a member of NRCA's Residential Contractor Committee, Roofing Day Task Force and Technical Operations Committee. An industry professional for 38 years, she has served as a Roofing Alliance student competition judge since 2015. She also has served on the board of directors for the Coalition for Procurement Reform; Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association, where she has served as president; and Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, where she also has served as president.
CNA/NRCA Community Involvement Award
NRCA and CNA, Chicago, presented the seventh annual CNA/NRCA Community Involvement Award to Showalter Roofing Service Inc., Naperville, Ill. The award honors charitable works performed by NRCA contractor members between Jan. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2018. Showalter Roofing Service created A Roof Over Your Head, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps homeowners in need of household repairs, such as exterior decking, porches, stairs, railing repairs and cleaning, fence and gate repairs and more. In 2018, Showalter Roofing Service provided materials, labor and equipment for 69 projects. CNA awarded Showalter Roofing Service with $7,500 for its charity. In addition, NRCA dedicated the proceeds of its Cyber Monday sale in November 2018 to the winning charity. The sale generated $533, and all the proceeds will be donated to A Roof Over Your Head.
Legacy Restoration, Plymouth, Minn., was chosen as the second-place winner for its charitable efforts to assist Volunteers of America. Legacy Restoration made 100 tie blankets by hand for foster kids and families in transition; packed 150 lunch meals for children lacking a nutritious afterschool snack and individuals experiencing homelessness; and provided gifts for 21 families at Christmastime, among other efforts. CNA awarded Legacy Restoration $5,000 to be presented to Volunteers of America.
The third-place winner was Core Contractors, Denver, for its work with The Other Side Academy, a training school that teaches pro-social, vocational and life skills and is available as an alternative for individuals facing long-term incarceration and those seeking change from the life they chose in the past. Core Contractors co-founder Andrew Schmidt spearheaded an effort to raise funds for TOSA Denver. CNA awarded Core Contractors with $2,500 to be presented to TOSA Denver.
In addition, the winner of the People's Choice category was chosen via online voting. Beldon Roofing Co. Inc., San Antonio, won the People's Choice Award for its work with Susan G. Komen San Antonio, where Beldon Roofing raised $181,800 for breast cancer research. CNA awarded Beldon Roofing with $1,500 for its charity.
Gold Circle Awards
The Roofing Alliance's 2019 Gold Circle Awards were presented to Roofing Alliance and NRCA members for their outstanding contributions to the roofing industry in various categories. The following received Gold Circle Awards:
The following were finalists:
MVP Awards
The Roofing Alliance also announced the winners of its 19th annual MVP Awards during the ceremony. The awards honor roofing workers for outstanding on-the-job performance; attracting new roofing workers and helping retain existing ones; contributions to a team effort; community service and volunteerism; and other noteworthy contributions and activities. Award winners are chosen by a panel of roofing industry representatives.
The following were announced as 2019 MVP Awards winners: Bobby Ainsworth, field worker for Venture Construction Groups of Florida Inc., Stuart; Miguel Lopez, superintendent for Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing, Houston; Brandon Reese, service technician for Korellis Roofing; Drew Thomas, superintendent for Reliant Roofing Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.; and Jose de Jesus Zermeno, field supervisor for Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Irvine, Calif. Reese also was named the Best of the Best, a special honor co-sponsored by Professional Roofing and OMG Roofing Products (see "Selfless service").
Charlie Raymond Award
NRCA presented the 2019 Charlie Raymond Award, the most prestigious membership recruitment award bestowed by the association, to GAF. Named for former NRCA President and J.A. Piper Award recipient Charlie Raymond, the Charlie Raymond Award honors members for their efforts to help recruit new NRCA members.
Eyes to the future
With record-breaking attendance and exhibition numbers and endless enthusiasm from roofing professionals during NRCA's convention and the IRE in Nashville, the event truly was one for the books.
Roofing professionals can look to NRCA to continue the industry's forward momentum throughout the year during events such as Roofing Day in D.C. 2019 and NRCA's Mid-Year Meetings and the advancement of NRCA ProCertification and other initiatives before heading to Dallas Feb. 4-6, 2020, for NRCA's 133rd Annual Convention and the 2020 IRE.
Sara Baldwin is Professional Roofing's editorial assistant.
Board of Directors
NRCA's 2019-20 board of directors
NRCA announced its 2019-20 slate of officers and directors during NRCA's Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception Feb. 12 in Nashville, Tenn. The officers and directors will begin their terms June 1.
Nick Sabino, president of Deer Park Roofing Inc., Cincinnati, was elected NRCA chairman of the board, and Rod Petrick, president of Ridgeworth Roofing Co. Inc., Frankfort, Ill., was elected chairman of the board-elect. Tupac de la Cruz, founder of Roofing Solutions LLC, Prairieville, La.; Doug Duncan, president of Nations Roof LLC, Villa Park, Ill.; Brad Sutter, executive vice president of Sutter Roofing Co. of Florida, Sarasota; and Kyle Thomas, owner and vice president of Thomas Roofing Co. Inc., Mobile, Ala., were elected vice chairmen.
Additionally, the following were elected new NRCA directors:
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