CEO of Rejoice and Restore LLC in Naugatuck, Connecticut, voted grand prize winner, earning $10,000.

QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) today announced Vanessa Fusco, CEO of Rejoice and Restore LLC in Naugatuck, Connecticut, as the winner of its 2026 North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year campaign, a national program that recognizes exceptional women working in the roofing industry across the U.S. and Canada. As this year’s honoree, Fusco earns $10,000 and tickets to the 2027 National Women in Roofing Days and the International Roofing Expo.

Now in its sixth year, the program shines a spotlight on female roofing professionals who are making a difference through innovation, mentorship, safety and a commitment to excellence in their field. Fusco won in a nationwide public vote against four other accomplished finalists.

Fusco built Rejoice and Restore from the ground up. Since completing its first project in 2024, the company has quickly scaled to multi-million-dollar revenue. Fusco leads with a mission-driven approach, creating opportunities for individuals in recovery while delivering strong business results. Her leadership blends operational excellence with a deep commitment to community impact.

“The roofing industry is stronger because of women like Vanessa leading it,” said QXO Chief Human Resources Officer Josephine Berisha. “She and this year’s finalists are setting the standard for what leadership in this industry looks like.”

The four other finalists who will each receive funding to support their professional development are:

• Jennifer George, co-founder and CEO, Northern Arizona Roof Services, Flagstaff, Arizona
• Lauren Marsh, president, Ridgeline Construction HSV, Inc., Athens, Alabama
• Kathleen Maxwell, CEO, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee
• Stacey Oakley, chief of staff, ProFormance Builder Solutions, Winter Garden, Florida

“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the incredible women who are changing the roofing industry,” Fusco said. “I’m proud to share this recognition with the women who mentored me, the team that shows up every day and the customers who trust me with their most important investment. I hope our work inspires more women to pursue careers in roofing and other areas of building materials.”

This year’s finalists were selected from over 2,000 nominations across the U.S. and Canada. The finalist committee included QXO executives, prior winners and female industry leaders who reviewed submissions.

To learn more about QXO’s annual Female Roofing Professional of the Year program, the finalists and the program rules, visit: go.qxo.com/femaleroofpro.

About QXO

QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) is the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing and related products and the second largest publicly traded distributor of lumber and building materials in North America. QXO is the fastest growing company in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and plans to become the tech-enabled leader by delivering best-in-class customer satisfaction and outsized returns for its shareholders. The company is targeting $50 billion in annual revenues within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit QXO.com for more information.

By Jenny Yu.  

At IRE, AWIP showcases innovative building solutions and purposeful partnerships. 

All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) is bringing engineering-driven innovation to the forefront of commercial construction, and that was on full display at the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas. Charles Schafer, AWIP’s Eastern region sales manager, shared how insulated metal panels are reshaping building performance, timelines and partnerships. 

With more than 20 years in the construction industry and a background in engineering, Charles brings a technical lens to customer conversations. “I’m an engineer by education, and I’ve handled products and marketing, sustainability — a lot of different roles throughout my career with AWIP,” he said. “In a sense, I’m an engineer that likes to communicate.” 

Charles explained the AWIP’s core offerings: insulated metal panels designed as a single-step building envelope solution. “We sell insulated metal panels, which are two roll form skins that come together, and there’s a chemical reaction that fills the core of the panels,” Charles illustrated. “Our panels are a single-step all-in-one panel that goes from the structure out and handles your air, vapor, wind and water barrier and thermal barrier.” 

This streamlined approach is gaining traction as contractors address labor shortages and increased competition. “Instead of up to seven steps for a traditional buildout, it’s a single step, single pass on the building,” he explained. “In today’s world where you have scarcity of labor and aggressive timelines, we’re seeing a significant increase in the usage of our product.” 

At IRE, AWIP showcased its technology through an interactive, two-story booth experience, complete with a VR headset that enabled participants to “walk through” buildings and designs utilizing AWIP products. On display was AWIP’s latest foam system, InnovaCell™. “It’s an industry-leading R value, closed-cell foam that handles your vapor, wind, water and thermal barrier. It’s an all-encompassing system,” Charles shared. “Our DM40-F+ panel can give you an R64 with a one-hour UL fire rating, which is first of its kind.” 

Beyond AWIP’s innovative products, Charles emphasized collaboration. “At AWIP, we’re really about partnership and helping find solutions for the built environment,” Charles said. “We like to innovate and we like to partner.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about AWIP’s newest solutions!

By Anna Lockhart.  

As metal building materials continue to rise in popularity, it’s time for contractors across the building envelope to get in on the action! 

For superstar brands like Central States Manufacturing, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the perfect place to show off their latest product offerings and present the public with a chance to see them up close and in action. Visiting their booth during this year’s trade show, The Coffee Shops™ Editor in Chief Lauren White spoke with Central States Manufacturing’s Director of Marketing Melissa Dunson to find out more about the brand’s plans for 2026.  

Central States shines when it comes to offering premier, high-quality metal building products, serving sectors across the building envelope such as residential, commercial, agricultural and storage applications. As Melissa noted, their goal is to be the one-stop-shop for metal building products, no matter your industry background.  

“We’re not just residential. If you’re interested in metal roofing, there’s a really good chance that we make the profiles with the gauges and the paint systems that you need because we offer such a comprehensive line,” Melissa shared. “We even do siding, walls, full metal buildings with frames and metal roll-up doors. If it’s metal, we’ve got it.”  

Such an expansive and all-encompassing line-up of products puts Central States in a prime place for being multiple industries’ go-to supplier for any and all of their metal needs. And as consumers – home and building owners alike – continue to show a growing interest in metal, now is the time for contractors to explore the benefits of the material.  

In particular, Melissa noted that they’ve recently seen an uptick in residential interest in metal thanks to celebrities and influencers like Chip and Joanna Gaines who are showcasing metal roofing as a prime option. She explained, “The metal market is expected to grow drastically, particularly for standing seam and residential spaces. Our Central Snap® product has become popular because of this. It has a hidden fastener and isn’t exposed, which really provides an excellent lifetime warranty. It has the longevity and beauty that people are looking for.” 

Pivotal to the conversation was Melissa’s emphasis on the fact that, no matter what your current experience is with metal, if you’re a contractor, there’s always time to get into it. She noted, “I would just like to say to any roofer out there interested in metal roofing. It’s okay if you don’t know how to do it yet. There are good manufacturers who can help you learn how to do these things, because this is where the industry is headed – metal.” 

Ultimately, her message was loud and clear: metal isn’t going away anytime soon, so it’s better late than never to find out how to incorporate metal into your business services. Residential, commercial, agricultural – if it can use metal, brands like Central States Manufacturing have you taken care of! 

Watch the interview to learn more about Central States Manufacturing and the latest highlights straight from the metal industry!

By Emma Peterson. 

National Roofing Week 2026 will be June 7-13 and it’s the perfect time to show your roofing pride! 

Each year, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) hosts an event called National Roofing Week. The goal of this event is to raise awareness of the “essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community.” 

How do you participate? It’s as simple as sharing your story! NRCA invites professionals across the industry to share photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. NRCA has created a week-long guide of themes to post about:  

• Sunday: National Roofing Week kickoff 
• Monday: Signature projects — share photos showcasing your company’s signature residential and commercial projects 
• Tuesday: Charitable projects — share photos that demonstrate your company’s charitable giving 
• Wednesday: Employee appreciation — share photos of your company’s employees 
• Thursday: Employee training — share photos that demonstrate how you train your workers 
• Friday: Celebration — share photos showing us how your company celebrated National Roofing Week 
• Saturday: Wrap-up 

Not only does participating through social media help build community and give you an opportunity to brag about your incredible team, but it also helps raise visibility of the industry and the critical role roofing professionals play in protecting people and properties. Want to go the extra mile in support? Get your crews National Roofing Week T-shirts! Supplies are limited, so order soon! 

This year’s National Roofing Week is made possible by a variety of industry sponsors: International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Hanover Architectural Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA, OMG Roofing Products and Tuffwrap. 

Learn more at www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Carlisle Architectural Metals simplifies complex roofing projects with integrated systems and hands-on support across every stage of construction. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ stopped by the Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM) booth to learn about how the company continues to be a leader in delivering comprehensive building envelope solutions under one umbrella. 

Mike Weis, vice president of sales, said the company’s evolution into a multi-brand platform is reshaping how it serves the industry. “We’re not just one company anymore supporting the contractor. We’re five brands. It’s a building solution,” he said, pointing to the integration of its five brands: PAC-CLAD Petersen, Drexel Metals, Hickman Edge Systems, Metal-Era and Citadel Architectural Products. 

That growth has required a deliberate approach to sales and support. Rather than relying on a centralized model, CAM emphasizes localized expertise supported by robust internal resources. “We have very localized support through our reps,” Mike explained. “Behind the reps, you have a full team of technical support, inside sales, estimating and engineering. We try to bring all that to every market we touch.” 

For contractors, that structure translates into faster response times and more cohesive project execution. Mike noted that having team members positioned close to job sites allows for real-time troubleshooting and collaboration. “If we have an issue in a market, we usually have somebody within an hour or two who can be on site to help solve problems and come together on design solutions,” he said. 

The approach reflects the relationship-driven nature of the construction industry, where evolving codes and architectural demands require constant communication. “It’s a very personal business,” Mike stated. “We want to be part of the solution from the design aspect all the way until the job gets closed out.” 

As building design grows more complex, Carlisle Architectural Metals is positioning itself as a single-source partner capable of supporting all aspects of the building envelope. “We’re covering all six sides of the building,” Mike said. “We want to be that one-stop solution for contractors and architects.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the CAM advantage of complex, integrated solutions.

By Jenny Yu.  

All Weather Insulated Panels highlights speed, simplicity and structural benefits at IRE 2026. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) made a statement with a two-story booth showcasing its engineered roofing system, OneDek®. Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ had the opportunity to explore the impressive booth and chat with Gary Sweeney, AWIP’s director of low slope roofing, about how OneDek provides a solution for long-standing industry challenges.  

“OneDek is an insulated metal panel, but it’s an engineered roofing system. I refer to it as the evolution of traditional roofing,” Gary shared. With 10 years in the traditional roofing space, Gary has seen firsthand the issues the industry has faced. “The issues that have plagued the industry for 10 years are the same issues that plague it today. There's a lack of innovation, extended installation times and lack of skilled labor.” 

OneDek is a solution that addresses these issues, consolidating the elements of traditional roofing into a simplified package. “A traditional roofing system consists of a B deck, a vapor barrier, insulation, coverboard and then a membrane,” Gary explained. “OneDek is a multi-layer system that's condensed down into a single tongue-and-groove product. So, we're taking a five-step installation and shortening it down to a two-step process.”  

AWIP’s focus on speed and simplicity makes jobs easier for contractors, especially during a labor shortage. “Speed is becoming the most important aspect of commercial roofing,” Gary stated. “If you're going to put down a roof in 120 hours with a five-person crew, we're probably looking at 40 hours here, about a third of the time it would take for traditional roofing systems. So, it's massive labor savings with a smaller crew.” 

Beyond speed, Gary highlighted the structural rigidity and energy efficiency that the system achieves by incorporating AWIP’s InnovaCELL™ technology. “We’re standing on it right now. It’s a metal steel design; it’s very rigid. Traditional roofing components don't provide structural integrity,” Gary said, taking Lauren upstairs and onto the OneDek demo. “From an insulation standpoint, it provides the highest R value, unrivaled by any other manufacturer.” 

The view from the AWIP second-story booth showed a promising future. As building owners become more engaged in long-term performance and energy efficiency, Gary is confident that OneDek provides the perfect solution.  

Watch the full interview to see the OneDek system in action at IRE 2026!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops. 

From culture to career growth, students share what matters most as they prepare to enter the roofing workforce. 

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), the Roofing Alliance Student Competition showcased more than the technical skills of construction management students. It provided a powerful look into the mindset of the next generation entering the roofing industry. 

Through a series of interviews conducted by RoofersCoffeeShop with teams from Bradley University, the University of Florida, Auburn University, Colorado State University and Clemson University, a clear and consistent message emerged about what these future professionals are looking for as they begin their careers: Company culture.  

Students consistently emphasized the importance of working in an environment built on respect, collaboration and connection. They are not simply looking for a job. They are looking for a workplace where they feel valued, supported and part of a team. Many described wanting to work for companies where leadership is approachable and where success is shared, not dictated by hierarchy. 

That emphasis on culture naturally extends to relationships. Students spoke about the importance of camaraderie, open communication and trust among coworkers and leadership. In an industry known for its fast pace and demanding schedules, having a strong team environment is not just a benefit, it is essential. 

Work-life balance also emerged as a key priority. While these students understand the commitment required in construction, they are looking for flexibility and employers who respect their time. They recognize that balance leads to better performance and long-term career satisfaction. 

Opportunities for growth and advancement are equally important. Students want to join organizations that invest in their development, offer mentorship and provide clear pathways for career progression. They are eager to learn, take on responsibilityand build their careers, but they expect support and guidance along the way. 

Many also expressed a desire to stay engaged and challenged in their roles. They are drawn to dynamic environments where they can contribute across multiple aspects of a project, gaining hands-on experience and diversifying their skill sets. 

Representation and inclusion were also part of the conversation, particularly among women entering construction. Feeling supported, represented and included in the workplace is an important factor as they evaluate potential employers and long-term career paths.  Students are looking for companies that care about their people, their projects and their impact. Whether through safety, innovation or community involvement, they want to be part of organizations that stand for something meaningful. 

Perhaps most encouraging for the industry is the growing enthusiasm for roofing itself. Many students entered the competition with limited exposure to roofing, but through hands-on experience, mentorship and engagement at IRE, they developed a more genuine interest in pursuing careers in the field. 

The Roofing Alliance Student Competition continues to play a vital role in building a strong and motivated workforce for the future. 

To hear directly from these students, watch the interviews: 

• Bradley University: www.youtube.com/live/xfZ_pOO1UYk 
• University of Florida: www.youtube.com/live/SIEy9ofUUuo 
• Auburn University: www.youtube.com/live/E2nYV7TRhAY 
• Colorado State University: www.youtube.com/live/aSD9TeF-b94 
• Clemson University: www.youtube.com/live/RV1wsnO5qyk 

To learn more about the Roofing Alliance and its workforce development initiatives, visit roofingalliance.net. 

By Jenny Yu.  

IRE attendees explored how the insulated roof deck system streamlines installation and boosts performance. 

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) showcased its latest innovation in low-slope roofing: OneDek® insulated roof deck system. Industry professionals attending the show had the opportunity to explore how OneDek simplifies installation while delivering exceptional thermal performance and long-term energy efficiency for commercial roofing projects. 

OneDek is designed as an alternative to traditional multi-layer low-slope roofing assemblies, replacing separate steel decking and board insulation with a single insulated roof deck panel paired with a PVC or TPO membrane. This assembly reduces materials and installation steps, helping contractors save time and labor on the jobsite. 

“The insulated roof deck functions as decking, air and vapor barrier insulation and coverboard in one component,” notes AWIP’s product description, highlighting how the solution streamlines the construction process. For building owners and designers, OneDek delivers not just efficiency but also performance, offering a uniform, walkable surface that accommodates membrane installation without the need for additional coverboards or complex layering. 

IRE attendees saw firsthand how OneDek’s efficient design supports modern roofing demands, exploring product features including its thermal performance range, membrane options and how the insulated deck can contribute to overall building envelope efficiency. 

Watch our interview with the AWIP team to learn more about OneDek's real-world applications!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

From digital models to real-world execution, Auburn University students demonstrate leadership, innovation and excellence in roofing.

The Roofing Alliance 2026 Student Competition brought together top construction management programs from across the country, challenging students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world roofing scenarios. Rising to the top, Auburn University earned first place after months of preparation, a comprehensive written proposal and a strong final presentation at the International Roofing Expo (IRE).  

Representing Auburn University were Madi Goodwin, Heather Henderson, Patrick Johnson, Graham Roh (team captain) and Ashwin Varadhan (team alternate). The team was guided by faculty advisor Dr. Kenneth Sands and mentored by Paige Harvill of Nations Roof. 

The Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition is one of the industry’s premier workforce development initiatives. Each year, participating universities develop a complete bid package for a real project tied to the location of the International Roofing Expo. In 2026, the project focused on the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, requiring teams to prepare detailed estimates, logistics plans, safety protocols and deliver oral presentations to a panel of industry judges. Written proposal scores and oral presentation scores were combined to determine final rankings. 

The competition results highlighted the strength of roofing education programs nationwide, with Auburn University taking first place, the University of Florida earning second and Clemson University placing third. Individual presenter honors were awarded to Remi Nguyen of Clemson University and Sophia Petrandis of the University of Florida. 

During an interview with RoofersCoffeeShop® at the International Roofing Expo, the Auburn team shared insights into their experience, reflecting on the months of preparation that got them to the top spot and the opportunity to present on a national stage. 

Throughout the competition, the Auburn team operated as a mock roofing company, assigning leadership roles that mirrored real-world industry structure. Team members took ownership of key areas including estimating, project management, field operations and safety planning, working collaboratively to build a complete and competitive proposal. 

After months of preparation, the team described a strong sense of accomplishment following their final presentation, having successfully translated their plan into a polished delivery that earned them the number one placement. One of the most impactful aspects of the experience was visiting the project site in person. After analyzing drawings, digital models and site logistics for months, stepping onto the roof of the Cannery Casino and Hotel brought a new level of understanding. 

Students noted that transitioning from two-dimensional plans to a full-scale structure reinforced the importance of accuracy, coordination and attention to detail. Elements that had only existed on paper became tangible, giving real-world context to their logistics plans and construction strategies. 

The experience also highlighted the growing role of technology in construction. The team incorporated digital modeling into their preparation, reflecting the increasing use of advanced tools in roofing and project planning. 

While not all team members had prior roofing experience, the competition sparked a strong interest in the industry. Through hands-on learning, research and mentorship, students gained a deeper appreciation for commercial roofing and the opportunities it offers. 

Walking the expo floor further expanded that perspective. From induction welding systems and material lift equipment to emerging AI-driven solutions, the team saw firsthand how the industry continues to evolve with innovation and technology. 

As these students prepare to enter the workforce, they emphasize the importance of company culture, work-life balance and opportunities for professional growth. They seek organizations that value teamwork, invest in their people and provide meaningful career development. 

The Auburn University team’s first-place finish reflects not only technical excellence but also strong collaboration, leadership and adaptability. This team perfectly demonstrates the caliber of students entering the roofing industry and the impact of programs like the Roofing Alliance Student Competition. 

For Auburn University, the experience was more than a competition. It was a launching point into an industry defined by innovation, teamwork and long-term opportunity. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Sherri Miles explains how SkillsUSA is creating a stronger talent pipeline for the roofing industry. 

Across the United States, SkillsUSA regional competitions are heating up in preparation for the 2026 SkillsUSA National Championship, which will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia this June! To learn more about how students competing in the roofing trade are preparing for this national stage, Coffee Shops editor in chief Lauren White sat down with Sherri Miles, a fourth-generation roofing contractor in Virginia whose company, Miles Roofing, is closely involved in their local SkillsUSA chapter.  

Roofing is a relatively new addition to the SkillsUSA competition roster. The Roofing Alliance first became a partner organization in 2019 with Skills USA nationally.  The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has expanded the relationship and held first a “demo” competition in 2022!  This occasion was something that Sherri remembers well, as she was involved. She explained, “When NRCA started talking to SkillsUSA, one of the big initiatives was to get boots on the ground around the country to build relationships with local CTE teachers.  I befriended the head of the CTE for Virginia Beach Schools and told them, 'I really want commercial roofing to be a part of this. And I want you guys to be the first ones to participate.” 

That head of CTE got Sherri in contact with a carpentry teacher in the school system who invited the Miles Roofing team to present to his class a couple times. Through that relationship, Sherri and her team prepared the first Virginia team to compete in SkillsUSA for commercial roofing. She recalled, “We got some kids ready for competitions... One of my favorite parts has been when we have rainy days and getting to see my guys who are ProCertified roofers teach these kids. They love connecting with them and sharing the world of roofing with them.” 

That first year they sent one student from Virginia to Nationals, the second year it was two, the third year they sent one and this year, Sherri and Miles Roofing are part of a fundraising effort to send a student named Nick to the competition. She shared a bit of his story:  

The SkillsUSA director from Virginia was one of the teachers and administrators the NRCA brought to the International Roofing Expo (IRE).  After her return to Virginia she got us in contact with a student from a school system we had not worked with before in commercial roofing. He was interested in roofing but had not done any hands-on training with the products. He wasn’t quite prepared for the competition.  SkillsVA and the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP) had him come to the state competition and compete as a demonstration and this kid was fantastic. He welded better than some of my guys who have been doing it for a while. He was a really quick study and we immediately knew that he needed to compete at Nationals.  

VARP gave him our endorsement to move on to Nationals and  then I received a text from his teacher saying, ‘Hey, we don’t have the money, I don’t think we can get him there.’   I started calling various organizations because this is a great kid, a great competitor who should be there representing Virginia. How do we get him to Atlanta? 

The answer, bring the roofing community together. Already, Sherri has gotten in contact with NRCA about scholarship money to help Nick’s journey to the SkillsUSA competition, “We will make sure this happens, he will be going. And looking to the future, I am already emailing and calling as many other players as I can to make sure that we have a more robust system in place in the future so other students don’t have to worry about not having the funding to go to Nationals.”  

Because at its core, SkillsUSA is so much more than just a competition. Sherri explained, “SkillsUSA isn’t just a competition. It’s the way we can start the pipeline of kids who are coming out of school credentialed, inspired and ready to join the trades.”  

Want to learn more about helping students make it SkillsUSA? Reach out to Sherri!