By The Coffee Shops®.

The EmpowerAll Scholarship Program is open for IRE 2027.

For many roofing professionals, attending the International Roofing Expo® (IRE) is a career-changing experience. From discovering the latest products and technologies to connecting with industry leaders and peers, the event offers valuable opportunities for education, networking and professional growth. To help make that experience accessible to more roofing professionals, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) created the EmpowerAll Scholarship Program.

A unique opportunity for roofing professionals

Today's roofing industry faces ongoing challenges ranging from workforce development and succession planning to technology adoption and operational efficiency. Industry events like IRE provide firsthand access to solutions, educational resources and peer insights that can help contractors address these challenges.

For roofing contractors looking to develop future leaders within their organizations, the EmpowerAll Scholarship Program presents a valuable opportunity. The program aims to help individuals working in management roles or in the field who have never attended the IRE before attend the show so that they can experience new ideas, industry best practices and valuable professional connections firsthand.

Not only does this help the individual recipient grow in their career, it is a powerful way for roofing companies to strengthen engagement, build leadership skills and help prepare the next generation of industry professionals.

What the scholarship includes

The EmpowerAll Scholarship removes many of the financial barriers that can prevent roofing professionals from attending industry events. Awardees of the 2027 scholarship will receive:

• An IRE Super Pass for the 2027 show which will be held February 16-18, 2027, in Las Vegas. This includes access to educational sessions, the expo hall, keynote presentations, the NRCA Industry Awards, reception and the welcome party
• Two nights of hotel accommodations (February 16-17)
• Round-trip airfare reimbursement up to $600
• Connections with NRCA staff and an industry mentor

This comprehensive package allows recipients to focus on learning, networking and making the most of their time at the roofing industry's largest annual event. Specifically, the opportunity to be paired with NRCA staff and an industry mentor helps ensure that scholarship recipients maximize the value of their experience and build meaningful industry relationships. These connections often extend well beyond the event itself, creating lasting professional networks that can support long-term career growth.

Apply today

Now is the time to apply to the scholarship program for a chance to attend IRE 2027 and access education, mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities that can have a lasting impact on both individual careers and roofing businesses.

EmpowerAll scholarship recipients will be recognized during the NRCA Industry Awards and Reception, where they will receive their certificates and be acknowledged among roofing industry professionals, making now the perfect time to submit an application and take the next step toward professional growth at IRE 2027.

Learn more and apply today! 

By Alex Tolle.

When a Southern California camp serving children with cancer needed some help, nearly 70 roofing professionals joined forces to deliver five brand new cabin roofs.

On August 18, 2026, roofing professionals gathered at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Southern California to install new roofs on five of the camp’s 14 cabins. The work was made possible by volunteers who contributed their time and professional expertise, along with companies that provided the labor and materials needed to complete the installations. Participating companies included Antis Roofing and Waterproofing, Gabella Construction, GAF, Howard and Sons Inc., QXO and Shell Roofing Solutions.

About the camp

The project helped protect a place where children with cancer can step away from hospitals and treatments and spend time simply enjoying being kids. As described on their website: 

Camp programs provide children with cancer and families the opportunity to pause, connect with others who are facing similar challenges, and renew a sense of hope. We help youth build courage and independence, and experience a sense of belonging in a healing, medically safe environment. Learn which program is right for you.

About the project

Together, the participating professionals addressed more than one-third of the camp’s cabins in a single day. Their contributions supported the camp’s ability to continue providing children with a special place to get away from the medical environments that are often part of their daily lives.

The project continued the longstanding partnership between Ronald McDonald House and the Roofing Alliance. Since 2017, Roofing Alliance and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) members have donated millions of dollars in roofing materials and labor to assist Ronald McDonald House programs across the country.

Reflecting and looking forward

For contractors, manufacturers, distributors and other roofing professionals, efforts like this show how industry knowledge can serve communities beyond the jobsite. Every volunteer and participating company played a role in protecting the facilities that help make the camp experience possible.

This day of service represented the roofing industry at its best: Professionals coming together, sharing their talents and making a meaningful difference for children and their families.

Learn more about how the Roofing Alliance and NRCA members support Ronald McDonald House programs through donated roofing materials and labor.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Proposed legislation would create a payroll tax credit designed to reduce the cost of registered apprenticeship programs for roofing contractors and other employers. 

Finding and retaining skilled workers remains a major challenge for roofing contractors, making long-term workforce development an important industry priority for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Proposed federal legislation could help reduce some of the upfront costs associated with training the next generation of roofing professionals. 

On April 30, Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Rep. Nathanial Moran, R-Texas, introduced the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act in both chambers of Congress. The legislation would create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers that hire and train workers through Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) certified by the Department of Labor. 

Under the proposal, employers could receive a payroll tax credit equal to 50% of qualified wages paid to an apprentice during their first two years in a program, along with certain program-related training expenses. The incentive is intended to offset costs associated with wages, supervision, classroom instruction and other investments required to develop skilled workers. 

For roofing contractors, registered apprenticeships offer a structured approach to bringing new employees into the industry while developing the skills, safety practices and technical knowledge needed for long-term careers. Apprentices also have the opportunity to earn wages while combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. 

NRCA endorsed the WAGES Act, citing its potential to reduce upfront costs that can prevent roofing contractors and other employers from establishing registered apprenticeship programs. Addressing members’ workforce needs remains NRCA’s top advocacy priority, and the organization plans to work to expand support for the legislation in the Senate and House during the remainder of the 119th Congress. 

As contractors continue looking for sustainable ways to recruit, train and retain skilled employees, the WAGES Act places renewed attention on apprenticeship as a pathway for building the roofing workforce. 

Learn more about the WAGES Act and its potential impact on registered apprenticeship programs!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This six-course initiative helps contractors develop Hispanic field leaders and improve communication, safety and retention. 

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and The GLO Group have launched the Executive Leadership Bilingual Pilot Program, a six-course initiative focused on strengthening communication between roofing executives and Hispanic field teams. The program was created to help contractors address language differences, cultural disconnects and inconsistent leadership development that can affect productivity, safety, retention and profitability. Its curriculum is intended for owners, executives, operations leaders, human resources professionals and managers responsible for leading diverse teams. 

“One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that communication challenges are simply a language issue. In reality, they're a leadership issue,” said Monica Vornbrock, co-founder and chief innovation and transformation officer of The GLO Group. 

Monica is co-facilitating the program with Lorna Rojas, a specialist in human resources, recruitment, Hispanic training and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety practices and Chris Navarro, NRCA’s manager of membership sales and Spanish relations. 

The interactive courses will address leadership development, psychological safety, cultural trust and the use of modern tools. Topics include “Leadership in Two Languages: Elevating Hispanic Supervisors,” “Psychological Safety and Cultural Trust in Roofing Environments” and “Modern Tools, Traditional Values: AI + People-Centered Leadership.” 

Participants will learn strategies for developing Hispanic supervisors, reducing communication breakdowns, improving employee retention and creating greater consistency across multilingual crews. The program also examines how people-centered leadership can support the adoption of technology, systems and artificial intelligence. 

NRCA and The GLO Group will introduce the curriculum during a complimentary live webinar Thursday, August 20, at 1 p.m. CT. The session will include an overview of the six courses, introductions to the facilitators and a live question-and-answer period. 

Learn more about the Executive Leadership Bilingual Pilot Program and register for the free webinar through The GLO Group!

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore the articles that generated the most interest this month. 

In the last month, over 250 articles have been published on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. That’s a lot of reading to keep up with, especially for busy contractors who are going between the office and the field. To make it easier to keep up, we’ve looked at those hundreds of articles and picked out the most popular ones to showcase.  

In this list, there are a couple of articles authored by Heidi J. Ellsworth, the president of The Coffee Shops™. In one article she highlights how the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is expanding mental health support through suicide prevention training, made possible through a collaboration with LivingWorks. The other article dove into the importance of awards and recognition during the current artificial intelligence boom.  

Our friends over at Cotney Consulting Group also contributed a few articles on our top 10 list, including one about crystalline silica exposure and another about creating an operational preparedness plan to navigate the current global political environment.  

Our number one article of the month showcased FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report and was written by Emma Peterson, senior content developer for The Coffee Shops™. This was not the only article of Emma’s that made the list, as her articles about turning data into business strategies, taking on leadership roles and the development of the metal roof retrofit industry were also featured. 

July 2026’s top articles 

10 - Eagleview warns emergency managers: A below average hurricane season is not a safe season by Eagleview. 

9 - NRCA expands mental health support with free suicide prevention training by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - NRCA Gold Circle Awards: Why recognition matters more than ever in the age of AI by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - When global events reach the rooftop by John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. 

6 - Building the metal roof retrofit industry by Emma Peterson. 

5 - Finding opportunity in every position by Emma Peterson. 

4 - ARCA’s Lotería Night brings fun and connection to the roofing community by Alex Tolle. 

3 - Connecting the dots between data and strategy by Emma Peterson. 

2 - The silica citation nobody sees coming by Cotney Consulting Group. 

1 - Construction growth expected in the next year by Emma Peterson. 

A coalition of industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada has completed its Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing for the second quarter of 2026.

The survey is an industrywide effort spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

Sixty-eight percent of survey responses came from roofing contractors, and 32% of responses came from roof consultants. 44% of respondents indicated they primarily work on low-slope roof systems; 44% indicated they primarily work on a blend of low-slope and steep-slope roof systems; and 12% indicated they primarily work on steep-slope roof systems.

Participants who identify as roofing contractors were asked to report the number of squares of reroofing material installed by their companies during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. 35% of respondents reported the volume of reroofing materials installed increased, 28% reported no change and 37% reported a decrease in materials installed year-over-year.

37%  of all survey respondents indicated their customer inquiries increased. 32% of respondents reported no change in activity, and 31% indicated a decrease. Project contracts increased for 38% of respondents, 32% reported no change in activity and 30% indicated a decrease in project contracts.

Additionally, two indices offer insight regarding customer inquiries and project contracts across market segments. The indices are based on a 0 to 100 scale. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism; a score below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

• The customer inquiries index score for the total industry decreased to 53.5 compared with 57.1 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 31.8, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 60.2, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 52.4.
• The project contracts index score for the total industry increased to 54.3 compared with 52.9 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 40.9, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 63.3, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 48.8.

As of July 2026, 30% of respondents reported no project backlogs, 32% indicated project backlogs of one to two months, and 24% indicated backlogs of three to four months. 14% of respondents reported project backlogs of five or more months.

The complete results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are available to those who participate in the survey via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics. Any contractor or consultant who wants to participate in the next quarter’s survey can sign up for a notification at http://bit.ly/37ank7D.

By the National Roofing Contractor's Association.

The road to Budapest begins in Las Vegas, but the chance to represent Team USA starts today.

The search is on for the next generation of roofing talent to represent the United States at one of the industry's most prestigious international events. Through the National Roofing Contractors Association's (NRCA) IFD Qualifying Competition, skilled young roofing professionals have the opportunity to earn a spot on Team USA and compete at the 2027 World Championship for Young Roofers in Budapest, Hungary.  

For contractors, this is more than just a competition—it's a chance to showcase the talent within your company, invest in workforce development and gain national and international recognition. For roofing professionals, it's an opportunity to represent your company, your trade and your country on the world stage.  

Mark your calendar 

Companies interested in participating should act now, as several key deadlines are quickly approaching. 

Applications for the qualifying competition must be submitted by November 20, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified by December 11, 2026, allowing teams time to prepare for the qualifying event held during the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas on February 16-17, 2027.  

The teams selected from the qualifying competition will spend the following months training and preparing before traveling to Budapest, Hungary, in November 2027 to compete against the best young roofing professionals from around the globe.  

Represent the best of American roofing 

NRCA is seeking teams in four competition disciplines: 

• Low-slope roofing 
• Metal roofing 
• Slate and tile roofing 
• Façade systems  

Each Team USA entry consists of two competitors and one coach or mentor. Competitors must be employed by an NRCA member company, be 28 years old or younger as of Dec. 31, 2027 and possess the skills and experience necessary to compete at a high level.  

The competition is designed to highlight the craftsmanship, technical expertise and professionalism that define the roofing industry. It's also an opportunity to demonstrate that American roofing talent can compete with the best in the world.  

A once-in-a-career opportunity 

Team USA first participated in the World Championship in 2024, and the experience left a lasting impact on competitors, coaches and industry leaders alike. Participants gained international exposure, expanded their understanding of the trade and returned with new ideas and a broader perspective on roofing excellence.  

Now, NRCA is looking to build on that momentum by identifying the industry's top young talent and assembling teams capable of competing for a world championship. , 

The time to apply is now 

Contractors across the country are encouraged to identify their most skilled young employees and submit an application before the Nov. 20 deadline. Whether your company's strengths are in low-slope roofing, metal, slate and tile or façade work, this is an opportunity to put those skills on display in front of the global roofing community.  

The road to Budapest begins in Las Vegas, but the chance to represent Team USA starts today. If you have talented team members ready to prove themselves among the world's best, now is the time to step forward, apply and showcase the future of American roofing.  

Application Deadline: Nov. 20, 2026. Don't miss your chance to represent Team USA and compete on the world's biggest roofing stage. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry leaders explain why creating a culture of belonging benefits employees, companies and the future of roofing. 

June was Pride Month and here at The Coffee Shops™ we celebrated with a special Pride Month Coffee Conversations all about how roofing companies can create inclusive environments within their businesses and the industry overall. The episode was hosted by Heidi and Megan Ellsworth and featured Tremco’s Elise Vue and Maureen Greeves alongside National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s Amy Staska.  

The episode opened with a discussion of what Pride means. Elise, who has been a part of the industry for a decade now, explained her perspective, saying, “Pride Month, for me personally, has meant an opportunity to not only share my story, but also ask friends and colleagues about themselves and to celebrate the different journeys that brought people to our industry and community.” 

And by being welcoming and opening to those different journeys through conversations, events and other support programs, we can build a stronger industry through inclusion. Amy, who first started at NRCA in 1997, has seen the importance of inclusion firsthand, explaining:  

Being welcoming and accepting is powerful just because it is the right thing to do. But it is also important for any industry that needs people badly. I used to talk to contractors about women in the industry, and they’d be talking about how desperate they were for talent but they also weren’t helping make 50% of the population feel welcome working here. And with the LGBTQ+ community, you have a similar thing. There are a whole bunch of people out there and we can bring them into our industry if we create places where people are not only comfortable to work at but feel like they are embraced. 

Maureen, a 17-year industry veteran, added to Amy’s point, “We're all starving to get people into our industry and keep them here. And the best way to retain anyone is to make them feel safe, comfortable and valued. So, when we talk about pride and inclusion and why it matters, it’s not just the right thing to do, it’s directly tied to the growth and success of our entire industry. Because when you have happy, thriving and engaged people, profits and production are going to go up.” 

Want to learn more about building a more inclusive and thriving industry? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording.  

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Industry recognition creates credibility, strengthens marketing efforts and helps contractors stand out in a world where customers and AI tools are constantly searching for proof of expertise. 

Every day, roofing contractors complete exceptional projects, solve complex building challenges and develop innovative solutions for their customers. They invest in skilled craftsmanship, advanced technologies and highly trained teams to deliver results that protect buildings and communities. Unfortunately, many of those accomplishments remain known only to the people directly involved, limiting opportunities to build awareness and showcase expertise. 

That is why applying for industry awards is one of the smartest marketing investments a contractor can make. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is currently accepting nominations for its Gold Circle Awards, which recognize outstanding roofing-related projects and services completed between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2025. Contractors can be recognized in four categories:

1. Outstanding workmanship
2. Innovative solutions
3. Artisan workmanship
4. Wall panels and facades

Entering any of these categories is a huge opportunity for roofing professionals — and not just for the chance to win an exciting award. The application process for this contest is an often overlooked part of the award process, but it is very valuable for contractors.

Preparing a nomination requires contractors to document what made a project successful, gather photography, organize project details and tell the story behind the work. In many cases, that information becomes some of the most valuable marketing content a company will create all year. What starts as an award submission can quickly become:

• Case studies that demonstrate expertise.
• Photo catalogs that support sales efforts and marketing campaigns.
• Newsletter stories that help customers understand how a contractor solves problems and delivers value.
• Material for customer presentations and social media posts. 

Ultimately, every nomination creates an opportunity to tell a story that reinforces a company's reputation and differentiates it from competitors in an increasingly crowded marketplace. 

That visibility has become even more important as artificial intelligence changes how customers search for information. Today’s customers frequently use search engines and AI-powered tools to research contractors before making buying decisions. These systems look for evidence of expertise, credibility and trust.

Award nominations and recognition contribute directly to that visibility. Every published project profile, news announcement or industry article creates another piece of content that customers and AI tools can discover. Contractors who consistently share accomplishments, publish project profiles and promote industry recognition create a stronger digital footprint that helps them stand out online and increases the likelihood that prospective customers will encounter their expertise during the research process.

In many ways, recognition has become one of the most powerful forms of third-party validation available. And by leveraging it properly, contractors can create future opportunities for themselves, whether that's drawing in a new client through marketing efforts or improving company culture through recognition of hard work and talent. The NRCA Gold Circle Awards provides an outstanding opportunity to do this, to celebrate excellence and create content that supports business growth long after the awards presentation is over.

If you know an NRCA member who completed an exceptional roofing project or service between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2025, consider submitting a nomination before the September 18 deadline. Past Gold Circle winners can be found on RoofersCoffeeShop, offering strong examples of how award-winning projects can build visibility, strengthen credibility and showcase expertise for years to come. 

By The Coffee Shops™.

Remembering Cheryl’s legacy as a roofing industry champion. 

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) just released news of the passing of Cheryl Ambrose, who served as their vice president of enterprise risk management. Cheryl passed away July 15 and her loss has left the industry mourning a dedicated leader and advocate whose work helped make jobsites safer and strengthened the organizations she served for decades.   

As we mourn Cheryl, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the incredible work she championed. The roofing industry faces unique challenges when it comes to workplace safety, and Cheryl was a driving force behind efforts to educate contractors, improve safety awareness and reduce risks on jobsites. Throughout her career, she was known for her unwavering commitment to worker health, safety and risk management.  

At NRCA, she played a critical role in advancing safety initiatives and outreach efforts that benefited roofing professionals across the country. Her colleagues remember how her dedication extended far beyond her title, highlighting the tremendous and unwavering commitment she demonstrated toward the health and welfare of the industry’s workforce.  

Her influence reached well beyond roofing. According to NRCA, Cheryl’s decades of service benefited multiple industries and helped improve the lives of countless workers and families. That legacy serves as a reminder of how one person’s passion and dedication can create lasting change for an entire profession. 

In an industry built on hard work and teamwork, Cheryl leaves behind a legacy defined by service, compassion and a relentless focus on safety. Her contributions have helped shape a stronger roofing industry, and her impact will not be forgotten by the many professionals whose lives and careers were touched by her work.   

As roofing professionals reflect on Cheryl's contributions, her work stands as an example of the importance of leadership, service and a commitment to protecting others. While she will be greatly missed, the programs she helped build and the people she inspired will continue to make a difference throughout the industry for years to come.  

Read her full obituray.