By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The mid-year meetings of the NRCA provide solutions and direction for the industry.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continues to lead the way in bringing the roofing industry together. During its 2025 Midyear Meetings, the NRCA welcomed roofing professionals from across the country and around the globe to collaborate on the most pressing issues facing the industry today. Each year, these meetings serve as a platform for discussion, problem solving and innovation as the NRCA works to protect, promote and advance the roofing industry, specifically the individuals who make roofing their career. 

One of the most urgent and emotional topics discussed was immigration. Still a complex and deeply personal issue for many contractors and workers, members shared firsthand accounts of job site shutdowns and company-wide meetings being canceled due to fears surrounding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The NRCA’s Hispanic Outreach Task Team is working diligently to equip the industry with resources, including bilingual materials that explain workers’ rights during ICE audits and raids. The team’s efforts are focused on education, transparency and protecting the workforce that is vital to the success of the industry. 

Workforce development also remained front and center, especially through the NRCA’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative. The commercial roofing competition at SkillsUSA has gained significant momentum, and the committee is now focused on expanding state-level competitions nationwide ahead of the 2026 national event. The initiative aims to expose more students to career opportunities in roofing while encouraging contractors and associations to get involved at the local level. This effort is a long-term investment in the future of the industry. 

Advocacy continues to be a core pillar of the NRCA’s mission. Updates were provided on recent legislative activity, including the extension of key tax provisions that benefit small businesses and contractors. While several wins were reported in the passage of the recent reconciliation legislation, there was also disappointment as long supported sustainable energy incentives were eliminated, which had supported sectors of the roofing industry. Continued uncertainty due to new tariffs remains an unresolved issue, with ongoing discussions and policy shifts still unfolding. 

With the next priorities being workforce development and immigration reform, the Government Relations Committee considered new versions of proposals they have supported in the past. Both the Dignity Act and the Stronger Workforce for America Act have been reintroduced and are currently under consideration by the committee as they review the updates and changes from previous editions. The NRCA’s Washington D.C. team remains highly active, advocating for fair policies and keeping members informed. 

In addition to national efforts like Roofing Day in Washington, D.C., the NRCA Government Affairs Committee is encouraging and supporting states to host their own Roofing Days. States such as Montana, California and Florida have already led the way with successful events, creating strong platforms for local advocacy and industry awareness. 

How roofing contractors can communicate with building owners, architects, consultants and policy makers about sustainability was discussed at the Sustainability Committee. This group met to discuss how NRCA can support and prepare contractors to discuss these important issues with their customers, helping them decide which options are right for their situation and climate. While also trying to help contractors be a stakeholder in policy conversations as these important issues come to their state, county or city so that the contractor can be a voice at that table to help set the path forward with a view of what is possible and sustainable.  

Many committee meetings occurred throughout the week — such as Technical Operations, ProCertification and other strategic initiatives along with a focus on global relations and events. The work being done within these committees is essential to the continued growth and professionalism of the industry. Whether it's developing certification programs, improving safety standards or tackling code changes, NRCA committees are at the heart of industry progress. 

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of roofing, now is the time to get involved. Membership in the NRCA opens the door to these impactful conversations and initiatives. Joining a committee is more than volunteering — it’s contributing to a better, stronger industry for generations to come.  The Coffee Shops™ are proud to be a One Voice member and part of these ongoing conversations. 

Photo credit: Heidi J. Ellsworth

This award recognizes professionals who devote outstanding service to the roofing industry.

The National Roofing Contractors Association has named Jim Barr, president of Barr Roofing Co., Abilene, Texas, recipient of its 77th annual J.A. Piper Award Feb. 7 during the NRCA 2024 Industry Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas. The J.A. Piper Award is the roofing industry’s most prestigious honor and recognizes roofing professionals who have devoted constant outstanding service to the association and roofing industry.

In 1964, Barr’s father established Barr Roofing, and three years later, Barr was working on roofs and in the sheet metal department during summer breaks from high school. He attended the University of Texas at Austin for a few years but then returned home and started working full time at his father’s roofing company. In 1993, he became a minority shareholder in the business. 

Soon after, he began volunteering with the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and in 2001 was elected as MRCA’s president. After his presidential term, he remained an active volunteer and continued to serve as chairman of the organization’s Technical and Research Committee for eight years, acting as MRCA’s representative to NRCA’s Technical Operations Committee.

In 2009, Barr was elected to NRCA’s board of directors and served on NRCA’s Technical Operations and Manual Update committees.

In 2011, MRCA bestowed its highest honor on Barr — the James Q. McCawley Award, which is presented annually to an individual in recognition for outstanding service to the roofing industry. The next year, he was elected to NRCA’s Executive Committee, where he served as a vice chairman from 2012-14. The Roofing Alliance also recruited Barr and elected him as secretary-treasurer while he served as NRCA’s chairman of the board-elect and then NRCA’s chairman of the board in 2017. 

While serving as NRCA’s chairman of the board, one of his priorities was to develop a qualified workforce. Barr oversaw efforts to produce a training program where field roofing workers can receive certificates of completion upon successful training in topic-specific areas; the first two modules launched under his leadership and eventually morphed into NRCA PROCertification.® Additionally, as a result of his commitment and dedication to highlighting the professionalism of the roofing industry, trade schools now are implementing roofing into their curriculums. 

Barr also has contributed to his community and had the idea to put on a Key City Rhythm and Blues Festival while helping a roofing customer who runs the local United Way in Abilene. It became the three-day Key City Rhythm and Blues Festival, which raised $25,000 for United Way of Abilene. The next year, the festival grew and doubled its proceeds. Barr regularly helps numerous other local communities and even participated in a Dancing with the Abilene Stars, a local event where he and 11 dancers helped fundraise $300,000 for Hendrick Home for Children.

“Our Piper winner possesses all the best qualities of a leader — strength, knowledge, command, thoughtfulness, generosity and class,” said Bob Daly, president of Kaw Roofing & Sheet Metal, Kansas City, Kansas, when presenting the award. “And as a leader from Abilene, Texas, he exemplifies the Key City’s values of respect, integrity and service above self and excellence in everything we do.”

First presented in 1948, the J.A. Piper Award is named for former NRCA President Joseph A. Piper, whose extraordinary efforts kept the association alive during the Great Depression.

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

The National Roofing Contractors Association has announced the retirement of John Schehl, NRCA’s vice president of certifications.

Schehl began his employment at NRCA in September 1997 as director of training. For more than two decades, he helped develop high-impact training, education and professional credentialing programs and services to benefit the roofing industry. He also was instrumental in the development and launch of NRCA ProCertification,® NRCA’s national certification initiative. Schehl is a Certified Association Executive, Registered Roof Consultant, Certified Accreditation and Certification Professional, Certified Credentialing Professional and authorized Occupational Safety and Health Administration Outreach Trainer. 

“John’s dedication to the roofing industry and NRCA spans decades,” says McKay Daniels, NRCA’s CEO. “Whether instituting new domestic and international education programs or spearheading the largest professional development initiative the industry has ever seen, critical initiatives wouldn’t have been possible without John driving them. He’s been a tremendous asset to the association and the industry.” 

Schehl has been active in the roofing industry for 50 years. He started his career working for NRCA member Monarch Roofing, Blue Island, Illinois, from July 1972 through February 1994 before serving as project manager and salesman at NRCA member Clark Roofing Co., Broadview, Illinois. 

In addition, Schehl served on the American Society of Association Executives’ International Section Council; the board of directors for the Certification Network Group; and the Certification and Accreditation Governance Committee of the International Society for Performance Improvement. He is a past chairman of the Workforce Safety and Development Committee of the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Association Forum’s Certification Shared Interest Group. 

Schehl now looks forward to spending time with his wife of 19 years, Jeanne; three children and two stepchildren; and nine grandchildren. He plans to continue playing competitive pickleball, backpacking, boating and fishing, as well as managing the Turtle Lake Tap and Grill in Delavan, Wisconsin. 

Jared Ribble, formerly director of NRCA’s Qualified Trainer and ProCertification programs, will succeed Schehl as vice president of certifications November 14. Ribble has served NRCA for four years, designing and implementing the Qualified Trainer program and conferences and helping develop NRCA ProCertification. 

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net. 

Learn all about the keynote speakers, workshops, product demonstrations and more at this year's METALCON.

METALCON, the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction, announces its program line-up for this year’s annual conference and tradeshow scheduled from Wednesday, October 12 to Friday, October 14 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. 

From intensive pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, October 11 to 25+ free educational sessions conveniently located inside the exhibit hall to inspiring keynotes and in-depth workshops, top industry experts will share their knowledge with attendees who are eligible to earn continuing education credits (CEUs), including AIA and CSI learning units among others. 

“We are extremely grateful to our 2022 sponsors; without them the show would not be possible: Mill Steel Company (premier level), CIDAN Machinery Inc., (platinum level), Samco Machinery (gold level), Sherwin-Williams (silver level) and Mac-Tech (silver level) along with long-time partner, the Metal Construction Association (MCA),” said METALCON Show Director, Judy Geller. 

Keynote speakers for this year’s show include Dr. Melissa Furman of Career Potential, a consulting, training and coaching organization, presenting Leading for Today and Tomorrow on Wednesday, October 12 at 10 a.m. Then, on the following day at the same time, American IndyCar Series driver, Josef Newgarden will share fascinating stories on the inner workings of a professional racing program and highlight lessons learned regarding communication and teamwork on his path to the top tier of American Motorsports in his keynote, The Road to Success. 

A variety of special focus areas are planned, including: 

The Architect’s Experience 

Featuring a series of events over two days focused on the use of metal as a design and construction component, this “show-within-a-show” is for architects, designers, specifiers and engineers to breathe new life into projects and solve a wide variety of architectural, structural, environmental and building performance challenges ― all through the use of metal. 

Offering exclusive education sessions specific to design professionals, attendees will hear from respected thought leaders, award-winning architects, and industry experts, including a featured special keynote presentation by the “dean of North American building science,” Joe Lstiburek of Building Science Corporation as he delves into the world of energy flow in There’s No Such Thing as a Free Thermodynamic Lunch – How Changing Energy Flow Changes Everything. Additionally, a special architects-only guided floor tour is planned. 

The Metal Building Marketplace 

More and more architects and contractors are taking advantage of the benefits offered by metal buildings. This dedicated pavilion features top metal building and components manufacturers, creating a convenient hub for contractors, the design and architectural community, and others to discover the solutions these companies can provide.  

The Insulated Metal Panel Pavilion 

Back by popular demand, the MCA’s Insulated Metal (IMP) Alliance (leading manufacturers, material suppliers, and resellers) brings together six major independent brands of leading insulated metal wall and roof panels that produce 85% to 90% of all IMPs shipped in the U.S. and Canada — all in one location. Understand why IMPs are described as “tomorrow’s roof panels today.” 

Plus, drop by the IMP’s Education Center for IMPs - Installation and Handling Best Practices. This seminar and demo will focus on best practices and common mistakes made during unloading, storage and handling of installation of IMPs. 

NRCA ProCertification® 

Through NRCA's national certification initiative, experienced workers who demonstrate substantial roofing skills and knowledge can become certified in specific roof system installations at METALCON. Visit www.nrca.net for more information. 

Learning Centers 

Check out METALCON’s FREE education sessions! These 60-minute sessions from 11:30 am to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday are organized into three Learning Centers.  Attendees can earn up to 12 hours of CEUs: 

Best Practices

Get solid, sensible advice and the tried-and-true techniques, tools and strategies you need to ensure your business’s growth and success.  

Technical Knowhow

Deep dives into code compliance, fire prevention, rainscreen assembly, air flow and other topics critical to product performance, safety and your business. 

Sustainability 

Get the latest information on sustainability practices and products for metal buildings and discover new ways to deal with carbon. 

Additionally, METALCON continues to offer in-depth workshops this year on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the show to provide cutting-edge education and training, which cannot be found elsewhere. Attendees will be armed with new information, fresh ideas and strategic direction to address some of the major issues facing the construction industry today— skill-building, team-transforming and lifesaving workshops, including: 

• Metal Roof Installation Training Certificate Program  
• Rollforming for the Metal Construction Industry  
• Architectural Excellence with Insulated Metal Panels 
• Understanding Metal Roofing  
• Life or Death Accountability: Transforming Your Team to Act as if Lives Depend on Them 
• Game Plan Your Fall Plan  

And in the METALCON Theater, a special State of the Industry panel presentation will take place on Thursday, October 13, moderated by Paul Deffenbaugh of Modern Trade Communications. 

Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. METALCON is pleased to announce it is partnering with World Central Kitchen for this year’s giving back program, which will raise money to help provide food for the hungry in Ukraine. 

“We can’t wait to host METALCON in Indianapolis this year,” said Geller. “Indianapolis is within 750 square miles of 75% of the manufacturing distribution space in the U.S. ― a central hub for contractors, architects, building owners, manufacturers and suppliers, not to mention all of the great restaurants and shopping within walking distance.”

About METALCON  

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, it’s the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Each year, contractors, architects, developers, owners, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers attend. Industry experts from 200 leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies while sharing their knowledge with attendees. METALCON’S success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this is the event’s first time in Indianapolis.  For more information, visit www.metalcon.com or call 800-537-7765.

The NRCA Metal Wall Panel Systems Manual—that includes 58 construction details—provides you with industry best practices and technical information concerning the design, materials and installation of metal wall panel systems. It includes the latest information about exterior wall cladding systems constructed with single-skin metal panels, metal composite material panels, aluminum plate panels and insulated metal panels. The comprehensive manual also addresses:

• The principles of rain control in wall assemblies with a focus on rainscreens
• Common exterior metal wall panel assembly configurations 
• Wall substrates and support systems for exterior metal panel systems 
• Wall insulation and other environmental separation layers 
• Guidelines applicable to exterior metal cladding 
• Common varieties of metal wall panels 
• Fasteners and sealants used in exterior metal wall panel systems. 

If you install metal wall panel systems, you need this manual!

Get yours today!

This remote opportunity will only be available for a limited time.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the National Roofing Contractors Association has announced eligible roofing professionals now can complete the NRCA ProCertification Qualified Assessor program remotely.

NRCA ProCertification is NRCA’s national certification initiative for experienced workers who demonstrate substantial roofing skills and knowledge to earn certification in specific roof system installations. Qualified Assessors evaluate the hands-on performance of roof system installers seeking NRCA ProCertification.

Qualified Assessors work independently and generate revenue by charging NRCA ProCertification candidates an appropriate fee for conducting their performance exams; gain access to NRCA ProCertification materials, including educational content, resources, manuals, policies and procedures, and testing locations; and become experts in all aspects of NRCA ProCertification.

Benefits of becoming a Qualified Assessor include:

• Can expand current business by being available to assess NRCA ProCertified™ installer candidates
• Generate additional revenue by charging NRCA ProCertified installer candidates an appropriate fee for conducting their performance exams
• Gain access to NRCA ProCertification materials, including educational content, resources, documents, manuals, policies and procedures, agreements, job task analyses and performance exam testing locations.
• Achieve professional recognition and a Qualified Assessor digital badge certificate from NRCA
• Have the opportunity to support customers and others pursuing NRCA ProCertified installer certification by offering Qualified Assessor services
• Become experts in all aspects of NRCA ProCertification 

Experienced roofing professionals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to continue advancing their skills during federal and state stay-at-home orders.

Additional information, eligibility requirements and applications are available at www.nrca.net/qualifiedassessors.

About NRCA
Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America's families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry's most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.