By Emma Peterson. 

Articles of interest from June 2026. 

As the second fiscal quarter of the year comes to a close, it’s hard to believe we’re coming up on the halfway point of 2026. And the number of articles The Coffee Shops™ crew has published in that time (over 2,300 across all sites) can attest to how busy of a year it’s been. Of those thousands of articles, over 350 of them were posted in June alone. So, to help you keep up with all the news and information, we’ve rounded up the top ten articles from June.  

Our list starts off with an article highlighting Adams and Reese’s Trent Cotney’s May 2026 construction law updates and an article diving into a new Workforce Pell Grants that “could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers.” 

From there, we have a wide variety of articles highlighting everything from the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council’s work coordinating a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need to how metal roofing protects against wildfires and the role of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) in the industry. 

Rounding out our list is our top three articles of June. In third place is an article our friends at Roof Hub wrote all about optimizing operational efficiency by using AI Smart Templates. Second goes to an article I wrote about how contractors can build trust and generate leads in a digital world. And first goes to Cotney Consulting Group’s article sharing a 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors. 

Top 10 articles from June 2026 

10 - Construction law insights and updates from May 2026 by Emma Peterson. 

9 - Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - Why government affairs matter to every roofing professional by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - Roofing community rallies for Oregon homeowner by The Coffee Shops™. 

6 - Maximizing fire resistance with metal by Anna Lockhart. 

5 - MCA advances technical leadership, expands market opportunities and builds momentum for 2026 by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

4 - Navigating a new normal by Emma Peterson. 

3 - AI smart templates by RoofHub. 

2 - Word of mouth still works – It just looks different by Emma Peterson. 

1 - A 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors by Cotney Consulting Group. 

As the metal construction industry navigates shifting market conditions, evolving building codes, workforce challenges and increasing performance demands, METALCON 2026 will bring together the associations helping shape its future through education, technical expertise and collaboration.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the event will feature its broadest association participation to date, with organizations representing the entire metal construction ecosystem.

“For 35 years, METALCON has brought together every corner of the metal construction industry to conduct business, discover solutions and build lasting relationships,” said Judy Geller, vice president of tradeshows at METALCON. “Our association partners are a big reason professionals come to METALCON. They bring technical knowledge and practical insights that help attendees stay current, solve problems and make better business decisions.”

Attendees will have direct access to organizations focused on the issues that matter most to metal construction. Participating associations represent every sector of the industry, including roofing, metal buildings, air barriers, rainscreens, extrusions, manufacturing, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, education and training.

Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) said, “METALCON gives MCA members a powerful platform to showcase their products, reach new audiences and demonstrate metal’s unmatched design and performance attributes. By bringing manufacturers, contractors, architects, engineers and associations together in one place, METALCON creates opportunities to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and accelerate innovation in ways that benefit the entire industry.”

Association-led education

Participating associations will lead sessions on the issues driving change in metal construction today. Highlights include:

• Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates - What’s Changed and What It Means
  • Metal Construction Association
• Industry Outlook: 2027 - The Future of Metal Construction
  • Metal Construction Association, Metal Building Manufacturers Association and American Institute of Architects
• Reflective Insulation & Radiant Barriers in Metal Building Design: Solving Real-World Thermal, Moisture and Energy Challenges
  • Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association-International
• Designing Walls for Reality, Not Perfection
  • Rainscreen Association in North America
• MCM in Practice: Installation, Inspection and Fixes
  • MCM Alliance
• Facilitating Product Acceptance with ICC-ES Certification
  • International Code Council
• Residential Metal Roofing - The Sustainable Choice
  • Metal Roofing Alliance
• Noncombustible Steel Framing Construction in High-Wind Regions
  • Steel Framing Industry Association
• Why Would Anyone Choose Cold-Formed Steel?
  • Cold Formed Steel Association
• From Vision to Profits: How to Build a Successful Business Plan in the Metal Industry
  • Latinos en Roofing
• The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings
  • Metal Building Manufacturers Association
• FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next
  • National Women in Roofing

Many of these organizations and others — including the Association of Women in Metal Industries, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, the National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers in Recovery — will have a presence on the show floor, where attendees can connect directly with subject-matter experts and industry resources.

“Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments in construction, and the professionals driving that growth need access to strong training, product knowledge and peer insight,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “METALCON brings those resources together in one place, which is why the Metal Roofing Alliance continues to support the event.”

“The value of METALCON is what happens when associations, experts and decision-makers are part of the same conversation,” Geller said. “As the industry continues to evolve, that shared environment helps professionals build connections, exchange ideas and identify solutions they can apply to their businesses.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com

By Emma Peterson. 

We had a great time sharing stories and photos over social media with our roofing community!  

National Roofing Week is an annual event hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that aims to raise awareness of the roofing professionals who keep our communities safe and secure. The event also acts as a way to build community with other professionals, both near you and across the country.  

Participation in National Roofing Week is primarily conducted online by posting photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. And NRCA has created themes for each day of National Roofing Week to guide posts.  

Sunday – Kickoff  

The week kicked off with posts about the importance of roofers. NRCA started everything with a post sharing the schedule for the week and some highlights from last year’s National Roofing Week! Here at The Coffee Shops™ we joined in the fun on all our social media pages, making sure to thank the coating installers, roofing professionals and contractors who make our community amazing. 

Monday – Signature projects 

For the Monday theme, NRCA invited National Roofing Week participants to share photos showcasing their company’s signature residential and commercial projects. There were too many amazing projects posted to put them all here, but some that stood out to us came from QXO, Sika and Eagle Roofing Products!  

QXO’s post was a carousel of some of their customers projects, including one from Toitures Scott, one from Nedlaw Group and one from RUHS in California. Likewise, Eagle Roofing Products’ post showcased signature projects featuring their concrete roof tiles from across the country.  

As for Sika, they took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on their 2025 Sika Project of the Year award winners, which includes stunning projects like the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project in Los Angeles, California and the South Station Tower project in Boston.  

Tuesday – Charitable projects 

The next day of National Roofing Week was all about giving back, and the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council stole the show with a free roof!

The replacement went to a community member in need, which is an incredible reminder of the power our industry has to do good.

They put it best in their post:  

Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas, and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring. For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service. 

Projects like this showcase the heart of our industry. The relationships we build, the willingness to lend a hand, and the collective impact we can make when we work together are some of the best parts of being in roofing. 

NWIR extended huge thanks to industry partners, like Malarkey Roofing Products, ABC Supply, SRS Building Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing and Raindrop Roofing NW, for making this incredible charitable project possible. 

Wednesday – Employee appreciation 

The midpoint of the week was all about the people who get things done – the employees that keep our industry moving. For this theme, the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag was flooded with pictures and appreciations for hardworking workers around the country. 

Drexel Metals posted some behind-the-scenes of their team hard at work, captioning it, “To everyone who continues to show up ready to learn, teach and push the industry forward: thank you. Your commitment is what drives stronger partnerships, better projects and continued progress year after year.” 

IKO Industries and CertainTeed also posted, shouting out the ROOFPROS who get the job done every day and recognizing the “craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of the teams who help bring CertainTeed products and solutions to life” respectively.  

Thursday – Training and learning 

For Thursday, NRCA chose training as the theme, inviting contractors and companies to share the ways they keep learning and growing on the job. For this theme, GAF joined the party, sharing an incredible milestone from their GAF Roofing Academy – since 2020, the tuition-free program has helped more than 3,000 individuals find employment in the roofing industry!  

And this is just one of the many stories added to the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag! The Durable Restoration Company posted about the hard work their craftspeople put into their apprenticeship program and QXO shared how they connect their team with everything from stand downs to plant tours. 

Friday – Celebration 

And you can’t have National Roofing Week without taking the time to celebrate the amazing industry we are all a part of! For this theme, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) took their followers on a trip down memory lane, sharing the “conferences, tournaments, regional events and industry gatherings where Texas roofing professionals connect, learn and celebrate together.”  

Drexel Metals also posted, sharing a common sentiment of thanks related to the power of the industry, “From the shop floor to the jobsite, your dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration are truly what make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be part of an industry built on innovation, resilience and strong partnerships.” 

Saturday – Wrap up 

Overall, this year’s National Roofing Week was a resounding success. From everyone that posted to event sponsors like International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance and SOPREMA, it was all made possible thanks to the incredible roofing community.  

The Coffee Shops crew already can’t wait for next year’s roofing week! As Atlas Roofing put eloquently in their final #NationalRoofingWeek2026 post, “This week gave us the opportunity to celebrate the people, organizations and partnerships that make the roofing industry such a rewarding one to be part of. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation and success.” 

By Emma Peterson.  

A look at the connections, conversations and community at FRSA 2026. 

At the beginning of June, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) held their much-anticipated Convention and Expo. The biggest regional roofing show in the United States, the event saw hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida for three days of education, networking and fun!  

The show kicked off with a Welcome Reception sponsored by our friends at Adams and Reese and featuring food along with an open bar. It was a great way to set the tone for the show and get ready for the business of the next few days. And the next few days were busy! 

There were countless education sessions and opportunities to attend, with highlights including the National Women in Roofing (NWIR)’s Table Talks session and the FRSA Business Luncheon, along with plenty of events to keep you busy, like the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF and the annual Foundation Auction. Not to mention the extensive trade show floor, featuring leading companies like GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries and Progressive Metals, that was waiting for attendees to explore between events and sessions. 

The Coffee Shops™ was in attendance with several crew members running a soundstage (sponsored by TAMKO) in the expo lobby. One such crew member, Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, shared a bit about the experience: 

FRSA is one of my favorite trade shows of the year. Since it takes place during the summer, it has a great family friendly atmosphere and it's always nice to see so many families attending together... This year, I had the opportunity to help run the soundstage. Sitting behind the equipment with headphones connected to the microphones, I was able to listen in on some truly great conversations and interviews throughout the event. 

Our president, Heidi J. Ellsworth, shared some highlights from the week, saying, “The TAMKO-sponsored sound stage served as a hub for industry conversations throughout the event, hosting more than 30 interviews with contractors, manufacturers, distributors, association leaders and roofing professionals from across North America. In addition, two full-length Coffee Conversations brought together expert panels to discuss key trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the roofing industry today.” 

If you want to check out some of those conversations, they are available on demand via the RoofersCoffeeShop® YouTube channel!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Helene's career is defined by leadership and service. 

Helene Hardy Pierce has long been a respected voice, dedicated volunteer and champion for excellence in the roofing and building enclosure industries. I am honored to also call her a longtime friend. When I heard that ASTM International had presented her with the Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award, I was thrilled. The recognition honors both her professional achievements and her enduring contributions to the industry. She has given so much back, and even more, she has empowered women like me to do more in this industry. 

For those who have worked alongside Helene, the award comes as no surprise. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing technical knowledge while strengthening the industry through collaboration and service. As a longtime member of IIBEC since 1993, she has played an active role in shaping conversations that influence roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure performance. 

Helene’s leadership has extended across numerous organizations and initiatives. She has been deeply involved with ASTM’s roofing and waterproofing committee, where her efforts have contributed to the development of standards that guide best practices across the industry. Her influence is also felt through her work with IIBEC, where she is recognized as a fellow and has served as a member of the Interface Editorial Board. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Helene has always been committed to sharing knowledge. Through her authored articles, mentorship and volunteer roles, she has helped elevate the next generation of professionals. Her service on the IIBEC Industry Liaison Committee and the RCI-IIBEC Foundation Board of Directors demonstrates a career rooted not just in personal success, but also in building opportunities and resources for others across the roofing and building enclosure community. She was also at the forefront of National Women in Roofing, working with the early founders to help women find their voice in the industry. 

Her contributions have been recognized before. In 2019, she received the NRCA J.A. Piper Award, the roofing industry’s most prestigious honor, recognizing professionals who have devoted constant, outstanding service to NRCA and the roofing industry. She was also the first woman to earn the honor, further underscoring the significance of her leadership and service. In 2022, she received IIBEC’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, adding to the depth of recognition and respect she has earned from her peers. But recognition has never been the goal. For Helene, the work has always been about strengthening the industry and improving the way professionals collaborate, design and build. 

The Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award carries particular significance, celebrating individuals who not only excel in their fields but also pave the way for others. Helene embodies that mission. Her career reflects how leadership, when grounded in service and expertise, can create a lasting impact well beyond individual projects or organizations. 

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we celebrate Helene’s achievements and the example she sets for all of us. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the top, but about lifting others along the way and shaping the future of the industry for generations to come. Thank you, Helene, for everything you have done for the industry and for helping women thrive. 

By The Coffee Shops™.

During National Roofing Week, the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council helped coordinate a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need. 

For the past three years, the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council has partnered with Catalyst NW during National Roofing Week to provide complimentary roofs for community members in need. This year, the council’s effort brought together contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners to replace the roof of Maria George’s home in Northeast Portland. 

Maria’s home had multiple active leaks and had been tarped several times over the past year, according to information shared by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products®, chair of the NWIR Oregon Council. Her insurance carrier had also set a May deadline for the roof to be replaced or she would face cancellation of her policy, though that deadline was extended. Because of the roof’s steep pitch, the project was not well-suited for a traditional volunteer-based Catalyst build. 

The workday became a clear example of the collaboration the roofing industry can create when companies set aside competition to focus on service. Stephanie Baird of Oregon Roofing Co said this year’s project had more roofers involved than ever before. 

“Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring,” Stephanie said. “For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service.” 

The project included more than 25 people throughout the day, with at least 13 working on the roof and others handling cleanup on the ground. Rachel said the roof had five or six layers that needed to be removed, including cedar shingles. Maria’s grandchildren also came outside to express their gratitude to the volunteers. 

For Melissa Hill of Snyder Roofing, the most meaningful moment came when a neighbor stopped while walking her dog and shared how deserving Maria was of the new roof. 

“She said they both have lived in the area a long time and that she is always taking care of someone at that house,” Melissa said. “It was her turn to be taken care of.” 

Learn more about the National Women in Roofing Oregon Council and its community outreach efforts.

By Kate Whatley for National Women in Roofing.

Why National Roofing Week is about all of us.

Every year, National Roofing Week gives our industry a moment to pause and celebrate the work we do. The craft, the grit, the skill. The people who show up every single day in all weathers, doing work that the world depends on but rarely notices until something goes wrong.

And that celebration matters. It genuinely does.

But above and beyond celebration we know that our industry has more potential than it’s currently realising. And unlocking that potential requires us to do something that doesn’t always come naturally to people who are used to working independently, in their own patch, on their own terms.

It requires us to collaborate. To share. To look beyond our own borders. 

The roof doesn’t stop at the border 

I’m based in the Midlands in the U.K. I’ve spent over two decades in the roofing industry — in operations, in leadership, in training, in advocacy. When I first connected with National Women in Roofing USA, what struck me wasn’t the differences between our two industries. It was how profoundly similar the challenges are. 

The same barriers, the same conversations happening and also the same extraordinary resilience. The same passion. The same hunger to make the industry better. 

Our Atlantic distance as a divide, it is an opportunity. We’re facing the same challenges and we should be sharing the same solutions.

Real collaboration means picking up the phone to someone in a different country, a different specialism, a different background — and genuinely listening. It means sharing what’s worked. Being honest about what hasn’t. Asking questions without ego. Offering insight without agenda.

It means a roofing professionals on both sides of the atlatic realising they have more in common than either of them thought, and building something useful from that realisation. It means mentors sharing the knowledge it took them years to earn — freely, generously — so that the next generation doesn’t have to work as hard just to reach the starting line. It means organisations like National Women in Roofing USA and Raise the Roof in the U.K. standing together, not in competition, but in alignment — because we are working toward the same future, just from different points on the map.

That’s the version of collaboration I believe in. And National Roofing Week is the perfect moment to commit to it more deeply.

Ideas are not finite resources

One of the most important things I’ve learned in my career is that knowledge shared is notknowledge lost. It doesn’t diminish when you give it away. It multiplies.

The roofing industry has an enormous wealth of expertise sitting in the heads and hands of people who’ve spent decades in the trade. Techniques. Systems. Ways of thinking. Hard-won lessons from projects that pushed every boundary imaginable. And so much of it is never passed on.

Not out of selfishness, necessarily — but out of habit. Out of a culture that has historically treated knowledge as competitive advantage rather than collective resource. Out of the belief, sometimes unspoken, that the way we do things here is the only way worth knowing.

When we share ideas across borders — across countries, companies, generations, backgrounds — we don’t just spread good practice. We elevate it. We interrogate it. We find ways to make it better than any one of us could alone. The best innovations in any industry don’t come from isolation. They come from connection.

Breaking the barriers that are still there

It requires each of us to want more. Not just for ourselves, but for the industry as a whole. 

Want More — For All of It

This is the message I carry with me everywhere I go in this industry. It’s what Elevate Advisory and Raise the Roof were built on. It’s what I hear echoed in every conversation I have with women in roofing on both sides of the Atlantic.

Want more for your business. Want more for your people. Want more for the next generation who is watching us right now, deciding whether this is a place worth building a future.

This week why not reach out to someone you’ve never spoken to. Share something you know. Ask something you’ve been afraid to ask. Connect across the divide — of country, of specialism, of background, of experience. The roofing industry is stronger when all of us are in it, fully and unapologetically. 

Learn more about NWIR (National Women in Roofing) in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.nationalwomeninroofing.org.

About Kate Whatley

Kate Whatley is the founder of Elevate Roofing Advisory and co-founder of Raise the Roof, a diversity, inclusion and leadership organisation for the UK roofing and built environment sector. She has over 22 years of experience in the roofing industry and is one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Construction 2025. 

By Jenny Yu.  

The honor highlights Heidi's leadership in advancing the roofing and outdoor industries. 

The Coffee Shops™ are proud to share that our President, Heidi J. Ellsworth, was recently recognized by Women We Admire as one of the Top Women Leaders of Oregon for 2026. The annual list honors accomplished women leaders who are making significant contributions across industries while demonstrating leadership, innovation and a commitment to advancing their professions. 

Women We Admire is a membership organization and professional network comprised of women executives and leaders across the United States and Canada. Through its annual recognition programs, the organization celebrates women who are driving growth, fostering innovation and creating positive impact within their industries and communities. 

Heidi was recognized for her decades-long leadership in the roofing and building industries and for her role in helping grow The Coffee Shops into some of the industry's most influential media and community platforms. Heidi has spent more than 30 years advancing roofing sales, marketing, business development and industry engagement and is also widely known for her advocacy of workforce development, industry inclusion and education. 

Under Heidi’s leadership, The Coffee Shops have continued to expand their reach and influence. Over the past year, they've launched OutdoorCoffeeShop™, a digital community dedicated to the outdoor living and exterior construction markets. The new platform extends The Coffee Shops’ mission of connecting contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals through education, networking and business resources. 

They also expanded internationally with the launch of RoofersCoffeeShop.uk, bringing its established model of industry news, education and community engagement to roofing professionals across the United Kingdom. The expansion reflects the growing demand for accessible industry resources and opportunities to connect roofing professionals around the globe. 

In addition to leading The Coffee Shops, Heidi remains active throughout the industry through speaking engagements, board service and mentorship initiatives. Her work with organizations such as National Women in Roofing, National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofing Alliance has helped strengthen opportunities for professionals throughout the roofing sector. 

To learn more about the women recognized on this year’s list, visit Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders of Oregon for the 2026 feature. You can also learn more about Heidi’s ongoing impact on the industry at her RoofersCoffeeShop directory! 

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.  

The SkillsUSA 2026 Championship will connect students, educators, contractors and manufacturers through hands-on skilled trades competitions. 

After a year of honing their skills and participating in local competitions, students from across the country are set to compete at the culminating event: the SkillsUSA 2026 Championship. Taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from June 1-5, 2026, the event brings together more that 6,700 state champions competing across 114 skilled and leadership contests as part of the broader National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). 

On top of providing the platform for students to compete and showcase their talent, the SkillsUSA program builds the next generation of skilled professionals and elevates the value of careers in the trades. Roofing continues to expand its presence at the event as students can explore career opportunities and compete in roofing-related challenges including Commercial Roofing and Teamwork. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the competitions are designed to connect career and technical education students with real-world industry opportunities while helping address the skilled labor shortage facing roofing contractors nationwide. 

Here at RoofersCoffeeShop®, we are excited to be a sponsor of the NRCA Roofing Pavilion, the event’s central hub for students and CTE teachers to connect with industry professionals on training and career opportunities.  

Additional sponsors supporting the NRCA booth include ABC Supply, Central States Manufacturing, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Johns Manville, Elevate™, IB Roof Systems™, Leister, National Roofing Partners, National Women in Roofing (NWIR), QXO, Roofing Alliance, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), SRS Distribution and TAMKO®. This robust participation reflects industry-wide collaboration to help SkillsUSA continue to grow as a pipeline for skilled professionals entering the trades. 

The SkillsUSA Championships have become a critical recruiting and education platform for the roofing industry. NRCA notes if even 5% of SkillsUSA students entered roofing careers, the industry could gain more than 5,000 new workers annually. 

To learn more about the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships, the Roofing Pavilion and ways to get involved, visit the SkillsUSA and NRCA websites. We hope to see you there!