By Jenny Yu.  

Industry experts share their experience leading an annual roofing career summer camp that introduces high school students to the endless possibilities of the roofing industry. 

This past summer, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP) teamed up with the Henrico County Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) Workforce & Career Development to hold their first annual VARP Roofing Career Camp. 

The three-week camp introduced seven rising 9th-12th-grade students to the world of roofing. Scott Shufflebarger and Sherri Miles, two industry leaders who helped put the camp together, spoke to The Coffee Shops™ about the experience.  

Scott is the president of Hertless Brothers Roofing, Inc., a 90-year-old contracting company that serves the Greater Richmond area, and he has served as past president and chair of various NRCA and VARP committees. Despite his many commitments, Scott showed up to the camp every single day to help train and guide the students. 

“My goal in the program was to introduce them to the breadth of the roofing industry,” Scott stated. “Most people conceptualize the roofing industry as just banging shingles. We came into the summer camp with the intent to both expose the students to the breadth of careers and their opportunities, knowing that the sky is the limit.” 

Sherri is a fourth-generation roofing contractor, president of Miles Roofing, Inc., former president of VARP, past board member and current executive board member of NRCA and vice president of Roofing Alliance. Her passion for education and advocating for the roofing industry helped fuel the camp’s success.  

“Roofing is not something that you do because you can't do anything else,” Sherri said. “Roofing is a noble profession, so every time we can elevate it — whether it's through education, certifications, the way we talk about ourselves — we're going to. It makes a real impact in people's lives.” 

On top of exposure to the wealth of opportunity in the industry, the camp also prioritized hands-on learning experiences with the technology and tools associated with the trades. These exercises were based on the SkillsUSA model, where students did everything from installing insulation and adhering membranes to flashing walls and building seams. 

One stand-out experience in the program was safety day, when camp attendees were exposed to all the facets of fall protection. After learning about the different types of harness styles, students strapped into real harnesses and were suspended from a “fall truck.” 

“It was a full-on, hands-on engagement that most professionals in our industry actually don't get to go through,” Scott shared. “Probably 1 in 10 have the experience of being suspended from either a tripod or from a fall truck. They basically built a mini roof. They got to do it all.” 

To reward the completion of the three-week crash course, students received Kask hard hats. The entire experience gave budding professionals access to industry leaders, incomparable experience and a wealth of knowledge to take forward into their future. 

“We wanted to show them not only the diversity of the roles, but the diversity of the people that are in this industry. We are a perfect mirror of what society is and what success in society is,” Scott stated. “We're a perfect mirror of the American Dream.” 

For more information about how to start a roofing camp in your area, contact VARP.

By Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals.

A big thanks to the golfers, sponsors and volunteers who made this event!

Once again, the Annual Fall Golf Classic held by the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP) proved to be a huge success. We wanted to extend a huge thanks to everyone who made it to the event and celebrate the winners of the contest. Be sure to view the photo album. A special thanks to Cal Carolino of REI Engineers for taking the photos this year!

Winners

• 1st Place - GAF: Adam Lambruno, Mike Zambriczki, Scott Laabs, Will Davidson
• 2nd Place - Owens Corning: Mike Bruni, Kyle Zaharias, Dan Egmond, Bryan Lynch
• 3rd Place - Beacon: Jon Edwards, Brad Watts, Louis Capolupo, Robert Boyd

Putting contest

• Scott Laabs Closest to the Pin: Front 9
• Larry Jensen Closest to the Pin: Back 9
• Will Sadler Longest Drive: Front 9
• Tyler Kidwell Longest Drive: Back 9

Thank you sponsors and volunteers!

The following companies and individuals make the tournament possible!

Platinum:

• ABC Supply
• Architectural Exterior Solutions
• Atlantic Construction Sales
• Atlas
• GAF
• James Insurance
• Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply
• Owens Corning
• Superior Distribution

Gold:

• ABC Supply
• Roof Services a Tecta America Company
• TST Roofing & Glazing

Putting contest:

• ABC Supply

Closest to the pin contest:

• EagleView & Johns Manville

Longest drive contest:

• Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply & Phoenix Roofing

Hole sponsor:

• Integrated Products Group
• OVM with Annie
• Mac Home Mortgage
• REI Engineers
• Roofing Tools & Equipment
• Safren Sales

Raffle donations:

• Atlantic Construction Sales
• Owens Corning
• Phoenix Roofing
• Reitzel Home Improvement

Volunteers:

• Denis Brilliant, Eagleview
• Cal Carolino, REI Engineers
• Kristina Erickson, AES
• Ray Feliciano - Roof Services a Tecta America Company
• Dean Holmes, Roofing Tools & Equipment
• Kerry Jackson, Baker Roofing
• Mike Ledford, Integrated Products Group
• Mike Pease, Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply
• Eudali Rivas, ABC Supply
• Marcus Rondeau, ABC Supply
• David Rowe, Englert
• Joseph Sansbury, Sansbury & Associates
• Randy Sansbury, Sansbury & Associates
• Stephanie Schwingen, ABC Supply
• Bryan Tidwell, Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply
• Ryan Walsh, Integrated Products Group 

Golf Committee:

• Mike Bruni, Owens Corning, Chair
• Paul Davis, Jr., Phoenix Roofing
• Kerry Jackson, Baker Roofing
• Adam Lambruno, GAF
• Mike Pease, Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply
• Jeff Thompson, ABC Supply
• Joe Vieni, Roof Services a Tecta America Company

Teams:

1. ABC Supply: Zac Allen, Kris McCoy, TBD, TBD
2. ABC Supply: Juan Baldwin, Jimmie Peters, Cory Dunnavant, Joel Fore
3. ABC Supply: Bryan Banks, Robert Oliver, TBD, TBD
4. ABC Supply: Kevin Bauer, Daniel Valverde, Austin Gupton, Brian Grey
5. ABC Supply: Tim Bowen, Bob Shackford, Wade Barnhill, Elan Little
6. ABC Supply: Mark Buckley, Chris Kugler, Bill Chitty, Jordan Redmond
7. ABC Supply: Matt Day, Daniel "Bubba" Bass, Stevie Saunders, Ryan Hancock
8. ABC Supply: Ryan Flora, Jeff McCracken, Chris Vaughan, Jim Flemming
9. ABC Supply: Jeff Johns, Jeremy Carroll, Josh Carlson, Tommy Tyree
10. ABC Supply: Troy Kight, Marc Reitzel, Vern Cofer, Todd Ralph
11. ABC Supply: Gee Kim, Jin, Alex, Daeil
12. ABC Supply: Logan Nonnemacker, Paul Lemon, Ricky West, Jeff Willis
13. ABC Supply: Jim Tait, Randy Gupton, Bubba Kimpel, Rich Aust
14. ABC Supply: Darrell Wood, JC Booker, Josh White, Chris Giberson
15. Architectural Exterior Solutions: Austin Eells, Mark Gero, Mike Taylor, Keith Kanode
16. Architectural Exterior Solutions: Rick Heath, Trey Heath, Steve Ballard Jr, Devon Heath
17. Atlantic Construction Sales: Jae Evitts, Tim Dickson, Dave Collins, TBD
18. Baker Roofing: Steve Pierce, David Youmans, Doug Wharton, Walker Ware
19. Baker Roofing: Tim Fenn, Andrew Cheatham, Darrell Smith, TBD
20. Baker Roofing: Joe Spruell, Nick Keisel, Reid Jacoby, Mike Tanious
21. Beacon: Jon Edwards, Brad Watts, Louis Capolupo, Robert Boyd
22. Beacon: John Gibson, Billy Kain, Bill Kain, Chris Kain
23. Beacon: Reid Kidwell, Tyler Kidwell, Matt Corker, Jonathan Corker
24. Beacon: Gary Rudman, JD Miles, Ray Coykendall, Larry Jensen
25. Fabral/NB Handy: Harper Barney, Jerry Wandel, Kenny Blanks, John Merritt
26. GAF: Adam Lambruno, Mike Zambriczki, Scott Laabs, Will Davidson
27. James Insurance: Paul Davis Jr., April McKelvey, Paul Davis Sr., Justin Maitland
28. Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply: John Meena, John Davis, David Townsend, Jason Thomas
29. NB Handy: Justin Middleton, Derek Domecq, Rob Morgan, Jimmy Boswell
30. Owens Corning: Mike Bruni, Kyle Zaharias, Dan Egmond, Brian Lynch
31. Roof Services a Tecta America Company: Joe Vieni, Thomas Easter, Geoff Hagan, David Whitley
32. Roof Services a Tecta America Company: Lea Fabian, Nancy Moore, Jared Byzewski, James Wilson
33. Superior Distribution: Shawn Williams, Marcus Crawl, Charles Rogers, TBD
34. Superior Distribution: Carlos Zaragoza, Jose Lomeli, Dawson Murray, Kevin Earley
35. TST Roofing: Nathan Dadles, Mike Clark, Ty Dahn, Billy Sisley
36. TST Roofing: Todd Scanlon, Ryan Turner, Bryon Dadles, Cody Turner
37. W.T. Anderson: Tom Anderson, Jon Hill, Tom Walter, Jeremiah Newton

Save the date for VARP's next golf tournament: Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Kiskiack Golf Club in Williamsburg.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Get ready for a productive 2024 by becoming a sponsor with this trade organization. Promote the roofing industry through education and advocacy while also building recognition for your own business. 

As 2023 comes to a close, it is already time to start thinking about your company’s goals and initiatives for next year! Getting involved in associations is one great way to network within your community and support the roofing industry. The Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP) is extending an invitation for all VARP member companies to consider becoming an annual sponsor for 2024. Your investment will not only advance their mission to educate and advocate for Virginia’s roofing industry, but you’ll also enjoy unparalleled exposure and recognition at events throughout the year! 

If you pay in full by December 15, 2023, the sponsorship package is priced at $3,500, saving you over $1,200 throughout the year on sponsor recognition at VARP events. 

Some benefits of becoming a sponsor include: 

• Logo on VARP website: Elevate your brand’s visibility and prominence in the Virginia community by aligning your company with VARP. Your support as an annual sponsor will show your commitment to the growth of the industry and gain you access to a network of industry leaders and invaluable resources for growing your company. 
• Logo in VARP newsletters: The association sends out 20+ emails throughout the year, and your logo will appear in each one! This is another benefit that will help you establish trust, credibility and recognition within the community. 
• Summer convention sponsorship: Receive one complementary individual registration and recognition on all marketing pieces as the prime sponsor for this event! Focus on your icebreakers to meet new people instead of worrying about the financing to attend. 
• October Fall Golf Classic recognition: The best benefit of all, be the prime sponsor for the annual fall classic, with recognition on all marketing pieces, as well as a complementary foursome registration to participate. 

VARP President Marc Reitzel looks forward to welcoming you as a partner in their mission to elevate and champion Virginia’s roofing industry in the upcoming year. Become an annual sponsor today and reap the benefits all year long!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® participates in the 56th Annual Summer Convention for Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP). 

RoofersCoffeeShop is known for being on the road and participating in our great roofing industry associations. Recently, I hit the road and traveled to Virginia Beach for the 56th Annual VARP Summer Convention. It was great. I was able to make industry friends and incredible roofing contractors.   

According to VARP’s recent announcement, “this year’s convention kicked off with the welcome reception and cornhole tournament. Congratulations to this year’s champions: Justin Maitland of Johns Manville and Anson Martin of Valley Roofing. As one attendee put it, "the first night was very casual and fun and allowed for a lot of networking with new connections and catching up with existing connections." 

The next morning was the annual meeting and education sessions. Committee chairs updated members on the status of various VARP activities and programs, including advocacy and workforce development. For the education portion, attendees were treated to a presentation by Lisa Sprick, NRCA’s Chairman of the Board, who gave an update on the current roofing industry landscape.  After that, Patrick Readyhough led a group discussion on the roofing industry best practices. 

The discussion included important topics that are affecting all roofing companies including mergers and acquisitions; hiring, retention and core values; and promotion from within along with safety and recruitment bonuses. One very interesting discussion was on the use of AI Chat and how companies are using it to write SOPs, marketing documents and recruitment ads. The format included questions submitted ahead of time and then Patrick leads the discussion. It was very insightful.   

The annual awards banquet was held later that evening. Attorney General Jason Miyares was the keynote speaker and was recognized by VARP for his work to support small businesses. After dinner, VARP recognized this past year’s outstanding volunteers and installed the 2023-2024 Board of Directors: 

Contractor of the Year – Paul Davis, Jr., Phoenix Roofing 

Supplier of the Year – Jim Tait, ABC Supply 

Associate of the Year – Bill Hale, Hale Associates LLC 

Hall of Fame – Rick Dalianis (retired) 

2023-2024 Board of Directors 

President - Marc Reitzel, Reitzel Home Improvement 

1st vice president - Bob Shackford, Paramount Builders 

2nd vice president - Thomas Easter, Roof Services Corp 

3rd vice president - Mike Bruni, Owens Corning 

Immediate past president - Todd Scanlon, TST Roofing 

Mid-term directors (2022-2024 Term) 

• Lloyd Bolick, REI Engineers 
• Austin Eells, AES 
• Adam Lambruno, GAF 
• Sarah McLaughlin, Kyro Builders 
• Frank Painter, Painter Roofing 

First year directors (2023-2025) 

• Adriana Atheortua Arango, ABC Supply 
• Kerry Jackson, Baker Roofing 
• Justin Middleton, NB Handy 
• Steve Spencer, DryHome Roofing 
• Jeff Wilson, Superior Distribution 

VARP sent out a special thank you to all the sponsors who made the event possible, including RoofersCoffeeShop! It was great to see our friends from Bitec, Hunter Panels, APOC and Johns Manville. 

Platinum sponsors 

• ABC Supply 
• Architectural Exterior Solutions 
• Atlantic Construction Sales 
• Atlas 
• GAF 
• James Insurance 
• Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply 
• Owens Corning 
• Superior Distribution 
• Viking Products Group 

Gold sponsors 

• Hertless Brothers Roofing, Inc. 
• TST Roofing 
• Bitec inc 

Silver sponsors 

• Hale Associates LLC 
• J.D. Miles & Sons, Inc. 
• Johns Manville 
• Petersen Aluminum Corporation 
• Sentrigard Metal Roofing Systems 
• SOPREMA 

Bronze sponsors 

• ICP Group 
• Integrated Products Group 
• RoofersCoffeeShop 
• Hospitality Suite 
• ABC Supply Co., Inc. 

Remember to mark your calendar for the 2024 event: VARP 57th Annual Summer Convention, July 24-26, 2024 at The Homestead.