By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This educational session in Salt Lake City focuses on protecting people, property and roofing professionals in high snow regions. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® recently attended a powerful and eye-opening snow retention training hosted by TRA Snow and Sun at the AGC of Utah Training Center in Salt Lake City. Roofing contractors from across Utah and the western United States gathered to better understand one of the most dangerous and often underestimated risks in roofing, the weight and movement of snow. 

The reality is simple and sobering. Snow is heavy. When it releases from a roof, it does not gently slide away, it can avalanche with devastating force. The training shared a striking example showing how quickly that weight adds up. In a 100 pound per square foot snow load scenario, just a small section of snow coming off a roof can weigh thousands of pounds. When that mass hits a person, the results can be catastrophic and often fatal. 

But the danger does not stop with human safety. Uncontrolled snow movement can rip gutters from the structure, tear off rooftop accessories, crush landscaping, destroy outdoor furniture and cause significant structural damage. For building owners, this means unexpected costs and liability. For contractors, it introduces a serious level of risk that cannot be ignored. 

Leading the training were Ben Anderson and Mindy Dahlquist, along with TRA teammates including Terry Anderson, founder and CEO, who shared the company’s history and answered questions. Their passion for engineered snow retention systems was evident throughout the day. They emphasized that snow retention is not an accessory, it is a critical part of a complete roofing system in any region that experiences significant snowfall. 

The training also featured Brava Roof Tile, who demonstrated how snow retention systems integrate with their premium roofing products. Their participation highlighted the importance of designing snow retention solutions that work seamlessly with different roofing materials, ensuring both performance and aesthetics. Seeing how snow retention interacts with synthetic roofing systems reinforced the need for a customized, engineered approach for every roof type. 

Also in attendance were leaders from key industry associations, including the Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) and the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), represented by Kris Hitesman of Capitol Roofing Service. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration across the industry to promote best practices, safety and ongoing education. 

A key part of the training focused on specific product applications, including the proper use and installation of snow brackets and snow fences. Attendees learned when each system is appropriate, how they perform under load and how to correctly install them to maximize effectiveness. The TRA team also demonstrated the use of their specialized clamp systems for installing snow fences without compromising roof integrity. Another major takeaway was TRA’s deep commitment to testing. The team shared how they rigorously test their systems to ensure the highest levels of performance in real-world conditions. Their approach goes beyond standard requirements, with a focus on making sure every product meets and exceeds building codes and delivers reliable, engineered protection. This dedication to testing reinforces confidence for contractors, architects and building owners alike. 

The training focused on three key areas, proper engineering, correct installation and effective communication with building owners. Contractors learned that every roof in a high snow area should be evaluated for snow retention and that systems must be designed based on load calculations, roof design and site conditions. Guesswork is not acceptable when lives and property are at stake. Equally important was the discussion around liability. Contractors were reminded that when snow avalanches off a roof, building owners often pursue legal action against everyone involved in the project. This includes manufacturers, designers and especially the installing contractor. One of the strongest takeaways was the need to include snow retention in every proposal and contract. If an owner chooses not to include it, contractors should require a formal sign-off acknowledging the risk. This step is critical for protecting roofing professionals from future claims. Beyond risk mitigation, the training also highlighted the opportunity for contractors to build stronger relationships with their customers. By educating owners on the importance of snow retention, contractors position themselves as trusted advisors, not just installers. This creates ongoing sales opportunities and reinforces the value of quality roofing systems that perform in real-world conditions.

Adding a bit of fun to the day, the TRA team also handed out custom trucker hats with unique branded badges, a small but memorable touch that reflected their strong culture and connection to the contractor community. Demonstrating a strong commitment to education and safety for the entire industry, the training was live streamed through TRA’s YouTube channel and will be available on demand through both MetalCoffeeShop and RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channels as well as within TRA’s directories. This extended access ensures that contractors across the country can benefit from the training, reinforcing TRA’s dedication to making critical safety education widely available. For contractors working in snow-prone regions, the message is clear. Snow retention is not optional. It is essential. By understanding the risks, specifying engineered systems and educating customers, roofing professionals can protect their businesses while delivering roofs that truly perform. 

To learn more about engineered snow retention systems and how to integrate them into your roofing projects, visit TRA Snow and Sun or explore their directories on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® and view the full training on demand. 

By Emma Peterson. 

This IIBEC education session is a great opportunity for contractors and other professionals interested in the legal landscape of construction. 

In just a couple weeks, March 12-15, 2026, over 1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other professionals working in the building envelope industry will convene in Sacramento, California for the 2026 International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Convention and Tradeshow.  

This event is not only a great opportunity to network with your peers in the industry and explore an extensive expo hall full of the latest advancements in building science technology, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn from industry leaders in education sessions designed to help you grow professionally! One such session is the “State of the Industry: A Look at Contract Provisions and Other Emerging Trends” led by Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. 

Trent is one of the leading construction lawyers in the field. With over 25 years of legal experience, Trent is licensed in nine different states and serves as general counsel for more than 10 trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). 

In his IIBEC education session, which will be hosted Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Trent will share an up-to-date overview of the industry’s legal landscape and guide attendees through an exploration of “how recent legal developments, regulatory changesand market conditions are reshaping risk allocation, project delivery and compliance strategies.” Participants will walk away with actionable strategies that equip them to:  

• Navigate contract provisions confidently: Whether it’s scope of work, indemnification, payment terms or dispute resolution provisions, Trent’s session will help attendees recognize and navigate these key elements of a contract.  
• Analyze and respond to emerging trends: You will walk away with a better understanding of current and anticipated policy trends, such as those related to labor and immigration.  
• Evaluate risk management options: Attendees of the session will learn about evolving contract language as related to risk management for owners, general contractors and subcontractors. 
• Adapt their businesses to new market realities: Ultimately, this session will give you the skills needed to adapt your business to reflect new market realities. 

Not only is this a great opportunity for you to get a better understanding of your industry and boost your career, but Trent’s session has been approved for 1.25 IIBEC CEH and 1.25 AIA LU/Elective!  

If you haven’t already, make sure you are registered to attend the 2026 IIBEC Convention and Expo! And if you’re interested in learning more about Trent’s session or any of the other education opportunities at the show, check out the full schedule online.

By Jenny Yu.  

Heidi J. Ellsworth has been elected as one of the new NRCA directors. 

Here at The Coffee Shops™, we are proud to share that our president and CEO, Heidi J. Ellsworth, has been elected as one of the new National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) directors. The announcement was made as part of the NRCA's 139th Annual Convention, held from January 18 to 22, 2026, in Las Vegas.  

“It is a true honor to be nominated and selected to serve on the NRCA board of directors,” Heidi shared. “What the NRCA does for the roofing industry is critical to advancing professionalism, supporting contractors and protecting the long-term strength of our trade. The association’s leadership of technical services along with their commitment to career technical education and advocacy continues to move the industry forward. I am excited to contribute at a higher level.” 

With over 30 years of service to the industry, Heidi has developed the experience, connections and leadership skills that make her an invaluable voice and advocate for the roofing community. From holding positions with Malarkey Roofing Products®, Carlisle Construction Materials and Eagleview to serving on the boards of Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), METALCON and the International Roofing Expo (IRE), Heidi is more than ready to help guide NRCA through an evolving landscape. 

“Having been actively involved with NRCA for more than 20 years, I look forward to supporting not only the U.S. market but also the organization’s growing global initiatives,” Heidi said. “RoofersCoffeeShop® has a long history of supporting NRCA by amplifying its educational efforts, promoting workforce development and elevating the issues that matter most to roofing professionals.” 

NRCA’s board of directors focuses on strategy and accountability, keeping the interests of its members at the forefront of its work. Heidi will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2029, starting June 1, alongside eleven other newly appointed board members.  

“By standing together as one voice, we can expand opportunities and build stronger businesses for our contracting community while also better serving the consumers,” Heidi expressed. “Everyone needs shelter, and I am proud to be part of an industry that provides the ultimate protection — the roof.” 

Learn more about the mission of the NRCA and its vision for the future of roofing.

The foundation continues to support vocational career paths through SkillsUSA grants. 

The Davis Memorial Foundation, a leading roofing industry foundation that is committed to promoting education, announced the 2025 recipients of the Davis SkillsUSA Grant: Valley Academy of Career and Technical Education in Cottonwood, Arizona, and MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas. Each school has been awarded a $2,500 grant to support student participation in SkillsUSA roofing competitions. 

The Davis SkillsUSA Grant was created to help remove financial barriers that limit student participation in hands-on trade competitions while introducing young people to rewarding, long-term careers in the roofing and construction industries. As the first roofing foundation to offer dedicated SkillsUSA grants, the Davis Memorial Foundation continues to lead the industry in workforce development initiatives. 

Valley Academy of Career and Technical Education, located in Cottonwood, Arizona, is a public charter school focused entirely on career-driven, hands-on education. While the school is not currently teaching a formal roofing curriculum, Valley Academy is highly engaged with SkillsUSA and has demonstrated strong interest in launching roofing education opportunities. The program benefits from active contractor support and industry relationships that are helping lay the groundwork for future roofing instruction. MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas offers comprehensive Career and Technical Education pathways that introduce students to construction fundamentals, jobsite safety and workforce readiness. The school has an active roofing curriculum and a well-established SkillsUSA program, making it a strong candidate for the Davis SkillsUSA Grant.  

Students supported by the Davis SkillsUSA Grant will have opportunities to participate in 2026 SkillsUSA regional and state competitions, which serve as qualifiers for national competitions. In California, regional leadership and skills contests will be held during the winter and early spring, with top competitors advancing to the California State Leadership & Skills Conference in Ontario, California in April 2026. Arizona students will compete in the Arizona SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference in Phoenix, where state champions will qualify for national competition. The culmination of the SkillsUSA competitive year is the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference, taking place in June 2026, where top students from across the country will compete on the national stage in more than 100 skilled and leadership event categories. 

By providing grant funding to vocational and CTE programs, the Davis Memorial Foundation enables schools to send their most talented students to local, regional, state and national SkillsUSA competitions. These experiences allow students to showcase commercial roofing skills, connect with industry professionals and gain valuable exposure to career opportunities. 

“This grant program is extremely important to the Trustees of the Davis Memorial Foundation and the membership of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association,” said Davis Memorial Foundation Chairman Chuck Chapman, president of Tecta America Arizona. “We believe supporting CTE programs and SkillsUSA competitors is critical to the future of roofing. These students represent the next generation of skilled professionals, and we are proud to help provide the funding that allows them to participate and succeed.” 

For more information about the Davis SkillsUSA Grant, eligibility requirements and the application process, please visit www.wsrca.com. 

About the Davis Memorial Foundation 

The Davis Memorial Foundation was established in honor of Larry and Mary Davis, who dedicated their lives to advancing education within the roofing industry. Tragically lost in a 1995 airplane accident, their legacy lives on through the foundation's commitment to fostering education and industry growth. The foundation continues to support future leaders by funding scholarships, grants and initiatives that promote career advancement in roofing and related trades. The Davis Memorial Foundation invites schools, industry professionals and supporters to participate in this transformative initiative to cultivate the next generation of roofing experts. Donations to the program are always encouraged. 

By Emma Peterson. 

We sat down with roofing industry leaders to hear their thoughts about 2025 and predictions for 2026.  

For the last Coffee Conversations® of 2025, we hosted a panel of professionals from all sides of the roofing industry to reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026. This powerful conversation, sponsored by SRS Distribution, is a great resource for any professional moving forward in the roofing world this year. Keep reading to hear some insights from each professional.  

Trent Cotney 

Trent is the construction team lead at Adams and Reese, as well as the general counsel for industry associations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association, Western States Roofing Contractors Association and Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.  

When asked about the roofing industry in 2025, Trent highlighted the importance of preparation in relation to challenges like immigration and tariffs. He explained, “What you're starting to see coming out of 2025 and moving into 2026 is contractors embracing the idea that preparation is key.” Whether that looks like organizing tax forms or adding supply clauses to contracts, contractors are improving when it comes to preparation in the last year according to Trent. 

This is a testament to the resilience of roofers, which Trent sees as a key force in the new year. He explained, “There's nothing more resilient than roofing... There will always be issues, struggles and hardships, but we’ve proven this year that we can course correct as they crop up. I see nothing but positivity for 2026.” 

Elizabeth Hurst 

In her role at Sherwin-Williams, Elizabeth examines external market indicators in order to help the Sherwin-Williams sales team stay competitive. She talked about the larger economic picture of the roofing industry sharing what she saw in 2025: “There a lot of uncertainty around things like tariffs that changed the game... But in response I saw a lot of leaders in the industry fall back on the adage of control what you can control.”  

In other words, Elizabeth shared about the same resilience that Trent was talking about. She explained, “A lot of leaders were investing in a growth mindset because they trusted that it was all going to work out. Their perspective was, ‘It's going to shake out, as long as I do what I need to be doing and focus on what I need to focus on.’” And that perspective is what will carry our industry through whatever 2026 throws at us and beyond. 

Steve Little 

As for Steve, he is not only the owner/head coach of K-Post Roofing and Waterproofing, but also a founding partner of National Roofing Partners, which includes over 200 contractors across the United States.  

In both these ventures, Steve has seen firsthand how contractors have risen to the challenges that Trent, Elizabeth and Patrick mentioned. He shared an example: “It's very challenging right now, but we’re seeing a lot of contractors adapt. For example, capital projects were down. In response, a lot of contractors invested in the service side of the business with coatings and other options that extend the life of the roof.”  

Additionally, as we continue to face labor challenges, whether that comes from the pre-existing shortages or more recent immigration policy changes, Steve has seen the industry come together to adapt. He explained, “The Roofing Alliance and NRCA have really come together through SkillsUSA to introduce young people to roofing. There’s also the program at Clemson’s Center for Roofing and the Merit Shop apprenticeship will launch soon...On the immigration side, Congress is working on a Dignity Bill that would allow for a seven-year work permit, which would be huge for our economy and immigrant workers... So there’s a lot to be hopeful about in the new year.”  

Patrick Garcia 

And last but not least, Patrick is responsible for “digital engineering, AI and innovation” for both SRS and Heritage. He had similar insights to Elizabeth, sharing, “This year had a variety of challenges, from labor shortages to cost pressures, but these challenges also offered opportunities.” The main opportunity? A chance to step back and truly think about and improve the collaboration between manufacturers, distributors and contractors. 

Looking ahead at 2026, Patrick hopes this collaboration continues to develop and grow. He shared, “Today, we have a more connected, data-driven ecosystem across distribution contractors and manufacturers. And as we face challenges, this connection is driving deeper conversations about creating a win-win-win mindset wherein, if the manufacturers win, the distributor wins and the contractors win... If we can achieve that, we move the whole industry forward to a more connected, inclusive and resilient future.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more expert insights as we move into the new year.

By WSRCA.

These individuals volunteer their time to make membership with WSRCA a worthwhile investment, and the roofing community a better place!

For decades, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) has served the roofing industry through sharing education, creating spaces for communication, hosting the Western Roofing Expo and more. All of these initiatives and programs are made possible through the support of our members and the work of the volunteers that make up our officers and board of directors. To highlight the incredible people who are dedicating their time to make our organization and industry a better place, we wanted to introduce them to you! 

WSRCA officers

• President: Stan Robinson, Pacific West Roofing LLC
• Senior vice president: Ron Lloyd, Kokua Roofing Service
• Immediate former president: Kris Hitesman, Capitol Roofing Service
• Vice president - 1 year: Hillary McPartlon, McPartlon Roofing
• Vice president - 1 year: Austin Barnhardt, Quality Roofing and Sheet Metal
• Vice president - 2 years: Stephanie Baird, Bliss Roofing, Inc.
• Vice president - 2 years: Scott Riopelle, Interstate Roofing
• Executive director: Joel B. Viera, Western States RCA

WSRCA board of directors

WSRCA committees

Please join us at the IIBEC Chapters of Region V Technical Seminar on October 1, 2025 at the Paris Hotel in conjunction with the WSRCA 2025 Convention. The program include five (5) sessions and provides 6.0 IIBEC and/or AIA learning units which. 

The cost of this program is $250.00 for IIBEC members and $300.00 for non-members. 

Registration for this program includes breakfast and lunch and admission to the Western Roofing Expo trade show on both Monday (9/29/25) and Tuesday (9/30/25). 

Event sponsor:  $1,000 table top in the event room all day and an opportunity to speak with the RoofersCoffeeShop podcast about the event and themselves. 

Topics and speakers include:

• Unburdening Overburden Considerations for Commercial Roofing, presented by Matt Braun, P.E., Design Manager at GAF/Siplast.
• Sloping: When it all goes downhill, presented by Erica Reynolds, Associate, PE, RA, FMPC at Walker Consultants
• Designing Low Slope Roofing for Climate Change, presented by Robert Hemphill, RBEC, RRC, RWC, REWC and Kimberly Agustin, RRO, at Salas O’ Brien Engineers.
• Code Updates: Learn about important roofing related building codes that affect both steep and low slope roofing projects, presented by Daniel J Cupit – Roofing Consultant and Expert, Professional Construction Services.
• What Does a Building Enclosure Consultant Need to Know About CLT? Presented by Darbi Krumpos, CDT, BECxP, CxA+BE, SOCOTEC Consulting, Inc.

Register today!

At this year's Western Roofing Expo, MFM Building Products will display its line of self-adhered steep-slope roofing underlayments and more.

MFM Building Products, a leading manufacturer of self-adhering waterproofing membranes since 1961, will be attending the WSRCA Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, Booth 368.

The company will be displaying its entire product line of self-adhered steep-slope roofing underlayments, as well as the company’s Peel & Seal line of low-slope roofing membranes and auxiliary roofing tapes. 

Highlighted this year will be Ultra HT Wind & Water Seal® which has been certified as a fire resistant barrier in 2025. Ultra HT is UL® listed when used with 24 gauge steel and 16 oz. copper Class A roofing panels. In addition, the underlayment complies with ASTM E108/ICC-ES AC188 when installed under 3-tab and laminated Class A rated asphalt shingles. This high temperature rated underlayment carries the following approvals: ASTM D1970, ICC-ES ESR 1737, LA County (LARC/LABC), State of California (CRC/CBC), Florida Building Code FL 11842, Miami-Dade County, Texas Department of Insurance, the Fortified Building Program and Canadian CCMC 14048-L.

MFM Building Products is a 100% ESOP employee-owned company and manufactures all of its products in Coshocton, Ohio, USA. Show attendees can visit the company’s booth for more information or to receive a free sample of the products on display.

For more detailed product information, or to request a FREE sample if not attending the show, please visit our website at www.mfmbp.com or call MFM Customer Service at 800-882-7663.

By Emma Peterson. 

Join your fellow young professionals at the ultimate roofing event!  

For many young people entering the roofing industry, it can be a bit overwhelming! There’s a lot to learn and the community is very tight knit. That’s why organizations like the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) have made it a priority to build spaces specifically for young professionals. A great example is the Young Roofing Professionals Annual Discussion, which is an event held every year at the Western Roofing Expo (WRE). We got the chance to talk about this event with three members of the industry, Malarkey Roofing Products’ Rachel Garcia, TRA Snow and Sun’s Mindy Dahlquist and Duro-Last's James Wolfgram. 

Trade shows can be intimidating, no matter how far into your career you are. But they are also crucial. Mindy shared, “Walking into a couple of thousand people that may or may not want to talk to you is uncomfortable. I'm an extroverted person and I do probably 10 shows... But overcoming that by walking the show floor, talking to people and attending sessions (like the Young Professionals Discussion) is a great opportunity, not just for what you're going to learn and take away from it, but the networking alone.” Rachel added, “The Young Professionals’ session is a great way to find your place in it because it’s tailored for you. It’s a chance to meet others who are in the same stage of their careers, to hear different experiences, and to ask the questions you might not feel comfortable asking in another setting. It’s networking, mentorship and problem-solving all in one.”  

This year’s discussion, happening Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., promises to cover key topics like labor shortages, career growth and the introduction of AI to the roofing world. James added that this event is great for young professionals in all levels of their career. Citing his own seven years of experience, he shared, “I find myself being very new to the industry even almost seven years in. We have a ton of veterans in this industry and the one thing that I learned from my peers, and I continue to see, is successful people in the roofing industry are always learning. They have this want for more knowledge. So this discussion, it allows individuals like myself a chance to widen their knowledge base and network with individuals.” 

Overall, if you are a young professional attending WRE 2025, this is a session you don’t want to miss. If you haven’t already, make sure you are registered and ready to attend the show! 

By Emma Peterson. 

This is a must-attend event for young professionals looking for an impactful yet informal way to grow together. 

The 2025 Western Roofing Expo (WRE), hosted by the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) is coming up at the end of the month! This incredible show is a great opportunity for all members of the industry to come together to learn and grow. With countless educational sessions, networking opportunities and booths to explore on the trade show floor there’s something there for everyone. Say hi to The Coffee Shops™ crew at Booth #12! 

And for young professionals in the industry, they can look forward to an event tailored for them — WSRCA’s annual Young Roofing Professionals Discussion! To learn more about how this discussion will help young roofers and professional elevate their careers, Dani Sheehan sat down with Mindy Dahlquist (TRA Snow and Sun), James Wolfgram (Duro-Last) and Rachel Garcia (Malarkey Roofing Products) for a quick interview. 

Rachel shared a bit about how this event came to be, saying, “The Young Roofing Professionals Discussion is an open conversation designed for the next generation of leaders in the roofing industry. It started a few years ago as a way to make sure younger voices had a platform at WSRCA. It’s structured more like a roundtable than a presentation, lots of open Q&A, audience interaction and candid conversation.” Overall, it’s a great place for young professionals to connect and learn in a way that is both impactful and informal.  

When it comes to what topics will be covered in the session, it changes from year-to-year based on what’s most relevant to the industry. Mindy explained, “We had an endless amount of opportunity to bring up topics. We tried to narrow it down to what we thought were the biggest issues for 2025, concerns or conversations that would be helpful for a young roofing professional.” They ended up settling on four key topics – AI, professional development, networking and the labor shortage. 

James shared his thoughts on these topics, saying, “For me, the most exciting topic is AI. AI has really taken the industry by storm on multiple different levels. From service channels to sales channels to base fundamental tasks, you’re hearing about AI. I think AI is going to be a very prevalent part of our industry and learning about that is going to be so helpful.” Mindy added, “I'm really curious to see how other people are utilizing it for their work and if it's benefiting them, if they found flaws in it, etc.” Rachel is also excited for the conversation about AI, saying, “I’m especially looking forward to talking about how AI and technology are impacting roofing. It’s something everyone is thinking about, and hearing different perspectives will be really valuable.” 

If you are a young professional, you don’t want to miss this discussion, happening Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the 2025 Western Roofing Expo!