Finding a voice in the industry

CCS Influencer Greg Hlavaty says you should joining a local RCA for the network and community you will build there.

It is important to be involved in your community, whether it is local, state or beyond. You will find that the payback is greater than the effort it takes to do so.

I have always felt the best way to get started is to join a local RCA (Roofing Contractors Association). You will be involved with other contractors just like you. You will find that their interests and concerns are similar to your own. You will also learn that knowing your fellow contractor makes you stronger in the business marketplace. You will not have to share or learn secrets to understand that communication with fellow contractors will let you see the bigger picture when it come to the current business climate.

Beyond networking and sharing, your association will/should have a platform for government involvement. Or at least what government policies are effecting your business. Then you can decide how important it is to you to get more involved. In addition we often need someone to research and explain current and upcoming laws and policies because they can be difficult to understand and are often not straight forward. This is a service that RCA groups often provide.   

From your local group you can decide if you want to go further and join a state or regional RCA group. State RCA groups often have lobbyists that will represent you at the state level of government. Just as the NRCA does on a national level. These memberships can take up some of your time but it can be as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. Just being a member helps and your further involvement and time is a bonus to not only you but everyone else in your position.   

You could do all of these things I have mentioned on your own but being involved with a group packs a bigger punch and you might make some friends along the way.

I will throw in an anecdote that might interest those of you who are familiar with the Wester States RCA. Larry Davis who most members will be aware of was one of the hardest nuts to crack when it comes to joining an RCA group. My father and I founded the Central Valley RCA back in the mid-1980s and we were eager to get local contractors to join.  We were able to get many in the area to join. All except one of the most successful contractors, State Roofing in Modesto. Larry Davis the owner expressed his feelings of why should I share any of my knowledge with my competition. It took some time but we finally got Larry to attend one of our meetings. The rest is history. Larry soon became president. He joined larger groups and eventually became president of the WSRCA. He often commented that his involvement was very rewarding all while his business remained successful. To this day there are several events, functions and charities that are named after Larry and Mary Davis. I am sure he would be proud.