The Coffee Shops™ guide to WRE 2025

By Jenny Yu.  

With so much to do at this year’s Western Roofing Expo, we curated a list of some sessions, speakers and En Español events we’re especially excited for. 

The annual Western Roofing Expo (WRE) in Vegas is almost here. With 28 educational seminars, a two-day trade show on September 28-30, 2025, keynote luncheons, live product demonstrations and entertainment galore (can’t forget it’s in Vegas!), this event by the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) can be overwhelming with everything taking place. And while you unfortunately can’t meet every single person, nor can you attend every event, The Coffee Shops™ is here to help you choose which sessions to attend. We’ve gathered a list of unique educational offerings and speakers you can’t miss so that what’s learned in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas.  

Noteworthy voices 

Craig Brightup, WSRCA political correspondent, and McKay Daniels, NRCA CEO 

• Event: Legislative luncheon: Year in Review 
• Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 
• Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  
• Presented by: National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 
• What to expect: Craig and McKay break down the key developments impacting the roofing industry, including immigration reform, worker safety, labor relations, regulatory changes and taxes. Additionally, the nominees for the WSRCA Board of Directors and the 2025 Davis Memorial Scholarship winners will be announced! 

Mike Schlappi, motivational speaker 

• Event: Annual luncheon: “If you can’t stand up, standout” 
• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 
• Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  
• Sponsored by: Malarkey Roofing Products   
• What to expect: Mike Schlappi’s basketball dreams almost vanished when a gunshot to the chest at point-blank range put him in a wheelchair, unable to walk again. Instead, Mike faced his unique challenge head-on and became a gold medalist, author and inspiration for audiences worldwide. 

Don't forget to swing by The Coffee Shops™ Soundstage sponsored by General Coatings! 

RoofersCoffeeShop® Sound Stage 

• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 
• Time: 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
• Speakers: Heidi J. Ellsworth, RoofersCoffeeShop®; Stan Robinson, Pacific West Roofing, LLC; and Kris Hitesman, Capitol Roofing Service 
• Sponsored by: General Coatings Manufacturing Corp. 
• What to expect: Join The Coffee Shops™ for a conversation with the current and incoming presidents of WSRCA in celebration of the incredible work over the past year and for a sneak peek at what’s ahead! 

Essential educational sessions  

Building a future-ready business: Strategies for operational growth & stability 

• Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 
• Time: Block 1, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 
• Speaker: John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group 
• What to expect: With 45 years of construction experience and expertise, John is a key Coffee Shops™ Influencer and is sure to provide important and practical takeaways in this session for business owners. 
• If you can’t make it: Don't miss John’s other session: “Bidding for success — How strategic estimating drives profitability” (Block 2)  

From stagnation to success: How leadership coaching can revolutionize your roofing business 

• Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 
• Time: Block 1, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 
• Speakers: Chuck Chapman, Tecta America Arizona, and Kris Hitesman, Capitol Roofing  
• What to expect: Discover how focused leadership development can help you tackle day-to-day challenges and set your business on a path to long-term profitability.  

Above-sheathing ventilation in steep-sloped roof systems: A key to enhancing energy efficiency and durability 

• Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 
• Time: Block 2, 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
• Speaker: Wade Shepherd, Westlake Royal Building Products 
• What to expect: Learn about the potential benefits of above-sheathing ventilation (ASV) in buildings and the challenges of implementing ASV into codes and building programs.   

AI in roofing: Legal challenges and opportunities  

• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 
• Time: Block 3, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 
• Speaker: Trent Cotney, Adams and Reese, LLP 
• What to expect: Join RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer Trent Cotney and discover how AI is revolutionizing roofing through predictive maintenance, quality control and innovative designs. 
• If you can’t make it: Be sure to check out Trent’s other sessions:  
  • State of the industry: A legal perspective (Block 1)  
  • OSHA defense mastery strategies for contractor compliance and protection (Block 2)  
  • Navigating immigration regulations in roofing (Block 4)  

Building your leadership bench: Preparing future leaders for roofing success  

• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 
• Time: Block 4, 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
• Speakers: Melissa Chapman and Monica Vornbrock, The GLO Group 
• What to expect: Join two RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencers as they explore how roofing contractors can identify, develop and empower emerging leaders within their teams to create a leadership pipeline that drives profitability, fosters loyalty and prepares their business for the future. 

WRE En Español 

Comprensión de las disposiciones contractuales críticas (Understanding critical contract provisions) 

• Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 
• Time: Block 1, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 
• Speaker: Gabriel Pinilla, Adams and Reese, LLP 
• What to expect: Learn about the essential contractual clauses and terms that can significantly impact the enforceability, risk allocation and financial implications of a contract.   

Trabajo seguro en altura (Working safely at height) 

• Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 
• Time: Block 2, 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
• Speaker: Randy Fernandez, Guardian Roofing & Gutters 
• What to expect: Learn about the fundamentals you need to create a culture of safety, including a fall protection program, a competent staff and a rescue plan. 

Spanish Lunch and Learn, Day 1: Procesos y sistemas de techado residencial (Processes and systems of residential roofing) 

• Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 
• Time: 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
• Speaker: Moisés Morales, Advosy Construction 
• Sponsored by: SRS Distribution, Inc. 
• What to expect: Enjoy lunch full of networking and fruitful discussion, facilitated by RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer Moisés. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your current sales process and work on how this can be improved and managed.  

Cómo conseguir más techos comerciales con un programa de servicio y mantenimiento (How to get more commercial roofs with a service & maintenance program)  

• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 
• Time: Block 3, 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 
• Speaker: Victor Maya, GAF 
• What to expect: Learn how to charge customers, what to include with your invoices and the best programs to streamline business operations.    

Trucos para dominar el proceso de seguro (Tips and tricks to dominate the insurance process)  

• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 
• Time: Block 4, 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
• Speaker: Amparo Sancen, Latinos En Roofing 
• What to expect: Join RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer Amparo for an enlightening session on the insurance claims process, focusing on how to navigate the complexities of roofing-related claims effectively. 

Spanish Lunch and Learn, Day 2: Estrategias de ventas bueno, mejor o superior (Sales strategies good, better or superior)  

• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 
• Time: 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
• Speaker: Imelda Perez, CertainTeed, LLC 
• Sponsored by: CertainTeed, LLC 
• What to expect: Discover the strategies top roof tile systems sales professionals use to close deals and generate revenue.  

Register to attend WRE 2025 or enter for the chance to win a ticket before August 18, 2025!