By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Impactful conversations are reshaping jobsite safety and workforce wellbeing across the roofing industry. 

For years, the roofing industry carried an unspoken rule: Push through, stay tough and keep moving, with little room for conversations around stress or mental wellbeing. Mental health was rarely acknowledged as part of the job, let alone something that could directly impact performance or safety. But that mindset is shifting as contractors, crews and industry leaders begin to recognize a critical truth: Mental health is not separate from the work, it is embedded in it. 

Every day, stress and burnout show up in subtle but important ways, from missed details and slower reaction times to lack of focus and disengagement. These are not just operational challenges; they are often early warning signs that something deeper is affecting the workforce. That growing awareness is exactly why the upcoming webinar, “From the Ground Up: Mental Health, Safety and Total Worker Wellbeing in Roofing,” is so timely and relevant.  

Promoted by the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), this live online session reflects the association’s commitment to supporting its members not only through technical education but also through initiatives that strengthen workforce culture and long-term business success. By bringing this topic to the forefront, the association is helping normalize the conversation and encouraging roofing professionals at every level to take a more proactive approach to mental health as part of overall safety. 

Led by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Director of Safety and Risk Management Adrianne Anglin, the session is designed to be practical, direct and grounded in real-world experience. Rather than offering abstract concepts, it focuses on what roofing professionals are seeing on jobsites and in offices today, and how those realities connect to stress, burnout and mental wellbeing. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these challenges present themselves in everyday work environments, along with the early signs to watch for before they escalate into safety concerns or performance issues that can impact entire crews. 

Equally important, the webinar will address one of the most common barriers in the industry: knowing how to talk about mental health in a way that feels natural and productive. Many professionals want to support their teams but are unsure how to start the conversation without creating discomfort or resistance. This session will offer practical guidance on how to check in with team members, what to say and how to build trust so that employees feel supported rather than singled out. It also emphasizes that creating a culture of awareness does not have to slow down operations or add unnecessary complexity but instead can be integrated into existing safety practices in a way that strengthens both performance and morale. 

Attendees will also walk away with simple, actionable strategies that can be applied immediately, whether they are managing a crew, running a business or working on the roof. These include ways to support coworkers without disrupting workflow, recognize when someone may need help and reinforce a jobsite culture where safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. The roofing industry has long been a leader in advancing safety standards and expanding that focus to include mental health is a natural and necessary evolution, especially as labor challenges continue and the demand for skilled workers grows. 

Webinar details

Date: April 30, 2026 
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. 
Location: Live on Zoom 
Cost: Free for Colorado Roofing Association members (2 CIUs) 

To register, visit the Colorado Roofing Association website and secure your spot for this important session. You can also learn more about the association, its events and ongoing education by visiting the CRA directory. 

Whether you join from your truck, bring your office team together or share it with your crew on the jobsite, this is one hour that can have a lasting impact on how your organization approaches safety and performance. Taking the time to invest in your people ultimately strengthens every part of the business, leading to better outcomes, safer jobsites and a more resilient workforce. 

Register today and take the next step toward building a healthier, safer roofing industry. 

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a good friend, CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

We are saddened to share the passing of one of our members in CRA and the roofing community, Justin Dunn.

Justin was a dedicated professional in the roofing industry. Most recently, he worked with Interstate Roofing and previously with Bear Brothers Roofing. He regularly attended CRA seminars and events and built many friendships in the roofing community.

Those who knew Justin remember him as an awesome guy, a good friend and a great individual who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known for his personality and the positive energy he brought to those around him.

Justin deeply loved his fiancée Lauren, his children and his family. We extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones, friends and colleagues as our community mourns this loss.

Support his family

For those who would like to support his family, a GoFundMe has been established to help ease the burden on his children and loved ones: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-justin-dunn-help-his-family

With our deepest condolences, may Justin rest in peace. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a good friend, longtime CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry. 

Our deepest sympathy & condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

Alfredo M. Ramos passed away at home, surrounded by family, on February 16, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

He devoted 38 years to the roofing industry, beginning his career in 1974 with Doyle Roof Masters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After relocating to Fort Collins, Colorado, he continued his work with B&M Roofing and later with The Douglas Colony Group, retiring in 2012. In retirement, he remained active as a consultant for his son’s business, The Ramos Roofing Company.

Beyond his profession, Alfredo had a lifelong passion for horses, a love that began in his youth. He enjoyed traveling in his later years and treasured time spent with his family.

Alfredo was a devoted husband, father and patriarch. He is survived by his wife, Amada; his sons, Alfredo Ramos Jr. and Ismael Ramos; his daughters, Gina, Elizabeth and Maura; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A man devoted to family and roofing. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial information

Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 with details as follows:

Mass

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr.

Lafayette, CO 80026

Reception

1:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr.

Lafayette, CO 80026

Reception will begin immediately after the graveside.

Obituary/share condolences: Click to view full obituary notice.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Colorado Roofing Association warns roofing contractors of real estate scams.

Roofing contractors are being warned of a growing scam trend that targets homes listed for sale. According to the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), fraudulent individuals are posing as property owners or their representatives to authorize roofing work on homes that are listed for sale. Once the work begins or is completed, these fraudsters disappear without paying, leaving contractors unpaid and homeowners unaware that any work was authorized in the first place.

The scam typically unfolds when a contractor is contacted via email or text message by someone claiming to be a relative of the homeowner or the representative of a company that owns the home. These contacts may include urgent requests for roof repairs or replacements, often using pressure tactics to rush the job, when, in reality, the person has no legal right to request the work. After the work is performed, contractors are left chasing payments from clients who turn out to be fictitious or unrelated to the actual ownership of the property.

What makes these scams particularly effective is the timing. When a home is listed for sale, there is often urgency surrounding inspections and repairs. Fraudsters take advantage of this urgency to convince contractors that their work is needed immediately, and that payment will follow once the sale goes through. In some cases, the actual homeowner or real estate agent may not be aware that a contractor has even been on the property.

To protect against these scams, roofing professionals are advised to take a few critical steps. First, always verify the identity of the person requesting the work. If the property is listed, contact the official listing agent and check public property records to ensure that the person making the request has authority. It is also essential to require signed contracts that clearly outline the scope of work, payment terms and the name of the authorized property owner. Never begin work based solely on text or email correspondence, especially if the client avoids phone calls or refuses to meet in person.

Avoid starting work without a deposit and be cautious of clients who resist traditional business practices such as written agreements or proof of ownership. Always communicate through official channels and keep detailed records of all correspondence and agreements. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to local authorities and notify your local association or similar industry associations so that other professionals are warned.

These fraudulent individuals continue to develop their tactics, and it is just not in Colorado. Awareness and due diligence remain the best defense. By staying informed, verifying client identities and following secure business practices, roofing contractors can protect themselves while ensuring that legitimate homeowners and agents are served with professionalism and trust.

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of a good friend, longtime CRA Member and colleague in the roofing industry.

The family of Guy E. Smith announced his unexpected passing on December 26, 2024 at the age of 65. He died at home of a sudden heart attack. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

Born in Clovis, New Mexico, Guy moved to Colorado in 1990 and became the owner/president of GBS Enterprises Roofing. He started his career on a tear-off crew over 40 years ago and worked his way up to become the successful owner of his company, which he founded in 1998 and ran for 35 years. A long-time member of the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), Guy was a respected figure in the state’s roofing community.

Outside of roofing, he had a passion for anything with a motor, including tractors, motorcycles and boats. He cherished family moments at Ute Lake and loved grilling steaks for his loved ones. Most recently, he enjoyed his vacation home in Cape Coral, Florida.

Guy was a loving father, husband and patriarch, leaving behind his wife Barbara, son Taylor (Taris), daughter Savanah, stepchildren Andrea (Adam) and David (Carly) and many grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers David (Teri) and Larry, stepmother Yvonne, stepsister LaRonda and numerous nieces and nephews.

Guy was a dedicated Christian, finding peace in Bible reading, which he shared with his son Taylor daily. His spiritual growth in his final year brought great comfort to his family. Guy always gave a friendly hello and made everyone feel welcome. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

A service will be held on Friday, January 10th, at 2:00 p.m. at Summit Church in Sedalia, Colorado. For those unable to attend in person, Guy’s service will be live-streamed at the following link: Guy Smith Service Live-Stream. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Guy's name to Compassion International, an organization he and Barbara supported for years.

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC has agreed to donate time and labor to the organization’s ‘Roof Over Your Head’ program. 

Everybody needs a roof, but when the roof you have needs repairs and you’re low on funds, this can be a difficult situation. With some asphalt roofs costing around $9,000 — and more if you include labor — this is not feasible for many homeowners. That’s why the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) and Habitat for Humanity have created the ‘Roof Over Your Head’ program to give back to their community with no-cost roof repairs and replacements. Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC, is one of many roofing companies that has donated their time to the cause. 

The mission of the ‘Roof Over Your Head’ program is to help families in Colorado who are in need of roof replacements. The goal of the program is to connect Habitat for Humanity building projects with local contractors who will help families get a roof over their heads. Bob Behrends Roofing has donated time and expertise to help a Loveland resident get a new roof installed with GAF shingles.  

Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC is a well-known roofing contractor in the Colorado region. They are a Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor of Owens Corning and a TAMKO MasterCraft Pro Certified Contractor. They have also worked with Owens Corning for their Roof Deployment Program, which helps military families across the nation get new roofs at no cost to them. 

Doug Kerstetter, an estimator and warehouse manager at Bob Behrends, has stated that their company loves giving back to a community that has done so much for them. "We appreciate our local communities supporting us," he said. “Helping those in need, is our way of giving back." 

Photo credit: Colorado Roofing Association

By Cass Jacoby. 

The 22nd Annual Colorado Roofing Association Trade Show is happening January 26, 2023! 

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be at the Colorado Roofing Association  (CRA) Tradeshow this January 26, will you? This year's CRA Trade Show will be held at the Arapahoe County Events Center in Aurora, Colorado. The tradeshow is a great way for members of the roofing industry to get connected, find new products and services and meet potential customers. It is completely free to attend, and registration is open! 

The CRA show is a great opportunity to make contacts with over 1,000 installers, builders, architects, manufacturers and applicators of roofing products and services.  New and veteran roofers alike can benefit from seeing what is cutting edge at this tradeshow. 

CIUs (Continuing Involvement Requirement for Members) are required for current and new contractor CRA members.  Continuing education allows contractors to advance and improve in their profession.  Attending the show will earn a member one CIU per person, and partaking in the trade show seminar earns CRA members two CIUs per person. 

 You won’t want to miss this event! From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. come see new roofing materials, installation techniques, solar and PV products/ applications, safety products and business management solutions! Be sure to sign-up and save your spot for these workshops: 

• 11:30 a.m. --  CertainTeed Impact Resistance 

• 1:00 p.m.  -- CRA Membership! What's in it for me? 

• 1:30 p.m. -- Experience Titan presented by TAMKO 

• 2:00 p.m. – Maximize Efficiency with Roofing Software with AccuLynx 

Admission to this show is free!  A complimentary lunch buffet and refreshments will also be available to all attendees and vendors.   Registration for the trade show closes at 8:00 p.m. (MST) on January 25, 2023.  

Register today and save your spot for the premier roofing tradeshow of Colorado!  

Learn more about CRA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit coloradoroofing.org. 

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, AskARoofer and MetalCoffeeShop. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is putting her Master degree to work writing about movies and dancing with her plants.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter.

Learn about the recent changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s emergency temporary standard for vaccine mandates in the workplace. 

In November 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it would enact an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for employers to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine. The ETS required employers with 100 or more employees to implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy or a weekly testing and mask policy.  

However, as of January 13, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to temporarily block OSHA from enforcing the ETS. According to the Associated Press, “The court’s conservative majority concluded the administration overstepped its authority by seeking to impose the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccine-or-test rule on U.S. businesses with at least 100 employees.” OSHA still requires a mandate for most health care workers. 

The decision was made with six of the justices in the majority and three dissenting. A copy of the Supreme Court’s decision can be found here. 

As for the future of the ruling on the ETS, a few trade associations have made statements: 

The Colorado Roofing Association stated, “The stay will be in place pending the final disposition of the case by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and disposition of any further appeal of the Sixth Circuit’s forthcoming decision to the Supreme Court.”  

The National Roofing Contractors Association released a statement saying, “It is NRCA’s understanding the litigation will go back to the full 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which will proceed with further consideration of the lawsuit and provide a ruling on whether the ETS will be allowed to proceed or be struck down permanently. Timing on when such a decision might happen is unclear.” 

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news.

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor. 

Here’s what’s trending on RoofersCoffeeShop®(RCS) this past month. 

In looking at our most popular articles for the month of September, our visitors were most interested in the topics that are hot in the roofing industry – material shortages, warranty costs and vaccine mandates.  

We strive to bring the latest happening to you surrounding these hot topics and industry pain points. Check out the articles to hear from the experts at Cotney – Attorneys and Consultants and the Roofing Technology Think Tank on these issues.  

Also important in September was suicide awareness month. Our own Colin Sheehan wrote a very informative and eye-opening article about changes that we can make in our own companies to change the culture and hopefully put an end to the tragedy of suicide.  

Emergency preparedness information was also a popular topic which is fitting as we navigate the 2021 hurricane season. If you didn’t get the chance to read any of these articles yet, follow the links below to check them out.  

Honorable Mention (#6-#10) 

10 - Grow Your Knowledge at Western Roofing Expo 2021 

9 - 4 Technological Approaches to the Material Shortages That Give You Back Some Control 

8 - Colorado’s NWiR Look Toward the Future and Female Leadership 

7 - Use Inspections to Instill Customer Confidence 

6 - President Biden Issues Sweeping Vaccine Mandate for U.S. Workers

Read the Top 5 articles: 

5 - Change the Culture and Save Lives 

4 - Are You Prepared for an Emergency? 

3 - GCP Applied Technologies Prepares Supplies for Louisiana Rebuilding Efforts 

2 – METALCON Announces Top Products Award Winners 

1 – Manufacturers No Longer Honoring Warranty Flat Rates and Discounts

Get the top news each week in your inbox when you sign up for the Week in Review email newsletter.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

NWiR Northern Colorado and Denver Council hosted a nationwide member meeting addressing proactive planning and celebrating women in the industry. 

In June 22, the National Women in Roofing Northern Colorado and Denver council held a meeting with over 35 attendees in state and many out-of-state attendees attending virtually. The meeting featured a panel conversation with representatives from each sector of the roofing industry. Jennifer Ford-Smith of Johns Manville, Anna Poe of Gulf Eagle Supply and Suzie Boyd of Academy Roofing Inc. All represented manufacturing, distribution and contracting perspectives for the “Managing the Unexpected & Proactive Planning to Finish 2021 Strong” panel.  

Cotney Consulting Group’s Lee Lipniskis, moderated the conversation, covering the state of the industry today and how, as an industry, we can prepare for the upcoming months. NWiR reports that the top three takeaways from the conversation were: 

• Communication is key. 

• We must remain a community and work together even if it means reaching out to a competitor.  

• Thinking outside the box for non-traditional solutions, like offering a temporary roof to a client when material is delayed. 

Numerous other solutions were proposed, and many hard questions answered with honest answers.   

In addition to a powerhouse panel, the NWiR member spotlight was on Beacon Building Products Female Roofing Professional of the Year Nominee Stephanie Pouse of Brahma Roofing and Construction. Stephanie lit up the room with her enthusiastic energy. Stephanie spoke on how she got into roofing by going with her father to his construction sites for “take your daughter to work day.” She also shared her experience being a nominee for Female Professional of the Year Award.  

NWiR in Northern Colorado and Denver says they are so excited to have her as part of the Colorado council. 

The Female Professional of the Year Award sheds light on women in the industry who have faced adversity and persevered to go the extra mile for customers, co-workers and their communities, celebrating how women in the industry strengthen and inspire others. 

Colorado Roofing Association President Suzie Boyd said in the July newsletter, “It gives me great hope for our roofing industry to see all of these bright ladies adding so much to what we all do each day. I am so proud of all the inroads we’ve made in roofing and I know we’ll see more progress in the years ahead. The road hasn’t always been easy, but the ladies have just kept showing up!” 

As a fellow Coloradoan, I am proud to see so many amazing women in my hometown market and the ripples of impact they have on the roofing industry. 

Learn more about NWiR in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nationalwomeninroofing.org.