By The Coffee Shops®.

The roofing industry builds a national pathway to identify and develop young competitors for the 2027 World Championship for Young Roofers.

The roofing industry is taking another step toward strengthening workforce development through international competition. During a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Jon Goodman of National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Gary Howes of The Durable Slate Company discussed plans for the United States' participation in the 2027 World Championship for Young Roofers and the creation of a national qualifying process designed to identify Team USA. They outlined how the United States is moving beyond simply participating in the International Federation for the Roofing Trades (IFD) competition and toward creating a sustainable national structure to develop future competitors.

Gary explained why the IFD was formed. “The idea behind it is to create an opportunity for these different associations to network with one another, learn best practices from each other. That could be anything from specifications to test studies, vocation training, different training practices and techniques throughout the different countries,” he said.

In 2024, the NRCA led a U.S. team to compete for the first time in Innsbruck, Austria. Although the team did not earn medals, the experience created something equally valuable: inspiration. Jon explained the mindset of the team as they competed for the first time. “The motivations and the goals that we had set for going to this first competition was to understand we are walking into a world stage and just know that you are going to be blown away by the level of expertise and craftsmanship and discipline that you see there,” he said.

The experience highlighted a significant difference between the United States and many participating nations. According to Jon, most competing countries already have established systems that identify and train talent through national competitions before advancing teams to the world stage. Recognizing that need, the NRCA and its partners began building a similar framework in the United States. Jon outlined their plan for moving forward, sharing, "Earlier this year, we started to put together a national structure for competition to be able to earn a spot on what we call Team USA."

The goal is larger than competition alone. Industry leaders see the effort as a means of elevating craftsmanship, create career pathways and bring greater visibility to young roofing professionals across the country. “We stayed dedicated to the idea we're going to develop our people. And so for us, it was about capitalizing on that training, capitalizing on the craftsmanship,” noted Gary.

As excitement builds for the next championship in Budapest, Hungary in November of 2027, the NRCA is holding tryouts for the next team USA. Those interested can compete at IRE in Las Vegas on February 16-17, 2027.

In the meantime, the IFD is holding their annual connection forum in Vienna, Austria on October 14-15, 2026.

As young roofers across the nation sharpen their techniques, the United States looks forward to participating in a global push for workforce development and cultural exchange across the roofing industry.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the World Championship for Young Roofers.

September 24, 2026 - 10 a.m. ET | 7 a.m. PT

In this RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by SRS Distribution, we are joined by Brandi McElhaney, show manager at Informa and Keenan Perry, director of field & event marketing at SRS Distribution. They will share the history and continued growth of the International Roofing Expo (IRE) while highlighting what will make the 2027 show stand out. From new products and innovations on the expo floor to education, networking and special events, the panel will cover the opportunities attendees won’t want to miss. They’ll also offer practical advice for first-time attendees, discuss efforts to create a welcoming industry experience and share what roofing professionals can do now to prepare for IRE 2027.

Register today!

By The Coffee Shops®.

The EmpowerAll Scholarship Program is open for IRE 2027.

For many roofing professionals, attending the International Roofing Expo® (IRE) is a career-changing experience. From discovering the latest products and technologies to connecting with industry leaders and peers, the event offers valuable opportunities for education, networking and professional growth. To help make that experience accessible to more roofing professionals, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) created the EmpowerAll Scholarship Program.

A unique opportunity for roofing professionals

Today's roofing industry faces ongoing challenges ranging from workforce development and succession planning to technology adoption and operational efficiency. Industry events like IRE provide firsthand access to solutions, educational resources and peer insights that can help contractors address these challenges.

For roofing contractors looking to develop future leaders within their organizations, the EmpowerAll Scholarship Program presents a valuable opportunity. The program aims to help individuals working in management roles or in the field who have never attended the IRE before attend the show so that they can experience new ideas, industry best practices and valuable professional connections firsthand.

Not only does this help the individual recipient grow in their career, it is a powerful way for roofing companies to strengthen engagement, build leadership skills and help prepare the next generation of industry professionals.

What the scholarship includes

The EmpowerAll Scholarship removes many of the financial barriers that can prevent roofing professionals from attending industry events. Awardees of the 2027 scholarship will receive:

• An IRE Super Pass for the 2027 show which will be held February 16-18, 2027, in Las Vegas. This includes access to educational sessions, the expo hall, keynote presentations, the NRCA Industry Awards, reception and the welcome party
• Two nights of hotel accommodations (February 16-17)
• Round-trip airfare reimbursement up to $600
• Connections with NRCA staff and an industry mentor

This comprehensive package allows recipients to focus on learning, networking and making the most of their time at the roofing industry's largest annual event. Specifically, the opportunity to be paired with NRCA staff and an industry mentor helps ensure that scholarship recipients maximize the value of their experience and build meaningful industry relationships. These connections often extend well beyond the event itself, creating lasting professional networks that can support long-term career growth.

Apply today

Now is the time to apply to the scholarship program for a chance to attend IRE 2027 and access education, mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities that can have a lasting impact on both individual careers and roofing businesses.

EmpowerAll scholarship recipients will be recognized during the NRCA Industry Awards and Reception, where they will receive their certificates and be acknowledged among roofing industry professionals, making now the perfect time to submit an application and take the next step toward professional growth at IRE 2027.

Learn more and apply today! 

By Emma Peterson. 

We had a great time sharing stories and photos over social media with our roofing community!  

National Roofing Week is an annual event hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that aims to raise awareness of the roofing professionals who keep our communities safe and secure. The event also acts as a way to build community with other professionals, both near you and across the country.  

Participation in National Roofing Week is primarily conducted online by posting photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. And NRCA has created themes for each day of National Roofing Week to guide posts.  

Sunday – Kickoff  

The week kicked off with posts about the importance of roofers. NRCA started everything with a post sharing the schedule for the week and some highlights from last year’s National Roofing Week! Here at The Coffee Shops™ we joined in the fun on all our social media pages, making sure to thank the coating installers, roofing professionals and contractors who make our community amazing. 

Monday – Signature projects 

For the Monday theme, NRCA invited National Roofing Week participants to share photos showcasing their company’s signature residential and commercial projects. There were too many amazing projects posted to put them all here, but some that stood out to us came from QXO, Sika and Eagle Roofing Products!  

QXO’s post was a carousel of some of their customers projects, including one from Toitures Scott, one from Nedlaw Group and one from RUHS in California. Likewise, Eagle Roofing Products’ post showcased signature projects featuring their concrete roof tiles from across the country.  

As for Sika, they took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on their 2025 Sika Project of the Year award winners, which includes stunning projects like the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project in Los Angeles, California and the South Station Tower project in Boston.  

Tuesday – Charitable projects 

The next day of National Roofing Week was all about giving back, and the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council stole the show with a free roof!

The replacement went to a community member in need, which is an incredible reminder of the power our industry has to do good.

They put it best in their post:  

Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas, and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring. For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service. 

Projects like this showcase the heart of our industry. The relationships we build, the willingness to lend a hand, and the collective impact we can make when we work together are some of the best parts of being in roofing. 

NWIR extended huge thanks to industry partners, like Malarkey Roofing Products, ABC Supply, SRS Building Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing and Raindrop Roofing NW, for making this incredible charitable project possible. 

Wednesday – Employee appreciation 

The midpoint of the week was all about the people who get things done – the employees that keep our industry moving. For this theme, the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag was flooded with pictures and appreciations for hardworking workers around the country. 

Drexel Metals posted some behind-the-scenes of their team hard at work, captioning it, “To everyone who continues to show up ready to learn, teach and push the industry forward: thank you. Your commitment is what drives stronger partnerships, better projects and continued progress year after year.” 

IKO Industries and CertainTeed also posted, shouting out the ROOFPROS who get the job done every day and recognizing the “craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of the teams who help bring CertainTeed products and solutions to life” respectively.  

Thursday – Training and learning 

For Thursday, NRCA chose training as the theme, inviting contractors and companies to share the ways they keep learning and growing on the job. For this theme, GAF joined the party, sharing an incredible milestone from their GAF Roofing Academy – since 2020, the tuition-free program has helped more than 3,000 individuals find employment in the roofing industry!  

And this is just one of the many stories added to the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag! The Durable Restoration Company posted about the hard work their craftspeople put into their apprenticeship program and QXO shared how they connect their team with everything from stand downs to plant tours. 

Friday – Celebration 

And you can’t have National Roofing Week without taking the time to celebrate the amazing industry we are all a part of! For this theme, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) took their followers on a trip down memory lane, sharing the “conferences, tournaments, regional events and industry gatherings where Texas roofing professionals connect, learn and celebrate together.”  

Drexel Metals also posted, sharing a common sentiment of thanks related to the power of the industry, “From the shop floor to the jobsite, your dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration are truly what make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be part of an industry built on innovation, resilience and strong partnerships.” 

Saturday – Wrap up 

Overall, this year’s National Roofing Week was a resounding success. From everyone that posted to event sponsors like International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance and SOPREMA, it was all made possible thanks to the incredible roofing community.  

The Coffee Shops crew already can’t wait for next year’s roofing week! As Atlas Roofing put eloquently in their final #NationalRoofingWeek2026 post, “This week gave us the opportunity to celebrate the people, organizations and partnerships that make the roofing industry such a rewarding one to be part of. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation and success.” 

CEO of Rejoice and Restore LLC in Naugatuck, Connecticut, voted grand prize winner, earning $10,000.

QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) today announced Vanessa Fusco, CEO of Rejoice and Restore LLC in Naugatuck, Connecticut, as the winner of its 2026 North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year campaign, a national program that recognizes exceptional women working in the roofing industry across the U.S. and Canada. As this year’s honoree, Fusco earns $10,000 and tickets to the 2027 National Women in Roofing Days and the International Roofing Expo.

Now in its sixth year, the program shines a spotlight on female roofing professionals who are making a difference through innovation, mentorship, safety and a commitment to excellence in their field. Fusco won in a nationwide public vote against four other accomplished finalists.

Fusco built Rejoice and Restore from the ground up. Since completing its first project in 2024, the company has quickly scaled to multi-million-dollar revenue. Fusco leads with a mission-driven approach, creating opportunities for individuals in recovery while delivering strong business results. Her leadership blends operational excellence with a deep commitment to community impact.

“The roofing industry is stronger because of women like Vanessa leading it,” said QXO Chief Human Resources Officer Josephine Berisha. “She and this year’s finalists are setting the standard for what leadership in this industry looks like.”

The four other finalists who will each receive funding to support their professional development are:

• Jennifer George, co-founder and CEO, Northern Arizona Roof Services, Flagstaff, Arizona
• Lauren Marsh, president, Ridgeline Construction HSV, Inc., Athens, Alabama
• Kathleen Maxwell, CEO, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee
• Stacey Oakley, chief of staff, ProFormance Builder Solutions, Winter Garden, Florida

“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the incredible women who are changing the roofing industry,” Fusco said. “I’m proud to share this recognition with the women who mentored me, the team that shows up every day and the customers who trust me with their most important investment. I hope our work inspires more women to pursue careers in roofing and other areas of building materials.”

This year’s finalists were selected from over 2,000 nominations across the U.S. and Canada. The finalist committee included QXO executives, prior winners and female industry leaders who reviewed submissions.

To learn more about QXO’s annual Female Roofing Professional of the Year program, the finalists and the program rules, visit: go.qxo.com/femaleroofpro.

About QXO

QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) is the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing and related products and the second largest publicly traded distributor of lumber and building materials in North America. QXO is the fastest growing company in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and plans to become the tech-enabled leader by delivering best-in-class customer satisfaction and outsized returns for its shareholders. The company is targeting $50 billion in annual revenues within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit QXO.com for more information.

By Emma Peterson. 

National Roofing Week 2026 will be June 7-13 and it’s the perfect time to show your roofing pride! 

Each year, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) hosts an event called National Roofing Week. The goal of this event is to raise awareness of the “essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community.” 

How do you participate? It’s as simple as sharing your story! NRCA invites professionals across the industry to share photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. NRCA has created a week-long guide of themes to post about:  

• Sunday: National Roofing Week kickoff 
• Monday: Signature projects — share photos showcasing your company’s signature residential and commercial projects 
• Tuesday: Charitable projects — share photos that demonstrate your company’s charitable giving 
• Wednesday: Employee appreciation — share photos of your company’s employees 
• Thursday: Employee training — share photos that demonstrate how you train your workers 
• Friday: Celebration — share photos showing us how your company celebrated National Roofing Week 
• Saturday: Wrap-up 

Not only does participating through social media help build community and give you an opportunity to brag about your incredible team, but it also helps raise visibility of the industry and the critical role roofing professionals play in protecting people and properties. Want to go the extra mile in support? Get your crews National Roofing Week T-shirts! Supplies are limited, so order soon! 

This year’s National Roofing Week is made possible by a variety of industry sponsors: International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Hanover Architectural Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA, OMG Roofing Products and Tuffwrap. 

Learn more at www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Contractors looking to differentiate in 2026 are finding new opportunities in spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing systems that solve challenges traditional systems can’t always address. 

For contractors looking to grow their commercial capabilities, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) can be more than another system to offer. It can become a strategic service line that opens the door to restoration work, complex reroofing projects and energy-focused upgrades. 

Why spray foam stands out 

Many roof systems perform well on straightforward projects. But not every roof is straightforward. Buildings with multiple penetrations, rooftop equipment, irregular layouts or curved structures often create labor-intensive installation challenges for conventional materials. 

Because the material is spray-applied and fully adhered, SPF conforms to the substrate and creates a seamless surface across transitions, penetrations and hard-to-detail areas. Instead of cutting and fitting around every obstacle, you can create a continuous insulated roofing system that helps simplify difficult applications. 

As Will Lorenz of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp shared during a live soundstage interview at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, “The more difficult the building is, the more it’s a perfect fit for spray foam.” 

A smart path for recover and restoration projects 

As more commercial roofs age, owners are increasingly interested in restoration and recover options that preserve existing assets. In many cases, a full tear-off may not be necessary if the substrate remains sound. 

Spray foam can help you answer restoration demand by adding insulation, improving waterproofing performance and renewing aging roof systems without the cost and disruption of removing the entire roof assembly. 

For owners, that can mean: 

• Reduced landfill waste from tear-offs 
• Lower disruption to occupied buildings 
• Faster project timelines 
• Improved thermal performance 
• Extended roof service life 

Training is what turns opportunity into profit 

Spray foam roofing is not a plug-and-play category. Successful installation requires an understanding of proportioning equipment, spray technique, substrate conditions, weather variables and coating application standards. Industry associations such as the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) continue to play an important role in advancing best practices, education and professionalism across the category. 

Manufacturers matter too. Contractors entering or expanding in SPF need partners who can provide product guidance, jobsite support, inspections and warranty pathways. As Will explained, “People install it and make it a roof.” Quality materials matter, but quality outcomes depend on trained contractors backed by responsive manufacturers. 

General Coatings is available to help you evaluate opportunities, choose the right coating systems, troubleshoot field conditions and build long-term confidence in SPF installations. If you want to expand their commercial offerings, improve margins and solve more complex problems for your customers, spray foam may be one of the smartest additions to the toolbox. 

Learn how General Coatings can help build your business with spray foam! 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Sometimes the most meaningful product innovations come in the smallest design changes. 

Innovation isn’t always about creating an entirely new product. Sometimes it’s about rethinking how existing products perform on the job. During a live demonstration at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, KARNAK highlighted not only the performance of Karna-Seal 671, but the practical packaging improvements designed to make repairs safer and more efficient in the field. 

“It’s a dangerous job roofing,” said John McDermott, vice president of sales for KARNAK, as he demonstrated the company’s 100% silicone repair solution. “We all want to come home safe.” 

Roof leaks don’t wait for blue skies and nice weather. Often, the most critical repairs occur in active rain, with standing water or under urgent temporary conditions. John showcased Karna-Seal 671’s ability to be applied directly underwater, creating an immediate watertight repair while explaining why silicone-specific repair solutions have become increasingly important. “The only thing that will stick to silicone is silicone,” John explained. “You can’t use any of our other repair products, or anybody else’s repair products, so we developed the 671. 

You can see during the demo just how well Karna-Seal works. Working on a submerged repair, John reinforced the split with fabric and left the product to cure, immediately creating a watertight seal as soon as it’s applied. 

One of the most practical parts of the demonstration was Karna-Seal 671’s new packaging. Rather than requiring service technicians to carry buckets while climbing ladders, the new pouch design can be stored easily in a backpack, helping crews maintain proper points of contact during roof access. And because technicians can squeeze excess air from the pouch before resealing it, the moisture-cure product stays usable longer in the field. It’s a small design change, but one rooted in a larger industry conversation about reducing preventable injuries, improving technician mobility and making field repairs more efficient. 

After 93 years in business, KARNAK continues to show that the best product innovations come from listening to contractors in the field. Something as simple as redesigning the packaging is helping contractors work safer, move smarter and respond with more confidence in every repair. 

By Jenny Yu.  

RCMA’s new membership program gives contractors the opportunity to expand their expertise, grow their business and contribute to the advancement of coatings in the marketplace. 

After dedicating over 10 years in the construction industry working for big firms, Jon Hudson and Brody Christenson realized it was time to start their own business. About four years ago, they cofounded Crow Commercial Contracting, a commercial roofing company set in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. “We wanted to be smaller, more hands-on and less stressed,” Jon shared. “We're strategically low overhead, so we target projects that we want to be a part of. We're on every project, every day.” 

With their combined experience in the field, Jon and Brody were well equipped to establish themselves as a premier choice for businesses needing top-tier roofing solutions. Still, they know that in order to grow a competitive, sustainable business, they need to prioritize ongoing learning and networking in the industry.  

“Knowledge is power: the more you know, the better equipped you are to handle problems that come at you — not if, but when problems come at you, because it's going to happen. That's just the name of the game,” Brody stated. This commitment to continuous learning led Jon and Brody to attend the 2026 International Roofing Expo, where they rubbed shoulders with plenty of industry leaders and associations.  

One association that especially caught their eye was The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) , the national trade association dedicated to advancing the market for roof coatings through education, advocacy and technical innovation. “What drew us into RCMA in the first place is that we really, really like the idea of coatings,” Brody said. “We are trying to be a sponge; anybody that has any information or knowledge about coatings, we want to hear what you have to say. The more we know, the more [competitive] we can be out here.” 

After speaking with RCMA representatives, Jon and Brody decided to join the association’s new contractor membership program, a program dedicated to ensuring that the voice of professional contractors is represented in the organization’s discussions about standards, advocacy, education and best practices.  

“Coatings is a really interesting category of roofing, but there's a lot of misinformation about coatings out there,” Jon said, noting the stigma that is still sometimes attached to the roofing solution. “If a roof is a good candidate for coating, it's the best system you can do for a lot of reasons. But the coatings segment of the roofing industry is lacking from a lot of industrial standards, so anything that we can do to help regulate it, bring professionalism, have customers with good experiences and change the assumptions people have about coatings — that is something that we want to be a part of.” 

The new RCMA contractor membership program is aiming to do just that! 

Learn more about RCMA’s contractor membership program and apply to join to make sure your voice is heard!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops. 

From culture to career growth, students share what matters most as they prepare to enter the roofing workforce. 

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), the Roofing Alliance Student Competition showcased more than the technical skills of construction management students. It provided a powerful look into the mindset of the next generation entering the roofing industry. 

Through a series of interviews conducted by RoofersCoffeeShop with teams from Bradley University, the University of Florida, Auburn University, Colorado State University and Clemson University, a clear and consistent message emerged about what these future professionals are looking for as they begin their careers: Company culture.  

Students consistently emphasized the importance of working in an environment built on respect, collaboration and connection. They are not simply looking for a job. They are looking for a workplace where they feel valued, supported and part of a team. Many described wanting to work for companies where leadership is approachable and where success is shared, not dictated by hierarchy. 

That emphasis on culture naturally extends to relationships. Students spoke about the importance of camaraderie, open communication and trust among coworkers and leadership. In an industry known for its fast pace and demanding schedules, having a strong team environment is not just a benefit, it is essential. 

Work-life balance also emerged as a key priority. While these students understand the commitment required in construction, they are looking for flexibility and employers who respect their time. They recognize that balance leads to better performance and long-term career satisfaction. 

Opportunities for growth and advancement are equally important. Students want to join organizations that invest in their development, offer mentorship and provide clear pathways for career progression. They are eager to learn, take on responsibilityand build their careers, but they expect support and guidance along the way. 

Many also expressed a desire to stay engaged and challenged in their roles. They are drawn to dynamic environments where they can contribute across multiple aspects of a project, gaining hands-on experience and diversifying their skill sets. 

Representation and inclusion were also part of the conversation, particularly among women entering construction. Feeling supported, represented and included in the workplace is an important factor as they evaluate potential employers and long-term career paths.  Students are looking for companies that care about their people, their projects and their impact. Whether through safety, innovation or community involvement, they want to be part of organizations that stand for something meaningful. 

Perhaps most encouraging for the industry is the growing enthusiasm for roofing itself. Many students entered the competition with limited exposure to roofing, but through hands-on experience, mentorship and engagement at IRE, they developed a more genuine interest in pursuing careers in the field. 

The Roofing Alliance Student Competition continues to play a vital role in building a strong and motivated workforce for the future. 

To hear directly from these students, watch the interviews: 

• Bradley University: www.youtube.com/live/xfZ_pOO1UYk 
• University of Florida: www.youtube.com/live/SIEy9ofUUuo 
• Auburn University: www.youtube.com/live/E2nYV7TRhAY 
• Colorado State University: www.youtube.com/live/aSD9TeF-b94 
• Clemson University: www.youtube.com/live/RV1wsnO5qyk 

To learn more about the Roofing Alliance and its workforce development initiatives, visit roofingalliance.net.