By Jesse Sanchez. 

An upcoming Coffee Conversations will take you behind the scenes of an award-winning roofing and waterproofing project to uncover what it takes to protect an architectural landmark. 

In an upcoming RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations® on August 27 at 7 a.m. PT, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Mark DeFreitas, vice president of strategic accounts for SOPREMA and Chris Evans, vice president of estimating for KPost Roofing & Waterproofing, to explore the award-winning roofing system installed on the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. 

High-profile architectural projects demand much more than simply selecting a roofing system and installing it. Unique geometries, steep and low slopes, multiple elevations and intricate waterproofing details can all increase the complexity of a project. Mark and Chris will share how collaboration, careful planning and attention to performance requirements helped the teams navigate those challenges while balancing durability, aesthetics and long-term protection. 

Bringing perspectives from both the manufacturer and contractor sides of the project, Mark and Chris offer insight into the decisions and coordination required to turn a challenging design into a successful installation. Their roles with SOPREMA and KPost Roofing & Waterproofing give attendees the opportunity to hear directly from professionals involved in roofing product strategy, estimating and the execution of complex roofing and waterproofing work. 

Contractors will learn what performance requirements should be considered when evaluating roofing and waterproofing solutions, what criteria matter when comparing systems and how planning during the design phase can affect the finished project. The conversation will also explore the communication strategies, operational considerations and installation techniques that helped keep this project on track. 

Attendees will come away with real-world lessons they can apply to their own complex roofing projects, including ways to improve collaboration between the design team, manufacturer and contractor, strengthen material-selection decisions and approach highly technical installations with greater preparation. 

If you have ever looked at a one-of-a-kind building and wondered how the roofing team transformed an ambitious architectural vision into a durable, watertight reality, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 

Join Heidi, Mark and Chris on August 27 at 7 a.m. PT to learn more about the roofing and waterproofing strategies behind the National Medal of Honor Museum. 

Register for this Coffee Conversations to discover the lessons contractors can take from this nationally recognized project and apply to their next complex roofing and waterproofing challenge!

Built on a strong foundation and decades of proven performance, SOPREMA U.S. is well positioned for continued success.

Greg Morgan has officially assumed the role of chief executive officer of SOPREMA U.S., following the leadership transition announced earlier this year. 

For more than 25 years, Morgan has developed a deep understanding of SOPREMA’s business, its customers and its people while contributing to the company’s continued growth. 

As Morgan steps into the role, the company’s direction remains clear: continuing to grow the business, strengthening operational performance and staying closely aligned with customer needs. 

“We have a clear path forward,” said Morgan. “Our focus remains on delivering for our customers, strengthening how we operate and building on the momentum already in place.” 

Built on a strong foundation and decades of proven performance, SOPREMA U.S. is well positioned for continued success.

About SOPREMA 

SOPREMA delivers high-performance solutions for roofing, waterproofing, wall protection and civil engineering, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, sustainability and product excellence. The comprehensive building envelope portfolio includes SBS and APP-modified bitumen, PMMA/PMA liquid-applied membranes, synthetic PVC membranes, STPE and PU sealants and adhesives, air and vapor barriers, below-grade waterproofing, vegetative roofing and indoor SOPRANATURE BioWall solutions, silicone and acrylic roof coatings and accessories. With a legacy of proven performance, SOPREMA sets the standard for durability and reliability in the building industry. 

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.” 

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. 

Under Tim Kersey, SOPREMA U.S. grew more than sixfold, completed four strategic acquisitions and advanced plans for new U.S.-based manufacturing facilities to support long-term growth and customer demand.

SOPREMA U.S. announced a planned leadership transition effective July 1, marking the next chapter in the company’s continued growth and investment in the North American market. After more than 14 years as chief executive officer, Tim Kersey will step down from the CEO role to prioritize time with his family in Arkansas, while remaining deeply engaged with the organization as chief technical officer.

During his tenure, Kersey played a central role in shaping SOPREMA U.S.’s culture of safety, excellence and continuous improvement while leading significant business expansion. Under his leadership, the U.S. organization grew more than sixfold, completed four strategic acquisitions and advanced plans for new U.S.-based manufacturing facilities to support long-term growth and customer demand.

In his new role as chief technical officer, Kersey will leverage his deep technical expertise and executive experience to strengthen technical selling efforts, support key strategic initiatives and continue serving as an industry ambassador for SOPREMA U.S. He will also act as a technical and strategic resource to senior leadership.

Greg Morgan, currently chief operating officer, has been appointed chief executive officer of SOPREMA U.S., effective July 1. Morgan joined SOPREMA in 2000 and brings more than 25 years of experience with the organization. As COO, he has led critical areas of the business including operations, supply chain, inventory management, warehousing and elements of the sales organization.

With more than three decades of experience in the building materials industry, Morgan brings a practical, hands-on leadership approach shaped by operational and industry expertise. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and business, an MBA in international business and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

As CEO, Morgan will continue to build on SOPREMA U.S.’s strong foundation while guiding the organization through its next phase of growth, innovation and investment.

About SOPREMA

SOPREMA delivers high-performance solutions for roofing, waterproofing, wall protection and civil engineering, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, sustainability and product excellence. The comprehensive building envelope portfolio includes SBS and APP-modified bitumen, PMMA/PMA liquid-applied membranes, synthetic PVC membranes, STPE and PU sealants and adhesives, air and vapor barriers, below-grade waterproofing, vegetative roofing and indoor SOPRANATURE BioWall solutions, silicone and acrylic roof coatings, and accessories. With a legacy of proven performance, SOPREMA sets the standard for durability and reliability in the building industry.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Join RCMA this October in Atlanta for the 2026 Fall Meeting.

At The Coffee Shops™, we are committed to sharing timely industry information while supporting the associations that move roofing forward. Organizations like the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) play a vital role in advancing education, advocacy and innovation, and we are proud to help promote their work and encourage membership across the industry. 

That momentum is clear in 2026. Under the leadership of President Josh Poole, RCMA continues to expand its impact through growing contractor engagement, strong technical initiatives and new leadership guiding the association forward. 

RCMA recently welcomed new board leadership, including George Daisey of Dow Chemical Company as supplier vice president, along with Brent Crenshaw of EPS Materials and Jayne Rollason of Polyglass USA, Inc. as directors. Their experience and commitment reflect the strength of leadership shaping the future of roof coatings. 

A key focus continues to be RCMA’s growing Contractor Membership, bringing applicators into the conversation around codes, standards and best practices. This inclusion ensures that real-world insights are helping guide the industry while giving contractors access to technical resources, education and valuable industry connections. 

RCMA is also advancing technical excellence with resources like Coatings Tech Note 6 on white roof coatings, providing practical guidance on performance, application and energy efficiency. At the same time, member companies are driving innovation across the industry, with SOPREMA USA and Fluid Applied Roofing (FAR) recognized at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) for their award-winning technologies. Collaboration remains at the core of RCMA’s success, with new members like BITEC® and AB Specialty Silicones strengthening the association’s network and expertise. 

Looking ahead, the RCMA 2026 Fall Meeting, taking place October 7–8 in Atlanta, Georgia, will bring together industry leaders, technical experts and decision-makers for two days of collaboration and forward-thinking discussion. For contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, this is the time to get involved.

Plan to attend the Fall Meeting and be part of the conversations shaping the future of roof coatings. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Ryan Knippel shares insight into the roofing skill shortage, and the role training and education have in solving it.  

As one of SOPREMA’s business development managers, Ryan Knippel has a front-row seat to the how coatings are reshaping the modern roofing industry in everything from building envelope performance to a shifting labor landscape. To learn more about the labor landscape, he joined us for a CoatingsTalk™ to share his thoughts on how we can solve the current skill shortage issue.  

We’ve heard about the challenges the labor shortage has presented to the market, but one of the most pressing issues resulting from the shortage is skill loss due to retirement. Ryan shared, “We are seeing a lot of key people who really paved the way for this market to retire. And as they take that well-deserved step out, we are not only losing workers in the field, but we’re also losing their knowledge, the tricks of the trade, that back-of-hand knowledge.” 

It is more important now than ever to bring young people into the trade while there are still some of these key individuals still working to teach them what they know. Ryan explained, “First, obviously we need to get new people into the workforce. But we cannot forget that we need to educate them properly when they get here. We have to give them an understanding of everything that's made available and readily accessible to solve a problem.” 

This type of education is something that Ryan and the team at SOPREMA are supporting through programs like their applicator training. Ryan shared a bit about this training in particular, saying, “Our applicator training is for contractors who want to gain that back-of-the-hand knowledge, who want to know the all the ins and outs, and odds and ends, and all the fun little things about coatings. Not only do they teach you about our product offerings, but they also create a space to share information and learn from other professionals.” And creating spaces like that is one of the best ways to retain industry knowledge even as our trailblazers retire.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording of the podcast to hear more of Ryan’s insights into labor and skill shortages. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Celebrate your crew and share your story with NRCA this June. 

Roofing is the hidden hero in many people’s lives; roofs protect their homes, families, businesses and possessions from the elements. To raise awareness about the significance of roofing and the important work of professionals across the roofing industry, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will be hosting their annual National Roofing Week from June 7-13, 2026. 

During the week, NRCA will be sharing stories from professionals around the industry across their social media platforms. NRCA encourages members to “share their stories of charitable giving, crew and staff appreciation and signature roofing projects” by using the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 tag.  

Another great way to show your support for this initiative is by decking your crew out in National Roofing Week swag! These shirts are a great way to show your roofing pride with style. You can find more detailed information about participation and National Roofing Week assets to use in your photos and videos online. 

This year’s event is sponsored by a variety of industry-leading companies, including Georgia-Pacific, SRS Distribution, International Roofing Expo, Hanover Architectural Products, OMG Roofing Products, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA and TuffWrap. If you need more information on National Roofing Week, contact NRCA Director of Communications Krista Berns (847-493-7531 or kberns@nrca.net) or NRCA Social Media Manager Madison Mahoney (847-493-7548 or mmahoney@nrca.net). 

Join the NRCA in celebrating the essential work your crew does each day and promote the importance of hiring professionals!

In this CoatingsTalk™, Megan Ellsworth sits down with Ryan Knippel, a business development manager from SOPREMA, to explore how modern roof coatings are reshaping the roofing industry, from extending roof life and boosting energy efficiency to reducing costs and waste for building owners. Ryan will break down when coating restorations make sense versus full re-roofs, what warranties and system compatibility look like and how technical reps guide those decisions in the field. Plus, he’ll dive into the shifting workforce, training challenges and the next wave of coating innovations. Join us as we uncover how coatings are reshaping the roofing landscape — and what’s next for contractors, building owners and the industry at large.

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the CoatingsTalk.

By Jenny Yu.  

The National Women in Roofing’s Central Oregon Council’s first reroof event gifted a local veteran with a free new roof. 

For their first reroof event, The National Women in Roofing’s Central Oregon Council gave a local veteran a new roof in Redmond, Oregon.  

The event, titled “Raise the Roof for a Hero,” gathered more than a dozen businesses that donated their time, materials and labor to support veteran Larry Moyer.  

“The National Women in Roofing is a giving group,” Larry told KTVZ News. “They’re a wonderful bunch of people from all different businesses. It’s really something.” 

The NWIR is a volunteer-based organization that supports and advances the careers of women roofing professionals. Its Central Oregon chapter launched early 2025, and this reroof showcased its core value of impact: seeking to make a difference and contributing positively to the lives of others.  

“We are able to do something really special just by coming together and volunteering whatever it is that our strength is, and this is the result,” Amy Cashman, NWIR social media manager, stated. 

Another NWIR core value is connection — building and maintaining meaningful relationships — and the event brought to the forefront the power of bringing many different people and companies coming together for a shared cause.  

“CertainTeed and I are more than happy to support Oregon Band of Brothers, NWIR and, of course, the veteran we have here today,” said Jack McDonnell, territory manager of CertainTeed. “My grandfather is a veteran. He was a Marine in Vietnam, so that motivates me to a significant extent.” 

Other sponsors of the NWIR Central Oregon chapter and the Raise the Roof event included SRS Distribution, GAF, RESISTO by SOPREMA and RoofersCoffeeShop®.  

For Larry, this experience served as an affirmation and a reminder about how to live. “They’re trying to give back to the community, and that’s what I do a lot,” Larry stated, emphasizing the duty we all have to one another. “It’s an important thing for all of us — I don’t care who you are or where you’re from. Take care of each other.” 

Photo source: National Women in Roofing