By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about engaging and retaining new hires through intentional training. 

In a new episode of Coffee Conversations®, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by a panel of industry leaders to talk about the importance of contractors helping new hires engage and connect with their company. This panel included Amy Staska, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s VP of workforce development; Maureen Greeves, Tremco Roofing’s director of field operations; and Mandy McIntyre, WTI's CM development manager.  

Amy has been with the NRCA for over 20 years, and bringing new talent to the roofing industry has been a top concern during her tenure. She explained, “Training’s not cheap and a lot of contractors worry about if new hires are going to stick around...” The problem with this is that it creates a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy where contractors hold new hires at an arm’s length to make sure they’re serious about the job, and new hires are unable to show their interest in the job because of that distance.  

So, how do you build a company that can avoid this pattern? Mandy shared, “I think the industry sometimes forgets about the human component of hiring. Those new people have emotions, they have goals, they have questions, they have fears and if you can cultivate people to be the best versions of themselves, that’s when you’re going to engage them and retain talent.” 

The key to cultivating them into the best version of themselves? Intentionality. Amy explained:  

At NRCA, we talk constantly about the idea of doing intentional training. It’s impossible to train all your new people to be experts immediately. But if you work towards conversational competence, so that someone can go up onto a roof and at least is going to understand a little bit of what's happening, and will be able to have better conversations with the crew there, they’re going to be more connected to your company and more likely to stay to keep learning. 

This is something that Maureen and the others on her team at Tremco have implemented over the last couple of decades. She shared, “We grew very fast, and one of the downsides of that is you can lose some of that intentionality that Amy mentioned. We realized that was happening, so we made changes.” Some changes were bigger, like hiring Mandy into her current role, but others were smaller, like opening conversations. Maureen elaborated, “We started simply talking to people and making sure they knew that they were a part of something bigger. And just that has been tremendous.”  

Mandy summed the entire conversation up well, saying, “At the end of the day, it's all about actions and feelings. If you're having a problem retaining people and recruiting people, take a good, hard look at what's going on and make some intentional changes to help people belong.” 

Watch the entire Coffee Conversation to hear more of Amy, Mandy and Maureen’s discussion.

By Emma Peterson. 

Exploring the flexible training opportunities offered through Tremco University.  

With every design and construction professional having unique schedules, budgets, goals and learning styles, education is definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. In response to these diverse needs, Tremco CPG has launched Tremco University to the industry. This educational program contains a wide range of topics and learning options that meet  building contractors, installers and architects where they are with the instruction they seek.  

Some of these options welcome you in-person at a Tremco facility to learn about their products and see how these building materials are developed and tested in the lab, while other seminars are offered at convenient distributor or public locations. For easier access, you can even attend seminars and collect AIA continuing education credits online! 

There are three main ways to engage with Tremco University:  

• On the road: Tremco trainers are always on the move, going to distributor locations and jobsites in the Tremco CPG demo truck! Training events done with this team are perfect for seeing new products in action, finding answers to your questions and getting personalized, hands-on instruction. 
• In person: Are you a contractor or architect looking for in-person learning? You can sign up for Tremco’s qualified applicator/installer program, product-specific education sessions or AIA lunch-and-learns to get face-to-face training in the U.S. and Canada. 
• Online: Want to learn from the comfort of your office? Tremco has a variety of live and on-demand webinars that cover everything from waterproofing, roof restoration, building science and more!  

Upcoming trainings in North America 

Speaking of those in-person, contractor learning opportunities, here’s a shortlist of the planned training events in the U.S. and Canada for April 2026! Remember, if the Tremco team isn’t coming to a spot near you, you can always contact them to request a custom training. 

• April 2, 2026: Nanaimo, B.C., Canada 
• April 7, 2026: North Kingstown, Rhode Island, U.S. and Headingley, Manitoba, Canada 
• April 9, 2026: Lakewood, Colorado, U.S.; Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; and Saskatoon, Alberta, Canada 
• April 13, 2026: Revelstoke, B.C., Canada 
• April 14, 2026: Kingston, Ontario, Canada 
• April 15, 2026: Wingham, Ontario, Canada and Invermere, B.C., Canada 
• April 16, 2026: Island City, Oregon, U.S. 
• April 17, 2026: Nelson, B.C., Canada 
• April 21, 2026: Marquette, Michigan, U.S.; Koxville, Tennessee, U.S.; and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada 
• April 23, 2026: Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.; Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.; and Dartmoush, Nova Scotia, Canada 
• April 28, 2026: Terrace, B.C., Canada 
• April 30, 2026: Delta, B.C., Canada 

Learn more about Tremco’s education offerings online!

In this Coffee Conversations®, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by industry leaders to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing roofing and construction companies today: how to successfully onboard, train and retain top talent. As labor shortages continue and workforce expectations shift, companies can no longer afford to treat onboarding as a checklist or training as a one-time event. This discussion explores what a strong first 90-days should look like, how mentorship and leadership shape long-term retention and what metrics truly measure success. From building career pathways to adapting to generational change, this conversation delivers strategic insight for contractors and industry professionals committed to building teams that stay, grow and lead. 

Register today!

In this Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by QXO, Megan Ellsworth hosts a powerful discussion with women who are shaping the future of roofing. They will highlight the Female Roofing Professional of the Year Award — a recognition that honors outstanding leadership, innovation and mentorship among women in the roofing industry along with past and present National Women in Roofing (NWIR) leadership.  The panel shares insights on leadership, mentorship and building successful companies and organizations in a competitive field. From overcoming barriers to leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, this conversation offers practical takeaways and fresh inspiration for the entire roofing industry. 

Register today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. is looking for dedicated people ready to start their career.   

Across North America, Tremco’s subsidiary, Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. (WTI), is looking to grow their team! They offer remote, hybrid and in-person opportunities ranging from research and development to human resources, accounting and more!  

Some of the opportunities include:  

• Engineering and facilities: As part of the engineering, facilities and maintenance team, you would support “all engineering activities and for maintaining and upgrading the facilities and production equipment.” There are also opportunities for developing value stream design and improving material flow and progress tracking.  
• Production: The production team is hands-on troubleshooting and running manufacturing equipment. Safety and independent problem-solving are keys for this team. 
• Roof technician: Want to be out in the field? WTI has many positions for roofers of all levels, from intern to journeyman to supervisor. As a WTI tech, you will work with a variety of roof systems (such as BUR, EPDM and single-ply) as well as a variety of tools (such as hand tools and power tools).  
• Sales: The sales team at WTI is growing fast. If you are an “ambitious, self-motivated individual with a proven record of effort driven success,” this team is a great opportunity to continue growing your skills and career. 

This is a great opportunity for hard workers looking to kickstart a career with a company that cares about their employees as individuals. WTI prioritizes maintaining the small company atmosphere that Tremco was founded with back in 1928, even as they continue to grow.  

Their team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment that empowers every person to learn and grow. As Robert Boykin, the CORE quality production manager for WTI, shared, “I’ve worked at Tremco WTI for 10 years and it’s been really exciting. I really like the fact that I can move into different positions and learn the different things that I need to learn to grow with the company.” 

A great example of how much WTI cares is the benefits they offer to their employees. These benefits include “competitive health insurance options, dental, and prescription drug coverage, pension, paid vacations and holidays, investment opportunities and much more.” They’ll even go as far as giving their new team members a new Milwaukee M12™ heated TOUGHSHELL™ jacket to keep them warm on the roof this winter! 

Check out all of their current job listings. 

Get more information about WTI and get started on your application!

By Emma Peterson. 

From testing regulations to tariffs and workforce gaps, learn about the major challenges facing our industry and how we can rise to meet them. 

While at the 2026 World of Concrete show, Heidi J. Ellsworth of CoatingsCoffeeShop® had the opportunity to host a special Coffee Conversations®! This session featured a panel of professionals including Ray Rizzi of Tremco, Joe Harnois of Atlantic Builders Supply Northeast, Steve Little of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing, Jeff Walls of Innovative Chemical Products and Kevin Cummings of Polycoat Products. With backgrounds spanning across the coatings world, this incredible panel was perfect for the job of sharing their insights into the current challenges facing the industry.  

Testing 

Kevin opened the conversation by highlighting the need for more comprehensive and ubiquitous testing. As products continue to change and advance, so must the skills of the individuals using them in real-world applications. He explained, “One issue that I see is getting back to some sort of coordination on testing so that, as a group, we can all agree on what testing is important in relation to how systems actually perform on buildings.” Jeff echoed that point, adding, “We have similar challenges in manufacturing...It is really key this year that we find that balance of optimized quality of product and optimized quality of work...Testing is huge part of that.”  

Tariffs 

In addition to the challenges of updating testing standards, Jeff noted how the constantly changing tariffs and the resulting unstable market are a continuing challenge for coatings professionals:  

Across the industry, we're certainly challenged by the inconsistency of tariffs...But I think a key to overcoming this is communication...As a manufacturer, I need to be able to go to my distributors and say, ‘Hey, you know what? It's going to be a small price increase for a little while.’ Then I have to be honest enough that when we're not in the face of that, we bring it back down. And that way, when he passes on to a contractor, if we all work together, we can weather it together. 

Workforce 

Another challenge that’s no stranger to the conversation was the aging workforce, a concern that has continuously grown in relevancy over the years. Steve shared, “People that are really subject matter experts who grew up in this industry are aging out and we're starting to lose some really credible resources.”  

This is something that Joe has seen as well. He noted, “In the Northeast, in the concrete industry, the average age is 63 years old and one of the biggest issues is that those professional don’t have a succession plan...Going back to how this is all a partnership, we can do our best to come out with the best products and all this jazz, but if a great amount of our workforce just ages out, we’re all in trouble.”  

Timelines 

The other challenge that was brought up was related to timelines and work cycles. Ray explained, “In the Northeast, we have winter from November to basically March. It means our work cycle is small. That’s why it’s so important that we, as a manufacturer, develop innovative products to make the lives of our contractors easier and to also maintain the quality of the installation.” Kevin shared a similar sentiment, explaining, “That’s part of why we developed our two-component, fast-cure coating systems – to extend the time that the installers can install.”  

Conclusion 

Overall, 2026 will present some tough challenges for all professionals in the world of coatings. But this is a tough industry, full of professionals who are ready to rise to the challenge. Invest in your people and foster partnerships within the industry. Steve added, “Invest in your employees. The difference between all the products that are available and all the ways to get the products to it are the people that are installing them and doing the work.” 

As Ray noted, “Everything in the industry is a partnership, all three ways, from the manufacturer, to the contractor, to the distributor. All of us are all in the same game, we're all going to play and figure out a solution out together.” 

Watch the recording from the show to hear more of these panelists expert insights!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This year’s conversations reflected continued growth in roof coatings as building owners seek sustainable, cost-effective solutions and contractors look for ways to diversify their businesses.

CoatingsCoffeeShop® was proud to be a part of the Roof Coating Manufacturer Association (RCMA) 2026 meeting in Las Vegas. As an RCMA partner and sponsor, our team attended the event to connect with the industry, participate in educational sessions and continue our mission of supporting contractors through information, technology and collaboration. 

With Megan Ellsworth moderating a key panel discussion, CoatingsCoffeeShop had the opportunity to engage directly with roof coating manufacturers, material suppliers, contractors and consultants who are shaping the future of roof restoration. 

The RCMA annual meeting serves as an important gathering for the roof coating industry, providing a platform for open dialogue, education and reporting on the state of the market. The 2026 meeting was proudly sponsored by Western Colloid whose continued support helps make these important industry conversations possible. 

This year’s conversations reflected continued growth in roof coatings as building owners seek sustainable, cost-effective solutions and contractors look for ways to diversify their businesses. 

Throughout the day, attendees participated in educational sessions focused on sustainability, technology, safety and profitability. One session highlighted RCMA’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) initiatives and how industry-wide EPDs are helping manufacturers improve transparency and consistency while supporting long-term sustainability goals. 

Technology also played a central role in the discussions with sessions focused on roof diagnostics, measurement accuracy and tools that support smarter decision making. These conversations reinforced the importance of data and documentation in delivering successful coating projects. 

A highlight of the day was a presentation by Will Lorenz, president of General Coatings, who shared the story of using roof coatings on one of the most recognizable architectural focal points in Las Vegas. The project involved a complex sphere-shaped structure that required both spray foam and roof coatings to achieve performance, protection and long-term durability. 

Will walked attendees through the unique challenges of working on curved architecture, the importance of selecting the right materials and how application methods played a critical role in the project’s success. The presentation showcased real-world problem solving and emphasized how coatings can be used creatively and effectively on complex structures when paired with proper planning and expertise.  

Another highlight of the meeting was the panel discussion titled The Competitive Edge, moderated by Megan Ellsworth of CoatingsCoffeeShop. Panelists included Josh Poole with Tremco Construction Products Group and RCMA president, Ryan Blad with 838 Coatings, Chris Huettig with KARNAK Corporation and Cody Wilson with Unicoat Industrial Roofing Corp. 

The panel explored how coatings are helping contractors grow their businesses while providing effective solutions for building owners. Panelists shared how restoration systems extend roof life, reduce disruption and offer owners alternatives to full replacement. 

A strong theme throughout the discussion was the growing number of residential roofing contractors entering the commercial market and finding roof coatings to be a natural starting point. Coatings allow contractors to expand into commercial work without the same level of labor demands, equipment investment or jobsite disruption required for full reroofing. 

As more contractors make this transition, training was emphasized as essential. Onsite training supports proper application, improves crew confidence and ensures contractors get the most from both materials and equipment. Well-trained crews deliver better performance and stronger outcomes for customers. 

The panel also addressed how coatings create opportunities for recurring revenue through maintenance programs, helping contractors build long-term relationships with building owners while stabilizing workflow. 

Equipment selection was another key topic with discussion around spray rigs, rollers and application strategies. Contractors shared the importance of aligning equipment choices with business goals and gradually introducing spraying into operations. One of the most common contractor requests discussed was the growing need for sprayable mastics to improve efficiency and consistency. 

Labor savings were identified as one of the strongest business drivers behind coatings. Compared to full replacement, coating systems can reduce crew size, shorten project timelines and improve overall productivity. 

Panelists also emphasized the importance of evaluating roof conditions honestly before recommending a coating system. Moisture testing and clear communication with building owners are essential. Coatings are not the right solution for every roofand transparency builds long-term trust. 

Cody in particular highlighted the value of working closely with manufacturer representatives during roof walks and evaluations. When contractors and manufacturers collaborate onsite, stronger diagnostics are achieved and better recommendations can be made. This partnership ultimately leads to better outcomes for building owners. 

Manufacturers shared how they continue to support contractors through onsite assistance, evaluations and technical diagnostics. This collaborative approach ensures coating systems are installed correctly and perform as intended. 

CoatingsCoffeeShop is proud to partner with RCMA and sponsor the association as part of our commitment to advancing education, communication and connection across the roof coating industry. Events like the RCMA meeting reinforce the importance of bringing the industry together to share knowledge and support contractor success. 

As the meeting concluded, one message stood out clearly, roof coatings are not simply a product category, they are a strategic solution helping contractors grow, diversify and deliver long-term value to building owners. 

For more information about the Roof Coating Manufacturer Association visit www.roofcoatings.org and for ongoing industry news, education and contractor resources visit CoatingsCoffeeShop.com. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Join us for a walk down memory lane with Jennifer Stone, founder of National Women in Roofing and our first ever Roofing Road Trips® guest! 

In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips® (RRT), host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Jennifer Stone of Tremco for a special conversation reflecting on their shared past. Jennifer, who was the first ever guest on the RRT podcast back in October of 2019! That original episode focused on all things National Women in Roofing (NWIR), an industry organization founded by Heidi and Jennifer, as well as Shari Carlozzi and Jennifer Ford Smith. 

More recently, these incredible women reunited on the stage at NWIR Days for the 10th anniversary of NWIR’s founding. Jennifer shared her thoughts about the experience:  

I went back and listened to that [RRT] episode, and we were so young. We were so excited in that podcast to tell women where they could go and meet new people and feel included in the industry. There was absolutely nothing more important or fulfilling to us than recruiting and educating. All we wanted to do was bring women together and let the magic happen. And we did that. 

Today, NWIR has helped countless women find their footing and a place within communities across the industry. Jennifer shared, “We've gotten to a point where having a woman serving in presidential and executive roles is not news anymore. That is a big evolution in the roofing industry around diversity and culture...We had 60 women that attended our first NWIR event. Now there's over 600 women.” This incredible growth not only helps women succeed but has also improved the roofing industry as a whole. Creating cultures that are more diverse and inclusive of women fosters something that Jennifer refers to as “diversity of thought.” 

This concept stems from the idea that we all address a problem from different angles based on our backgrounds and knowledge. Because we all come at it differently, we subsequently come to different solutions. By being more inclusive of traditionally less-represented groups, like women in roofing, we are able to innovate more and ultimately build a stronger industry. Jennifer elaborated on this, explaining, “Women often bring what are traditionally considered ‘soft skills.’ These skills are what elevate leadership, culture and communication skills, leading to retention of talent, increased innovation, a better bottom line and ultimately a stronger industry.”  

Listen to the podcast to hear more of Jennifer and Heidi’s conversation.

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out five exterior colors that not only offer superior performance but are trending in 2026. 

While the color of a structure may at first seem like a personal preference, it actually has a much larger role than that. As Nina Lichtenstein, founder of Custom Home Design by Nina Lichtenstein, points out in an article of Architectural Digest, “A coat of paint can completely refresh the look of a property, creating a polished first impression and potentially increasing its value” 

So, how can you help your clients access exterior colors that not only create the aesthetic they want, but save them money through low-maintenance building protection ? Consider working with high-performance finishes  like those from Dryvit. These colorful facade options come with a 10-year fade-resistant warranty thanks to the unique StratoTone™ colorant technology. Further, their team  is constantly watching the market and making sure that Dryvit offerings are at the forefront of color trends.  

For example, here are five colors that Dryvit provides that are trending as we move into the new year:  

• Earthy Red: Both Glidden (Warm Mahogany) and Clark+Kensington (Hazelnut Crunch) chose a version of this cozy red-brown, a unique neutral that keeps spaces feeling grounded and warm. Dryvit offers similar colors  with Winter Brown, Red Clay and Irish Coffee.  
• Vibrant Teal: As we move into 2026, multiple designers from WGSN and Coloro to Behr have chosen a bold blend of blue and green for their color of the year (Transformative Teal and Hidden Gem respectively). If you want a similar statement color, Dryvit finishes of Mysterious Forest, Bermuda Blue and Forest Green are great options. 
• Warm Beige: Sometimes a versatile classic is best, and that’s what Sherwin-Williams and Dutch Boy tapped into with their color of the year choices of Universal Khaki and Melodious Ivory respectively. If you want to bring this trend to the outside of a home, Canvas, Clover and Sand from Dryvit are a close match.
• Comfortable Charcoal: For buildings that need a bit of a dramatic flair, warm black tones are a popular and timeless route. In fact, Benjamin Moore chose one for their color of the year (Silhouette). Other great options in this color family include Dryvit’s Cozy Black, Dark Chocolate and Swiss Mocha. 
• Muted Green: Fitting in well with the nature-inspired colors on this list, muted green has seen a rise in popularity. Big name brands are highlighting their olive greens (such as Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus and Dunn-Edwards' Midnight Garden). To bring this trend to the outside of a building, consider Deep Moss, Kiwi Green and Arbor Green from Dryvit. 

Learn more about these trendsetting, high-performance colors!

By Emma Peterson. 

Keep roofing in the off-season with these cold-weather product options!  

Traditionally, cold weather and storms make winter a slower work season in the roofing industry. But roofing problems don’t always wait for clear skies and warm temperatures! That’s why Tremco Roofing has developed a variety of products that are optimized to work at below-freezing temperatures! These cold-weather products include metal, built-up, modified bitumen, single ply and liquid applied options. Keep reading to learn more about them!  

TremLock T-138 and T-238 

The TremLock T-138 Shingle Recovery System and T-238 Standing Seam System are easy-to-install panels that improve weathertightness of existing structures. T-138 is especially good over shingles where T-238 goes over open span or solid decking. They are also great winter roofing solutions as they can be installed at temperatures as low as -17.8°C (-0.04°F). 

BURmastic systems 

As for built-up roofing options, Tremco’s Cold-Applied BURmastic systems are hard to beat. They feature a multi-ply construction that makes them exceptionally durable and waterproof, as well as approved for installation across North America. Further, they use a cold process adhesive that is not only low odor but also installable without kettle or torches. This means that they can be installed at temperatures as low as -6°C (20°F). 

Tremco single ply roofing systems 

As for single ply roofing systems, Tremco has no shortage of high-performance options! From the TremPly KEE to the TremPly Max TPO and beyond, these systems are lightweight, strong and effective roofing solutions. And because they are thermoplastic membranes with heat-welded seams, they do not require adhesives or tapes, making them workable at most temperatures!  

AlphaGuard™ PUMA Liquid Applied Roofing Systems 

While freezing temperatures and the term liquid are usually directly opposed, Tremco’s  two-coat AlphaGuard PUMA Liquid Applied Roofing Systems still delivers waterproofing in as little as 30 minutes in temperatures as low as -28°C (-20°F)!  

Learn more 

Interested in extending your roofing season through winter? You can learn about the listed products and more in Tremco’s Cold Weather Product Selector Guide!  

And if you have specific questions for the Tremco team, you can contact a rep near you, stop by their International Roofing Expo booth (#4821) or talk to them at World of Concrete (booth #N2127). 

Get the guide today.