The past year was full of major announcements and developments for the roofing distribution industry. Everything from multi-billion-dollar acquisitions to the supply chain being threatened by dockworker strikes – on top of a presidential election – made for an interesting year.

As 2024 wraps up, we at RSP are looking back at some of those stories. The following is a list of the most popular articles based on reader activity from the past year.

10. ABC Supply Names 51 New Managing Partners

Kicking off the list was an announcement from ABC Supply Co. Inc. in May that it promoted 51 of its branch managers to be managing partners.

The elevation to managing partner calls for employees to meet requirements in associate development, customer satisfaction, branch performance, safety compliance and excellence in overall business practices. These leaders continue overseeing their respective branches' day-to-day operations while also serving on ABC Supply’s National Branch Advisory Board.

9. SRS Distribution Helps Boost Bottom Line in Q2 for The Home Depot

Following The Home Depot’s acquisition of SRS Distribution in June, many were eager to see how the sale would affect the respective businesses. In a Q2 2024 earnings report, The Home Depot revealed a 0.6% increase in revenue.

"We will make their more comprehensive product offerings in roofing, pool, and landscape available to all our customers through our Pro desk, and we will offer SRS customers a form of credit tied to their account, which will make purchases in Home Depot stores much more convenient,” Ted Decker, chair, president and CEO of Home Depot, said during the call.

Spoiler: This isn’t the only time the SRS and Home Depot deal appears on the list.

8. New: Roofing Material Market to Increase 57% by 2034

Roofing distributors are keen to learn how the industry is performing, making this story about the roofing materials market a popular read.

A report from Future Market Insights showed the market reached $141.1 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 4.6% over the next decade. Domestically the U.S. is expected to enjoy a 3.4% CAGR and reach $29 billion by 2034.

7. Gulfeagle Supply Announces New Leadership Structure and Strategic Updates

Independent distributor Gulfeagle Supply announced leadership changes in October, including promotions, retirements and realignments that coincided with its acquisition of Elite Roofing Supply.

Kurt Schwahn was promoted to the new role of chief revenue and operations officer while Bill Wilson, vice president, announced he would be retiring at the end of the year. Geographic oversight was also adjusted to streamline operations, with "Legacy Elite" branches unified under a single leadership structure.

"These changes mark the next chapter in our commitment to operational excellence and superior customer service, providing a strong foundation for future success," the company said in a news release.

6. Updated: Dockworkers From Maine to Texas End Strike

In what could have been a major upheaval of the supply chain, a dockworker strike affecting ports from Maine to Texas ended relatively quickly, with the strike suspended until Jan. 15.

Analysts warned that the strike would cost the economy billions of dollars daily, threaten jobs, and disrupt the supply chain, including roofing and building materials. The International Longshoremen's Association union, representing the 45,000 port workers, had been negotiating with the United States Maritime Alliance employer group for a new six-year contract.

The association shut down ports on Oct. 1 before agreeing to suspend the strike on Oct. 3.

"Any kind of stoppage on this is going to cause problems; if it's a day or two, even that will cause some, but ultimately they may be able to get that unwound," said Craig Brightup, CEO of The Brightup Group, a government relations consulting firm in Washington, D.C. "If it's longer than that, it really, really could have a big impact."

5. Holcim Building Envelope Announces New VP for Commercial Operations

One of the biggest players in the building materials space, Holcim Building Envelope, announced the appointment of Jason Loftus as vice president of commercial for both the Adhesives, Coatings & Sealants and Spray Foam business units.

Loftus is responsible for all customer interfacing roles, with a focus on sales, customer service, and technical service for brands like Enverge Spray Foam and the Gaco line of products.

“Jason will focus on driving growth and finding synergies that benefit all customers, regardless of their segment,” said Jamie Gentoso, president of Holcim Building Envelope and Global Head of Holcim Solutions & Products.

4. Distributor Fined $92K For Exposing Workers To Fall Hazards

When OSHA comes after a distributor, it catches the attention of our readers. In this case, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division issued a citation to ABC Supply Co. Inc. for exposing workers to potential fall hazards.

According to a news release, the citation was the result of an inspection of a job site in Salem on June 24 where the company was supplying roofing materials. The supplier was fined $92,226, as it was the third time since July 2022 that ABC Supply violated fall protection requirements at job sites in Oregon.

ABC Supply appealed the citation.

3. It's Official: Home Depot Closes on $18B SRS Deal

News of The Home Depot acquiring SRS Distribution sent shockwaves through the industry. Less than 90 days after The Home Depot announced plans to acquire SRS, the deal was finalized on June 18 for an estimated $18.25 billion.

The Home Depot said the SRS purchase will increase the company's total addressable market by approximately $50 billion to roughly $1 trillion.

“SRS's outstanding customer service, capabilities, and expertise will help us drive value for our customers, associates and shareholders, and we're excited to welcome the SRS team to The Home Depot," said Decker, the chair, president and CEO of Home Depot.

2. Exclusive Insight: What QXO Brings to the Roofing Industry

Start-up building products distribution company QXO has been turning heads since entering the industry. In July, the company entered into purchase agreements with institutional and accredited investors for an additional $620 million in private placement financing.

RSP spoke with analysts about how the company could affect the industry, from its emphasis on technology like artificial intelligence to reports of it making a titanic acquisition, which leads us to the top story from the year.

1. Is Beacon Roofing for Sale? QXO Hopes So

In a leak first reported by the Wall Street Journal, QXO is reportedly interested in acquiring Beacon Building Products, apparently making an offer in mid-November.

Beacon's market value is about $6.2 billion, and its share price has risen around 14% this year. QXO, which, like Beacon, is traded on the Nasdaq, has a market cap of $6.31 billion. The Wall Street Journal’s sources said a deal could be inked before the end of the year but added that talks could falter. The terms of the offer have been kept under wraps and Beacon has declined to comment.

Should such a deal take place, it could reshape the entire industry when paired with the acquisitions of SRS by Home Depot and Elite Roofing Supply by Gulfeagle.