Like many, McKay Daniels thought the country started to turn the page on the COVID-19 pandemic. Then he, and so many others whether vaccinated or not, contracted the Delta variant of the virus over the summer.
“This Delta thing was real,” said Daniels, COO of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). “I was vaccinated and was still down for about five days.”
He recovered in time to attend the 2021 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas last month, and shared some thoughts about the show with RC, as well as looked forward to his presentation with NRCA CEO Reid Ribble at Best of Success on Tuesday, Sept. 21.
Roofing Contractor: What did you expect heading into IRE 2021?
McKay Daniels: That it was going to be a masked tradeshow floor and the vibe will be different but like all things of the past 18 months, we'll figure it out and roll with it!
RC: Tell us what NRCA accomplished in Las Vegas?
MD: I was looking forward to the ProCertification hands-on demonstrations. This was the first time we had full ProCert mockups right on the tradeshow floor and attendees were able to see firsthand what's involved in the certification process. NRCA assessors were on-hand to answer questions.
RC: What’s it like to bring the roofing industry back together at events like IRE and BOS?
MD: Seeing NRCA members get back together over these past few months at events has been amazing. To take that "family reunion" on a national scale will be amazing. The industry's ready to be human again. To be with their friends, have a beer, and catch up.
RC: What do you hope contractors take away from your presentation on NRCA insights to help your business?
MD: Since we were last together in Dallas, NRCA has launched a number of new programs and benefits for the industry. Workforce recruitment materials, training programs, a new health care program that's customizable for all contractors who are frustrated with the skyrocketing cost of health insurance, each and every department has been working on new ways to help contractors with their business.
