The roofing industry returns to The Star in Frisco, Texas for the 17th annual Best of Success conference next week, and there’s still time to be part of the action — even if you can’t be there in person.
This year’s lineup of speakers includes seven sessions that will be streamed live for free between Sept. 20-21 as part of RC’s Broadcasting Live program.
MONDAY, SEPT. 20
8:15-9:15 a.m.
FAMILY DYNAMICS: When Unexpected Changes Works Well Unexpectedly
Best of Success 2021 kicks off with a candid look into the inner workings of a successful, family-run roofing business and what happens when the dynamics and professional goals change. Best Roofing’s Gregg Wallick and his sons, Zachary and Ian, will share their story of how they navigated through the challenge of redefining roles when Zachary left the family business.
Though it wasn’t easy, they’ll explain how they worked through the personal and professional issues that arose and how they’re all better off for the experience now that they’re on the other side.
9:45-10:30 a.m.
From the Kitchen to the Rooftop?
Letitia Hanke’s path from aspiring musician to RC’s 2020 Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year was certainly unconventional. Hear her personal story of overcoming adversity and stereotypes to turn ARS Roofing, Gutters & Solar in Santa Rosa, Calif., into a successful business while also giving back to young people in her community.
Hanke will discuss her work with her LIME Foundation and the NextGen Trades Academy, and how it plays into her broader philosophy that emphasizes workforce development and employee retention.
11:30-12:15 p.m.
Credit Department Pitfalls … Don’t Let it Happen to You
Roofing contractors know the importance of cash flow, but have a hard time managing it and making the most of their credit. Thea Dudley, the founder of Pocket Protectors, and a panel of roofing contractors will tell it like it is when it comes to credit, and whether you’re worthy as a business owner or not.
John Patterson started his roofing career in the Pacific Northwest in the mid-90s after a 20 year career in retail management. In 2009, he and wife, Kim, started Chinook Roofing from scratch and now have 120 employees that serve both the commercial and residential markets. Joining them is Chuck Chapman, who’s been in the roofing business since 1982, including the last decade as president of Tecta America Arizona.
4 -4:30 p.m.
How I Tapped into Government Grants to Help My Roofing Company
Sherri Miles is always on the move, working to improve herself and her business. As president of a multi-generational roofing business based in Virginia with several federal contracts, Miles has become very familiar with government grants and the funding process for major roofing projects. She’ll share some of that knowledge from the Best of Success stage and how to find money for training in the skilled trades.
“I’m a huge proponent of education and uplifting the professionalism of our industry,” she told RC upon being invited to present this year. “I’ve found some programs that tap into various government funding and reimbursements … and have paired funding for skilling up these employees and introducing them to construction.”
4:30 -4:40 p.m.
RC’s 2021 Commercial and Residential Contractors of the Year
For more than a decade, RC has taken on the responsibility to honor the residential and commercial contractors around the country that employ industry best practices, take care of their employees and excel at quality workmanship and customer service.
Earlier this year, more than 50 roofing companies submitted applications for consideration as our contractors of the year. See who persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic and thrived throughout what was one of the most difficult years to be in business to become our 2021 Contractors of the Year.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 20
8:10-8:55 a.m.
NRCA Insights that will Help Your Business
From leading the charge to ensure roofers were "essential" during the COVID-19 lockdowns, to helping companies starved for materials during the ongoing supply crisis, the work at the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has, arguably, never been more important.
Join NRCA CEO Reid Ribble and COO McKay Daniels for a real-time update on the state of the roofing industry as 2021 winds down, and learn about the programs and initiatives underway to keep roofing contractors working through unprecedented times.
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
New National Apprentice Training
Completing the roofing projects of today and winning the jobs of tomorrow will depend on the availability and skill of your workforce. Apprenticeships are one of the many ways roofing companies are trying to overcome the industry’s workforce problem. Watch an expert panel of roofing contractors from elite companies break down the new initiatives underway to train and retain your critical workforce. Joining on the panel are:
- Nicole Eisenhardt, senior vice president, Tecta America
- Kevin Kornahrens, vice president, Advanced Roofing
- Steve Little, president, KPost Roofing and Waterproofing
- Tony Rader, vice president, National Roofing Partners
Sign up for any of the sessions here.
