The roofing industry returned to The Star in Frisco, Texas in September for Roofing Contractor’s 17th annual Best of Success conference, its first in-person event since the pandemic. There’s still time to be part of the action — even if you couldn’t be there.
This year’s lineup of speakers includes seven sessions that will be streamed live for free until September 2022 as part of RC’s Broadcasting Live program. Here’s what you can learn more about:
FAMILY DYNAMICS: When Unexpected Changes Works Well Unexpectedly
Best of Success 2021 kicked 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, Zach and Ian, share their story of how they navigated through the challenge of redefining roles when Zach left the family business.
Though it wasn’t easy, they explained how they worked through the personal and professional issues that arose as their roles changed, and how they’re all better off for the experience now that they’re on the other side.
Letitia Hanke, CEO and president of ARS Roofing, Gutters & Solar in Santa Rosa, Calif., shared her story via video at Best of Success.
“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. Though she couldn’t attend Best of Success in person, Hanke’s 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 electrified the room.
Hanke shared her eye-opening account of overcoming racism, sexism, and the lack of professionalism she encountered when she started in the construction business more than 25 years ago. When she was done shocking the audience, Hanke inspired the room while discussing her work with her LIME Foundation and the NextGen Trades Academy, which helps underserved youth and introduces them to opportunities in the trades. Hear her explain how it plays into her broader philosophy that emphasizes workforce development and employee retention to keep the roofing industry going.
Thea Dudley, founder of Pocket Protectors, along with Chinook Roofing President John Patterson, Tecta America Arizona President Chuck Chapman, and Kincaid Roofing and Remodeling Managing Partner Kris Kincaid speak about the importance of credit and collections.
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, had a frank conversation about 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 him on the panel is Chuck Chapman, a recent inductee to the Western States Roofing Contractors Association Hall of Fame, who’s been in the roofing business since 1982, including the last decade as president of Tecta America Arizona. Also on the panel is Kris Kincaid, managing partner of Texas-based Kincaid Roofing and Remodeling, who is expanding his business with innovative finance programs.
Sherri Miles, president of Miles Roofing Inc., shares how her company uses government grants to help fund apprenticeship programs.
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 shared 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 said. “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.”
National Roofing Contractors Association CEO Reid Ribble and COO McKay Daniels.
NRCA Insights That Will Help Your Business
From leading the charge to ensure roofers were deemed “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.
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. The panel includes:
- Nicole Eisenhardt, Senior Vice President, Tecta America
- Kevin Kornahrens, Vice President, Advanced Roofing
- Steve Little, President, KPost Roofing & Waterproofing
- Tony Rader, Vice President, National Roofing Partners
Watch and share any of the sessions by signing up here.
