In the business of building futures

By Red Dog’s Roofing. 

Community Roofing/Trades Day introduced youth to the endless possibilities with trade career paths. 

In today’s job market, the younger generations are particularly vulnerable. For them, it seems like opportunities for jobs are few and far between, with hundreds of people carrying stacked resumes competing for the same entry-level roles. This has led to many young people feeling frustrated, disenfranchised and hopeless. 

Here at Red Dog’s Roofing, we want to make sure that the younger generations know that there are more choices available to them than they may think. There is hope for a bright future with trade careers. The trades offer so many opportunities that can empower young people to grow their skills. It's important that people who are experienced in the roofing and construction industries provide guidance to the future generations and display how a career in the trades can bring pride and purpose. 

That’s why we created Community Roofing/Trades Day, an initiative designed to connect the next generation with the world of skilled trades in a meaningful, hands-on way. 

Too often, young people are pushed toward a one-size-fits-all path. A path that might lead to college, debt or uncertainty. Meanwhile, careers in the trades go unfilled, waiting for the right people to discover them.  

We want to change that narrative. 

Community Roofing/Trades Day - Reintroducing the trades, with heart 

Community Roofing/Trades Day was our response to a growing need: to educate, empower and uplift those who might not know the trades are for them. 

This initiative started with the simple idea: if you can show someone what's possible, not with a brochure, but with real tools, real professionals and real conversation, you might just unlock their future. 

It’s about revealing a career sector that offers security, pride, growth and community.  

We also wanted to show people that the roofing industry is about more than hammers and nails. Different departments besides the contractors and laborers from Red Dog’s Roofing were represented, such as our sales, marketing, human resources and call center teams. We also featured vendors who represent our manufacturers, distribution centers and non-profits who we work hand in hand with.  

A diverse and welcoming industry 

This year’s event also included the participation of National Women in Roofing (NWIR), serving as a reminder that this industry has room for everyone. We believe that roofing and all skilled trades thrive when diverse voices and talents are not just welcomed but celebrated. 

We were also proud to include voices from across the trades in a panel discussion and live Q&A, giving students and families a chance to hear directly from those who have built successful, fulfilling careers with their hands and their hearts. 

Why we did this 

We’ve seen what the trades can do for people. We've watched teammates go from entry-level to leadership roles. We've mentored young adults who never saw themselves in construction and now can’t imagine doing anything else. We’ve heard the stories of single parents, veterans and high school graduates who found their footing and their purpose under the open sky and the structure of a roof. 

This was about giving that same chance to the next generation and letting them know that not all success wears a suit and tie or a lifetime of debt to pursue a career path. 

A community responsibility 

As a roofing company, we’re in the business of protecting homes. But as members of this community, we’re also in the business of building futures. If we can offer guidance, opportunity or simply a little inspiration to someone searching for direction, we’ll consider that just as valuable as any roof we install. 

Because the truth is, what we build matters. Not just on the job site but in the lives we touch along the way. 

Interested in learning more about our community work or career opportunities in the trades? Visit www.reddogsroofing.com or reach out at community@reddogsroofing.com. We’d love to connect. 

Original article and photo source: Red Dog’s Roofing