Lynsay Walsh is Changing the Industry

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

“We are all valuable resources to each other in the roofing industry and frankly, we’re better together.” 

Lynsay Walsh knows what it’s like to be the only woman in the room. She began her career in roofing 10 years ago in inside sales and is now senior technical specialist for Firestone Building Products. 

Lynsay joined National Women in Roofing (NWIR) early in her career and became an active member with the Tennessee Council. She met Heidi Ellsworth, founder of the National Women in Roofing and partner in RoofersCoffeeShop®, and was inspired by Heidi’s ambitions for women working in roofing. “I was just blown away by her vison for women in this industry and I knew that I was meant to be involved,” said Lynsay during an  interview spotlighting her and her role at Firestone Building Products.  

No amount of discouragement could stifle Lynsay’s drive for a more equitable industry. She quickly became involved in National Woman in Roofing and has since led hands-on trainings for her Tennessee council and for the past two NWIR Days preceding the International Roofing Expo (IRE). 

“There are always several women who have come to me after these trainings to thank me because they have never been able to experience the hands-on side of roofing, whether it be welding TPO or installing an EPDM pipe boot,” she said. 

Currently, women make up nine percent of the construction industry, and statistics reveal that only 0.5 percent of U.S. roofers are female. These are low numbers even when compared to other male dominated industries. However, it is organizations like NWIR that are empowering women to claim their careers in roofing.  

“It has been great to be able to facilitate this type of experience and confidence for so many people. I try to encourage everyone to have the conversations with their bosses about wanting to learn more and have more active experience on the roof. If you express the interest and ambition, most bosses will want to support you.” 

Lynsay stresses the importance of knowledge and its ability to advance a person’s career, “Learn the products, understand how and why the details work, start thinking about roofing installations from the deck to the membrane, watch as many seminars and videos as you can, network, don’t be afraid to ask questions and never stop learning.”   

Lynsay has been nominated as the new 2020-2021 Tennesse Council leader for National Women in Roofing. As council leader, Lynsay will continue to focus on recruitment, education and networking for women and men of diverse backgrounds.  

“I really cannot begin to explain what this organization means to me. I have met women from all facets of the industry all over the country and world, many of whom are great friends and mentors now,” said Lynsay. “We are all valuable resources to each other in the roofing industry and frankly, we’re better together.” 

Learn more about National Women in Roofing in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory.