Myrtle Beach met the industry with connection, innovation and education

By Dani Sheehan. 

From tee times to tech talks, this year’s CRSMCA Roofing Expo and Annual Meeting brought the roofing community together for three days of learning, networking and inspiration. 

The Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Associations (CRSMCA) held its roofing expo and annual meeting June 25-27, 2025, in sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and it was nothing short of a success! Hosted at a resort-style venue with ocean views and family friendly amenities, the show offered a mix of business and leisure that contractors from across the region could enjoy. 

Heidi J. Ellsworth and Alex Tolle from The Coffee Shops™ were in attendance, hosting live interviews and engaging with contractors, manufacturers and association leaders throughout the three-day event. “It was a great experience from start to finish,” shared Alex. “The expo offered a well-rounded mix of trade show access, educational seminars and casual networking all in one room. Being in Myrtle Beach gave people the chance to bring their families and make the most of both business and vacation.” 

The event kicked off with CRSMCA’s signature golf tournament at the Grande Dunes Resort Golf Club – a favorite tradition blending competitive fun with relaxed networking. More than 75 manufacturers, suppliers and distributors showcased their latest innovations on the trade show floor, filling the exhibit hall with new tools, systems and solutions for contractors to stay ahead of industry trends. 

The Coffee Shops hosted a live soundstage at their booth, where Heidi interviewed key industry leaders, including Carla Sims, executive director of CRSMCA; Ken Krawcheck of East Lake Metals; and Tony Hutten from Lifting Equipment Solutions and more. If you couldn't attend, you can still catch the interviews on our MetalCoffeeShop® YouTube channel for all the highlights! 

“Getting the chance to sit down with leaders like Carla Sims, who has dedicated 25 years to growing this association, really highlights how much CRSMCA is doing behind the scenes to support contractors and the industry overall,” Heidi emphasized. 

The educational sessions gave contractors the chance to gain deeper insight into industry advocacy and technology. One of Alex’s highlights from the event was a presentation from Heidi Ellsworth and Rich Carroll about the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3): “It’s always exciting to see contractors light up when they realize what technology can do for their business. Heidi and Rich made innovation feel accessible, really bridging the gap between where are at and where we’re going as an industry.” 

Trade shows and associations remain one of the most valuable ways for roofing contractors to grow professionally, discover new products and form connections that can lead to business success. CRSMCA continues to serve as an incredible resource for professionals in North and South Carolina, with events like this expo showing just how impactful collective learning and shared experiences can be. 

If you’re ready to get more involved in shaping the future of roofing in the Carolinas, now is a great time to join CRSMCA. We’re already looking forward to connecting again at next year’s expo!