The Roofing Industry's Voice was Heard in Washington on National Roofing Day

Traveling to D.C. allowed us to feel the power behind the collective voice, the impact of talking directly to policymakers about the issues that face the lives of the people in the roofing industry.

By Antis Roofing and Waterproofing.

Jesus Zermano, Field Supervisor at Irvine, California-based Antis Roofing and Waterproofing, was indecisive about traveling to Washington, D.C. as part of the Antis contingency that joined more than 400 roofing professionals from across the country on March 6 and 7 to walk the halls and talk to 87% of the legislators about three critical issues currently facing the roofing industry. While Jesus was honored to represent the Antis team, he wasn’t sure if he would be able to contribute to the political conversation in a meaningful way.

Eventually, the Antis leadership team and Jesus’s oldest daughter, a first-generation college student at UC Santa Cruz who intends to pursue a career in public advocacy, were able to encourage him to make the journey. Inspired by their confidence that his story could influence good decisions for the people who are part of his life’s work, Jesus joined Charles Antis, Karen Inman and Fernando Torres at the Capitol.

At the event, it was Jesus who was singled out as one of only two individuals to have a meaningful one-on-one conversation with U.S. Representative Lou Correa about the core issues facing the roofing industry. The National Roofing Contractor Association (NRCA) reports that 70% of the industry’s workforce is immigrant labor. As an immigrant himself, Jesus’s children are thriving in this country as a result of opportunity and Jesus’s example of taking pride in his work and tenacity to provide for his family. Charles Antis shared, “At first, we heard that Representative Correa was unavailable to meet. He cleared his calendar because a constituent from his district was going to be present (Jesus) and that interaction was likely the most meaningful of the visit.”

Fernando Torres, an Antis estimator, was eager to travel to D.C. from the start. Fernando is the second generation – his parents were immigrants – and he has long been inspired by the many business owners and leaders who genuinely care deeply about their employees and their quality of life as well as the industry that supports their families. Having a front row seat to the “bigger picture” of the roofing industry has made Fernando more passionate about his career choice than ever and he is already looking forward to going back next year! He felt the power behind the collective voice, the impact of talking directly to policymakers about the issues that face the lives of the people in the roofing industry, and that he and his colleagues were heard. Fernando knows that he and Jesus made a difference.

Jesus and Fernando were also able to join Charles and Karen for a meeting with Senator Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Mimi Walters. Led by NRCA CEO Reid Ribble, a former congressman who spent six years in the legislature, this was the first year that NRCA was present with 417 voices! Antis is leading through example and by including the very employees who are out in the field working hard to keep our community safe and dry every day, we are making an impact.

Advocacy Issues

1. Workforce Development - Chronic workforce shortages are the top challenge due to an aging workforce, demographic trends and an increase in ongoing rebuilding efforts due to disaster relief efforts and more. If vacant positions could be filled, contractors could increase productivity by 10-20% - an estimated $3.6 - $7.2 billion in lost revenue to our economy
2. Immigration Reform – The roofing industry provides good jobs for qualified workers but faces chronic shortages. Immigration reform is vital to addressing future workforce needs and sensible reform should end illegal immigration while allowing qualified, documented workers the ability to thrive
3. Regulatory Reform - Roofing industry employers face an unprecedented array of regulations issued by federal agencies with the greatest burden falling on small businesses

View the NRCA photo gallery here.