Texas A&M University students win big at the 2025 Roofing Alliance Student Competition

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

The prestigious construction management team wins first place prize. 

The Texas A&M University team brought energy, teamwork and determination to the 2025 Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition, winning first place.  Making a strong impression at one of the roofing industry’s most important events, Texas A&M was represented by John Falavolito, Hogan Leftwich, Ryan Kennick, Weston Mounce and Grayson Headley. The Aggie team showed the dedication and drive that defines the next generation of construction professionals.  

Now in its eleventh year, the Roofing Alliance’s Annual Construction Management Student Competition continues to build momentum and inspire future industry professionals. Held in conjunction with the International Roofing Expo (IRE), the 2025 competition took place in San Antonio, Texas, and introduced students to roofing as a dynamic and rewarding career path. It also provided valuable networking opportunities with peers, faculty and Roofing Alliance members.  

This year’s competition project, provided by Beldon Roofing Company of San Antonio, challenged teams to develop a comprehensive bid proposal for the reroofing of the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Airport Hotel. Working closely with contractor mentors, students prepared detailed bid packages that demonstrated project management, estimating and safety skills. Finalists were invited to the IRE to present their proposals live to a panel of industry judges. They also attended the Roofing Alliance’s Welcome Reception, toured the project site and participated in NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony where winning teams were recognized on stage. 

For the Texas A&M team, preparation began months before they stepped onto the competition stage. Several members, including John and Hogan, had competed the year prior in Las Vegas and used that experience to refine their strategy. Learning from past challenges, the team approached the 2025 project with a new system, stronger collaboration and a renewed focus on quality. 

One of the most difficult parts of the journey was rebuilding and strengthening team dynamics. Hogan shared how adapting their approach and relearning roofing systems helped the team deliver a better performance this year. Others reflected on the steep learning curve. Weston, stepping into a superintendent role with no previous roofing experience, praised the guidance of their faculty advisor and industry mentor, Kyle Cahill, in helping them bridge the gap between general construction knowledge and roofing-specific expertise. 

Grayson, a freshman, brought a unique perspective to the team, balancing learning the basics of construction science while tackling the complexities of roofing. “I felt completely supported by my teammates,” said Grayson. “I embraced the challenge and gained valuable real-world insight well beyond a typical first-year experience.” 

Despite the hard work, the students found the competition and expo deeply rewarding. Many spoke about the opportunity to network with roofing professionals, manufacturers and contractors. Weston highlighted how meeting experienced industry leaders gave him a broader understanding of the industry and the many paths available within roofing. Others, like Ryan, appreciated the chance to grow his public speaking skills, build confidence and push outside his comfort zones. 

“The transition from being last year’s newcomer to this year where I am a more seasoned competitor has been especially meaningful,” stated John. “My recent internship with a roofing contractor helped me connect the classroom learning with real-world practice, allowing me to network with confidence and see the full scope of career opportunities available in roofing.” 

When asked what advice they would give to companies hoping to hire top construction students, the Texas A&M team was clear. They emphasized that today’s graduates are looking for companies that offer real growth opportunities, mentorship and trust. They want to be part of something bigger, gaining hands-on experience that allows them to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success. 

The Texas A&M University team's journey captures the spirit of the Roofing Alliance Student Competition — helping students discover new career possibilities, sharpen their technical and leadership skills and build lasting industry connections. Their first-place victory is a testament to their talent, perseverance and bright future in the roofing industry. 

For more information about the Roofing Alliance and the Construction Management Student Competition, visit www.roofingalliance.net. 

View all the Roofing Alliance Student Competition videos here.