By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This educational session in Salt Lake City focuses on protecting people, property and roofing professionals in high snow regions. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® recently attended a powerful and eye-opening snow retention training hosted by TRA Snow and Sun at the AGC of Utah Training Center in Salt Lake City. Roofing contractors from across Utah and the western United States gathered to better understand one of the most dangerous and often underestimated risks in roofing, the weight and movement of snow. 

The reality is simple and sobering. Snow is heavy. When it releases from a roof, it does not gently slide away, it can avalanche with devastating force. The training shared a striking example showing how quickly that weight adds up. In a 100 pound per square foot snow load scenario, just a small section of snow coming off a roof can weigh thousands of pounds. When that mass hits a person, the results can be catastrophic and often fatal. 

But the danger does not stop with human safety. Uncontrolled snow movement can rip gutters from the structure, tear off rooftop accessories, crush landscaping, destroy outdoor furniture and cause significant structural damage. For building owners, this means unexpected costs and liability. For contractors, it introduces a serious level of risk that cannot be ignored. 

Leading the training were Ben Anderson and Mindy Dahlquist, along with TRA teammates including Terry Anderson, founder and CEO, who shared the company’s history and answered questions. Their passion for engineered snow retention systems was evident throughout the day. They emphasized that snow retention is not an accessory, it is a critical part of a complete roofing system in any region that experiences significant snowfall. 

The training also featured Brava Roof Tile, who demonstrated how snow retention systems integrate with their premium roofing products. Their participation highlighted the importance of designing snow retention solutions that work seamlessly with different roofing materials, ensuring both performance and aesthetics. Seeing how snow retention interacts with synthetic roofing systems reinforced the need for a customized, engineered approach for every roof type. 

Also in attendance were leaders from key industry associations, including the Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) and the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), represented by Kris Hitesman of Capitol Roofing Service. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration across the industry to promote best practices, safety and ongoing education. 

A key part of the training focused on specific product applications, including the proper use and installation of snow brackets and snow fences. Attendees learned when each system is appropriate, how they perform under load and how to correctly install them to maximize effectiveness. The TRA team also demonstrated the use of their specialized clamp systems for installing snow fences without compromising roof integrity. Another major takeaway was TRA’s deep commitment to testing. The team shared how they rigorously test their systems to ensure the highest levels of performance in real-world conditions. Their approach goes beyond standard requirements, with a focus on making sure every product meets and exceeds building codes and delivers reliable, engineered protection. This dedication to testing reinforces confidence for contractors, architects and building owners alike. 

The training focused on three key areas, proper engineering, correct installation and effective communication with building owners. Contractors learned that every roof in a high snow area should be evaluated for snow retention and that systems must be designed based on load calculations, roof design and site conditions. Guesswork is not acceptable when lives and property are at stake. Equally important was the discussion around liability. Contractors were reminded that when snow avalanches off a roof, building owners often pursue legal action against everyone involved in the project. This includes manufacturers, designers and especially the installing contractor. One of the strongest takeaways was the need to include snow retention in every proposal and contract. If an owner chooses not to include it, contractors should require a formal sign-off acknowledging the risk. This step is critical for protecting roofing professionals from future claims. Beyond risk mitigation, the training also highlighted the opportunity for contractors to build stronger relationships with their customers. By educating owners on the importance of snow retention, contractors position themselves as trusted advisors, not just installers. This creates ongoing sales opportunities and reinforces the value of quality roofing systems that perform in real-world conditions.

Adding a bit of fun to the day, the TRA team also handed out custom trucker hats with unique branded badges, a small but memorable touch that reflected their strong culture and connection to the contractor community. Demonstrating a strong commitment to education and safety for the entire industry, the training was live streamed through TRA’s YouTube channel and will be available on demand through both MetalCoffeeShop and RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channels as well as within TRA’s directories. This extended access ensures that contractors across the country can benefit from the training, reinforcing TRA’s dedication to making critical safety education widely available. For contractors working in snow-prone regions, the message is clear. Snow retention is not optional. It is essential. By understanding the risks, specifying engineered systems and educating customers, roofing professionals can protect their businesses while delivering roofs that truly perform. 

To learn more about engineered snow retention systems and how to integrate them into your roofing projects, visit TRA Snow and Sun or explore their directories on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® and view the full training on demand. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How Western States Roofing Contractors Association delivers technical safety, business growth and community value across the region. 

Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) continues to shape contractor success by pairing practical resources with a culture rooted in connection and shared experience. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Megan Ellsworth spoke with Stan Robinson of Pacific West Roofing, Kris Heitzman of Capitol Roofing Group and Ron Lloyd of Kokua Roofing about the ways the association supports companies navigating technical challenges, safety demands and business growth across the Western region. 

For Stan, technical guidance sits at the heart of the association’s value. “My love and passion are details and details and details,” he said, emphasizing how access to technical director Ken Klein provides a trusted sounding board. That expertise helps contractors solve problems efficiently while building confidence in both day-to-day decisions and long-term planning. 

Safety resources and bilingual education have also expanded both the reach and day-to-day usability of association tools for members. Kris pointed to the evolution of WSRCA’s Toolbox Talks and their shift toward mobile-friendly access. “The Toolbox Talks, now that they’re out and they’re in English and Spanish, the guys can have them all in their phone,” Kris noted, explaining how on-demand, bilingual training makes safety education more practical and accessible for crews at every level. 

Beyond tools, members consistently pointed to people as the differentiator. Ron described decades of membership shaped by collaboration and trust. “You never feel like you’re sitting with your competitors,” Ron said, recalling early moments of encouragement that turned uncertainty into leadership. 

That culture carries practical value for contractors facing legal, safety and compliance concerns. Members regularly tap legal counsel and safety experts through the association, reducing risk and helping smaller contractors compete with greater confidence. 

Equally important is the association’s focus on inclusion and future leadership. Expanded Spanish language programming, broader representation and Young Roofing Professionals initiatives are opening doors for the next generation while honoring decades of experience. 

Together, these elements position Western States as more than just an association. WSRCA functions as a working network built to guide contractors through complexity while keeping people at the center. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about Western States Roofing Contractors Association membership resources events education opportunities today! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

At the Western Roofing Expo, WSRCA leaders highlight inclusion, education and growth as the path forward for the industry. 

At the Western Roofing Expo, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) leadership passed along the gavel and laid out a vision that blends tradition with progress. In a special episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth sat down with outgoing President Kris Hitesman of Capitol Roofing Service, incoming President Stan Robinson of Pacific West Roofing and future President Ron Lloyd of Kokua Roofing to talk leadership, legacy and what the future holds for WSRCA.  

Kris reflected on her tenure and what she is most proud of accomplishing. Inclusivity was a cornerstone of her presidency, from bringing more voices onto the board to ensuring that all communications and publications were available in both English and Spanish. “My mission was to be more inclusive with board members, with members, with everything. For people to feel more included, to feel more involved and to feel like they belonged,” she said. “Because this roofing. We’re all kind of the same. We all love roofing.” 

That momentum is being carried forward with the new leadership. Stan emphasized his priority of grassroots growth with a program called Each One Reach One, encouraging current members to connect with contractors who may be navigating challenges alone. “They don’t know what to do with this legal problem. They don’t know what to do with this safety problem. They don’t know what to do about this technical difficulty on a particular job,” he said. “They just don’t know what they don’t know yet.” 

For Ron, strengthening engagement with Latino contractors is a top priority. He noted the importance of continuing the association’s efforts to connect more closely with the Hispanic community. “We want to continue engaging and supporting our Hispanic community and promoting inclusivity,” he said. “Our goal is to keep expanding these efforts.” 

The growth and inclusivity of the association were recurring themes throughout the conversation, reflecting a clear desire to keep building a stronger, more connected community. As the WSRCA expands its reach, leaders highlighted the importance of continuing to welcome new voices and perspectives. Tools like the Safety Companion App, Toolbox Talks and access to top-tier legal and technical advisors have become vital resources that make membership more valuable than ever.  And what really stood out was the call for fresh voices. “We need to keep bringing new blood into the association,” said Kris. Whether through SkillsUSA programs or the Young Roofing Professionals initiative, the WSRCA is positioning itself as a platform where newcomers are not only welcomed but needed. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how the WSRCA is shaping the future of roofing through education, advocacy and a growing community of committed industry professionals!

By Emma Peterson. 

WSRCA presidents discuss the power of community, inclusion and industry associations.  

While at the 2025 Western Roofing Expo back in September, The Coffee Shops™ had the chance sit down with an incredible panel of experts featuring Kris Hitesman of Capitol Roofing Service, Stan Robinson of Pacific West Roofing and Ron Lloyd of Kokua Roofing. In this live episode of Roofing Road Trips®, the panel discussed what Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) does best, providing for their contractors. This special conversation was incredibly powerful, as each of the three panelists have served as the president of WSRCA. 

Kris, past president of WSRCA, opened the conversation with a look into what the association has been up to in recent years, namely, making room for inclusion wherever they can. She explained, “My mission was to be more inclusive with board members, with members and I am so proud that this year’s show has six floor seminars in Spanish. Further, we now send out our publications in both English and Spanish. Really, we’re wanting our members to feel included, more involve and like they belong here because in roofing, we’re all the same – We all love roofing.” 

This dedication to building a stronger WSRCA community is something that Stan has brought into his presidency, the role he currently occupies. He shared, “One of the powerful things about WSRCA is that when you come to us, whether you're a million-dollar company or you're a hundred-million-dollar company, we are all on the same playing field, in the same community. Throughout my presidency, I have worked hard to make sure that the doors are always open, that everyone is able to get the help and support they need to succeed.”  

And, in looking to the future, Ron’s goals align with Kris and Stan’s. He explained, “We want to carry on with what Kris has started when it comes to inclusivity and what Stan has done by building a member community. I've been a board member for eight years and I've been a member for 25 years, and it's done a lot for my company. We want to pay that forward, to help everyone find a community of intelligent people that are always there to help them succeed.”  

Listen to the entire episode or Watch the live recording to hear more from this incredible panel of WSRCA presidents; past, present and future.

By WSRCA.

These individuals volunteer their time to make membership with WSRCA a worthwhile investment, and the roofing community a better place!

For decades, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) has served the roofing industry through sharing education, creating spaces for communication, hosting the Western Roofing Expo and more. All of these initiatives and programs are made possible through the support of our members and the work of the volunteers that make up our officers and board of directors. To highlight the incredible people who are dedicating their time to make our organization and industry a better place, we wanted to introduce them to you! 

WSRCA officers

• President: Stan Robinson, Pacific West Roofing LLC
• Senior vice president: Ron Lloyd, Kokua Roofing Service
• Immediate former president: Kris Hitesman, Capitol Roofing Service
• Vice president - 1 year: Hillary McPartlon, McPartlon Roofing
• Vice president - 1 year: Austin Barnhardt, Quality Roofing and Sheet Metal
• Vice president - 2 years: Stephanie Baird, Bliss Roofing, Inc.
• Vice president - 2 years: Scott Riopelle, Interstate Roofing
• Executive director: Joel B. Viera, Western States RCA

WSRCA board of directors

WSRCA committees