Honoring Mark's life and accomplishments.

We are deeply saddened to share that my longtime pillar of the metal building community Mark James passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years Paula, his son Jarrod, his grandchildren Brooklyn, Harley, Julian and his great-grandson Trevon. A service will be held in Dallas in the near future.

Mark’s career began remarkably early. At just eight years old, he worked as a blueprint boy for his father’s company. He later attended the University of Missouri and continued his education at night through the Finlay School of Engineering in Kansas City, Missouri.

In the late 1970s, Mark designed roof systems using dimensional lumber to retrofit flat roofs with truss-framed sloped roofs — Ultimately contributing to more than 30 million square feet of retrofit projects. In 1981, he was recruited by Kirby Building Systems as their Special Projects Manager, prompting a move to Houston, Texas. In 1984, he accepted a district manager position with United Structures of America, and four years later, in 1988, he became a partner in Genesis Group, Inc. of Baton Rouge, where he worked on both new metal buildings and retrofit projects.

Moving now to Dallas, Texas, Mark joined Roof Hugger, Inc. in 2009, where his impact was immediate and lasting. He developed standard details, product specifications, sales presentations and represented the company at numerous industry association meetings. He became deeply involved in the Metal Construction Association (MCA), eventually serving as chairman of the retrofit council. In that role, he helped create many of the AIA education programs that continue
to be used today.

He was a familiar face at RCI (now IIBEC), MBCEA and other industry organizations. Mark also played a major role in creating and setting up many of the METALCON Live Demo displays, including the Metal Roofing Games Competition and the Solar Bay exhibit. To say he was well known in our industry is an understatement.

After retiring from Roof Hugger in 2014, Mark founded his consulting firm, RetroSpec, LLC, continuing to advise Roof Hugger, MCA and many other metal-related companies. He and Paula then moved to Hot Springs, Arizona, where they enjoyed a beautiful home and surroundings and after buying a large camper, they traveled across the country while he continued consulting remotely.

In 2019, Mark received MCA’s prestigious Larry A. Swaney Award, recognizing his commitment to communication, cooperation, unity and the advancement of the metal construction industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was an accomplished artist, cabinet maker and interior designer. He loved his family deeply, and those of us who knew and worked with him will miss him profoundly.

By Jenny Yu.  

The Durham-based event combined networking, product innovation and a NASCAR-inspired experience. 

The 2026 Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA) Mid-Winter Roofing Expo brought energy and connection to historic Durham, North Carolina, with a NASCAR-inspired theme. The annual event drew several hundred contractors and exhibitors for a day of networking, education and innovation.  

The racing theme was immediately evident with black-and-white checkered decor and a mini-NASCAR racetrack on the show floor, giving attendees a chance to test their driving skills between booth visits. “I tried it, and it was a lot harder than it looked!” Karen Edwards of The Coffee Shops™ stated.   

Karen connected with several industry partners and conducted interviews to spotlight emerging products and solutions. Conversations with representatives from APOC, Climatile and Gaco highlighted advancements in coatings, roofing systems and performance-driven technologies aimed at solving real-world challenges for contractors. Check out the playlist to watch the interviews from this year’s event.

“The exhibitors were showcasing the latest and greatest in their product offerings for contractors, while the contractors in attendance were eager to learn about what's new and what could help them make a difference in their business,” Karen shared.  

To further encourage engagement, organizers introduced a bingo-style card that invited contractors to visit each exhibitor's booth to enter a prize drawing lottery. Several enticing rewards prompted attendees to join in the fun, with most eyes on the themed prize: NASCAR tickets. 

All in all, the Mid-Winter Roofing Expo was successful, fostering meaningful conversations and connections between manufacturers and contractors.  

Learn more about the Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association and what they have in store for the rest of 2026!

By Jenny Yu.  

Accelerate your business success at this year’s four-day event. 

The 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo returns to the Durham Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina, from February 16-19, 2026, bringing one of the Southeast’s largest regional roofing trade shows to contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals. Hosted by the Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA), the multi-day event features nearly 100 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest roofing technology, safety tools, equipment and industry services. 

Attendees can expect an energized atmosphere where networking and product innovation drive the conversation. On Wednesday, February 18, keynote speaker Mike Metcalf, Jr., of D.E.C.K. Leadership will take the wheel. A NASCAR pit-crew coach, Mike will present “12 Second Culture,” a presentation that will inspire leaders to run their crews like a cockpit, prioritizing efficiency, teamwork and kindness. 

Wednesday is also Trade Show Day, where exhibitors will offer exciting hands-on demonstrations of the latest technological trends. One demonstration to pencil into your calendar is “Mastering TPO Hand Welding” with Johns Manville at 1:45 p.m. Pull up to booth #311 to learn the best practices of hand welding TPO membranes from their team of technical experts! 

Alongside the bustling exhibition floor, CRSMCA’s expo includes educational opportunities designed for professionals at every level. Thursday, February 19, is Education Day when the learning switches to full gear. Curated sessions will deliver actionable takeaways that help businesses sharpen operations and stay ahead of evolving market demands. Here are the three educational sessions you can’t miss:  

Session 1: How to build a profitable business that you can sell or take to the bank  

• Presenter: Matt Thompson, Splash Omnimedia 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Session 2: PVC - The other white sheet 

• Presenter: Mary Beth Reed, GAF 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Session 3: Modern roofing technologies 

• Presenter: Hannah Safren, Polyglass 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Registration fees cover access to all education sessions, networking receptions, trade show entry and more! Sponsorship packages are still available, providing a variety of booth, advertising and branding opportunities. Sponsors include BITEC, Inc.® and KARNAK (Team Goodwill) and Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC), a Carlisle Architectural Metals company (Team Diamond). 

Register and learn more about the 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo!

A Celebration of Chris’ life will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service.

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Lawrence "Chris" Christopher Anderson of Allcon Roofing of Greenville, South Carolina.

Lawrence Christopher Anderson, 52, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 29, 2025. He is a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and the son of Lawrence and Wanda Metcalf Anderson.

Chris was an avid sports fan. He loved watching the Vols play any sport, especially with his kids. He took great pride in his family and worked hard to provide without hesitation. His children never questioned his love for them. He was a proud and involved father. That love will carry them through. They will cherish the memory that their dad encouraged them to be intentional about their relationship with Christ, he led by example. Chris loved to hunt. He looked forward to quality time with his dad, Reggie and Dalton. Chris was an active member of Brookstone Church.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Angela Randall Anderson. The 31 years they were given together were not enough, but she wouldn’t give up one moment. He is the love of her life. Also surviving are his daughters, Daylyn Bradley and her boyfriend Cam, and Ryley Anderson; son, Dalton Anderson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bobby and Judy Randall; sister-in-law, Marsha and husband Robert Holbrook and their daughter Brinkley; and aunts, uncles and cousins who he enjoyed spending time with. He was grateful for every moment spent with closest friends, Jeff and Jennifer Raye, and their son Brady, who he loved like his own.

A Celebration of Chris’ life will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverend Jim Dykes will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

Please visit https://www.blueridge-funeral-service.com/memorials/lawrence-anderson/5662843.

May we all remember the Anderson family, the Allcon Roofing family and friends during this time.

Jesse worked with Weathergard, Inc. for 50 years and will be deeply missed by the Weathergard family.

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Jesse James Bowman, Sr., Superintendent at Weathergard, Inc.

Jesse James Bowman Sr., age 78, passed peacefully into heaven on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Jesse worked with Weathergard, Inc. for 50 years and will be deeply missed by the Weathergard family.

There will be a public viewing on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 p.m. at Blakely’s Funeral & Cremation Service located at 714 East Franklin Street, Monroe, North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in his honor on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Piney Grove (East), located at 1708 Ansonville Road, Marshville, North Carolina, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with an interment following the Celebration of Life.

Our hearts are heavy, but we also rejoice in the legacy he leaves behind. Please keep the Bowman family in your prayers and join us in celebrating his life.

Please visit www.blakelyfuneralservice.com/obituary/Jesse-BowmanSr#obituary.

May we all remember the Bowman family, the Weathergard, Inc. family and friends during this time.

By Jenny Yu.  

Learn about the corrosion-resistant steel contractors are turning to for high performance and durability. 

At the Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA) show, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Ken Krawcheck Sr. and Ken Krawcheck Jr. of East Lake Metals about their innovative product that’s making the most waves: Armored Coast, a coated steel solution built for coastal durability.  

Ken Sr., national sales manager for East Lake Metals, emphasized the product’s unique capabilities that make it the ideal material for builders in coastal environments. “Armored Coast is a 24-gauge Grade 50B steel,” he stated. “We put ZAM on it, and the coating does cut-edge protection and allows us to go right up to 300 feet from the breaking surf.” 

The product’s design offers an alternative to aluminum, especially as metal roofing continues to gain traction in hurricane-prone regions like Florida and the Carolinas. “Now they have a different option, and distributors are using it to win more bids and sell to a wider market,” said Ken Jr., who helps manage national distribution. 

One of Armored Coast’s standout features is its self-healing coating. “The coating weight on the ZAM is a ZAM 90. It has a heavier coating weight than you’ll find with AZ50 or A60,” Ken Sr. explained. “The magnesium really helps better the product where they can offer a 20-year substrate warranty.” 

Importantly, contractors don’t need to change equipment to start using the product. “They’re running it right through their machines without any changes,” Ken Jr. shared. “It’s the same strength going up on the roof.” 

With 22 standard color offerings — and the option to custom-match — Armored Coast also meets the growing design demand for black, charcoal and silver metallic finishes. “Check it out, get a hold of us, and get going with this product,” encouraged Ken Sr. “It’s going to work everywhere.” 

Watch the webinar to learn more about Armored Coast and how it is transforming the coastal roofing industry.

Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, Inc. (CRSMCA) remembers Jerry Lee Hawks of E.L. Hawks, Inc.

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Jerry Lee Hawks of E.L. Hawks, Inc.

Jerry Lee Hawks (Jer-Bear) of Whiteville entered the gates of heaven on September 17, 2025, after a short illness. He was 80 years old. Born in Athens, Georgia, he lived in Hull, Georgia with his parents Leroy and Remelle Hawks until age 12. His family moved to Whiteville in 1956 and opened the doors of E.L. Hawks Roofing, Inc. Whiteville City Schools was where he met lifelong friends that support one another until this very day.

After graduating from Whiteville High, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy, qualifying in Submarines in 1969. He served as a submariner for six years. Jerry joined his father’s business after serving his country.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue West Hawks, his daughter, Hillary Hawks Melvin, son-in-law, Kyle Melvin, grandchildren, Addison Marine and Graham Austin Melvin, an aunt, Gale Brown, sisters-in-law, Marsha Griffin, Pamela West and Tonda West, brothers-in-law, Larry Griffin and Zeb V. West and a niece Vanessa West.

Funeral services were held Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Whiteville United Methodist Church with Reverend Howard James officiating. Burial with Military Honors was held at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Whiteville United Methodist Church, 901 Pinckney St., Whiteville, North Carolina, 28472.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, North Carolina, is serving the Hawks family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Lee Hawks, please visit our floral store.

Please visit www.mckenziemortuary.net/obituary/JerryLee-Hawks.

May we all remember Jerry, his family and friends during this time.

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Edward Lee Lawrence, father of Patrick Lawrence, QXO.

Edward Lee Lawrence, age 76, passed peacefully into heaven on Sunday, August 31, 2025, surrounded by his family who adored him. He was born on February 10, 1949, in Lexington, North Carolina.

Edward grew up with humble means in a home full of love. With his parents, Roger and Kit Lawrence, alongside his sisters, Barbara and Susan, he spent his youth riding his horse Flash, playing sports with friends, picking tobacco and learning the value of hard work. His family worked hard, but they played hard too. His father’s creativity in building a backyard tennis court and a makeshift pool taught Edward early on that joy could be found anywhere, and that lesson stayed with him throughout his life. Edward was an adoring brother and loved his sisters dearly. He was a gifted athlete, excelling in football and basketball at North Davidson High School, where he created lifelong friendships and memories that are still retold today. He went on to play football at Gardner-Webb University where he graduated with a degree in biology. He was an environmental waste chemist for the City of High Point, worked with Husted & Associates Environmental and as a regulatory and safety engineer at Matlab Inc. in Asheboro.

“Steady Eddie” was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Carolyn, for 51 years. Their love story began on a blind date that brought together a sun-kissed Florida hippie and a long-haired motorcycle rebel. They built a marriage full of laughter, respect and devotion. Together, they made a home in their dream fixer-upper, where they raised three wonderful children who brightened their days. Their home was filled with love and joyful memories, though also marked by deep loss with the passing of their cherished son, Michael Lawrence, in 2001. Edward and Carolyn were later blessed with five grandchildren, each of whom adored their “Pop”. Pop was a role Edward embraced wholeheartedly as he took great pride in his grandchildren’s lives and interests.

Family was at the center of everything Edward did. As a father, he rarely missed a game or special event. He coached youth sports and encouraged his children to be their best on and off the field. We knew unconditional love through his quiet sacrifices, steady encouragement, and abounding patience. He would often give rides to teammates without transportation and welcomed all into our home. He was the fun dad who didn’t live life on the sidelines, jumping in on a pickup basketball game, tossing kids in the pool, building an epic treehouse and waking up early on the weekends to make his famous trainwreck breakfast.

Weekends often meant chores, stacking wood, weeding the garden or working on car repairs, but whatever we did, we did together. Dad was right beside us, recounting stories from his childhood or explaining how something worked. A hard day’s work didn’t come without fun: trips to the pool, evening bonfires and hayrides or driving lessons in the International truck were a treat. Work didn’t really feel like work when it was time spent with dad.

Edward carried a servant’s heart everywhere he went. He was the friend who would chop down a tree, mow your lawn, or fix a leaky pipe without asking. He shared his time freely, putting others before himself. At Archdale United Methodist Church, he served as a youth group leader, Sunday school teacher, trustee, pumpkin patch coordinator and was active with the Methodist Men and Upper Reflections Sunday School class. At Vintage Church, he was active in serving ministries and in the Second Half Community group.

Edward also had a sense of humor that was truly one of a kind. With his fun-loving personality, he was often the life of the party. Quick-witted and kind, he found joy in every situation and had a gift for lifting spirits and seeing the sunny side of life. He never spoke ill of others and made friends with virtually everyone he encountered.

If you spent much time with Edward, you knew his love for motorcycles, especially Ducatis. He drove back and forth from North Carolina to Florida on his motorcycle to visit Carolyn while they were dating. He enjoyed attending motorcycle rallies and events with friends and family and rode with his children, Patrick and Hayley. The open road brought him a sense of freedom, and even as the miles on the odometer ticked, he still enjoyed sharing his passion and collection of vintage motorcycles with fellow enthusiasts.

Above all, Edward was a man of deep faith. He lived out his Christian walk daily, embodying the fruits of the Spirit. His faith was a source of strength for our family, and his love was unconditional. Even in difficult times, his joy was evident, and he faced each day with patience and grace. He was a model of goodness and kindness, always serving others with a generous and gentle heart. Though we will miss him deeply, we find peace in knowing his body is restored and he has heard the words of his Savior: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Edward’s life was marked by optimism, humor, hard work, and unconditional love. Even in the face of health challenges, he lived fully and with gratitude. His legacy is one of faith, family and service — a life well lived and deeply loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; their children, Patrick Lawrence (Guadalupe) and Hayley White (Shannon); five grandchildren, Layla White, John Michael Lawrence, Marie Lawrence, Eliana Lawrence and Keegan White; and his sister, Barbara Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Lawrence; his sister, Susan Googe; and his parents, Roger and Kit Lawrence.

Visitation will be held at Cumby Funeral Home in Archdale on Thursday, September 4, from 6 - 8 p.m. A service to celebrate Edward’s life will be held on Friday, September 5, at Archdale Methodist Church at 3 p.m. and a private graveside service will be held on Saturday at Randolph Memorial in Asheboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Archdale Methodist Church, Vintage Church or World’s Children.

Archdale Methodist Church
11543 North Main Street, Archdale, North Carolina 27263

Vintage Church
650 West Academy Street, Randleman, North Carolina 27265

World’s Children
P.O. Box 2345, Sisters, Oregon 97759
www.worldschildren.org

Please visit www.cumbyfuneral.com/obituaries/Edward-Lee-Lawrence?obId=44905754.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A lightweight crane with medieval roots is changing how U.S. roofers do business. 

From the historic rooftops of Williamsburg, Virginia, to the snow-covered plazas of Keystone, Colorado, a compact piece of European engineering is quietly reshaping the way roofing gets done in America. At the Carolina Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRMCA) show in Myrtle Beach, Tony Hutton of Lifting Equipment Solutions (LES) explained how an age-old concept, revamped with modern hydraulics and lightweight aluminum, is helping contractors tackle tough jobs more efficiently while cutting costs and minimizing damage. 

“These machines are made in Europe. The only place they’ve ever been made was in Germany. They started making them in 1960. But the technology, or the actual design of them, is from the Middle Ages,” Tony said. “They made them out of wood and did it all by hand, but it’s the same idea. And this modern version is just hydraulics, aluminum and modern.” Three types of lifts, vertical, knuckle and crane, are designed to access tight spaces and steep slopes with minimal disruption. A standout feature is that they can be towed by a standard pickup and don’t require a commercial license. That alone is drawing attention from contractors who are looking to cut downtime and rental expenses. 

Wagner Roofing, one of the oldest historical roofing firms in the country, recently used a knuckle lift to restore the Ren Building in Williamsburg, Virginia, reportedly the oldest university structure in North America. “This is the kind of job where if you damage it, you can’t fix it. You can’t replace it. It’s that historical, that old. It just doesn’t [get] made anymore,” Tony noted. “This comes in, it can move all around right between the dormers, set up just where they want it without damaging anything, go right through the scaffolding that they have.” The financial upside is clear. Contractors report breaking even on the equipment in as little as one job. Some, like a Florida-based high-end residential roofer, turned to the system after repeated damage to driveways by traditional lifts. With the new crane, Tony remarked, “Since he got this crane, he has never broken another driveway.” 

Beyond performance, the equipment is becoming a recruiting and retention tool for roofers. “A skilled labor craftsman likes good tools and good equipment, but he also likes to have his job move along smoothly,” Tony expressed. While the buzz at the show was overwhelmingly positive, Tony stated that investing in this equipment goes far beyond a simple tax advantage; it’s a strategic upgrade that reshapes how contractors operate. “This changes the way they run their production. This changes the way they bid on their jobs. This changes the whole culture and profitability of their business” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how this compact, German-engineered lift is revolutionizing roofing operations, boosting jobsite efficiency and transforming contractor profitability from the ground up! 

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!