By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Impactful conversations are reshaping jobsite safety and workforce wellbeing across the roofing industry. 

For years, the roofing industry carried an unspoken rule: Push through, stay tough and keep moving, with little room for conversations around stress or mental wellbeing. Mental health was rarely acknowledged as part of the job, let alone something that could directly impact performance or safety. But that mindset is shifting as contractors, crews and industry leaders begin to recognize a critical truth: Mental health is not separate from the work, it is embedded in it. 

Every day, stress and burnout show up in subtle but important ways, from missed details and slower reaction times to lack of focus and disengagement. These are not just operational challenges; they are often early warning signs that something deeper is affecting the workforce. That growing awareness is exactly why the upcoming webinar, “From the Ground Up: Mental Health, Safety and Total Worker Wellbeing in Roofing,” is so timely and relevant.  

Promoted by the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), this live online session reflects the association’s commitment to supporting its members not only through technical education but also through initiatives that strengthen workforce culture and long-term business success. By bringing this topic to the forefront, the association is helping normalize the conversation and encouraging roofing professionals at every level to take a more proactive approach to mental health as part of overall safety. 

Led by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Director of Safety and Risk Management Adrianne Anglin, the session is designed to be practical, direct and grounded in real-world experience. Rather than offering abstract concepts, it focuses on what roofing professionals are seeing on jobsites and in offices today, and how those realities connect to stress, burnout and mental wellbeing. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these challenges present themselves in everyday work environments, along with the early signs to watch for before they escalate into safety concerns or performance issues that can impact entire crews. 

Equally important, the webinar will address one of the most common barriers in the industry: knowing how to talk about mental health in a way that feels natural and productive. Many professionals want to support their teams but are unsure how to start the conversation without creating discomfort or resistance. This session will offer practical guidance on how to check in with team members, what to say and how to build trust so that employees feel supported rather than singled out. It also emphasizes that creating a culture of awareness does not have to slow down operations or add unnecessary complexity but instead can be integrated into existing safety practices in a way that strengthens both performance and morale. 

Attendees will also walk away with simple, actionable strategies that can be applied immediately, whether they are managing a crew, running a business or working on the roof. These include ways to support coworkers without disrupting workflow, recognize when someone may need help and reinforce a jobsite culture where safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. The roofing industry has long been a leader in advancing safety standards and expanding that focus to include mental health is a natural and necessary evolution, especially as labor challenges continue and the demand for skilled workers grows. 

Webinar details

Date: April 30, 2026 
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. 
Location: Live on Zoom 
Cost: Free for Colorado Roofing Association members (2 CIUs) 

To register, visit the Colorado Roofing Association website and secure your spot for this important session. You can also learn more about the association, its events and ongoing education by visiting the CRA directory. 

Whether you join from your truck, bring your office team together or share it with your crew on the jobsite, this is one hour that can have a lasting impact on how your organization approaches safety and performance. Taking the time to invest in your people ultimately strengthens every part of the business, leading to better outcomes, safer jobsites and a more resilient workforce. 

Register today and take the next step toward building a healthier, safer roofing industry. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Avoid failed inspections and stay compliant by reviewing manufacturer instructions relating to painted pipe jack boots.  

Recently, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) released an advisory article about a key code change in the City and County of Denver – Painting of the neoprene or EPDM portion of pipe jack flashings should be halted and manufacturer instructions assessed immediately. The CRA Building Code and Standards Committee explained: 

Painted pipe jack boots are being identified during inspections as improper installations within the City and County of Denver. These conditions are resulting in failed inspections, required corrective work and additional labor costs. 

Although this requirement may not be explicitly stated in local code language or published on the City of Denver’s website, compliance is enforced through manufacturer installation instructions. These instructions are considered part of the adopted building code and do not require separate policy adoption. 

The manufacturer installation instructions in question clearly state that elastomeric collars must not be painted. This is because paint products (like acrylic and synthetic latex) often contain components that damage neoprene and EPDM materials. For example, IPS Roofing Products’ instructions specify, “Do not use petroleum-based mastics, sealing compounds, or paints on the collar portion of all flashings, including hard-base, flexible, or rain collars. Do not use paint on elastomer collars [due to the risk of premature failure].” 

For contractors in the Denver, Colorado area, it is imperative that your team reviews manufacturer installation instructions closely and update standard operating procedures accordingly. The CRA recommends using pre-painted pipe-jacks, covering pipe jack boots prior to spraying and/or removing protective coatings after spraying is completed as alternatives to stay compliant.  

Read the full advisory article.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a good friend, CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

We are saddened to share the passing of one of our members in CRA and the roofing community, Justin Dunn.

Justin was a dedicated professional in the roofing industry. Most recently, he worked with Interstate Roofing and previously with Bear Brothers Roofing. He regularly attended CRA seminars and events and built many friendships in the roofing community.

Those who knew Justin remember him as an awesome guy, a good friend and a great individual who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known for his personality and the positive energy he brought to those around him.

Justin deeply loved his fiancée Lauren, his children and his family. We extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones, friends and colleagues as our community mourns this loss.

Support his family

For those who would like to support his family, a GoFundMe has been established to help ease the burden on his children and loved ones: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-justin-dunn-help-his-family

With our deepest condolences, may Justin rest in peace. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how the event delivered strong networking, education and business opportunities for roofing professionals. 

The Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) show reinforced its position as a cornerstone regional event, bringing together contractors, manufacturers and industry organizations for one of its largest gatherings to date. This year’s show was defined by record attendance, an expanded trade floor and a steady pace of meaningful connections that translated into real business opportunities. 

That growth was immediately evident to attendees. The Coffee Shops™ (TCS) Multimedia Producer Zane Deluccie described the event as the biggest CRA show yet, emphasizing the value of reconnecting with industry partners such as TRA Snow & Sun and National Women in Roofing (NWIR). Even outdoor exhibits drew attention, with Rocket Equipment’s Trash Rocket standing out despite temperatures dropping below 40 degrees. Throughout the event, Zane noted, “We met plenty of great contractors who were interested in what we stood to offer. Our floor team talked to a number of existing clients and our booth wrangled a series of leads.” 

The scale of the show also shaped the experience on the floor. TCS Podcast Producer Adam Cabrera said, “It turned out to be much larger than I expected going in. There were a ton of exhibitors and the show had great turn out.” With a large number of exhibitors spread across multiple warehouse spaces the layout created continuous foot traffic, giving the team opportunities to introduce TCS to new audiences while building interest among contractors who were previously unfamiliar with the platform. 

For TCS Multimedia Manager Megan Ellsworth, the event’s momentum was most visible in both participation and energy. “It was the biggest year attendance wise that I've been to with about 2000 people in attendance,” as Megan described an environment that remained active from start to finish where she conducted interviews with companies including FlashCo, Brava Roof Tile, TRA Snow & Sun, Owens Corning® and GAF, along with organizations such as Duro-Last® and Latinos En Roofing. Her conversation with Amparo from Latinos En Roofing, attending for the first time, highlighted the growing influence of the Colorado market. 

Megan also supported the NWIR Denver/Northern Colorado chapter booth, which saw steady traffic and new member signups throughout the event. Alongside well-attended educational sessions and upcoming programming, including a March 18 Lunch and Learn, the show reflected continued growth and opportunity across the Colorado roofing industry. 

Learn more about how the CRA show is driving industry growth through connections, education and new business opportunities!

By Emma Peterson. 

Highlights from the Colorado Roofing Association’s 2026 Awards Dinner. 

Last month, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) hosted their annual awards dinner! Hosted at the Social Capitol in Arvada, this incredible evening brought together contractors from across the state to connect, share ideas and support each other. 

This year was extra special, as it is the 25th year of celebrating the craftsmanship and dedication of their members through an awards dinner! Awards are given out in four categories based on the price of the project – Division I (<$200,000), Division II ($200,001 - $500,000), Division III ($500,001 - $1,000,000) and Division IV (>$1,000,001). This year also included a People’s Choice Award!  

Every project submitted for these different awards was judged on four different criteria: 

1. Overall appearance 
2. Difficulty of installation 
3. Technical specifications 
4. Quality of completed work 

In Division I, Kudu Roofing took first place for their restoration of the Mitchel Hall Dome at the Denver Botanical Gardens. Coming in second was Black Roofing and Waterproofing for their replacement of a wind-damaged roof at Folsom Field at the University of Colorado Boulder. 

As for Division II, the win went to Academy Roofing, Inc for their work on an integrated standing seam metal roofing at the Old Y Road. Home Grown Roofing and Contracting came in second for the Timber Trail Road project. 

In Division III, Front Range Roofing Systems’ work on the 151 Detroit Street high-rise project earned them first place. In second place was Formula Roofing’s multi-building project for Wray Fish Hatchery. 

And last but not least, in Division IV, The Roofing Company took first place for their work on the Highlands Westview Condos and Turner Morris Commercial Roofing took second for a project in Vail Village on Tyrolean Lodge. The lodge project that also won the Turner Morris team the first-ever CRA People’s Choice Award!  

Overall, this night was a fun celebration of community and a great way to recognize the people advancing, strengthening and elevating the roofing industry in Colorado and beyond.  

If you weren’t able to attend (or want to relive the evening), the CRA has a recap video!

By The Colorado Roofing Association. 

The Colorado Roofing Association recognized her long-standing contributions to the industry and the organization. 

The Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) recently recognized longtime industry leader Debbie Hathorne with its prestigious CRA Legacy Award at the 2025 CRA Awards Dinner. The honor celebrates individuals whose leadership, service and long-term commitment have made a meaningful impact on the roofing industry throughout Colorado. 

Debbie’s connection to the association spans more than three decades, during which she played an instrumental role in supporting the organization’s growth and strengthening its connection to roofing professionals across the state. What began as a role assisting the association through her work in trade show management evolved into a career defined by collaboration with contractors, board members and industry partners while helping guide the organization’s operations and initiatives.  

A Colorado native raised in Arvada, Debbie built her career through hard work and a natural ability to organize people and ideas. After graduating from Metropolitan State College with a degree in Hospitality Administration and Management, she gained valuable experience managing large trade shows and events before dedicating her focus to the CRA. 

Throughout her tenure, Debbie has helped guide the association through remarkable growth. She played a key role in expanding CRA’s signature events, including the annual Awards Dinner and annual trade shows, while helping grow educational opportunities through the CRA Training Center. Her leadership has strengthened networking, training and professional development opportunities for both roofing companies and professionals. 

Known for her thoughtful leadership and attention to detail, Debbie has always believed the association belongs to its members. Her collaborative approach and steady guidance have helped shape the CRA into the strong and respected organization it is today. 

Congratulations to Debbie Hathorne, whose decades of dedication, leadership and service have left a lasting mark on the Colorado Roofing Association and the roofing community across the state! 

Check out Debbie’s Legacy Award video.

Original article and photo source: Colorado Roofing Association

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a good friend, longtime CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry. 

Our deepest sympathy & condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

Alfredo M. Ramos passed away at home, surrounded by family, on February 16, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

He devoted 38 years to the roofing industry, beginning his career in 1974 with Doyle Roof Masters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After relocating to Fort Collins, Colorado, he continued his work with B&M Roofing and later with The Douglas Colony Group, retiring in 2012. In retirement, he remained active as a consultant for his son’s business, The Ramos Roofing Company.

Beyond his profession, Alfredo had a lifelong passion for horses, a love that began in his youth. He enjoyed traveling in his later years and treasured time spent with his family.

Alfredo was a devoted husband, father and patriarch. He is survived by his wife, Amada; his sons, Alfredo Ramos Jr. and Ismael Ramos; his daughters, Gina, Elizabeth and Maura; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A man devoted to family and roofing. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial information

Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 with details as follows:

Mass

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr.

Lafayette, CO 80026

Reception

1:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr.

Lafayette, CO 80026

Reception will begin immediately after the graveside.

Obituary/share condolences: Click to view full obituary notice.

By Emma Peterson.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to network and learn with over 1,200 installers, builders, architects, manufacturers and roofing professionals. 

Since 1985, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) has hosted a Table Top Trade Show to help foster community and connections in the roofing industry. This year, the show will be hosted on January 29, 2026, at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado.  

Some of The Coffee Shops™ crew will be in attendance conducting live interviews, so make sure to say hi when the cameras aren’t running! A ton of our industry friends will also be there, including Eagle Roofing Products, SRS Building Products, Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions, Certainteed, ABC Supply Co., Polyglass USA, TRA Snow & Sun and Roofle. 

Overall, this is a great, accessible way for professionals to grow their businesses and careers, no matter what side of the table top they are on. 

On one side, vendors! 

Exhibiting at the CRA show is a great way to elevate your brand and maximize your exposure. This show fosters one-on-one interactions that result in new leads and career-long relationships. Whether you have a new, innovative product or a time-tested solution, this is your chance to showcase your services, expand your network and boost your sales!  

Reserve a table now.

And for attendees... 

On the other side of the table, the CRA show is a great opportunity for roofing professionals to get invaluable insights and find cutting-edge products that will elevate their operations. Furthermore, you cannot beat the networking opportunities at CRA! By attending the show, you will get the chance to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new relationships with industry leaders and innovators.  

And the best part? Admission is FREE! If you want to attend, all you have to do to attend CRA 2026 is register in advance (CRA member CIUs = 1 per person).  

Empower yourself and your employees at CRA 2026 with the tools and tactics needed to stay competitive in a dynamic industry. Learn more about the show! 

This year's lineup includes sessions on custom fabrication, sustainability, low-slope detailing and growing your metal business. 

METALCON has a reputation for having something for everybody. This year’s tradeshow certainly lives up to the hype with new and unique learning opportunities on the show floor and off.

Metal without limitations

Steve Clisset of Dragon Armor Shingles in Hotchkiss, Colo., will present Sacred geometry and metal roofing: A match made in heaven (1:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 22), focusing on a recently completed signature project. All of Clisset’s projects are unique because the metal roofing shingles for every project are fabricated for that project and that project alone.

“We want architects and engineers to realize that they have the go-ahead do design anything they want to,” says Clisset, who has more than 50 years of metal experience. “We want them to design it and then we’ll make our stuff fit the design. For too long, there have been limitations in the industry. This creates a new design freedom.”

Dragon Armor Shingles has developed a method to fabricate metal to fit any design. Clisset says he is currently using battery-powered shears but has plans to soon be fabricating shingles with a CNC machine.

“We can adjust the size of any shingle by as little as 1/16th of an inch and we can make those changes vertically or horizontally,” he says. “These shingles fit exactly edge to edge and because they are smaller, they are affected a lot less by expansion and contraction or oil canning.”

Dragon Armor offers lifetime warranties on its installations. Clisset, who cut his teeth in the Denver area fixing poorly installed and leaking metal roofing, believes if a metal roof is properly installed, it won’t leak. “Metal roofs that leak were installed by someone who doesn’t know how to install it properly or doesn’t care, or both.”

To his credit, Clisset authored the Colorado Roofing Association’s education curriculum and has served as the sole instructor for five years. Dragon Armor was recently chosen to restore Fort Yellowstone.

Pathways to net-zero

Amanda Turner, CEM, LEED AP, O+M, BD+C, ID+C, GPCP, a sustainability specialist for Cornerstone Building Products, is presenting Steel solutions for sustainable building design: Pathways to net-zero (1:15 p.m., Wednesday, October 22). Turner is delivering a strong message about the benefits of building with metal and its effectiveness in helping projects achieve sustainability goals.

“Steel is more than just a durable building material; it is also a powerful tool for assisting with achieving net-zero goals,” she says. “When we combine steel’s inherent attributes like recyclability and strength with smart design strategies such as high-performance envelopes, renewable energy integration and circular economy practices, metal buildings become a cornerstone of sustainable, future-ready construction.

“Steel is central to achieving net-zero goals. By shifting steel’s perception from a traditional structural material to a proactive sustainability solution, attendees will learn that metal buildings are a credible pathway toward climate and energy goals. Net-zero isn’t a distant goal; it’s a direction we can build towards right now.”

The learning objectives of the session include applying strategies using insulated metal panels, cool roof technologies and advanced coatings, as well as understanding recent advancements in steel manufacturing, including low-carbon production methods and recycled content to reduce embodied carbon.

Low-slope detailing

Alex Prothmann, a fully licensed 308A sheet metal trainer, will present Low-slope detailing workshop (1-5 p.m., Tuesday, October 21) in a hands-on format to expose attendees to basic level low-slope details and transform the perspective on sheet metal possibilities and how it applies to a roof.

“Low-slope detailing needs to be able to retain water effectively enough for slow-draining water to make its way down the roof avoiding pitfalls such as capillary action,” Prothmann says. “Water on steep-slope is pulled on by gravity enough to cascade water effectively down the roof at a rate that makes it possible for steep-slope details.

“I want everyone to realize that there are more possibilities with metal roofing than they originally thought. It’s important to focus on proper detailing because water doesn’t flow fast enough for effective water shed.”

How to grow your metal roofing business

The Metal Roofing Alliance is sponsoring a session on Growing your metal roofing business (10:15 a.m. Wednesday, October 22).

Three business owners will discuss what they have learned in this growing industry. As demand continues to rise, how can metal roofing contractors position themselves to be a part of that growth?

“When you start your own business, there are a lot of questions and you may feel lost,” says Gabriela Sarabia, CEO/founder of S&S Construction Services in Denver. “I want to target the resources out there that are available to get you started.”

The objectives of this session are to implement proven sales strategies to grow a client base and develop a plan to anticipate your company’s growth over the next year.

“Metal isn’t for just anyone,” says Richard Pruden, vice president of Pruden Roofing in Stockton, California. “It’s for those who want to take their craft to the next level. It can be extremely rewarding and profitable if it’s handled with pride from the contractor. It has the potential to set you apart from standard contractors that don’t want to take the time and learn how to grow.”

About METALCON

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, it’s the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Each year, contractors, architects, developers, owners, installers, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend. 200+ leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON’s success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. For information, visit www.metalcon.com or call 800-537-7765.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a good friend, longtime CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to her family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

Dawn Rehbein, 70, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, surrounded by her husband and daughter.

Born in Gibson City, Illinois, and raised in Salida, Colorado, Dawn graduated from Salida High School in 1973. She later welcomed her daughter, Jamie, and through her work with Mountain Bell met the love of her life, Randy Rehbein. They married in 1981, beginning 44 wonderful years together.

Together, Dawn and Randy built Statewide Wholesale, creating a thriving business and community that grew to over 600 employees before their retirement in 2015. Statewide Wholesale joined the Colorado Roofing Association in 1983, where both Dawn and Randy were active members along with many of their staff. Dawn’s contagious smile was a fixture at CRA events — always ready to lend a hand and a friend to all she met.

Family was her greatest joy, especially her grandchildren — Collin, Carson, Aedan and Ryanne — who knew her lovingly as “Nana.” She will also be remembered for her generosity and community spirit, including her work with Amvets to bring joy to children during the holidays.

She is survived by her husband Randy; daughter Jamie (Nate); grandchildren; mother, Dorothy; sister, Amy (Jack); and many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne; sister, Jeni; and her beloved yorkies, Breezy and Polly.

Dawn’s presence and love will be deeply missed, but her light will live on in all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Read the full obituary here.

Celebration of life

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor:

Date: Friday, August 29, 2025

Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery - 16601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, Colorado 80121