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

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 his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

Jay Small passed away on June 6 at the age of 71, following a battle with multiple health issues. He was well known in the Colorado commercial roofing community as the Mule-Hide Commercial Products representative and was a familiar, friendly face at the CRA Trade Show each year.

Jay was more than a colleague — he was a mentor and friend to many. A proud Marine, he brought integrity, humor and camaraderie to every interaction. His true passion, aside from roofing, was fishing. He enjoyed taking customers on fly-in trips to Canada and fishing adventures in the Florida Keys.

At Jay’s request, his ashes will be spread in Ogallala, Nebraska, along a quiet riverbank at one of his most treasured fishing spots.

He is survived by two brothers and countless friends across the industry who will carry his memory forward.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, July 27, at 2:00 p.m. at Twin Peaks Restaurant, 14035 West Colfax Drive, Lakewood — one of Jay’s favorite lunch spots.

Jay has forever gone fishing.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Colorado Roofing Association warns roofing contractors of real estate scams.

Roofing contractors are being warned of a growing scam trend that targets homes listed for sale. According to the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), fraudulent individuals are posing as property owners or their representatives to authorize roofing work on homes that are listed for sale. Once the work begins or is completed, these fraudsters disappear without paying, leaving contractors unpaid and homeowners unaware that any work was authorized in the first place.

The scam typically unfolds when a contractor is contacted via email or text message by someone claiming to be a relative of the homeowner or the representative of a company that owns the home. These contacts may include urgent requests for roof repairs or replacements, often using pressure tactics to rush the job, when, in reality, the person has no legal right to request the work. After the work is performed, contractors are left chasing payments from clients who turn out to be fictitious or unrelated to the actual ownership of the property.

What makes these scams particularly effective is the timing. When a home is listed for sale, there is often urgency surrounding inspections and repairs. Fraudsters take advantage of this urgency to convince contractors that their work is needed immediately, and that payment will follow once the sale goes through. In some cases, the actual homeowner or real estate agent may not be aware that a contractor has even been on the property.

To protect against these scams, roofing professionals are advised to take a few critical steps. First, always verify the identity of the person requesting the work. If the property is listed, contact the official listing agent and check public property records to ensure that the person making the request has authority. It is also essential to require signed contracts that clearly outline the scope of work, payment terms and the name of the authorized property owner. Never begin work based solely on text or email correspondence, especially if the client avoids phone calls or refuses to meet in person.

Avoid starting work without a deposit and be cautious of clients who resist traditional business practices such as written agreements or proof of ownership. Always communicate through official channels and keep detailed records of all correspondence and agreements. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to local authorities and notify your local association or similar industry associations so that other professionals are warned.

These fraudulent individuals continue to develop their tactics, and it is just not in Colorado. Awareness and due diligence remain the best defense. By staying informed, verifying client identities and following secure business practices, roofing contractors can protect themselves while ensuring that legitimate homeowners and agents are served with professionalism and trust.

By Dani Sheehan.

VaproShield® shared their newest products at the CRA trade show!

VaproShield made a strong impression at this year’s Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) trade show, marking their first year as CRA members and their first time exhibiting at the event. We caught up with Matt Lyon of Elliott Associates, a local, independent multi-line rep firm, and Mark Johnson, VP of sales for VaproShield to learn about the innovative solutions they have for tackling Colorado’s unique moisture challenges.

“We’re amazed with the quality of the people here and have our first booth at the show,” Mark shared about the event. The enthusiasm and engagement on the floor exceeded expectations, with Matt adding, “I wish every trade show was this busy!” The interest in their booth was so high that they ran out of samples and business cards halfway through the day – and neither Mark nor Matt had time for a lunch break.

VaproShield has been a trusted name in wall and roof underlayments for over 20 years, and in the past five years, they have focused on low-slope and steep-slope roofing solutions with FM and UL approvals. “A lot of people wanted to know about our solutions for moisture because here in Colorado we have incredible dewpoint swings,” Mark shared. “Lately, there’s a new code with IBC calling for an air barrier on the roof, soon to be an ASM standard.”

To meet these evolving requirements, VaproShield showcased its latest products, SlopeShield Plus SA and BlockShield SA Plus, which serve as both vapor barriers and air barriers. SlopeShield Plus, in particular, is uniquely positioned to handle the moisture dynamics of mountain environments. “There’s a lot of retrofit work in ski lodges and condos that are fully occupied where the roofs are leaking,” explained Mark. “It’s not moisture from the outside – it’s coming from the inside due to all the human activities like saunas, showers and cooking. Our new product allows for diffusive drying, letting that moisture escape while still keeping out liquid water and air, so it has a tri-function.”

Attendees were intrigued by these innovative solutions. As Matt put it, “I used to own a yellow, rubber raincoat and I thought it was the greatest thing until newer fabrics came out that allowed me not to collect water inside the coat. That easily transfers over to buildings, and in Colorado, every bit of moisture in a building wants to get out.”