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<channel>
<title>RoofersCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>IKO completes Blair Rubber solar project, marking Seville’s first commercial solar installation</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/iko-completes-blair-rubber-solar-project-marking-sevilles-first-commercial-solar-installation</link>
<description>iko-completes-blair-rubber-solar-project-marking-sevilles-first-commercial-solar-installation</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 16:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/iko-completes-blair-rubber-solar-project-marking-sevilles-first-commercial-solar-installation-pr.png'
            alt='IKO completes Blair Rubber solar project, marking Seville’s first commercial solar installation'
            title='IKO completes Blair Rubber solar project, marking Seville’s first commercial solar installation'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>This project represents a practical application of IKO&rsquo;s sustainability strategy, focused on integrating renewable energy solutions across manufacturing operations and associated electrical grids.</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.iko.com/na" target="_blank">IKO</a> has completed a solar energy installation at its Blair Rubber manufacturing facility in Seville, Ohio, developed in collaboration with <a href="https://artisunsolar.com/?utm_source=iko-pr&amp;utm_medium=052026" target="_blank">Artisun Solar</a>. The project supports <a href="https://ikobeyond.com/" target="_blank">Beyond&trade;</a>, IKO&rsquo;s sustainability program focused on advancing responsible operations across its North American facilities and communities. The installation also marks the first commercial solar project in the Village of Seville, Ohio.</p>

<p>Blair Rubber Company is an affiliate of IKO, manufacturing a complete line of corrosion-resistant rubber linings and conveyor belt splice products.</p>

<p>The newly installed 503.1 kW (DC) solar system is expected to generate equivalent to 16% of the facility&rsquo;s total energy demand, or approximately 536,000 kWh of electricity annually, while creating an equivalent number of renewable energy certificates (RECs). Over its lifetime, the installation is projected to deliver more than $2.7 million in avoided energy costs and offset approximately 10,541.8 metric tons of CO₂ emissions.</p>

<p>This project represents a practical application of IKO&rsquo;s sustainability strategy, focused on integrating renewable energy solutions across manufacturing operations and associated electrical grids. The installation was developed and executed by Artisun Solar in coordination with IKO&rsquo;s sustainability team, site leadership at Blair Rubber and external contractors. Throughout the project, teams worked closely with the Village of Seville to support permitting and interconnection processes.</p>

<p>The newly constructed roofing system utilized <a href="https://www.iko.com/comm/product-categories/roofing-solutions-tpo-single-ply/" target="_blank">IKO Innovi&trade; TPO</a>, IKOTherm Polyiso and <a href="https://www.iko.com/comm/product/ikotherm-covershield/" target="_blank">IKOTherm Covershield</a>. The Artisun team noted that the system was installed with specific design measures implemented to protect long-term performance. &ldquo;At the Blair Rubber facility, we focused on a design that delivers high energy output while preserving the roof&rsquo;s lifespan. The result is a solar array that supports IKO&rsquo;s power needs and keeps the facility&rsquo;s structural integrity intact,&rdquo; said Peter Whitney, vice president, Artisun Solar.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Projects like this at Blair Rubber demonstrate how we are putting our Beyond program into practice at the facility level,&rdquo; said Darren Rafter, director, sustainability, IKO North America. &ldquo;While renewable energy is one part of the approach, we are also focused on advancing resource efficiency across our operations.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Through Beyond, IKO continues to focus on energy efficiency, responsible resource management and increased transparency across its operations. In the past, IKO has implemented initiatives such as product waste recovery and reuse systems at its commercial roofing plant in Hagerstown (Maryland) and an in-line asphalt shingle recycling system at its Hawkesbury (Ontario) facility designed to reduce raw material use and landfill waste.</p>

<p><strong>About IKO</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.iko.com/na" target="_blank">IKO</a> is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.</p>

<p><strong>About IKO Beyond&trade;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://ikobeyond.com/" target="_blank">IKO Beyond</a> is IKO&rsquo;s comprehensive sustainability program focused on Environment, People and Business, rooted in IKO&rsquo;s core values of Sharing Knowledge, Performance, Integrity, Humility, Long-Term Thinking and Agility.</p>

<p><strong>About Blair Rubber</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://blairrubber.com/" target="_blank">Blair Rubber Company</a> (An affiliate of IKO) is the only US-based manufacturer with a complete line of corrosion-resistant rubber linings and conveyor belt splice products, plus unparalleled knowledge of chemicals, applications and successful installation procedures, ready for the toughest jobs in the mining, water treatment, chemical and oil/gas industries.</p>

<p><strong>About Artisun Solar</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://artisunsolar.com/?utm_source=iko-pr&amp;utm_medium=052026" target="_blank">Artisun Solar</a> is a Midwest-based commercial solar developer serving clients across the United States. Founded in 2011, the company ranks as the #3 commercial solar installer in the nation and has delivered more than 900 commercial solar projects. Its work helps businesses and institutions reduce energy costs and improve long-term energy performance.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>IKO wins 2026 CiCi Award for Community Impact in Bismarck, Missouri</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/iko-wins-2026-cici-award-for-community-impact-in-bismarck-missouri</link>
<description>iko-wins-2026-cici-award-for-community-impact-in-bismarck-missouri</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/iko-iko-wins-2026-cici-award-for-community-impact-in-bismarck-missouri-pr-given.png'
            alt='IKO - IKO wins 2026 CiCi Award for Community Impact in Bismarck, Missouri pr given'
            title='IKO - IKO wins 2026 CiCi Award for Community Impact in Bismarck, Missouri pr given'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>The project marks a significant step in IKO&rsquo;s strategy to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing network and supply chain.</h2>

<p>KO, a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of residential shingles, commercial roofing, and waterproofing products has been recognized with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/all-industries/news/trade-industry-development-announces-2026-cici-35686" target="_blank" title="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.tradeandindustrydev.com%2findustry%2fall-industries%2fnews%2ftrade-industry-development-announces-2026-cici-35686&amp;c=E,1,O_1Rl978Gz1CxpvUNql9mVw13XzRMz2z7CBH8yqfI3eQIcvzE2_woaNRYoQtFZRf7Msf3GCYPI9aAup8BGxrALcx4idvKrNyXouUyjnGFGBEVvH5G3E,&amp;typo=1"><strong>2026 Trade &amp; Industry Development CiCi Award for Community Impact</strong></a><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.tradeandindustrydev.com%2findustry%2fall-industries%2fnews%2ftrade-industry-development-announces-2026-cici-35686&amp;c=E,1,CCSpEB5VP9-AuDyqIDDnkqhM6UIz-c1Q1CPINw8Pleu9hh82MRsG1lRFZ2TIxa8P1CUhFG0ydSgFvW3dyUisSk0NGA4avq4n-t5JQVlL2PXzC0KYyEvc0UriTw,,&amp;typo=1" rel="" target="_blank" title="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.tradeandindustrydev.com%2findustry%2fall-industries%2fnews%2ftrade-industry-development-announces-2026-cici-35686&amp;c=E,1,CCSpEB5VP9-AuDyqIDDnkqhM6UIz-c1Q1CPINw8Pleu9hh82MRsG1lRFZ2TIxa8P1CUhFG0ydSgFvW3dyUisSk0NGA4avq4n-t5JQVlL2PXzC0KYyEvc0UriTw,,&amp;typo=1">,</a>&nbsp;honoring the company&rsquo;s investment in Bismarck, Missouri.</p>

<p>The award highlights IKO&rsquo;s $120 million investment in its new Bismarck Granules facility, a 220,000-square-foot operation expected to create more than 50 new jobs across the region.</p>

<p>&ldquo;This recognition reflects the meaningful impact this project is expected to have, not just for IKO, but for the Bismarck community,&rdquo; said&nbsp;<strong><em>Guy Tremblay, vice president, operations, IKO North America</em></strong>. &ldquo;We are proud to invest in Missouri and to work alongside strong local and state partners to build a facility that supports our growth while contributing to regional economic development.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&ldquo;This project reflects the power of strong collaboration between industry and economic development partners,&rdquo; said&nbsp;<strong><em>Subash Alias, CEO, Missouri Partnership</em></strong>. &ldquo;IKO&rsquo;s investment in Bismarck will support long-term growth, job creation and Missouri&rsquo;s role as a manufacturing hub.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The CiCi Awards celebrate outstanding corporate investment projects and the economic development organizations that help bring them to life.</p>

<p>Groundbreaking for the facility took place in June 2025, with IKO (represented by CEO David Koschitzky, vice president, operations Guy Tremblay and manufacturing director Helen Pejnovich) joined by key state and local leaders, including State Senator Mike Henderson, State Representative Dale Wright, Bismarck Mayor Seth Radford, Missouri Partnership CEO Subash Alias and New Frontier Materials CEO Mike Clarke.</p>

<p>The project marks a significant step in IKO&rsquo;s strategy to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing network and supply chain. Once operational, the plant will supply granules to IKO&rsquo;s shingle production facilities across the southern United States, further reinforcing Missouri&rsquo;s role as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>ARMA announces accident prevention contest winners</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/arma-announces-accident-prevention-contest-winners-2026</link>
<description>arma-announces-accident-prevention-contest-winners-2026</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 22:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/arma-announces-accident-prevention-contest-winners-pr.png'
            alt='ARMA - announces accident prevention contest winners PR'
            title='ARMA - announces accident prevention contest winners PR'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>Asphalt roofing facilities across North America recognized for workplace safety.</h2>

<p>The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) has completed its annual Accident Prevention Contest and is proud to recognize 82 asphalt roofing manufacturing facilities for their workplace safety, specifically low incident rates among workers.</p>

<p>Facilities that entered the 2025 Accident Prevention Contest were judged based on ARMA criteria derived from the standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This information is gathered through quarterly safety data reports from the past calendar year.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We are proud of the commitment that ARMA members have to a safe work environment for all employees,&rdquo; said ARMA&rsquo;s executive vice president Reed Hitchcock. &ldquo;These facilities continue to maintain high standards in plant health and safety.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Every year, ARMA&rsquo;s manufacturer members are invited to participate in the Accident Prevention Contest by submitting data from their entire company, a specific division or an individual plant or mill in North America. Winners are honored in four different categories with a &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; score, meaning that zero safety incidents were recorded.</p>

<h3>President&rsquo;s Award: Recognizing the plant in each contest category with the best score over a two-year period.</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Group A: GAF (Shingle) &ndash; Shafter, California &ndash; 5 stars</li>
	<li>Group B: Atlas Roofing Corporation &ndash; Daingerfield, Texas &ndash; 3 stars</li>
	<li>Group C: Amrize &ndash; Beech Grove, Indiana &ndash; 1 star</li>
	<li>Group D: SOPREMA &ndash; Chilliwack, British Columbia &ndash; 1 star</li>
</ul>

<h3>Award of Excellence: Recognizing plants with three consecutive years of a &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; score (that are not recipients of the President&rsquo;s Award).</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Owens Corning &ndash; Compton, California</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Denver, Colorado</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Kearny, New Jersey</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Linnton, Oregon</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Medina, Ohio</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Memphis, Tennessee</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Minneapolis, Minnesota</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Ennis, Texas</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Green Cove Springs, Florida</li>
	<li>Tarco Roofing &ndash; North Little Rock, Arkansas</li>
</ul>

<h3>Perfect Employee Safety Certificate: Recognizing plants with a &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; score for the reporting year.</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Atlas Roofing Corporation &ndash; Clinton, Iowa</li>
	<li>Building Products of Canada &ndash; LaSalle, Quebec, Canada</li>
	<li>CertainTeed &ndash; Jonesburg, Missouri</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Ennis, Texas&nbsp;(Shingle)</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Fontana, California</li>
	<li>Johns Manville &ndash; Plattsburgh, New York</li>
	<li>Johns Manville &ndash; South Gate, California</li>
	<li>Malarkey Roofing Products &ndash; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</li>
	<li>Owens Corning &ndash; Compton, California</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Compton, California</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Denver, Colorado</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Irving, Texas</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Kearny, New Jersey</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Linnton, Oregon</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Medina, Ohio</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Memphis, Tennessee</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Minneapolis, Minnesota</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</li>
	<li>Polyglass USA &ndash; Phoenix, Arizona</li>
	<li>Polyglass USA &ndash; Waco, Texas</li>
	<li>SOPREMA &ndash; Walsworth, Ohio</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Ennis, Texas</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Green Cove Springs, Florida</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Phillipsburg, Kansas</li>
	<li>Tarco Roofing &ndash; North Little Rock, Arkansas</li>
</ul>

<h3>Certificate of Safety Improvement: Recognizing plants that demonstrated an improvement of at least 25% over their previous year&rsquo;s performance.</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Atlas Roofing Corporation &ndash; Meridian, Mississippi</li>
	<li>Building Products of Canada &ndash; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada</li>
	<li>Building Products of Canada &ndash; LaSalle, Quebec, Canada</li>
	<li>CertainTeed &ndash; Fremont, California</li>
	<li>CertainTeed &ndash; Jonesburg, Missouri</li>
	<li>CertainTeed &ndash; Little Rock, Arkansas</li>
	<li>CertainTeed &ndash; Norwood, Massachusetts</li>
	<li>CertainTeed &ndash; Oxford, North Carolina</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Baltimore, Maryland</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Dallas, Texas</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Ennis, Texas&nbsp;(Shingle)</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Michigan City, Indiana</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Mt. Vernon, Indiana</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Savannah, Georgia</li>
	<li>GAF &ndash; Tuscaloosa, Alabama</li>
	<li>Johns Manville &ndash; Plattsburgh, New York</li>
	<li>Johns Manville &ndash; South Gate, California</li>
	<li>&nbsp;IKO Midwest &ndash; Kankakee, Illinois</li>
	<li>&nbsp;IKO Pacific &ndash; Sumas, Washington</li>
	<li>IKO Southeast &ndash; Sylacauga, Alabama</li>
	<li>IKO Southwest &ndash; Hillsboro, Texas</li>
	<li>Malarkey Roofing Products &ndash; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</li>
	<li>Malarkey Roofing Products &ndash; Portland, Oregon</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Malarkey Roofing Products &ndash; Southgate, California</li>
	<li>Owens Corning &ndash; Atlanta, Georgia</li>
	<li>Owens Corning &ndash; Brentwood, New Hampshire</li>
	<li>Owens Corning &ndash; Denver, Colorado</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Owens Corning &ndash; Houston, Texas</li>
	<li>Owens Corning &ndash; Memphis, Tennessee</li>
	<li>Owens Corning &ndash; Minneapolis, Minnesota</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Compton, California</li>
	<li>Owens Corning (Asphalt) &ndash; Irving, Texas</li>
	<li>Polyglass USA &ndash; Fernley, Nevada</li>
	<li>Polyglass USA &ndash; Waco, Texas</li>
	<li>SOPREMA &ndash; Gulfport, Mississippi</li>
	<li>SOPREMA &ndash; Wadsworth, Ohio</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Columbus, Kansas</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Frederick, Maryland</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Joplin, Missouri &ndash; High</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Knoxville, Tennessee</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Phillipsburg, Kansas</li>
	<li>TAMKO Building Products &ndash; Tuscaloosa, Alabama</li>
</ul>

<p>ARMA extends&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to all of this year&rsquo;s award recipients.</p>

<p><strong>About ARMA</strong></p>

<p>The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is a trade association representing North America&rsquo;s asphalt roofing manufacturing companies and their raw material suppliers. The association includes the majority of North American manufacturers of asphalt shingles and asphalt low slope roof membrane systems. Committed to advances in the asphalt roofing industry, ARMA is proud of the role it plays in promoting asphalt roofing to those in the building industry and to the public.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Celebrating 75 years by looking forward</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/celebrating-75-years-by-looking-forward</link>
<description>celebrating-75-years-by-looking-forward</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/03/iko-celebrating-75-years-by-looking-forward.png'
            alt='Celebrating 75 years by looking forward'
            title='Celebrating 75 years by looking forward'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>With new plants, colors and sustainability programs, IKO Industries is laying out the groundwork for its next 75 years.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>At the 2026 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo (IRE)</a>, Karen Edwards of The Coffee Shops&trade; met with an all-star lineup of <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/iko">IKO Industries</a> leaders to discuss the manufacturer&rsquo;s newest solutions and company updates. 2026 marks 75 years of incredible history and legacy for the family owned and operated company, and the panelists showed no signs of slowing down. In fact, the conversation focused less on looking back than it did on building forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Expanding operations with new manufacturing plants&nbsp;</h3>

<p>First, Jack Gottesman, director of marketing for IKO, shared some big moves that IKO made toward the end of 2025 and continues to unfold in 2026. &ldquo;Last summer, we opened a metal roofing plant in Texas, and we broke ground in Missouri for a granule plant,&rdquo; Jack stated. &ldquo;Then, over the next couple of weeks, we&#39;re going to be opening three new manufacturing facilities, and more are on the way.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the newer plants will be dedicated to manufacturing wet chopped fiber, the raw material that goes into fiberglass mat, as well as a fiberglass mat plant just a mile away. The addition of these plants, located in Chester, South Carolina, contributes to IKO&rsquo;s commitment to being a vertically integrated company. Furthermore, a new shingle manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida, marks the company&rsquo;s eighth in North America alone.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Keeping up with color trends&nbsp;</h3>

<p>IKO also took the opportunity to show off some of its newest shingle color offerings: Old Style Weatherwood, available in the Dynasty and Nordic lines, and Harbor Black, available in the Dynasty line.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;Harbor Black is one of our darkest color blends in our Cool Colors Plus&trade; line, which is actually really difficult to achieve because of solar reflectivity,&rdquo; Dyana Sweigart, marketing services manager, explained. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re really happy with this color blend. It&#39;s been received very well in the marketplace, and we&#39;re always just looking to launch new colors and keep up with the demands in the marketplace.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Sustainability in each business component&nbsp;</h3>

<p>As consumers and building codes continue to demand products that meet higher environmental standards, IKO is integrating sustainability into its business decisions, not only at the company level but in each business component as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Darren Rafter, IKO&rsquo;s director of sustainability, shared how the company recently formalized its sustainability program and released it to the public in September 2025. &ldquo;This was really exciting because we talked about what we&#39;re doing at our plants in terms of recycling shingles, commercial roofing recycling, and integrating solar panels and energy resilience, all while engaging our suppliers and customers,&rdquo; Darren shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, the panel emphasized the driving motivation behind these exciting developments.&nbsp; &ldquo;Everything that we do, we do it for the roofers that are here, and of course, the homeowners, who are the end customers,&rdquo; Jack expressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqYKWVqr5JE&amp;list=PLRcDNgR2cBzI9LeWyWr5r1zLb5zxeC2Rg&amp;index=84"><strong>Watch the full interview to learn more about what&rsquo;s coming up next for IKO Industries!</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rqYKWVqr5JE?si=j5k52dMK4ZZItycD" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Turn custom orders into custom gear</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/turn-custom-orders-into-custom-gear</link>
<description>turn-custom-orders-into-custom-gear</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/qxo-turn-custom-orders-into-custom-gear.png'
            alt='Turn custom orders into custom gear'
            title='Turn custom orders into custom gear'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>You can turn material and product orders into custom tees, high-visibility shirts, hoodies and more for your crew.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/qxo">QXO</a> is helping gear up your crew with this promotion! <strong>Between May 4, 2026, and July 2, 2026</strong>, you can earn gear with every U.S. purchase of <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/certainteed">CertainTeed</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/gaf">GAF</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/iko">IKO Industries</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/owens-corning">Owens Corning</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/tri-built">TRI-BUILT</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/velux-commercial">VELUX</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/westlake-royal-roofing-solutions">Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions</a> products shipped and invoiced during the promotional period. How does it work?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Register to start:</strong> Make sure you are registered for this promotion! Registration is available on the QXO website: <a href="https://go.qxo.com/swag2026">www.go.qxo.com/swag2026</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Buy more, earn more:</strong> Buy your products from the sponsoring brands (listed above and start earning!&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Redeem at the end:</strong> At the end of the promotion, QXO will send out instructions on how to redeem your prizes! You will be asked to upload your logo in order to make your custom gear. Your information is secure and will never be shared.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<p>There are four tiers of prizes in this promotion based on how much you spend. For those that spend $20,000, you can get up to $400 in gear. For $30,000 the prize is $600 and for $40,000 it&rsquo;s $800. The highest tier is $1,000 of gear, which requires qualifying product purchases of $50,000 or more.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://go.qxo.com/swag2026"><strong>Reward your team for getting it done with custom tees, high-vis shirts, hoodies and more swag with QXO&rsquo;s Gear Up Your Crew promotion.</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>IKO joins U.S. Green Building Council striving to advance sustainable building practices</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/iko-joins-us-green-building-council-striving-to-advance-sustainable-building-practices</link>
<description>iko-joins-us-green-building-council-striving-to-advance-sustainable-building-practices</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/iko-joins-u-s-green-building-council-striving-to-advance-sustainable-building-practices-pr.png'
            alt='IKO joins U.S. Green Building Council striving to advance sustainable building practices'
            title='IKO joins U.S. Green Building Council striving to advance sustainable building practices'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>This milestone reflects a deliberate and growing commitment to sustainability and industry collaboration.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>IKO, a worldwide leader in roofing, waterproofing and insulation for residential and commercial markets, announced its membership in the <a href="https://www.usgbc.org/" target="_blank">U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)</a>, expanding its engagement with green building organizations across North America.</p>

<p>This milestone builds on IKO&rsquo;s existing memberships with the <a href="https://www.cagbc.org/" target="_blank">Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)</a>, reflecting a deliberate and growing commitment to sustainability and industry collaboration. It also aligns with IKO&rsquo;s sustainability program, <a href="https://ikobeyond.com/" target="_blank">Beyond&trade;</a>, which is designed to integrate responsible practices across the company&rsquo;s entire value chain &mdash; from sourcing and operations to distribution, installation, product use and end-of-life.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We strive to incorporate sustainability into all business decisions,&rdquo; said Darren Rafter, director of sustainability at IKO North America. &ldquo;Being actively involved with organizations like USGBC allows us to stay closely aligned with evolving industry standards and market expectations and translate those insights into practical actions across our business and products.&rdquo;</p>

<p>USGBC is widely recognized for advancing sustainable building practices through education, advocacy and programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). As a corporate member, IKO will gain access to industry-leading research, educational resources and advocacy initiatives that support continuous improvement and innovation.</p>

<p>Through this membership, IKO is positioned to contribute to future development of LEED standards by bringing a building materials manufacturer&rsquo;s perspective to the process. It also provides access to robust learning resources, deeper insight into evolving market expectations and more direct engagement with developers, builders and architects, helping close potential communication gaps that can occur across traditional distribution channels.</p>

<p>By strengthening its presence within both U.S. and Canadian green building networks, IKO is reinforcing its long-term strategy to help shape the future of responsible building practices across the markets it serves, while striving to incorporate leading sustainability practices into the business&rsquo; operations and striving to advance green building practices across the roofing industry.</p>

<p><strong>About IKO</strong></p>

<p>IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951. <a href="http://www.iko.com/na" target="_blank">www.iko.com/na</a></p>

<p><strong>About IKO Beyond&trade;</strong></p>

<p>IKO Beyond is IKO&rsquo;s comprehensive sustainability program focused on Environment, People and Business, rooted in IKO&rsquo;s core values of Sharing Knowledge, Performance, Integrity, Humility, Long-Term Thinking and Agility. <a href="http://ikobeyond.com" target="_blank">ikobeyond.com</a></p>

<p><strong>About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)</strong></p>

<p>The U.S. Green Building Council supports the building sector&#39;s transition to green buildings. It works with the real estate and building sector to provide the market insights, expertise and practical solutions they need to push their sustainability efforts further and faster.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgbc.org/" target="_blank">https://www.usgbc.org/</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>IKO 2026 Profit Power Series kicks off with packed roofing contractor workshops in Halifax and Winnipeg</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/iko-2026-profit-power-series-kicks-off-with-packed-roofing-contractor-workshops-in-halifax-and-winnipeg-2</link>
<description>iko-2026-profit-power-series-kicks-off-with-packed-roofing-contractor-workshops-in-halifax-and-winnipeg-2</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/iko-iko-2026-profit-power-series-kicks-off-with-packed-roofing-contractor-workshops-in-halifax-and-winnipeg-pr.png'
            alt='IKO 2026 Profit Power Series kicks off with packed roofing contractor workshops in Halifax and Winnipeg'
            title='IKO 2026 Profit Power Series kicks off with packed roofing contractor workshops in Halifax and Winnipeg'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>Industry pros share practical strategies on marketing, crafting the perfect sales pitch and scaling up your business with roofing contractors in two fully booked Canadian events.</h2>

<p>IKO&rsquo;s 2026 Profit Power series hit the ground running with two full-house roofing contractor workshops in Halifax and Winnipeg, leaving attendees energized, inspired and armed with actionable strategies to grow their roofing businesses.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Profit Power is about giving contractors insights they can take straight back to their businesses,&rdquo; said Jack Gottesman, marketing and brand director at IKO North America. &ldquo;The turnout, energy and engagement at Halifax and Winnipeg were incredible. If you weren&rsquo;t there, you missed an experience that went far beyond a typical workshop.</p>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/04/iko-profit-power-halifax-pr.jpg" style="float:right; height:300px; margin-left:20px; width:400px" /></p>

<p>The Halifax workshop, the first-ever Profit Power roofing contractor workshop in the Atlantic Provinces, brought together contractors at the scenic Marriott Harbourfront Hotel overlooking the Halifax Harbour. Industry leaders shared hard-earned insights; attendees were seen scribbling notes, soaking up personal lessons from Dmitry Lipinskiy of<a href="https://roofinginsights.com/" target="_blank"> Roofing Insights</a>, who shared his journey building a successful roofing business and practical tips for leveling up social media in today&rsquo;s digital era. Other Halifax speakers included Wade Brown from <a href="https://www.jobnimbus.com/v3" target="_blank">JobNimbus </a>and Mitch Beaulieu of <a href="https://www.advancedlevelroofing.com/" target="_blank">Advanced Level Roofing</a>, offering guidance on scaling businesses. Mitch has been an IKO ROOFPRO Craftsman Premier contractor since 2020 and has grown his business from Calgary in 2016 to five cities today. After the workshops, contractors wrapped up the day with axe throwing and networking at the happy hour.</p>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/04/iko-profit-power-winnipeg-pr.jpg" style="float:left; height:235px; margin-right:20px; width:313px" />In Winnipeg, the energy was just as high, with another full house. Sessions included Wade Brown on peak performance, Jason Ashman from <a href="https://www.scorpion.co/" target="_blank">Scorpion </a>on digital marketing and Dimitry&rsquo;s signature business-building advice. The event also featured Steve Bunin, an executive communication coach and former sportscaster for ESPN, CBS, FOX and more, who taught attendees the art of storytelling. Through interactive exercises, roofers practiced delivering winning pitches and communicating their value, gaining practical tips they could use immediately. The day ended on a high note with a happy hour and a Winnipeg Jets game at Canada Life Centre, creating lasting memories as the Jets secured a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.</p>

<p>Attendees also learned about IKO&rsquo;s <a href="https://youtu.be/iFaXRVLldtw" target="_blank">manufacturing excellence</a>, <a href="https://youtu.be/xgRygWevhW0" target="_blank">vertical integration</a> and the <a href="https://youtu.be/yVMUxkbJJcg" target="_blank">ROOFPRO </a>contractor loyalty program, demonstrating how IKO supports contractors not only with products but also with collaborations, growth and opportunities to thrive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scorpion and JobNimbus are among the many strategic <a href="https://mediaresourcecenter.iko.com/m/46f1aabc2db84980/original/IKO_RPRO_PARTNR_BROC_CA_EN.pdf" target="_blank">partnerships </a>available to all ROOFPRO members, giving contractors access to tools designed to help them work smarter and sell more.</p>

<p>The Profit Power series continues in the U.S. with upcoming workshops in (Subject to change):</p>

<ul>
	<li>Portland, Oregon &ndash; May 12</li>
	<li>Houston, Texas &ndash; May 14</li>
	<li>Orlando, Florida &ndash; June 2</li>
	<li>Boston, Massachusetts &ndash; June 4</li>
	<li>St. Louis, Missouri &ndash; October 27</li>
	<li>Minneapolis, Minnesota &ndash; October 29</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About IKO ROOFPRO</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.iko.com/na/roofpro-contractor-rewards" target="_blank">IKO ROOFPRO</a> is IKO&rsquo;s contractor loyalty reward program, open to residential roofing contractors in the U.S. and Canada. The program provides IKO ROOFPRO members with access to an array of valuable benefits.</p>

<p><strong>About IKO</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.iko.com/na" target="_blank">IKO </a>is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Heidi J. Ellsworth joins roofing industry leaders in an LBM Journal feature</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/heidi-j-ellsworth-joins-roofing-industry-leaders-in-an-lbm-journal-feature</link>
<description>heidi-j-ellsworth-joins-roofing-industry-leaders-in-an-lbm-journal-feature</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/rcs-heidi-j-ellsworth-joins-roofing-industry-leaders-in-an-lbm-journal-feature.png'
            alt='Heidi J. Ellsworth joins roofing industry leaders in an LBM Journal feature'
            title='Heidi J. Ellsworth joins roofing industry leaders in an LBM Journal feature'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Ronn Levine&rsquo;s article dives into the challenges and opportunities in the roofing industry presented by labor, economic and technology trends.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Recently, award-winning writer and editor <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronn-levine-3651106/">Ronn Levine</a> wrote an <a href="https://www.lbmjournal.com/features/in-depth/article/15818036/up-on-the-roof-technology-relationships-and-training-create-harmony">article for LBM Journal</a> diving into the roles technology, relationships and training play in the roofing industry. The article provides great insight into how roofing professionals can find success in a challenging economic and labor market.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout the article, Ronn spoke to industry experts, such as Jack Gottesman (marketing and brand director at <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/iko">IKO</a>), Sarah Lograsso (director of marketing and product management for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/westlake-royal-roofing-solutions">Westlake Royal Building Products</a>), Brian Cross (operations manager of <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/rocky-mountain-snow-guards-inc">Rocky Mountain Snow Guards</a>),&nbsp; David Ellis (VP for residential marketing at <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/gaf">GAF</a>) and The Coffee Shops&trade; President Heidi J. Ellsworth!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In their conversation, Ronn and Heidi dove into the challenges and growth that Heidi has seen through the lens of RoofersCoffeeShop&reg;, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>First she highlighted the labor shortages, which has been a persistent issue over the years, explaining, &ldquo;Contractors and associations are working very strongly on workforce development, getting back into the high schools, the vocational schools, and thinking, &lsquo;How do we get more skilled labor?&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>From there, the conversation shifted to the economic outlook for roofing. One thing Heidi specifically mentioned was the semi-recent advancement of private equity firms, sharing, &ldquo;The mergers of many companies into regional and national players, along with the influx of private equity funds, has changed the competitive marketplace.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Interested in the rest of Ronn and Heidi&rsquo;s conversation, as well as the experts he interviewed? <a href="https://www.lbmjournal.com/features/in-depth/article/15818036/up-on-the-roof-technology-relationships-and-training-create-harmony">Read the whole article on LBM Journal&rsquo;s website!</a></strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Celebrating 75 years of innovation and expansion</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/celebrating-75-years-of-innovation-and-expansion</link>
<description>celebrating-75-years-of-innovation-and-expansion</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/iko-celebrating-75-years-of-innovation-and-expansion.png'
            alt='Celebrating 75 years of innovation and expansion'
            title='Celebrating 75 years of innovation and expansion'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>At IRE 2026, IKO showcased new solutions designed to save time and support contractor success.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>2026 marks a milestone year for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/iko">IKO Industries</a>, celebrating 75 years in business. At the 2026 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo</a>, IKO highlighted its commercial roofing solutions while emphasizing hands-on engagement and forward-looking growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;IKO is a 75-year-old company, five generations of being family owned and operated,&rdquo; Matt Barmore, senior product and technical manager at IKO Commercial North America, shared with The Coffee Shops&trade;. &ldquo;But IKO is very much about looking to the future.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This future includes significant investment in developing manufacturing capacity. Matt noted that the company is expanding its footprint with new facilities: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re opening three new plants in North America just this quarter, and we have many, many more plants planned coming up.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>IKO&rsquo;s commercial roofing portfolio spans multiple systems tailored to regional markets. In Canada, the company offers both modified bitumen and single-ply TPO systems, while in the United States and across the Americas, its focus centers on TPO solutions designed for performance and scalability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At this year&rsquo;s IRE, IKO&rsquo;s booth drew steady interest with interactive demonstrations designed to give contractors a hands-on experience with its products. &ldquo;Our booth this year is built around our demonstration decks,&rdquo; Matt explained. &ldquo;We have two commercial stations: one &lsquo;Weld it Yourself&rsquo; area, where we let folks come and weld our TPO. We&#39;re also showcasing time- and money-saving products, specifically sprayable adhesives for membrane insulation.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking ahead, IKO anticipates steady, if modest, growth in the commercial roofing sector. &ldquo;There is going to be some growth; probably not huge growth, but it does look like another year when the roofing industry can continue to advance,&rdquo; Matt said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgMCXsLpgfM&amp;list=PLRcDNgR2cBzI9LeWyWr5r1zLb5zxeC2Rg&amp;index=67"><strong>Watch the full interview to hear more insights from IKO in its exciting milestone year!</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DgMCXsLpgfM?si=uczDkC25pXKwWh_w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>IKO introduces Blackstone: The newest addition to the Dynasty® Shingle collection</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/iko-introduces-blackstone-the-newest-addition-to-the-dynasty-shingle-collection</link>
<description>iko-introduces-blackstone-the-newest-addition-to-the-dynasty-shingle-collection</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/iko-iko-introduces-blackstone-the-newest-addition-to-the-dynasty-shingle-collection-pr.png'
            alt='IKO introduces Blackstone: The newest addition to the Dynasty® Shingle collection'
            title='IKO introduces Blackstone: The newest addition to the Dynasty® Shingle collection'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>A sleek new black shingle offering simple, elegant style for homeowners.</h2>

<p>IKO has launched Blackstone, a new color in its performance shingle range within the IKO Dynasty&reg; collection, available throughout the U.S. and Canada.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Blackstone represents our most refined black offering to date &mdash; contrast that catches the eye without overpowering the home. It&rsquo;s the choice for homeowners who want their roof to make a statement in the most elegant way possible,&quot; said Vince Carrier, residential product development manager at IKO North America.</p>

<p>As a rich black shingle, Blackstone pairs naturally with virtually any exterior palette. It offers striking contrast against crisp whites and light greys, blends seamlessly with deep charcoals and navy siding and adds quiet drama to warm tones like greige, taupe and cedar.</p>

<p>IKO has also released a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is1dmk_yLD0" target="_blank">dynamic video</a> showcasing the color in real-world applications.</p>

<p>At the core of IKO Dynasty shingles is Proven Performance.</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Class 3 impact rating* </strong>(for both UL and FM 447 standards), which may help homeowners qualify for reduced insurance premiums where available</li>
	<li><strong>ArmourZone&reg; </strong>technology, featuring a 1 &frac14;-inch nailing surface for enhanced fastening strength and a limited wind resistance warranty for up to 130 mph (210 km/h)</li>
	<li>Tear-resistant tape backing designed to help prevent nail pull-through and blow-off and<strong> FastLock&reg;</strong> sealant that activates under sunlight to form a strong bond against water infiltration</li>
</ul>

<p>For more information about the new Blackstone color or to learn how IKO shingles can benefit your next roofing project, visit <a href="https://www.iko.com/na/product/dynasty/" target="_blank">https://www.iko.com/na/product/dynasty/</a></p>

<p>Choose the best shingles for your home, get inspired: <a href="https://www.iko.com/na/color-gallery/" target="_blank">https://www.iko.com/na/color-gallery/</a></p>

<p>Find an IKO ROOFPRO near you: <a href="https://contractorfinder.iko.com/contractors" target="_blank">https://contractorfinder.iko.com/contractors</a></p>

<p>*This impact rating is solely for the purpose of enabling residential property owners to obtain a reduction in their residential insurance premium, if available. It is not to be construed as any type of express or implied warranty or guarantee of the impact performance of this shingle by the manufacturer, supplier or installer. For further detail concerning the UL 2218 and FM 4473 standards, visit the UL and FM Approvals website. This is not a guarantee of impact resistance against hail. Damage from hail is not covered under the limited warranty.</p>

<p><strong>About IKO</strong></p>

<p>IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.&nbsp;IKO Residential <a href="http://www.iko.com/na" target="_blank">www.iko.com/na</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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