By Midwest Roofing Contractors Association.

From employment law to OSHA compliance, get updated on the roofing legal landscape from the MRCA general counsel.

Since 1949, the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) has worked to support contractors in all parts of their careers and professional lives. They do this by "being a contractor advocate; acting as an industry spokesman; disseminating information to the membership by means of a bi-monthly newsletter; providing valuable education at annual conference; and being an active resource for members with technical, business management, safety and legal advice."

Recently their general counsel released an update on the legal news. Headed up by their legal counsel, Gary W. Auman of Auman, Mahan and Furry, this report dives into what professionals need know as of Spring 2026. Read the report below. 

2024 Independent Contractor Rule

The proposed independent contractor rule was withdrawn by the Department of Labor in early 2025. The DOL had planned to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for a new Independent Contractor Rule in September 2025. This notice of proposed rulemaking has been delayed as a result of the government shutdown in October 2025. 

OSHA 2024 Walkaround Rule

The OSHA walkaround rule has been challenged in court. Currently, there are several motions pending before the court. These have been fully briefed and are awaiting a decision by the court. There is a Motion for Summary Judgment filed by the Association of General Contractors of America, et al. to eliminate the rule. There is another motion filed by OSHA to dismiss the challenge to the rule for lack of jurisdiction by the court. That motion has an alternative pleading for Summary Judgment. As I have already indicated, these motions are currently awaiting decision by the court. Meanwhile, the walkaround rule does remain in effect. 

Pregnant Worker’s Fairness Act

This act provides various protections, for workers who are pregnant, with regard to their physical condition. The rule provides coverage for workers who are going through abortions due to their pregnancy. The entire rule was challenged by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The district court ruled that the EEOC had overstepped its authority by requiring employers to accommodate elective abortions that are not medically necessary and vacated the parts of the rule which implemented the PWFA. Multiple lawsuits are pending on this issue. On May 21, 2025, a partial final appealable judgment was filed. The Court retains jurisdiction over all remaining claims not resolved by the judgment. The plaintiffs filed an appeal from the district court decision to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both the cases in the district court and appellate court levels are active. On November 25, 2025, the EEOC filed a memo in opposition to the Motion for Partial Summary Judgment filed by the plaintiffs. Briefings had been delayed on this motion due to the government shutdown. The Bishops Reply Brief was due on December 16, 2025. On that date, the plaintiffs filed a reply in support of renewed motion for partial summary judgment. The matter has now been fully briefed and is awaiting decision by the District Court.  

2024 FTC Non-Compete Rule

This rule was vacated by the Federal Trade Commission when it withdrew its Court of Appeals action and acceded to vacating the rule in September 2025. 

2024 DOL Overtime Rule

This rule was challenged by the Plano Chamber of Commerce in 2024. On November 15, 2024, the District Court granted summary judgment against the DOL which overturned the overtime rule in its entirety. DOL filed an appeal in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on November 26, 2024. On August 29, 2025, the DOL filed a status report. In its report, it was stated that it will undertake further regulatory action in conformity with reconsideration of the rule. On September 29, 2025, the DOL filed another status report. In this report the DOL reconsidered the challenged rule and concluded that it will take further regulatory action. The rule remains under consideration by the Department of Labor. The Department of Labor indicated that it anticipates it will continue to make progress in its evaluation of the matter. On November 6, 2025, the appellate court granted an unopposed motion to continue the period of abeyance for an additional sixty days due to the government shutdown. On December 5, 2025, the DOL filed another status report. They indicated their reconsideration of the rule remains in progress. As of January 5, 2026, that report has not yet been made available. 

2024 OSHA Heat Injury Rule

This rule remains in the proposed rule status. There was an informal virtual public hearing held which was concluded on July 2, 2025. A post-hearing comment period expired on October 30, 2025. On November 20, 2025, a bill was introduced into Congress to prohibit DOL from finalizing and implementing or enforcing the rule. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education & the Workforce. This rule appears to be a political hot potato. Following the actions noted above, the rule remains in the proposed status and no action has been taken by DOL/OSHA to move the rule forward. Therefore, I remind all employers that they still have an obligation to provide a place of employment free of recognize hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to their employees and that heat illness has been recognized by the courts as a recognize hazard.

Therefore, all NIA members should be sure they have an effective heat illness prevention plan in effect that complies with the criteria established by NIOSH in 2012. These include an acclimatization program, a hydration program, a work rest regimen program, a program to create cooling-off/rest areas and a training program. Heat illness prevention will continue to be enforced by OSHA while the rule is pending, under the General Duty Clause. 

NLRB Joint Employer Rule

This rule has effectively been withdrawn. The rule was vacated by the District Court and the appeal to the Court of Appeals was dismissed by the agency on July 19, 2024. While it appears that the NLRB has abandoned the rule, it is expected that it will pursue this issue again at a later date. 

Executive Orders

• EO 14168 – This EO was issued on January 20, 2025. The Executive Order directs the EEOC to rescind its “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace” that was issued on April 29, 2024.
• EO 14151 – This EO was issued on January 20, 2025. The EO is titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Referencing. This Executive Order directed federal government agencies to terminate all illegal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) mandates, programs or policies in the Federal Government. 
• EO 14173 – This EO was issued on January 21, 2025. And is intended for Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit - Based Opportunity. This EO revokes several executive orders that promote DEI programs and policies and dictates that actions be taken to address DE I programs and policies in the private sector. It also prohibits the OFCCP from promoting diversity, requiring contractors to take “affirmative action,” and requires federal agencies to include terms and contracts where parties agree to comply with federal antidiscrimination laws and certifies that it does not promote illegal DEI. 

Just about all of President Trump’s executive orders have been challenged in court. Most of the challenges are still pending and are waiting for various briefs and motions to be filed in the cases. 

Other employment law news

• September 19, 2025 – The Department of Labor launched Project Firewall to protect America’s highly skilled work force. This is intended to be an enforcement initiative to safeguard the rights, wages and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers by ensuring employers prioritize qualified Americans when hiring workers and holding employers accountable if they abuse the H-1B Visa process. 
• September 30, 2025 – The Department of Labor/WHD announced the issuance of four opinion letters addressing tip pooling, emergency pay, joint employment and FMLA leave. Most of these opinion letters focused on specific job classifications, none of which are even close to construction law issues.
• November 25, 2025 – The Department of Labor issued training and employment guidance letter number 05-25. This was in response to an Executive Order on preparing Americans for high-paying skilled trade jobs of the future. It urges state and local workforce boards to review their policies and request waivers for statutory requirements to align with the administration’s priorities.
• December 16, 2025 – The Department of Labor announced the availability of resources to assist contractors with Davis-Bacon act payroll reporting requirements. These new resources include online fill bill versions of form WH-347 that provides contractors and subcontractors with an efficient way to submit accurate weekly payroll records and will help reduce common reporting errors by allowing users to enter required information directly onto the form. The division also developed an annotated form WH-347 to provide contractors, subcontractors, consultants, labor unions and compliance professionals with a better understanding of the form and giving clear, visual guidance on how to fill out the form. 
• December 22, 2025 – The Department of Labor rescinded the Biden administrations final rule addressing displacement of federal contractors. This deregulatory action fully revoked the requirements of Biden Executive Order 14055 which stated that qualified employees on a Federal Services Contract were to be given the right of first refusal of employment with a successor contractor if they would otherwise lose their jobs as a result of expiration of the contract.
• September 30, 2025 – The EEOC published a final rule adjusting civil monetary penalties for violations of the notice posting requirements in title VII, the ADA, GINA and the pregnant worker’s fairness act effective immediately.
• November 19, 2025 – The EEOC released new and updated education materials on national origin discrimination. A new technical assistance document titled Discrimination Against American Workers is Against the Law. This was issued to help workers understand their rights.
• December 2, 2025 – OSHA resumed normal enforcement operations after the government shutdown. OSHA was actively addressing its backlog of complaints.
• December 10, 2025 – The DOL issued seven letters of interpretation addressing workplace safety and health requirements. The first of these addressed Permit Required Confined Spaces. This particular letter of interpretation covered the issue of whether the confined space standard requires employers to drain water from pipes before entering the space for repairs, even when a hazard assessment shows no risk of rupture or leaks. 
  • A second letter was issued on Requirements for Powered Industrial Truck Training Programs Implementation. This letter addressed whether an employee can demonstrate competence and knowledge in operating powered industrial trucks via a live stream session. 
  • A fourth letter was issued concerning audiometric testing of a worker who may have a cochlear implant and how audiometric testing applies to such workers. 
  • A fifth letter was issued concerning the angle of stairs and tread depth requirements.
• September 4, 2025 – The FTC issued a request for information on Employee Non-compete Agreements. This would enable the FTC to have a better understanding of the scope, prevalence and effects of employer non-compete agreements, as well as to gather information to inform possible future enforcement actions. Comments to this request for information were due on November 3, 2025. 

Are you an MRCA member wanting more legal advice? MRCA offers one FREE 30-minute legal consultation every month! This session gives you direct access to experienced legal counsel that can offer specialized assistance on OSHA, contracts, construction law and more. Learn more by calling 937-223-6003 or visiting www.amfdayton.com.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

From lifetime service to architectural sheet metal excellence, MRCA’s 2025 awards highlighted the people and companies strengthening the roofing industry. 

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) used its 2025 awards program to recognize how individuals with a dedication to leadership, craftsmanship and a commitment to long-term service continue to define excellence across the roofing industry. Presented during the association’s annual conference and expo, the honor reflects MRCA’s role as both an advocate for contractors and a steward of professional standards. 

At the center of the program was the James Q. McCawley Award, one of MRCA’s most respected distinctions. Established in 1969, the award recognizes individuals whose careers demonstrate sustained service to the industry. This year’s recipient, James “Fred” Horner of Advanced Industrial Roofing Inc. in Massillon, Ohio, exemplified that legacy through decades of hands-on experience and leadership. After entering the trade in 1974, Horner advanced through the ranks while helping grow his company into one of the nation’s top 250 roofing businesses. His influence extended beyond business performance, extending into his active involvement in MRCA leadership, safety initiatives and broader industry advocacy. 

The program also spotlighted companies with a penchant for skilled craftsmanship and an eye for innovation with the presentation of the 2025 Architectural Sheet Metal Award. Designed to recognize quality work and thoughtful application of sheet metal, the award was presented to Kreiling Roofing Company for its renovation of a local county courthouse in Illinois. The project demonstrated how architectural sheet metal can enhance roof performance while preserving historic character. Organizers emphasized that the award is intended to evolve over time, encouraging wider participation and elevating standards across the sheet metal sector. 

Association members received additional recognition through the Board Service Awards and the Foundation Service Award. These honors acknowledged members who dedicate personal time and professional resources to advancing MRCA’s mission. The MRCA Foundation was highlighted for its ongoing support of scholarships, research and education initiatives that benefit the broader community and invests in the industry’s future. 

Family legacies were recognized through the MRCA Family Legacy Award, presented to the Daly Family of Kaw Roofing and Sheet Metal in Kansas City. The award honors multigenerational companies that combine business success with service to MRCA and their local communities. 

Learn more about MRCA’s awards programs and industry leadership initiatives!

Runyan received the award during the NRCA 2026 Industry Awards and Reception as part of the 2026 International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas.

The National Roofing Contractors Association has announced Dennis Runyan, former owner of Dryspace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as the recipient of the John Bradford Volunteer Award. Runyan received the award January 21 during the NRCA 2026 Industry Awards and Reception as part of the 2026 International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas.

Runyan got his start in construction while attending college. When he discovered he wasn’t going to be accepted into the University of Iowa’s writers’ workshop, he quit school to join the construction industry full-time at Iowa Falls Roofing Co. in Cedar Rapids as a laborer.

Runyan then worked his way up from estimator and project manager to general manager in 1987. Two years later, he purchased the assets of the company and renamed it Dryspace.

Runyan also served on several boards and committees. He served on the board of the Iowa Association for several years and was elected its president in 1991. For the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, Runyan served on the board for 16 years and was elected president in 2005.

In addition to serving on MRCA’s Technical and Research Committee for 13 years, he chaired the initial CERTA committee, which was responsible for the program’s paperwork. More than 20 years later, Runyan continues to be involved and helped with the most revisions.

In recognition of his outstanding service to MRCA and the roofing industry, in 2010, MRCA awarded Dennis its highest honor — the James Q. McCawley Award.

Runyan’s skills and talents then were recruited to NRCA, where he has served on several technical committees including the NRCA/MRCA CERTA Task Force. Before retiring in 2020, Runyan spent many years passing on everything he learned to the next generation to ensure the Dryspace brand, reputation and legacy carried on.

The John Bradford Volunteer Award is named after John Bradford, who served as NRCA’s president from 1982-83 and was a past president of the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association. He was instrumental in the development of the Montana Roofing Contractors Association, served on many boards throughout his roofing career and enjoyed civic involvements.

About the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA). 

NTRCA’s bowling event offered networking opportunities, friendly competition and seasonal festivities for attendees. 

The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) brought the local industry together for a festive year-end celebration on December 11, 2025, hosting members and guests for a bowling social at Bowlounge Dallas. The event welcomed professionals from across the roofing community, including partners from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) and Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT), for an evening focused on connection, camaraderie and celebrating shared success in the North Texas market. 

Designed to blend networking with holiday fun, the gathering featured friendly competition on the lanes, seasonal food and drinks and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with colleagues. From spirited bowling matchups to lively conversations, the night captured the energy and unity that define NTRCA and its commitment to strengthening relationships throughout the regional roofing industry. 

Giving back with Toys for Tots 

Thank you to everyone participating in our Toys for Tots drive! Together, we collected over 100 toys and donated $1,700. We’re proud to make a difference in our community alongside our members and partners. 

Most Festive Contest winners  

• 1st place - Kiki Fuller 
• 2nd place - Will Greer 
• 3rd place - Sidney Curtis 

Bowling winners - 5:45 p.m. session  

• 1st place - Reese Arrington  
• 2nd place - Chris Arrington 
• 3rd place - Reagan Cross 

Bowling winners - 7:00 p.m. session  

• 1st place - Sidney Curtis 
• 2nd place - Chad Davis 
• 3rd place - Toni Kuncl  

Thank you to our sponsors 

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you for helping us create such a fun and meaningful night for our members: 

• 838 Coatings 
• Calhoun Law Firm 
• Dataforma
• Fisher Roofing Company 
• GAF
• Inland Coatings 
• In The Dry 
• KAW Roofing 
• Malarkey Roofing Products
• MFM Building Products Corp.
• MRB Mechanical 
• OMG Roofing Products 
• Service First Solutions
• Sika Corporation
• Topps Products

Be sure to check out the photos from the event and relive the highlights! 

Original article and photo source: NTRCA

Rodney will be remembered with respect and gratitude for his leadership and service to MRCA and the roofing industry.

It is with deep sadness that the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association shares the passing of Rodney Naucks, a former president of the Association and a respected leader within the roofing industry.

Rodney served MRCA with dedication and integrity, giving his time and leadership to support the Association’s mission and its members. As president, he played an important role in guiding MRCA and helping strengthen the organization for future generations of contractors. His commitment to the industry and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.

Beyond his leadership role, Rodney was known as a trusted colleague and industry professional whose contributions extended well beyond his time in office. He exemplified the values of service, professionalism and community that MRCA strives to uphold.

On behalf of the MRCA Board of Directors, staff and membership, we extend our sincere condolences to Rodney’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude for his leadership and service to MRCA and the roofing industry.

Read the full obituary.

By Emma Peterson. 

Roofing associations nationwide are sharing their time and resources to support their communities and the future of the industry. 

Whether you are shopping for gifts, trying to get together with family or just wrapping up loose ends from 2025, the winter holiday season is a busy time. But we wanted to take a moment to pause and highlight how some people are giving back during this busy time. In no particular order, here are six stories of industry associations coming together this December to build up their communities by giving back. 

1 – Arizona Roofing Contractor Association (ARCA) 

The ARCA closed out their year of giving with their annual holiday party on December 10, 2025. The party, which was hosted at Fate Brewery from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., was in support of their Roofers Giving Back initiatives. These initiatives benefit: 

• Home of Hope: The ARCA Young Professionals group is gathering unwrapped gifts or monetary donations to purchase gifts this December for children at Home of Hope! 
• Youth On Their Own: The Tucson Bowling Committee is spending the month collecting non-perishable food items for the Youth On Their Own organization. 
• AZ Cancer Foundation: And Arizona Women in Roofing is collecting donations to support their efforts to purchase toys for the children at the AZ Cancer Foundation.  

If you want to donate to any of these causes, visit azroofing.org. For more information, call 602-335-0133. 

2 – Metal Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) 

Interested in advancing education, research and the future of the roofing industry? Consider supporting the MRCA Foundation! This foundation was created to raise awareness and improve the roofing industry by “supporting educational programming, industry research and industry-related academic scholarships.” 

Learn more about the foundation and donate to support their work! 

3 – The Associated Roofing Contractors of Oregon and SW Washington (ARC) 

This was the third year that the ARC gathered for a Christmas Dinner and Auction! Hosted on December 6 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, this night was not only a fun gathering but a fundraiser for Fort Kennedy.  

Fort Kennedy is a nonprofit that provides food, clothing and other essential resources to homeless and low-income veterans in Oregon and Washington. Their mission is simple, “To enable all veterans to move forward in their lives after military service [by providing] transitional housing and shelter, ensure access to employment, family counseling and benefits.” 

Learn more about ARCOSWW and about Fort Kennedy.  

4 – Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) 

A few states over, URCA also hosted a holiday party on December 5. Held at the PierPont Place, it was a casino royale themed party complete with blackjack, delicious food and a dazzling raffle. And like the other associations we’ve been highlighting, it was all for a good cause! URCA’s 2025 holiday party supported JustaBreak.org, a Utah-based nonprofit that gives cancer patients and caregivers joyful getaways to help bring them joy during their treatments.  

Learn more about URCA and learn more about JustaBreak.org. 

5 – International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 

For 2025 Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday following Thanksgiving), IIBEC set out to raise money for their foundations, RCI-IIBEC Foundation (US) and RCI Foundation Canada (Canada). These foundations aim to better the industry and help move towards safer, more secure building enclosures in many different ways, including:  

• Industry-leading research: Support for these foundations supports research efforts that move the industry forward.  
• Funding publications: These foundations manage the publication of many key publications, like the 5th edition of Wind Uplift Pressures on Low-Slope Roofs. 
• Collaborative work: Because of the support they get, these foundations can collaborate with other organizations, like the Charles Pankow Foundation, to combine efforts for improving the state of the industry. 

If you’re interested in supporting IIBEC’s foundations, contact Rick Gardner, foundations development officer, at rgardner@iibec.org. 

6 – National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) 

NFBA also has a charity organization that you can support! The NFBA Foundation works specifically to strengthen the future of the post-frame building industry. One of their biggest initiatives is their scholarship program, which opens doors for students who are current employees of NFBA member companies or family members of those current employees pursuing higher education fields that support construction and the post-frame profession. 

In addition to this, the NFBA Foundation also supports key training programs and research initiatives around the industry, such as the new edition of the NFBA Post Frame Building Design Manual.  

Donate to the NFBA Foundation and support the future of post-frame building! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Conversations, connections and casino chips helped make this roofing event one to remember. 

The 2025 Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Conference wrapped up with steady foot traffic, meaningful conversations and strong community engagement, according to Alex Tolle and Drake Porter of The Coffee Shops, who attended the annual event last week in Schaumburg, Illinois. From the tradeshow floor, the conversations were excellent and impactful. Alex noted, “The show was a steady procession, and we had really high-quality conversations, made a lot of great connections and connected with the other exhibitors that were in attendance.” 

Over the course of the two-day event, the team conducted around 10 interviews with some of their favorite industry professionals, capturing insights and stories that highlight the buzzing energy behind the roofing industry’s latest advancements. One standout moment was the Young Contractors Council (YCC) event, a Prohibition-era-themed Casino Night that combined fun with purpose. The event raised funds for the MRCA Foundation, which provides scholarships to support the next generation of roofing professionals. 

Another major highlight was the annual Black and White Ball. Though final numbers were still coming in, last year’s ball raised over $40,000 for scholarships. This year, the momentum continued. Attendees not only contributed generously, but they also had the chance to meet some of the scholarship recipients during the evening, adding a personal connection to the cause. 

“It was a lot of fun at the ball, we were able to connect with some of our favorite people that we usually see at all the other shows,” said Drake, “Overall, it was a good show.” 

Offering a mix of educational events, networking opportunities and philanthropic energy, MRCA 2025 left attendees energized and optimistic about what’s next for the industry. 

Learn more about how MRCA is supporting the future of roofing through scholarships, networking events and industry-wide collaboration!

By Emma Peterson. 

MRCA leaders reflect on educational opportunities, contractor needs and the 2025 conference. 

Just last month, the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) hosted their 2025 Conference and Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois! Crew members of the Coffee Shops™ were in attendance and they had an amazing time talking to contractors, consultants and suppliers from across the Midwest! To learn more about this incredible event, Megan Ellsworth sat down with MRCA President Laurie Moore, MRCA Vice President Bill Seibert and MRCA Managing Director Rachel Pinkus for a special Roofing Road Trips® episode.  

MRCA’s initiatives and events are all driven by the goal of addressing the needs of contractors in the field. Laurie explained, “What MRCA tries to do is to focus on the needs of all the different classifications or types of contractors in the region. This conference is a great example of how we do that, as all our education topics come out of committees of MRCA members.” Rachel added, “Our committees do an excellent job of reviewing any issues that are out there, what the current needs are of the membership and then honing in on sessions that will help them find solutions.” 

A great example of this in action was the “Residential Steep Slope” speaker panel at this year’s conference. Bill explained, “Roofing is a high-risk industry, and there are a lot of people that don’t know how to navigate that. There’s a need for knowledge there. So, we found four residential contractors and hosted a panel focusing on topics like safety, labor laws and their personal, real-world experiences.” 

Having this type of experience, hearing from others and learning together in a collaborative environment, is a powerful way to boost both your business and your career. Bill explained, “When you sit in these committee meetings or go to show education sessions, you look around those tables and you realize you're with some of the best of the best. And those guys are there sharing their experiences, issues and all. Having that network to discuss your challenges with real world contractors that have been there, done that or are currently dealing with that is super helpful.” 

At the end of the day, MRCA’s annual conference is just one of many ways they meet contractors where they are and help them where they need it. Laurie shared, “We make a point to also have a diverse group of board members so that we have perspectives from different types of contractors and are able to focus on the areas that we see may be under supported.” 

To hear more from Laurie, Bill and Rachel, check out the full Roofing Road Trips® episode!

GAF and Advanced Industrial Roofing team up for the third year to host free roofing training program, creating more pathways to careers for Massillon residents.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, once again partnered with Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc., a local roofing contractor and one of the top 250 roofing companies in the United States, to bring the GAF Roofing Academy back to Massillon, Ohio, for a third straight year. The free, four-day program opened its doors to 20 students, providing them with training in commercial roofing installation and the skills needed to secure an entry-level position in roofing.

This year, students from four schools participated, including Massillon Washington Career Technical Education, RG Drage Career Technical Center, Buckeye Career Center and South Stark Career Academy. Unique to this course, students received Hot Air Welding Safety Training (HAWT) – developed by the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association – which teaches the methods for identifying and controlling hazards that workers face during the installation of roofing systems using electrically powered equipment.

“We are proud to be working alongside GAF to bring their Roofing Academy training to young people in this region and usher in the next generation of roofers,” said Fred Horner, co-owner of Advanced Industrial Roofing. “The education and hands-on experience that the students learned this week will not only help provide them job opportunities but also build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.” 

GAF Roofing Academy is a tuition-free national program that includes classroom and hands-on training in residential and commercial installation, in-home sales and restoration at locations across the country. The program is open to all, including key talent pools such as veterans, justice-involved individuals and minorities in the roofing trade. After completing the program, graduates have access to job opportunities with GAF-certified contractors. 

Since launching the program in 2020, more than 4,400 individuals have been trained and over 2,500 graduates have been placed into jobs in the industry. Through this recurring course alongside Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc., more than 60 students have been trained. 

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products, and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.

About Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc

In the spring of 1988 friends and co-workers Fred Horner and Jeff Rupert founded Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc. in Massillon, Ohio. They ran the business out of a home office with three employees, a pink desk, a folding chair, a one-line phone and three old pick-up trucks. Through hard work and determination, the operation grew and prospered and today they are one of the top 250 roofing companies in The United States.

Advanced Industrial Roofing Inc. installs quality roof systems while maintaining the highest level of customer service and professionalism in the industry. Since 1988, their core principal has remained the same, to provide customers with the continued quality and service they expect.

Advanced Industrial Roofing has over 90 employees with 22,000 square feet of operating space which includes a state-of-the-art sheet metal shop & roofing and sheet metal training facility. AIR employs twelve roofing and six sheet metal crews ranging from a two-man maintenance operation to twenty man production crews. Advanced Industrial Roofing is proud to offer the only open shop roofing state accredited apprenticeship program in Ohio.

Advanced Industrial Roofing is active in the community and the industry as members and active volunteers of: The National Roofing Contractors Association, The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, The Ohio Roofing Contractors Association, The National Federation of Independent Business, The Better Business Bureau, The Massillon Chamber of Commerce and The Canton Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at www.airoofing.com

By Dani Sheehan. 

This Everest Systems employee is helping to shape the industry through his dedication to professional growth and environmental leadership. 

Everest Systems is proud to celebrate David Weiser, their marketing specialist, whose passion for sustainability and commitment to growth earned him a scholarship from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Foundation. David has been part of the team for nearly three years, bringing creativity and dedication to his role in marketing. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from the University of Houston and is now preparing to take the next step in his educational journey. 

With the support of the MRCA Foundation Scholarship, David will pursue a Master of Business Administration with a sustainability concentration at the University of Houston, Clear Lake. He is excited for the opportunity to continue advancing his education and hopes that it will also advance his career in championing sustainable action. 

David’s recognition as a scholarship recipient highlights not only his personal achievements but also the culture that Everest Systems fosters – one that supports continuous learning, celebrates professional growth and invests in the people who drive their success. We’re excited to see how his next chapter will shape his career and contribute to a more sustainable future for our industry! 

About the MRCA Foundation Scholarship program 

The MRCA Foundation, a non-profit organization established by MRCA, provides financial assistance to MRCA member company employees and their families who are pursuing higher education. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, employment experience, financial need, letters of recommendation and a demonstrated desire to further their education. 

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open October 1, 2025. Celebrate the other scholarship winners and encourage your employees and their families to consider applying for this valuable opportunity to support their education.