By Kate Whatley, Raise the Roof founder and Elevate Roofing Advisory Limited director. 

One woman’s mission to redefine the U.K. roofing industry. 

I didn’t come into roofing expecting to change it. But somewhere between running a various commercial roofing and cladding businesses, sitting on boards and watching talented people — especially women — walk away from an industry that should have fought to keep them, I made a decision: I wasn’t going to wait for the industry to get better. I was going to work to build the version of it I believed in. 

That’s what the last few years have been about. Not one project. Not one organisation. A whole ecosystem — deliberately constructed, interconnected and pointed at the same thing: an industry that is more professional, more inclusive, more sustainable and genuinely worth staying in. 

Raise the Roof: From community to movement 

Raise the Roof started as Women in Roofing over 10 years ago as a space for women in the U.K. roofing and built sector to support one another, network, inspire, share and be seen. Women in roofing held many suecessful and well attended conferences and events and built a community of like minded people.  

What it’s becoming now is something bigger. After years of running it as a voluntary group, we are now turning it into a properly structured, commercially sustainable organisation — because good intentions don’t create systemic change.  

Resources do. Infrastructure does. Ambition does. 

This October, Raise the Roof is hosting its first annual conference with the theme "Rise. Lead. Redefine." on 20 October 2026. It’s a full-day event bringing together women across roofing and construction for real conversations about leadership, strategy, visibility and what it actually takes to build a career, or a business, in this industry. 

This isn’t a networking lunch. This is a professional development event with teeth. Keynotes, workshops, panels and an evening celebration — all designed to send delegates back to their businesses and their teams with more clarity, more confidence and a bigger sense of what’s possible. 

We are also honoured to have National Women in Roofing from America joining us for the day making it a truly international affair! 

Rise. Lead. Redefine. isn’t just a conference theme. It’s a brief. 

Elevate Roofing Advisory: Raising the standard of business in the sector 

The second strand of what I’m building is Elevate Roofing Advisory Limited — a specialist consultancy working directly with roofing business owners who are ready to operate at a higher level. 

The roofing industry in the UK has an enormous skills gap, a professionalism gap, and — I’ll say it — a leadership gap. There are genuinely talented operators in this sector who are running businesses on gut instinct and graft alone, with no strategic framework, no structured people processes and no clear vision for where they’re going. 

Elevate exists to change that. 

Working on a two-day deep dive model followed by flexible ongoing advisory support, I work with owners across four focus areas: strategy, people and processes, brand development and long-term goal setting. It’s not generic business coaching. It’s built specifically for the realities of running a roofing business — the subcontractors, the seasonality, the client relationships, the pressure of being both the expert and the entrepreneur. 

The businesses I work with come out of it with clarity. With a plan. And with someone in their corner who genuinely understands the landscape they’re operating in working alongside their teams and writing the next chapter with them. 

The industry deserves better than operating by default. Elevate is how I’m helping to make that happen, one business at a time. 

SPV training solutions: Building the workforce of the future 

Training is where it all starts. You can’t have a better industry without better-prepared people entering it. That’s why my work with SPV Training Solutions matters so much to me. SPV delivers specialist roof sheeting and cladding training — technical, hands-on, industry-relevant. It’s the kind of training that creates genuine competency, not just compliance. 

This isn’t box-ticking. It’s about raising the baseline of what the industry expects from its workforce — and what its workforce expects from itself. When people are properly trained, properly supported and properly valued from the start of their careers, the whole system gets better. 

After partnering with Juniper Training in 2019 and setting up a training centre in conjunction, together we have been involved in bringing over 200 new entrants into the roofing sector making a real difference to the industry and the communities we live in. 

Every one of those people is evidence that this industry, when it opens its doors properly, has more than enough space for the talent that wants to come in. 

I have always been an ambassador of apprenticeships and apprentices bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and are the future of the industry. 

The bigger picture: What I’m actually fighting for 

Let me be direct about what underpins all of this. I believe the UK roofing industry is capable of being far better than it currently is — more professional, more diverse, more attractive to talent and more respected within the wider built environment. Everything I am working on currently supports my longer term vision.  

Raise the Roof builds community, visibility and professional momentum for women in the sector.  The Rise. Lead. Redefine. Conference creates the flagship moment that the industry calendars around. 

Elevate Roofing Advisory raises the standard of how roofing businesses are run.  

SPV Training Solutions ensures the next generation comes in better equipped than the last. 

None of these exist in isolation. They’re part of the same campaign — the same argument made in different forms — that this industry is worth investing in, and that the people within it deserve to work in something they’re proud of. 

I’ve spent years on boards, in governance roles, in voluntary leadership and in the trenches of commercial leadership. I’ve seen what the industry looks like from every angle. And I’ve never been more convinced that we’re at a genuine inflection point and that will only happen with collaboration and forward thinking.  

By National Women in Roofing.

Now is your opportunity to contribute to the conversations that will shape the future of roofing while making a lasting difference in the careers of others. 

The roofing industry is filled with professionals who are solving challenges, leading teams, building careers and creating opportunities every day. If you have knowledge, experience or a story that could inspire others, now is the time to share it. 

The National Women in Roofing (NWIR) call for presentations for NWIR Days 2027 is officially open and organizers are looking for engaging speakers who can help educate, empower and inspire attendees from across the industry. NWIR Days 2027 will take place February 28 - March 1, 2027, in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together roofing professionals from every corner of the industry for a stand-alone event dedicated to connection, education and professional growth.  

Your experience matters 

Many industry professionals assume they need years of speaking experience or a nationally recognized name to be considered as a presenter. The reality is that some of the most impactful sessions come from professionals willing to share lessons learned, practical strategies and real-world experiences. 

Whether your expertise is in leadership, workforce development, recruiting, mentoring, networking, sales, operations, health and wellness, safety, human resources or personal development, your knowledge could provide valuable insight for someone looking to grow in their career. The NWIR education committee is seeking diverse perspectives and a wide range of content to create a dynamic educational program. Fifteen breakout sessions will be selected based on topic relevance, presentation strength and overall contribution to the event's educational goals.  

Help shape the future of the industry 

Presenting at NWIR Days is more than standing in front of a room. It is an opportunity to influence conversations, encourage new ideas and help fellow professionals overcome challenges they may be facing in their businesses and careers. 

For many attendees, a single educational session can spark a new way of thinking, provide a practical solution or inspire the confidence needed to take the next step professionally. By sharing your expertise, you become part of the mission to elevate women in roofing while strengthening the industry. NWIR exists to empower women through networking, mentoring and education, making presenters a critical part of that effort.  

Why apply? 

Beyond contributing to the industry, presenting offers benefits for your own professional growth. Speakers gain visibility among industry peers, showcase their expertise and build valuable connections with other leaders attending the event. 

Presenters are volunteering their time, but those selected will receive a discount on event registration and the opportunity to share their knowledge with professionals representing contractors, manufacturers, distributors, consultants and service providers from across the roofing community.  

The stage Is waiting 

NWIR Days 2027 is centered around amplifying voices and expanding impact within the roofing industry. If you've ever thought, "I have something worth sharing," this is your sign to take the next step. 

Don't let self-doubt keep your expertise from reaching someone who needs to hear it. The most meaningful presentations often begin with a simple decision to raise a hand and say, "I can help." 

Now is your opportunity to contribute to the conversations that will shape the future of roofing while making a lasting difference in the careers of others. 

Ready to share your expertise? Submit your proposal and become part of the educational experience at NWIR Days 2027. The call for presentations is now open, and Nashville is waiting to hear your voice. Deadline is September 20, 2026.

By Christine Mockenhaupt, National Women in Roofing. 

Help empower women by introducing them to the National Women in Roofing community.  

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) was started to be a place for women in the industry to learn, grow and take up space together. And to keep growing this space, we need to build each other up – something that begins with simply inviting new people into the fold. 

One of the things I’ve learned, both in my own journey and in watching so many women within NWIR, is that most people don’t hesitate because they lack ability. They hesitate because they’re unsure they’re needed. How many times have you said, “I didn’t think I was ready,” “I didn’t know anyone thought of me” or “I wasn’t sure I had anything to offer.” 

But readiness rarely comes first. More often, confidence grows after someone reaches out and says, “We’d love to have you involved.” 

That moment matters because being asked tells someone that they were noticed. It signals trust. It communicates value. Sometimes, it becomes the turning point in someone’s willingness to step forward.  As we continue leaning into Connection with Purpose, I want us to think intentionally about the role of invitation within National Women in Roofing. You can't always assume people are aware of the opportunities that we have to offer. 

If you’ve been involved for a while, consider this: 

• Who have you noticed showing up consistently? 
• Who brings thoughtful ideas but hasn’t yet stepped into a role? 
• Who might just need a nudge to believe they belong here? 

Connection with purpose isn’t passive. It requires action by all of us and sometimes that action is simply extending an invitation. You don’t have to wait for a formal opening or the perfect moment. A phone call. A message. A conversation at a meeting. These are often the beginning of something meaningful. 

And if you’re on the receiving end of that invitation this year, I encourage you to pause before saying no. Growth rarely feels comfortable at first, but it is almost always worth it and it's why I'm here today, because someone asked me. 

If you’re willing, take one step this month: 

Invite someone. 

And once you do, message me. Tell me who you invited or how you stepped into something new. Or if you know of someone that would be a great fit, but don't know exactly what to ask them, let's figure that out together!  Each month, I’ll be asking you to reach out and share one small action you’ve taken toward connection. Not for tracking, but for encouragement and to keep our conversations going. I would love to celebrate those moments with you and help keep us accountable in simple, meaningful ways. 

Let’s keep building connections, one invitation at a time. 

Por Alberto Torres. 

Desde estrategias de negocio hasta innovación, estos fueron los favoritos de nuestros lectores. 

Cada mes en RoofersCoffeeShop®en español compartimos los artículos más leídos. Junio no fue la excepción con este artículo, “Un socio, tres pilares para el éxito,” donde APOC compartió los tres pilares que ellos ofrecen a contratistas para hacer crecer sus conocimientos y negocios. Estos programas educativos como: Contractor Pro Program, Los Programas de Garantia y Certified Applicator Program son herramientas que han ayudado a contratistas a elevar sus negocios. 

Otro tema que destacó durante junio fue Marketing. En un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, Jason Jimenez de Gasper Roofing compartió sobre la importancia de entender el marketing como una herramienta clave para tener un negocio competitivo. En este episodio que fue grabado en el Business Building Workshop (BBW) de CertainTeed, Jason explico la importancia de seguir aprendiendo sobre marketing y crecimiento empresarial. Este contenido llamo la atención por ofrecer información relevante para profesionales que buscan mantenerse actualizados en una industria que continúa evolucionando. 

La capacitación también siguió ocupando un espacio importante entre nuestros artículos, Luis Ramos de MuleHide nos recordó en un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, como la importancia de seguir aprendiendo y aprovechar los recursos de fabricantes como MuleHide ponen al alcance de los contratistas para fortalecer sus negocios. Junio también nos dejó espacio para conocer historias y tendencias de las líneas de colores de shingles que TAMKO ofrece, ya que esa innovación sigue vigente y está evolucionando día con día. 

Por último, Monica Vornbrock de The GLO Group y Lorna Rojas de Tremco, miembros de National Women in Roofing (NWIR), hablaron sobre lo que vivieron en Roofing Day en Whashington, D.C. recordando a los profesionales la importancia que tiene el hacer que se escuche su voz. Esta participación fortalece a toda la industria y ayuda a impulsar decisiones que benefician a contratistas, fabricantes y trabajadores.  

Agradecemos a todos nuestros lectores por seguir haciendo de RoofersCoffeeShop® En Espanol un espacio para aprender, compartir y mantenerse informados. Si aun no has leído alguno de estos artículos, te invitamos a descubrir porque fueron los favoritos del mes de junio. 

5. Roofing Day se trata de representar a la comunidad y a la industria

4. Innovación inspirada en la naturaleza: Una apuesta audaz en la estética del roofing

3. El verdadero valor de un representante del fabricante

2. Marketing y aprendizaje

1. Un socio, tres pilares para el éxito

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the second quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps give an indication of the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the first quarter of 2026, 70% of responses came from roofing contractors and 30% came from roof consultants. 

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at https://bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. 

Survey responses may be submitted through July 20.

About 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 Emma Peterson. 

Articles of interest from June 2026. 

As the second fiscal quarter of the year comes to a close, it’s hard to believe we’re coming up on the halfway point of 2026. And the number of articles The Coffee Shops™ crew has published in that time (over 2,300 across all sites) can attest to how busy of a year it’s been. Of those thousands of articles, over 350 of them were posted in June alone. So, to help you keep up with all the news and information, we’ve rounded up the top ten articles from June.  

Our list starts off with an article highlighting Adams and Reese’s Trent Cotney’s May 2026 construction law updates and an article diving into a new Workforce Pell Grants that “could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers.” 

From there, we have a wide variety of articles highlighting everything from the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council’s work coordinating a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need to how metal roofing protects against wildfires and the role of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) in the industry. 

Rounding out our list is our top three articles of June. In third place is an article our friends at Roof Hub wrote all about optimizing operational efficiency by using AI Smart Templates. Second goes to an article I wrote about how contractors can build trust and generate leads in a digital world. And first goes to Cotney Consulting Group’s article sharing a 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors. 

Top 10 articles from June 2026 

10 - Construction law insights and updates from May 2026 by Emma Peterson. 

9 - Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - Why government affairs matter to every roofing professional by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - Roofing community rallies for Oregon homeowner by The Coffee Shops™. 

6 - Maximizing fire resistance with metal by Anna Lockhart. 

5 - MCA advances technical leadership, expands market opportunities and builds momentum for 2026 by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

4 - Navigating a new normal by Emma Peterson. 

3 - AI smart templates by RoofHub. 

2 - Word of mouth still works – It just looks different by Emma Peterson. 

1 - A 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors by Cotney Consulting Group. 

By Emma Peterson. 

We had a great time sharing stories and photos over social media with our roofing community!  

National Roofing Week is an annual event hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that aims to raise awareness of the roofing professionals who keep our communities safe and secure. The event also acts as a way to build community with other professionals, both near you and across the country.  

Participation in National Roofing Week is primarily conducted online by posting photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. And NRCA has created themes for each day of National Roofing Week to guide posts.  

Sunday – Kickoff  

The week kicked off with posts about the importance of roofers. NRCA started everything with a post sharing the schedule for the week and some highlights from last year’s National Roofing Week! Here at The Coffee Shops™ we joined in the fun on all our social media pages, making sure to thank the coating installers, roofing professionals and contractors who make our community amazing. 

Monday – Signature projects 

For the Monday theme, NRCA invited National Roofing Week participants to share photos showcasing their company’s signature residential and commercial projects. There were too many amazing projects posted to put them all here, but some that stood out to us came from QXO, Sika and Eagle Roofing Products!  

QXO’s post was a carousel of some of their customers projects, including one from Toitures Scott, one from Nedlaw Group and one from RUHS in California. Likewise, Eagle Roofing Products’ post showcased signature projects featuring their concrete roof tiles from across the country.  

As for Sika, they took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on their 2025 Sika Project of the Year award winners, which includes stunning projects like the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project in Los Angeles, California and the South Station Tower project in Boston.  

Tuesday – Charitable projects 

The next day of National Roofing Week was all about giving back, and the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council stole the show with a free roof!

The replacement went to a community member in need, which is an incredible reminder of the power our industry has to do good.

They put it best in their post:  

Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas, and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring. For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service. 

Projects like this showcase the heart of our industry. The relationships we build, the willingness to lend a hand, and the collective impact we can make when we work together are some of the best parts of being in roofing. 

NWIR extended huge thanks to industry partners, like Malarkey Roofing Products, ABC Supply, SRS Building Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing and Raindrop Roofing NW, for making this incredible charitable project possible. 

Wednesday – Employee appreciation 

The midpoint of the week was all about the people who get things done – the employees that keep our industry moving. For this theme, the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag was flooded with pictures and appreciations for hardworking workers around the country. 

Drexel Metals posted some behind-the-scenes of their team hard at work, captioning it, “To everyone who continues to show up ready to learn, teach and push the industry forward: thank you. Your commitment is what drives stronger partnerships, better projects and continued progress year after year.” 

IKO Industries and CertainTeed also posted, shouting out the ROOFPROS who get the job done every day and recognizing the “craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of the teams who help bring CertainTeed products and solutions to life” respectively.  

Thursday – Training and learning 

For Thursday, NRCA chose training as the theme, inviting contractors and companies to share the ways they keep learning and growing on the job. For this theme, GAF joined the party, sharing an incredible milestone from their GAF Roofing Academy – since 2020, the tuition-free program has helped more than 3,000 individuals find employment in the roofing industry!  

And this is just one of the many stories added to the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag! The Durable Restoration Company posted about the hard work their craftspeople put into their apprenticeship program and QXO shared how they connect their team with everything from stand downs to plant tours. 

Friday – Celebration 

And you can’t have National Roofing Week without taking the time to celebrate the amazing industry we are all a part of! For this theme, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) took their followers on a trip down memory lane, sharing the “conferences, tournaments, regional events and industry gatherings where Texas roofing professionals connect, learn and celebrate together.”  

Drexel Metals also posted, sharing a common sentiment of thanks related to the power of the industry, “From the shop floor to the jobsite, your dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration are truly what make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be part of an industry built on innovation, resilience and strong partnerships.” 

Saturday – Wrap up 

Overall, this year’s National Roofing Week was a resounding success. From everyone that posted to event sponsors like International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance and SOPREMA, it was all made possible thanks to the incredible roofing community.  

The Coffee Shops crew already can’t wait for next year’s roofing week! As Atlas Roofing put eloquently in their final #NationalRoofingWeek2026 post, “This week gave us the opportunity to celebrate the people, organizations and partnerships that make the roofing industry such a rewarding one to be part of. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation and success.” 

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Un vistazo a las conexiones, conversaciones y el sentido de comunidad que se vivieron en FRSA 2026. 

A principios de junio, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) celebró su esperada Convención y Expo. Considerado el evento regional de roofing más grande de Estados Unidos, reunió a cientos de expositores y miles de asistentes en el Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center de Kissimmee, Florida, para tres días de educación, networking y diversión. 

El evento comenzó con una Recepción de Bienvenida patrocinada por nuestros amigos de Adams and Reese, que incluyó comida y barra libre. Fue una excelente manera de marcar el inicio de la convención y prepararse para los días de actividad que estaban por venir. ¡Y vaya que fueron días ocupados! 

Hubo innumerables sesiones educativas y oportunidades de aprendizaje, entre las que destacaron la sesión Table Talks de National Women in Roofing (NWIR) y el Almuerzo de Negocios de FRSA. Además, los asistentes pudieron disfrutar de eventos como el Beer Bust, patrocinado por Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply y GAF, así como de la tradicional Foundation Auction. Por supuesto, también estuvo presente la amplia área de exhibición comercial, donde empresas líderes como GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries y Progressive Metals, mostraron sus productos y servicios para que los asistentes los exploraran entre sesiones y actividades. 

The Coffee Shops™ también estuvo presente con varios miembros del equipo operando un escenario de entrevistas (patrocinado por TAMKO) ubicado en el lobby de la expo. Una de ellas fue Jessica Bravo, coordinadora de nuestro programa En Español quien compartió un poco sobre su experiencia: 

FRSA es una de mis ferias comerciales favoritas del año. Como se lleva a cabo durante el verano, tiene un ambiente muy familiar y siempre es agradable ver a tantas familias asistir juntas. Este año tuve la oportunidad de ayudar a operar el escenario de entrevistas. Sentada detrás del equipo, con audífonos conectados a los micrófonos, pude escuchar conversaciones y entrevistas realmente interesantes durante todo el evento. 

Nuestra presidenta, Heidi J. Ellsworth, también compartió algunos de los momentos más destacados de la semana, "El escenario patrocinado por TAMKO sirvió como punto de encuentro para las conversaciones de la industria durante todo el evento, albergando más de 30 entrevistas con contratistas, fabricantes, distribuidores, líderes de asociaciones y profesionales del roofing de toda Norteamérica. Además, realizamos dos ediciones completas de Coffee Conversations, donde paneles de expertos analizaron tendencias, desafíos y oportunidades clave que actualmente impactan a la industria del roofing." 

Si deseas ver algunas de esas conversaciones, están disponibles bajo demanda en el canal de YouTube de RoofersCoffeeShop®.

By Emma Peterson.  

A look at the connections, conversations and community at FRSA 2026. 

At the beginning of June, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) held their much-anticipated Convention and Expo. The biggest regional roofing show in the United States, the event saw hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida for three days of education, networking and fun!  

The show kicked off with a Welcome Reception sponsored by our friends at Adams and Reese and featuring food along with an open bar. It was a great way to set the tone for the show and get ready for the business of the next few days. And the next few days were busy! 

There were countless education sessions and opportunities to attend, with highlights including the National Women in Roofing (NWIR)’s Table Talks session and the FRSA Business Luncheon, along with plenty of events to keep you busy, like the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF and the annual Foundation Auction. Not to mention the extensive trade show floor, featuring leading companies like GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries and Progressive Metals, that was waiting for attendees to explore between events and sessions. 

The Coffee Shops™ was in attendance with several crew members running a soundstage (sponsored by TAMKO) in the expo lobby. One such crew member, Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, shared a bit about the experience: 

FRSA is one of my favorite trade shows of the year. Since it takes place during the summer, it has a great family friendly atmosphere and it's always nice to see so many families attending together... This year, I had the opportunity to help run the soundstage. Sitting behind the equipment with headphones connected to the microphones, I was able to listen in on some truly great conversations and interviews throughout the event. 

Our president, Heidi J. Ellsworth, shared some highlights from the week, saying, “The TAMKO-sponsored sound stage served as a hub for industry conversations throughout the event, hosting more than 30 interviews with contractors, manufacturers, distributors, association leaders and roofing professionals from across North America. In addition, two full-length Coffee Conversations brought together expert panels to discuss key trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the roofing industry today.” 

If you want to check out some of those conversations, they are available on demand via the RoofersCoffeeShop® YouTube channel!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Helene's career is defined by leadership and service. 

Helene Hardy Pierce has long been a respected voice, dedicated volunteer and champion for excellence in the roofing and building enclosure industries. I am honored to also call her a longtime friend. When I heard that ASTM International had presented her with the Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award, I was thrilled. The recognition honors both her professional achievements and her enduring contributions to the industry. She has given so much back, and even more, she has empowered women like me to do more in this industry. 

For those who have worked alongside Helene, the award comes as no surprise. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing technical knowledge while strengthening the industry through collaboration and service. As a longtime member of IIBEC since 1993, she has played an active role in shaping conversations that influence roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure performance. 

Helene’s leadership has extended across numerous organizations and initiatives. She has been deeply involved with ASTM’s roofing and waterproofing committee, where her efforts have contributed to the development of standards that guide best practices across the industry. Her influence is also felt through her work with IIBEC, where she is recognized as a fellow and has served as a member of the Interface Editorial Board. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Helene has always been committed to sharing knowledge. Through her authored articles, mentorship and volunteer roles, she has helped elevate the next generation of professionals. Her service on the IIBEC Industry Liaison Committee and the RCI-IIBEC Foundation Board of Directors demonstrates a career rooted not just in personal success, but also in building opportunities and resources for others across the roofing and building enclosure community. She was also at the forefront of National Women in Roofing, working with the early founders to help women find their voice in the industry. 

Her contributions have been recognized before. In 2019, she received the NRCA J.A. Piper Award, the roofing industry’s most prestigious honor, recognizing professionals who have devoted constant, outstanding service to NRCA and the roofing industry. She was also the first woman to earn the honor, further underscoring the significance of her leadership and service. In 2022, she received IIBEC’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, adding to the depth of recognition and respect she has earned from her peers. But recognition has never been the goal. For Helene, the work has always been about strengthening the industry and improving the way professionals collaborate, design and build. 

The Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award carries particular significance, celebrating individuals who not only excel in their fields but also pave the way for others. Helene embodies that mission. Her career reflects how leadership, when grounded in service and expertise, can create a lasting impact well beyond individual projects or organizations. 

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we celebrate Helene’s achievements and the example she sets for all of us. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the top, but about lifting others along the way and shaping the future of the industry for generations to come. Thank you, Helene, for everything you have done for the industry and for helping women thrive.