By Jenny Yu.  

The Stienecker brothers shared how Nitro Roofing has evolved from local roofing work into an in-demand national contractor. 

For more than 25 years, Nitro Roofing & Construction has built its reputation on family values, hard work and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. In a recent episode of Stories From the Roof, Megan Ellsworth spoke with brothers Wesley, Austin and Connor Stienecker about how the Ohio-based company has grown from humble beginnings into a multigenerational roofing and exterior contracting business, serving residential and commercial customers across the country.  

The company’s roots trace back to the late 1990s when Wesley, the oldest brother and current CPO of the company, first started working roofing jobs as a teenager for his uncle’s side business. The first job threw him straight into the fire. “The roof had five wood shake layers, there were piles of trash around the whole house that we had to pick up by hand,” Wesley retold. “It was a horrible job, but it was our start into the industry.” 

Since then, Nitro Roofing has experienced steady growth, expanding from local residential roofing work into commercial contracting and nationwide projects. Austin, the second brother and CEO of the company, said the company has grown significantly since the brothers took over ownership from their parents in 2023. 

“We were at about $3 million when I came back in 2019,” Austin said, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic set the stage for the company to open a new branch in Columbus and enter the commercial roofing space. “Now we’re doing close to $15 million and probably looking at $18 million this year. We grew so much over a couple of years.” 

This growth has also included government contracting and specialty exterior projects throughout the United States, with the team currently working on projects ranging from churches and recreation centers to military facilities and custom architectural buildings. “We're on a Naval base right now in Georgia, and we did this really cool Native American museum that has a longboard siding on it,” Austin shared. “It's like our Mona Lisa.” 

While the business has evolved, the brothers emphasized that Nitro Roofing’s family first culture remains unchanged. Connor, the youngest brother and CSO of the company, recalled his own growth by learning from his family members. “When I started, I was the grunt: working on the ground, picking up all the shingles, tending them. Eventually, just by watching my brothers and my dad work, it all came with the nature of just working through it,” Connor shared. “I’m still learning, day in and day out, because we see new things almost every day. It never is a dull day, that’s for sure.” 

Wesley agreed, adding that the learning goes both ways. “It's been a blessing working with our parents, our uncle and my brothers. We’ve all learned from each other over the years.” Wesley expressed. “It's been a wonderful trip.” 

Listen to the full episode to hear more roofing lessons learned from the Stienecker brothers!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How a renewed focus on experienced talent and long-term stability is reshaping this company’s recruitment and company culture. 

As competition intensifies across the roofing industry, contractors are reevaluating what drives sustainable growth. Increasingly, that conversation is moving away from short-term hiring needs and toward a more deliberate focus on experience; not only as a qualification, but as a stabilizing force within an evolving market. On this Roofer of the Month podcast, Tim Garrison of River City Roofing Co, expressed how that shift is shaping how his company approaches 2026. Rather than hiring to fill isolated roles, the company is expanding its search to bring in experienced professionals across the organization. “We have committed completely to going after anyone in the industry that has absolute experience,” Tim said, describing a strategy aimed at strengthening the business from multiple angles at once. 

That approach also reflects a more nuanced view of the labor pool. While parts of the industry, particularly storm-related segments, have faced increased scrutiny, Tim emphasized that experience often exists within those environments, even when reputations vary. “There’s a lot of good guys behind some companies that had a bad rap,” he said, pointing to an opportunity to identify and support skilled individuals whose capabilities may be overlooked. 

From there, the strategy extends beyond recruitment into how roles are structured and developed. The company is actively creating pathways for field technicians to move into sales positions, allowing individuals to apply their hands-on knowledge in new ways while continuing to advance their careers. At the same time, hiring efforts are expanding across accounting, project management and sales leadership, reinforcing the need for alignment between field execution and business operations. 

That internal alignment is tied closely to a broader commitment to stability. Rather than positioning for private equity acquisition, the company is focused on long-term independence and continuity for both customers and employees. Tim noted, “We are going to be there to compete and to take care of, not only our clients, but our family, which is our employees and their families.” 

As hiring strategies continue to evolve, that emphasis on experience, mobility and long-term commitment represents a wider industry shift, one where growth is defined less by rapid expansion and more by the strength, consistency and resilience of the teams behind it. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how River City Roofing Co. is building long-term growth through experienced talent, internal development and a commitment to stability as April 2026’s R-Club Roofer of the Month!

By Jenny Yu.  

R-Club Roofer of the Month Jewels DeCorsey of All Craft Exteriors discusses the importance of clear communication and establishing an ownership mentality to grow a thriving roofing business. 

Last month, the R-Club Roofer of the Month podcast featured Jewels DeCorsey, general manager of All Craft Exteriors. Host Alex Tolle spoke with Jewels about her journey in the industry, what’s unique about All Craft Exteriors and what being a member of R-Club means for her. 

After starting her career in the trades in the concrete segment, Jewels was ready for a change. “I didn't come from the exterior business, but I came from admin and operations and was looking for a company where I could elevate the culture, make sure things were running smoothly,” Jewels shared. “I wanted a company that I could help grow, and that's exactly what All Craft has been for me.” 

A multi-service company that focuses on exteriors, roofing, siding, windows and doors, All Craft Exteriors has provided trustworthy solutions for residential and commercial properties since 2011. The company is also known for their work in specialty projects that require unique creativity and customization.  

“We're not one to walk away from a project that might be complex or intricate,” Jewels stated, highlighting the company’s team of talented installers. “Our customers know us because we do the job right every time, and we really pride ourselves on our transparency and open communication with those customers. At the end of the day, it's always doing what's right for our customer.” 

To deliver such a high-quality product with such consistency, All Craft Exterior instills an ownership mentality in each team member and emphasizes its tagline, “Built on trust.” 

“We empower our staff to make real-time decisions based on what is best in the situation for the homeowner,” Jewels said, stressing the importance of clear communication to help establish this trust. “When you're a homeowner, it's not your job to be an expert in the roofing industry. But it is your job, as the salesperson, to inform them along the way. We have to be experts in communication.” 

Jewels also touched upon her role creating an intentional company culture. “Culture can get out of hand very quickly, without even realizing it,” Jewels stated. “So, I asked, ‘How should we invest in people? How can I make sure that every person feels valued and heard?’ People want to work for a place that they can be proud of and is a good, healthy environment.” 

Finally, in a busy industry full of evolving trends and increasing competition, Jewels explained why All Craft Exteriors is proud to be part of RoofersCoffeeShop®’s R-Club. “Being in the R-Club helps professionalize the trades. The peer accountability, education and networking the program provides are near and dear to us,” Jewels shared. “It really is about companies just sharing their story, their ideas, their trials and tribulations, because in business, you have all of that.” 

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about Jewels and her team at All Craft Exteriors, and join R-Club today!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Sutter Roofing won a top coatings award for its Van Wezel project, highlighting the value of coatings in restoring and protecting iconic structures against extreme weather conditions. 

Sutter Roofing has been recognized for excellence in roof restoration, earning first place in the 2026 Commercial Roof Coating Category by Coatings Pro Magazine for its work on the iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. The award-winning project, featured in the publication’s July 2025 issue, showcases the company’s expertise in delivering durable, high-performance coating systems under challenging conditions. 

Selected as one of three finalists nationwide at the AMPP Annual Conference & Expo, the project reflects Sutter Roofing’s commitment to quality and precision from start to finish. Sutter Roofing’s Liquid-Applied Division was tasked with revitalizing the well-known cultural landmark, a project that required both technical precision and aesthetic consideration. 

Completed in late 2024, the work took place during an especially demanding period marked by multiple hurricanes over a four-month period. Despite weather disruptions and logistical challenges, the team maintained progress and delivered a high-quality result. The ability to execute under pressure demonstrated the company’s commitment to consistency, problem-solving and craftsmanship. 

According to Sutter Roofing, the project emphasized that roof coatings are about more than application alone; performance, longevity and asset protection were central to the system design and execution. From thorough surface preparation to final inspection, crews followed a disciplined process to ensure the coating system would stand up to harsh environmental conditions. 

The Van Wezel project also illustrates the growing role of liquid-applied roofing systems in commercial applications. By extending roof life and enhancing durability, coatings continue to provide building owners with cost-effective alternatives to full replacement. 

This recognition highlights the strength of Sutter Roofing’s field teams and reinforces the importance of execution in achieving long-term performance. For contractors across the industry, the project serves as a strong example of how expertise and resilience can deliver award-winning results. 

Learn more about Sutter Roofing and their award-winning approach to roof coating design!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Fields Roof Service earns 2026 Top 3 Roofing Contractor honors, reflecting the company’s consistent service and trusted performance in the local market. 

Fields Roof Service, Inc. has been named a Top 3 Roofing Contractor in Puyallup, Washington, for 2026 by BusinessRate, an honor driven by strong customer feedback and consistently high Google review ratings. The recognition highlights the company’s continued focus on quality workmanship and dependable service in a competitive regional market. 

Serving both residential and commercial clients, Fields Roof Service has built its reputation on reliability, clear communication and attention to detail. Online reviews frequently emphasize professionalism, responsiveness and the ability to deliver projects on time and within scope. This consistent performance has helped the company earn long-term trust throughout the local community. 

The team attributes the recognition to its ongoing commitment to improvement and customer satisfaction. “This recognition reflects the team’s commitment to quality workmanship, reliable service, and earning the trust of homeowners and businesses throughout the community,” the company shared in a Facebook post. That focus has translated into repeat business and strong word-of-mouth referrals, key drivers in today’s service-based economy. 

Fields Roof Service also acknowledged the role its customers play in its success. “Thank you to our amazing customers for your continued support and reviews. Your feedback helps us keep raising the bar every year.” 

As customer expectations continue to rise across the roofing industry, recognitions like this reinforce the importance of delivering consistent, high-quality results backed by strong communication and service. 

Learn more about Fields Roof Service and explore their customer reviews to see why they continue to stand out in the Puyallup market. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Chis and Shannon Minihan built a roofing family legacy.  

This year is a big milestone for the team at Minihan Roofing – our March 2026 R-Club Roofer of the Month – as it marks their 15th year in business! To learn about the origins and goals of this company, Alex Tolle sat down with Chis and Shannon Minihan, the owners and founders of the company, for a short interview. 

Minihan Roofing is headquartered in Graham, Washington, and was originally founded in 2011. But even prior to starting their own company, Chris and Shannon had been a part of the roofing world. Chris shared about their time prior to Minihan Roofing:  

I started out in my teens and early 20s in construction and roofing. Eventually, I found myself in distribution, outdoor sales, and met Shannon, who was a dispatcher for ABC supply. A few years later, I switched sides of the counter and worked as an estimator. Then 2011 came along and with some prodding from suppliers and manufacturers, we decided to do it on our own. 

For the first few years of running Minihan Roofing, it was really a two-person team in the office. Shannon explained, “We operated the business basically by ourselves, other than roof crews, but within the office, until just within the last few years. And now all three of our children work for us. And actually, their significant others also work for us. So, we are literally a family business.” 

Seeing the company grow to where it is today, especially since they are building it with their family, has been amazing for Chris and Shannon. Chris shared, “We're definitely in a growth mode, adding employees, expanding things like that and a lot of our excitement about this phase comes from building a legacy for our children to continue on. We never told them they had to do this, but they've really latched onto it and taken it to heart so much. They're not just along for the ride. We're building this with our kids.” 

To learn more about Chris, Shannon and their roofing legacy, listen to the whole interview!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Exclusive bilingual safety trainings equip roofing crews with clarity, confidence and stronger compliance culture. 

Safety on a jobsite is not built through policies alone. It is reinforced through repetition, leadership and training that reaches every crew member clearly and consistently. Inside the RoofersCoffeeShop® R-Club, that commitment shows up each month through exclusive safety trainings led by John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group; now offered in Spanish. 

John Kenney brings field-tested leadership to safety education 

John Kenney draws from deep experience in compliance, risk management and roofing operations as he walks contractors through the realities crews face daily. Each month’s session focuses on practical, jobsite-relevant topics including fall protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), ladder safety, electrical safety, silica dust prevention, defensive driving, fire safety and handling hazardous materials. 

Every training is supported by a downloadable learning guide, giving companies the structure to turn a video session into a team discussion and continue the learning.  

Why Spanish-language trainings matter 

One of the most impactful aspects of the R-Club safety program is that monthly trainings are available in both English and Spanish. In an industry where a significant portion of the workforce speaks Spanish as a first language, bilingual education is a necessity. 

When safety protocols are communicated in a worker’s primary language, comprehension improves. When comprehension improves, risk decreases. Miscommunication on a roof can lead to injuries, delays and costly liability. Clear, accessible instruction protects both people and businesses. 

Providing Spanish-language training also sends a message of inclusion and respect. It recognizes the critical role Spanish-speaking professionals play across the roofing industry and ensures they are fully equipped with the knowledge needed to work safely and confidently. 

Why it matters for contractors 

For contractors, safety performance affects everything; insurance costs, productivity, employee retention and company reputation. A well-trained crew identifies hazards earlier, makes better decisions under pressure and operates with greater confidence. 

With these Spanish safety trainings, the R-Club positions safety as an ongoing practice. Crews are encouraged to gather, watch the trainings together and review key takeaways using the learning guides. Companies can even submit photos of their teams participating for a chance to be recognized within the community. 

These trainings are exclusive to R-Club members, designed for contractors who want structured, consistent education that supports both compliance and culture. 

Learn more about how the R-Club delivers monthly bilingual safety trainings with John Kenney to help contractors protect their teams and strengthen their operations!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This award-winning historic restoration showcases craftsmanship, leadership and the power of asphalt roofing.

HER Roofing Co. Inc. has earned the Gold Award in the 2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards presented by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), standing out among the top asphalt roofing projects across North America. The award recognizes HER Roofing’s exceptional work on the historic Settlemier House, an iconic 1892 home in Oregon that required a careful balance of craftsmanship, performance and respect for architectural heritage.

The award-winning project included a full tear-off of the original wood shake roof and installation of a new steep-slope asphalt roofing system. One of the most complex elements was the home’s distinctive cone roof, which demanded detailed planning and precise execution. To meet both performance and aesthetic requirements, the HER Roofing team selected Malarkey Legacy® shingles with Scotchgard™ in Black Oak, chosen for their Class A fire resistance and ability to complement the historic character of the structure.

The challenges went far beyond materials alone. The cone roof’s original spaced sheathing required the crew to vertically score and install plywood more than 50 feet above ground to create a stable deck. An 80-foot lift was used to safely complete the work. The team also addressed rotted curved wood gutters wrapping the cone and coordinated custom fabrication to maintain the building’s original look. Once the roofing was complete, the home’s original copper spire was carefully reinstalled, preserving one of its most recognizable architectural features.

The project was completed in just two weeks by a seven-person crew and serves as a powerful example of how asphalt roofing can deliver durability, safety and beauty, even on highly detailed historic structures.

Behind the Gold Award is a company known for both technical expertise and strong values. Based in Portland, Oregon, HER Roofing Co. Inc. is a 100 percent woman-owned roofing and gutter contractor led by founder Jana Zavala. The company’s name reflects its core principles of Honesty, Equality and Respect, values that are evident in every project they take on.

Jana brings decades of roofing experience to HER Roofing, including leadership roles with major manufacturers and years spent training contractors across the country. She is also a founding member of National Women in Roofing and a well-respected voice in the industry.

HER Roofing is also a proud member of the R-Club, RoofersCoffeeShop’s exclusive contractor community that supports visibility, education, networking and digital growth for roofing professionals. R-Club contractors are committed to professionalism and ongoing improvement, qualities clearly reflected in this Gold Award-winning project.

This national recognition reinforces what many in the industry already know: HER Roofing delivers outstanding craftsmanship, thoughtful leadership and roofs built to last.

By Emma Peterson. 

Insights, strategies and systems from industry expert John Kenney to help your business thrive.  

Looking for ways to make your jobs easier in the new year? R-Club gives contractors exclusive access to the tools, training and community resources needed to strengthen their business. R-Club offerings include, but are not limited to: directories, classified ads, newsletters and special trainings with John Kenney.  

John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. He brings over 45 years of hands-on experience to his current work helping roofing contractors “build smarter businesses that run efficiently and grow sustainably.”  The quarterly training offered exclusively to R-Club members covers real-world strategies and performance frameworks that will drive operational excellence and long-term profitability for your company.  

His first session of 2026 will be on February 11, 2026, at 8 a.m. PT (11 a.m. ET). Titled “Building a Culture of Accountability and Performance,” this session explores the roles accountability and clear expectations play in business success. Learning points include:  

• Defining accountability from the top-down. 
• Creating practical goals systems and outlining measurable KPIs for engagement and performance.  
• Building feedback loops and channels between the field and the office.  
• Building a company culture that keeps you competitive and retains your talent.  

His other sessions in 2026 will explore operational excellence and efficiency; strategies for roofing business financial management; and cultivating and developing the next generation of roofing leaders.  

Overall, if you want to master leadership and performance management, John’s R-Club exclusive trainings deliver the insights, systems and mindsets needed to “achieve more than operational success — they build companies that last.” 

Sign up for R-Club to attend these incredible sessions from John Kenney.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Unlock exclusive perks, including free expert consultations, through this industry-leading membership program. 

For roofing professionals, joining a community of peers with access to exclusive tools, networking and expertise can be a game-changer. That’s exactly what the R-Club, offered by RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS), delivers. Here's why contractors nationwide are signing up and the benefits they are receiving. 

A perk that pays dividends 

RCS wants to empower our members with tools and insights that set them up for success. That’s why one of the key benefits that comes with R-Club membership is access to free consulting services. 

Whether it’s operational advice, marketing strategy or insights into safety training, members can tap into the wisdom of seasoned professionals like John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group. These consultations are tailored to your specific business needs, offering actionable advice to help you streamline operations and grow your bottom line. 

This level of personalized consulting can easily cost hundreds of dollars elsewhere, but it’s included with your R-Club membership. 

Membership benefits keep coming 

Consulting is far from the only thing included in an R-Club membership. Members enjoy a robust suite of resources, including exclusive training, access to digital marketing tools and direct communication with homeowners and builders through the AskARoof platform. 

Additionally, our expert team builds an interactive directory for every member of the R-Club program. This gives you the ability to showcase your company’s logo, contact information and links to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Overall, if you are looking for ways to help your company build credibility, stand out in a competitive marketplace and generate more leads, an R-Club membership offers a variety of solutions. 

Build connections that matter 

As we mentioned earlier, R-Club is a community built for contractors like you. We host initiatives like monthly coffee breaks, peer forums and networking opportunities specifically designed to foster community and collaboration between roofing professionals. From safety training to featured company “Roofer of the Month” stories, this program is designed to connect you with peers and mentors who will celebrate your wins and problem-solve your challenges with you. 

A membership that gives back 

And if the professional benefits aren’t enough, every R-Club membership also gives back to charity! Ten percent of membership dues are donated to charity, ensuring that your investment contributes to the broader good of the roofing industry. 

Join R-Club and get access to tools, support and connections that will help you excel in your business and career.