By Jenny Yu. 

Metal contractors from across the nation highlight growth, regional differences and workforce concerns in a special panel of industry leaders.  

On August 6, 2025, METALCON and MetalCoffeeShop® joined forces to host a special webinar titled “Metal Contractors Share the Real Deal.” The panel featured leaders from RMG Erectors & Constructors, Red Dog’s Roofing, Viotell Metal Concepts and Elevate Structures moderated by Heidi J. Ellsworth, owner of The Coffee Shops™.  

Anthony Ortega, CEO of Viotell Metal Concepts, spoke to the growth of opportunity in the metal roofing industry. “I think everybody here can speak to the crazy amount of opportunity that there is in metal,” he stated. “I think that there’s double-digit growth across the nation for metal, and specifically here in ski resort economies and market footprints like Park City, we’re seeing metal be the preferred choice for roofing and exterior. A lot of that has to do with sustainability, longevity and design intent.”  

While Anthony pointed to rapid expansion in the market, Patrick Cochran, CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing, emphasized the growth of consumer knowledge and education. “Our customers that want metal are very much reaching out for it,” Patrick said. “A lot of the time, they’ve done their homework, especially with the metal. They really know what they want.” Patrick explained that these uncertain times are driving educated homeowners to invest in metal for its longevity and resilience. 

Nigel Kreft, vice president of sales at Elevate Structures, pointed to demand differences by region. “The west coast is slow to respond to what we're seeing in the rest of the country simply because the entitlement process is so much longer,” he shared. “But in Florida and into the Carolinas, business is booming because the demand is there, people are moving into those areas. Every market has a very unique perspective. We don’t have a homogenous look at markets.” He observed that environmental concerns and insurance pressures are also fueling adoption of metal solutions as durable alternatives to traditional materials.  

Bobby Mesmer, CEO of RMG Erectors and Constructors, shared a global perspective. “In the pre-engineered sector, it’s continuously growing. Everybody wants to go pre-engineered because of its efficiency through design, manufacturing, erection.” Bobby stressed that while pre-engineered metal buildings are expanding globally, success depends on skilled labor, quality control and strict safety standards. 

Despite concerns about tariffs and interest rates, the panel agreed that demand for sustainable, long-lasting products is keeping the industry strong. Their message was clear: metal construction remains a sector of growth and innovation, even in the face of uncertainty. 

Watch the webinar to learn more about the state of the metal industry today, and join the conversation in person at METALCON 2025, October 21-23 in Las Vegas! 

By Jenny Yu.  

This roofing company hosted a day for youth to learn about the trades! 

On July 10, 2025, Red Dog’s Roofing held their first Community Roofing & Trades Day in Gardner, Massachusetts. The goal of the event: show young people what’s possible and unlock their future.  

“We believe the trades are not just a job, they’re a pathway to pride, purpose and prosperity,” said Matt Landry, reputation manager at Red Dog’s Roofing in a press release. “This event is our way of giving back to the community and showing students that success can come from using your hands and heart.” 

Since 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing has served their community with integrity, premium service and quality craftsmanship. They are dedicated to training and forming up-and-coming professionals, as evident through this educational, community-forward event.  

The Community Roofing & Trades Day included hands-on stations where students could explore various tools of the trades with industry professionals, resume workshopping opportunities and fun prizes and giveaways.  

One key part of the day was the Trades Panel and Q&A session. “This panel was about breaking down stereotypes,” panelist Patrick Cochran, CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing, shared with The Gardner News. “The trades offer freedom — financial freedom, creative freedom and the chance to rise as far as your work ethic will take you.” 

The event drew support from several industry leaders, including National Women in Roofing, SRS Distribution, CertainTeed, Owens Corning and ABC Supply. Together with Red Dog’s Roofing at the helm, these leaders created an experience that showed the diversity of people and opportunities that the trades provide — from shingle installation and siding application to sales, marketing and recruiting.  

“This is how we change the narrative,” Patrick stated. “We need more young people to see the trades as not just an option, but a smart, powerful path forward. Today, I think we planted a lot of seeds.” 

Learn more about Red Dog’s Roofing and their community efforts.

Photo source: Red Dog's Roofing

By Red Dog’s Roofing. 

Community Roofing/Trades Day introduced youth to the endless possibilities with trade career paths. 

In today’s job market, the younger generations are particularly vulnerable. For them, it seems like opportunities for jobs are few and far between, with hundreds of people carrying stacked resumes competing for the same entry-level roles. This has led to many young people feeling frustrated, disenfranchised and hopeless. 

Here at Red Dog’s Roofing, we want to make sure that the younger generations know that there are more choices available to them than they may think. There is hope for a bright future with trade careers. The trades offer so many opportunities that can empower young people to grow their skills. It's important that people who are experienced in the roofing and construction industries provide guidance to the future generations and display how a career in the trades can bring pride and purpose. 

That’s why we created Community Roofing/Trades Day, an initiative designed to connect the next generation with the world of skilled trades in a meaningful, hands-on way. 

Too often, young people are pushed toward a one-size-fits-all path. A path that might lead to college, debt or uncertainty. Meanwhile, careers in the trades go unfilled, waiting for the right people to discover them.  

We want to change that narrative. 

Community Roofing/Trades Day - Reintroducing the trades, with heart 

Community Roofing/Trades Day was our response to a growing need: to educate, empower and uplift those who might not know the trades are for them. 

This initiative started with the simple idea: if you can show someone what's possible, not with a brochure, but with real tools, real professionals and real conversation, you might just unlock their future. 

It’s about revealing a career sector that offers security, pride, growth and community.  

We also wanted to show people that the roofing industry is about more than hammers and nails. Different departments besides the contractors and laborers from Red Dog’s Roofing were represented, such as our sales, marketing, human resources and call center teams. We also featured vendors who represent our manufacturers, distribution centers and non-profits who we work hand in hand with.  

A diverse and welcoming industry 

This year’s event also included the participation of National Women in Roofing (NWIR), serving as a reminder that this industry has room for everyone. We believe that roofing and all skilled trades thrive when diverse voices and talents are not just welcomed but celebrated. 

We were also proud to include voices from across the trades in a panel discussion and live Q&A, giving students and families a chance to hear directly from those who have built successful, fulfilling careers with their hands and their hearts. 

Why we did this 

We’ve seen what the trades can do for people. We've watched teammates go from entry-level to leadership roles. We've mentored young adults who never saw themselves in construction and now can’t imagine doing anything else. We’ve heard the stories of single parents, veterans and high school graduates who found their footing and their purpose under the open sky and the structure of a roof. 

This was about giving that same chance to the next generation and letting them know that not all success wears a suit and tie or a lifetime of debt to pursue a career path. 

A community responsibility 

As a roofing company, we’re in the business of protecting homes. But as members of this community, we’re also in the business of building futures. If we can offer guidance, opportunity or simply a little inspiration to someone searching for direction, we’ll consider that just as valuable as any roof we install. 

Because the truth is, what we build matters. Not just on the job site but in the lives we touch along the way. 

Interested in learning more about our community work or career opportunities in the trades? Visit www.reddogsroofing.com or reach out at community@reddogsroofing.com. We’d love to connect. 

Original article and photo source: Red Dog’s Roofing

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Honoring family roots, scaling smart and bringing hands-on leadership to a growing roofing empire. 

When Patrick Cochran founded Red Dog’s Roofing in 2012, the name wasn’t just catchy, it was personal. “The name is very symbolic,” Patrick said in this Roofer of the Month podcast. “I named the company after my grandfather, his nickname was Red. My dad said he worked like a dog, so I kind of combined the two.” That blend of respect for the past and ambition for the future has powered the Massachusetts-based company’s growth from a one-man repair shop to a multi-market roofing force with offices in Massachusetts, Florida and Connecticut. In the early days, Patrick operated with just a single crew. Now, Red Dog’s Roofing boasts a large staff tackling various department needs and continues expanding into both residential and commercial services. 

The company’s evolution has remained tightly focused on accountability and communication; values Patrick says stem directly from his hands-on approach. He explained, “There’s an apostrophe in the name, right? So, it kind of shows ownership. I really wanted to make sure that customers knew that I was going to take ownership of projects.” 

Red Dog’s Roofing focuses heavily on residential replacements, commercial work and full exterior remodels in the Northeast. But what sets the business apart, Patrick said, is its commitment to complex, custom solutions. “We take on very intricate and tough projects that some contractors will kind of stay away from,” he said. “If a customer wants a new product, I have a team that can really research it. And work with the manufacturer to make sure new products are installed properly.” 

That dedication to both quality and innovation has earned the trust of customers and recognition within the roofing community. With July marking 13-and-a-half years in business, the company celebrates its first-ever Red Dog’s Roofing Week, timed to honor Patrick’s grandfather’s birthday and centered on three pillars: community, industry advancement and team recognition. 

The week includes multiple roof giveaways, a trade show aimed at attracting the next generation of roofing professionals and a full team training with an award ceremony. “This is really about team effort,” Patrick said. “That apostrophe kind of grew into all of us really taking that ownership.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast for the full story behind Red Dog’s Roofing, including their customer-first mindset and the deeper mission behind Roofing Week! 

A celebration of community, gratitude and giving back.

Red Dog’s Roofing is proud to kick off its 1st Annual Red Dog’s Roofing Week in Florida by giving back in a big way: a free roof giveaway for a deserving member of the community in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. 

Nominations are open now at RoofGiveaway.com and are quick and easy to submit. Whether it’s a devoted single parent, a local volunteer, a veteran or someone overcoming hardship, this program aims to uplift those who embody the spirit of giving and resilience.

The deadline to submit a nomination is June 22nd, 2025.

“The whole Sarasota community has been wonderful and this is our way of giving back,” said Matt Landry, Reputation Manager at Red Dog’s Roofing. “We believe in serving our neighbors not just with roofing solutions, but with real acts of kindness and support. That’s what Roofing Week is all about.”
The giveaway will take place in Sarasota on Monday, July 7th and marks a meaningful start to a week of appreciation, outreach and community pride.

This initiative is a heartfelt thank you to the families and neighborhoods that make Sarasota special — and a reminder of what’s possible when businesses and communities come together. Open to residents across Sarasota and the surrounding areas, the giveaway invites locals to nominate someone in need of a new roof — someone who goes above and beyond for others, but could use a helping hand themselves.

Red Dog’s Roofing has become a trusted name in Florida’s roofing industry — not just for the quality of their work, but for their unwavering commitment to community. Whether through sponsorships, youth outreach or service-based initiatives, Red Dog’s continues to demonstrate that roofing can be about more than shingles and nails — it can be about heart.

The Sarasota roof giveaway is one of several taking place during Red Dog’s Roofing Week, alongside events in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Together, they reflect the company’s broader mission: to leave every community better than they found it.

About Red Dog’s Roofing:

Founded in 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing has expanded from its original headquarters in Massachusetts to proudly serve communities across Florida and Connecticut. Led by owner Patrick Cochran, the company is dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and meaningful community involvement. Their latest initiatives include bringing Commercial Roofing to SkillsUSA competitions and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.
 

A powerful act of community care and a free roof giveaway, honoring local heroes and neighbors in need.

In conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, Red Dog’s Roofing is proud to celebrate its deep local roots and commitment to community by starting its 1st Annual Red Dog’s Roofing Week with an extraordinary gesture of gratitude: a free roof giveaway in Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 9th.

The event is more than a giveaway — it’s a celebration of the people and neighborhoods who have supported Red Dog’s Roofing and helped the company grow into the trusted name it is today. Open to residents across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the giveaway is a call to the community to help honor and uplift those who need it most.

Nominations are now open at RoofGiveaway.com, where friends, neighbors and family members can easily submit deserving candidates. Whether it’s a local teacher, veteran, caregiver or someone who has faced tough times, the goal is simple: give back to those who give so much to others.

“Our roots are here in Fitchburg and so is our heart,” said Matt Landry, Director of Development. “We built this company on the idea that when communities thrive, we all thrive. This free roof giveaway is our way of thanking the people who trust us to protect what matters most — their homes and families.”

For years, Red Dog’s Roofing has been more than just a roofing company. It has been a partner in the community, dedicated to serving Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire with integrity, reliability and a neighborly spirit. Whether through top-quality roof replacements or initiatives like this one, the company remains focused on improving lives one roof — and one act of kindness — at a time.

The Fitchburg roof giveaway marks the start of Red Dog’s Roofing Week, following similar giveaways in Sarasota, Florida and Waterford, Connecticut this week. The initiative reflects the company’s mission to create lasting, positive impacts across all the communities it serves.

About Red Dog’s Roofing:

Founded in 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing has grown from its roots in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to serve communities in Sarasota, Florida and Waterford, Connecticut. Led by owner Patrick Cochran, whose passion for mentorship drives the company’s mission, Red Dog’s Roofing is committed to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Most recently, the team successfully championed the addition of Commercial Roofing to SkillsUSA Massachusetts and proudly organized and hosted the state’s inaugural competition.
 

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with Patrick Cochran from Red Dog’s Roofing. You can read the interview below or listen to the podcast.

Intro: Welcome to the hottest podcast in the roofing industry. Get ready to meet the stars of the rooftops, the shingle sensations and  the gutter gurus. Each month we'll climb up to the top to shine the spotlight on one remarkable roofer who's nailing it. We'll dive deep into their stories, their triumphs and  the secrets behind their sky-high success. Don't miss out on these industry insights, incredible tales of resilience and  the passion that keeps these roofers at the top of their game. Tune in, subscribe and  follow us on this incredible journey as we crown this month's Roofer of The Month. 

Hello, everyone. I'm Alex Tolle with rooferscoffeeshop.com and  I'm back for another Roofer of The Month podcast. I'm so excited to celebrate Red Dog's Roofing with Patrick. Patrick, how are you? 

Patrick Cochran: Very good. How are you doing? 

Alex Tolle: Good. So go ahead and introduce yourself. Tell us a little bit about you and Red Dog's. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. So my name's Patrick Cochran, owner and founder of Red Dog's Roofing. Started Red Dog's Roofing in 2012. The name very symbolic, I named the company after my grandfather, his nickname was Red. My dad said he worked like a dog, so I kind of combined the two and that's where the name came from. There's an apostrophe in the name, right? So it kind of shows ownership. I really wanted to make sure that customers knew that I was going to take ownership of projects. 

So 2012 I started just doing repairs and maintenance and essentially I got into residential contracting right after getting my MBA. So about two years into business. Two years into business, started growing the residential side and it was really just a hundred percent word of mouth pretty much right up until I opened my second office in Sarasota, Florida. So in 2017, went down there, really didn't have a lot of employees at the time. 

It was really just myself and a crew kind of doing the work. And went down there, got the business up and running, grew residentially and commercially in both markets and  then opened a third office in Waterford, Connecticut. So opened that office and just kind of continued to grow both residentially, commercially doing replacements and repairs and  then also other exterior services in the Northeast. 

So yeah, we've really kind of grown the team. We have all the departments, marketing, inside, outside, sales, production, HR, admin, everything like that. And as a company, a big passion of ours is really working with the next generation and working with our team on training and getting new people in the industry. So yeah, that's a little bit about Red Dog's Roofing. 

Alex Tolle: I always kind of wondered about where the name came from, so that's really cool. I like the bringing your, you said it was your grandfather, right? Bringing him into it. I love it. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. 

Alex Tolle: And it's so cool to hear how your company has grown so much over the time that you have started it. So I mean, compared to a lot of roofing companies, you're still kind of new. I mean, how many years have you been in business now? 

Patrick Cochran: So I've been in business about 13 and a half years. 

Alex Tolle: Okay. 

Patrick Cochran: July will kind of mark that time. So really cool to be honored in July is for the month with Roofers Coffee Shop. 

Alex Tolle: Yay. I know. Great timing. So you kind of already talked about it, but if you can dive in a little bit more about the services that you provide. It sounds like you kind of cover a little bit everything. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah, absolutely. So we focus on residential roofing and commercial roofing, both replacements and repairs. We do a little bit of new construction, but not a ton. In the Northeast, we also do siding, windows, doors and  gutters as well. So we do a lot of siding. So we'll do full exterior remodels in the Northeast. And so yeah, so predominantly what we focus on is asphalt shingles, but our biggest, I think, really benefit for customers and that is really being able to offer them great solutions. 

We take on very intricate and tough projects that some contractors will kind of stay away from. So we do a really good job kind of getting great solutions and  if a customer wants a new product, I have a team that can really research it very well and make sure that things are installed well. And also work with the manufacturer in that to make sure new products are installed properly in that. So I think that's something that's very unique about us. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. And that's so important for the customer, the home or building owner, to be able to have a roofing company that's going to just really take care of everything, make it super easy on them. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. We want it to be a seamless process. It's a big investment into their home and they're either paying for it all up front or they're making monthly payments in that. And it's something that's got to perform after the project is done, right? 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: It's not really just about putting a roof on and the experience at that time, which is very important. But also after the fact is making sure that when the harsh weather comes, is the roof going to perform and is the home going to be kept dry and have no issues? So it is, it's really about coming up with proper solutions and  that's something we really pride ourselves on with all the products that we offer. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. Because the work that you're doing, like you said, just those first couple of days while you're putting on the roof, but then you're still, your work is showing for the next 10, 20, 30 years. 

Patrick Cochran: Exactly. 

Alex Tolle: Even longer. So yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: It has to be able to perform. I mean, that's why they're making the investment. Right? 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: And that's where you really kind of see who you have for a company. If something goes wrong and nobody's perfect, right? So when something goes wrong, are people going to be there, step up and make sure they take care of it? And are they going to take the proper precautions on the front end to make sure they have a good solution for the customer? 

Alex Tolle: Yeah, amazing. So with my time working with you and your team, you guys seem like you have a great company culture. Can you share what kind of things your company celebrates? 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. So first of all, I appreciate that. I like to think we have a great company culture too and  I get a lot of great feedback about that. So I really appreciate that. Something really, really cool that I want to share is this year we're doing our first ever Red Dog's Roofing Week. So it's actually being done in the month of July, which again makes us being honored in July with Roofers Coffee Shop that much cooler. And it's actually my grandfather's birthday week. 

Alex Tolle: Wow. 

Patrick Cochran: It's 7/11 this year, kind of falls on. And we're celebrating kind of three pillars of our success. Right? So first is our customers and our community. Second is the industry itself and the next generation coming into it. And then third is our existing team, right? Our team. 

And basically Red Dog's Roofing Week, what we're celebrating is we're doing three roof giveaways, so one in each market, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Then Thursday we're going to have a trade show where we're going to have ourselves and our vendors set up and students and parents will be able to kind of come out and see other opportunities in roofing. Like Roofers Coffee Shop, right? You guys aren't necessarily installing the roofs, but you're very involved in the industry. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: So we're allowing parents and students to kind of see other sides of the industry that they may not consider. Right? Construction and roofing specifically, there's a lot of great opportunity even if installing isn't necessarily for you. So that's going to be on Thursday of that week, July 10th. And then July 11th that Friday, we're doing a training for the entire team in an award ceremony. Right? To really be able to kind of celebrate the team. 

When I started, like I said, I named the company after my grandfather, but the point that we're at here, this is really about the team effort. Right? And this is that apostrophe and the name kind of grew into all of us really taking that ownership. Right? So we're really celebrating, like I said, the community and our customers, the industry and the next generation and  then our team. Right? Our team that kind of brings it all together and makes it all possible. So that's kind of a really cool celebration that we're doing. It's the first annual. So very excited about that and really looking forward to kind of seeing everybody come together and enjoy that week together. 

Alex Tolle: What a special way to celebrate everything that you guys do. And I love how you're bringing in the younger generation to see the industry. You already do so much work with SkillsUSA and this is just another way to do that. I think that's so amazing and we would love to be there at some point maybe next year. 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. We'd love to have you. 

Alex Tolle: That's awesome. We definitely want to hear more about it. So afterwards we could do a little recap maybe. 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. 

Alex Tolle: So how do you define superior customer service at Red Dog's Roofing? 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. So superior customer service to me, right? It really boils down to communication and effectively communicating. If you look at issues within the company or things that go on even in our personal lives, right? It usually boils down to communication or a lack of understanding. Right? So being an effective communicator is extremely important. 

And I'm not talking about just simply telling people and keeping people informed, right? But being an active listener, making sure that you understand what somebody's saying. There's a saying, "If you want to be understood, you must first give understanding." Right? So instead of talking to respond, I really want to make sure that I'm talking to be able to understand. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: Right? That's how a great conversation goes. So really having depth with the conversation and making sure that people are kept up to date. If there's changes, that they're being addressed right away and if there's issues, that they're being addressed right away. Right? Sometimes people will put something off or push it off and  what sometimes people don't think of is, this is somebody's home, right? This project, you may have multiple projects going on or  you may have another project coming up depending on the size company you are, but I mean essentially this is their sanctuary, this is their home. Right? So this is everything to them. 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: So addressing those things in a timely manner really just will set you apart in the industry. And I try to let my team know we're not perfect, right? But if something happens, we need to make sure we address it in a timely manner. We need to see what went wrong, focus on the solution, make sure that the customer's happy with where we're at. But then more importantly, when we're done, reflect on it and see what we could have done better. Right? So I think communication is by far the best way to offer superior customer service. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. I think that's great. I myself have worked a lot in customer service and retail and hospitality and  you can have someone have a huge issue, but if you actually care and you communicate and you help solve their problem, then they're going to forgive you for it and they understand that you're human. And being able to show that you really care about what's going on makes a world of difference. 

Patrick Cochran: I agree. And they can feel that too. They may not necessarily know it, but they're picking up on that. And I think sometimes people just want to vent. Right? Sometimes people are frustrated, maybe there's something going on in their personal life and this just happens to be part of their whole day that they're not having a great day. Right? So the biggest thing is not taking it personally. Right? And being able to kind of focus at the situation on hand. Obviously it's easier said than done, right? 

But being an effective communicator, listening to them, making feel like they're understood and they're heard can sometimes really turn things around like you just said. And you can start off a really bad spot and you're like, "Wow, this is kind of going a way I don't want it to go." And that can turn around completely. Right? Because what I'll tell people sometimes, whether it's an employee or in my personal life or a customer, it's like, "I can't go backwards to what happened." Right? 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: "I understand what happened. I understand why you feel the way you feel. All I want to do is work on a solution. So this is where we're at, this is my thoughts." Or, "Hey, what are your thoughts?" Whatever that might be. But I think communication is invaluable for a good, superior customer service. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah, absolutely. So I mean, we kind of already went over it, but why should home and building owners work with Red Dog's Roofing? It seems pretty obvious to me, but maybe you could share a little bit more. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. I appreciate that. So I think somebody that values communication, as I mentioned earlier, I think unfortunately this industry a bad reputation sometimes for the lack of communication or the lack of updates and stuff like that with customers. So if customers are looking for somebody to really make it a seamless streamlined process and have good communication, that's one reason. And I think the other thing that I'd like to mention is really if they want a company that takes a hands-on approach, right? 

We really make sure we have somebody on our team that's part of the process from the first time somebody reaches out all the way up until the job's closed and even after that. So we take a real hands-on approach. We have people from our company on site. And I know that that doesn't happen as much anymore. Sometimes there's a lot of companies that are more like a broker. Right? And nothing wrong with that. But is there somebody there to answer questions? Is there somebody there to kind of take the customer through any issues? Is there somebody there to address an issue right away? 

Or is it everybody that's just kind of focused on doing the work and making sure that those things are happening, which is very important, but there's also that customer service aspect that we offer that I know that tends to be kind of unique within the industry. So I think if customers are looking for somebody that's really taking a hands-on approach and making sure that they're not having to deal with this outside stuff that they're not familiar with, then they have somebody there that can answer questions. I think that's really what brings that value to the homeowner from us. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. And having that person there on site, I mean, a lot of times people are home when they get their roofs done or any exterior projects. I was home working while I had my roof done. And so having somebody there who I could easily just go ask questions and get an update, like, "Hey, how's it going up there? Any issues?" Or they'd come to me if they found something and it was just so transparent and so easy to just communicate with that. So that makes a huge difference for the homeowner. 

Patrick Cochran: That further, right? If somebody's your home during the day when your roof is going on, maybe you have to run out. Right? So maybe you have to run out and you're leaving and you better be able to back out of your driveway at 11 o'clock and they didn't ask you and all of a sudden all the materials right there or  they dropped and they ripped the roof. Now you can't pull your car out. So are they going through, "Hey, we're going to start on the front side. We're going to work our way around. What time are you leaving? I want to make sure I'm mindful. 

Can you text me before you walk out if you're doing it at this time, because we're going to be right above the door?" So there's a lot of little details too, to make sure that are being communicated because it's a disruption in somebody's day, especially on the residential side. Right? People are there that aren't typically there. There's material there, there's equipment, there's debris kind of coming off the roof. You need to make sure that they're able to access their home safely and leave when they can. So having that communication in that I think is extremely important and you've kind had that experience, so- 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. Totally, great. 

Alex Tolle: So why are you an R-Club member and maybe what's one of your favorite things about Roofers Coffee Shop or the R-Club? 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah, so the R-Club I think is great. It's a great way to kind of just hear a lot about what's going on in the industry. Right? The world is changing very fast as we know. So being able to kind of keep up to date and kind of see what other people are doing, I think is great. And I think for myself, one of the number one things I like the most is hearing other stories. Right? What do other people value? How did they implement certain things? 

What are some hardships that they've overcome or successes that they've had? And for that, that helps me be mindful of certain things that I may not be thinking about or maybe things that I'm trying to enhance that I haven't kind of figured out yet. So I think that's probably some of the best things I like about the Club. And it's great for the industry and the community to kind of have that. I think it's very unique and that's what I really enjoy about it. 

Alex Tolle: Well, thank you and we're happy to have you in it. 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. 

Alex Tolle: So lastly, the best question of all, what would your walk-up song be? 

Patrick Cochran: So my walk-up song, I would probably say "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" from Dropkick Murphy's. I'm not from the city of Boston. I don't live in the city, although it is my favorite city to visit, about an hour away in a small town called Fitchburg, North Central Massachusetts. So just on the New Hampshire line. 

But for those of you that are in New England, you know this, when we travel for industry events, there's not a lot of us from the Northeast that typically attend these national roofing events. So we typically all say we're from Boston. And then when we see each other, we let each other know kind of really where we're from and what part of Massachusetts. But I'd say Dropkick Murphy's "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" would be my walk out song. 

Alex Tolle: Okay. I love it. That's great. Well, Patrick, thank you so much for being here today. We're so excited to honor Red Dog's Roofing as the July Roofer of The Month. And anything else you want to add? 

Patrick Cochran: No, I appreciate the opportunity and the recognition and  I'm really glad it happened in July. So that will work out. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah, I know. It was like something told me I had to pick you for July. What are the odds? 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. 

Outro: All right. Well, thank you so much Patrick and  we will see you all on the next Roofer of The Month. 

That's a wrap on this month's episode of Roofer of The Month. Thanks for joining us on this journey. We'll catch you next time for more rooftop celebrations. Make sure to subscribe and follow the Rooferscoffeeshop.com podcast page for more. And go to Rooferscoffeeshop.com or askaroofer.com for more information. 

Local media invited to cover free career exploration event featuring live demonstrations, youth engagement and workforce development initiatives.

Red Dog’s Roofing invites media outlets to cover Community Roofing and Trades Day on Thursday, July 10 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Colonial Hotel in Gardner, Massachusetts a, hands-on, informative event designed to educate and inspire the next generation to explore careers in the roofing and skilled trades industries.

This free event is open to the public and will feature youth-focused activity stations and a panel discussion on the growing demand and rewarding career pathways in the trades. With a special focus on workforce development and community engagement, Community Roofing Day is both a photo-friendly and newsworthy opportunity for media to highlight local efforts addressing national labor shortages in construction and skilled work.

“We believe the trades are not just a job, they’re a pathway to pride, purpose and prosperity,” said Matt Landry - Reputation Manager at Red Dog’s Roofing. “This event is our way of giving back to the community and showing students that success can come from using your hands and heart.”

Media-Worthy Highlights:
•    Hands-on stations
•    where students can get involved with different aspects of the trades.
•    Live career panel + Q&A
•    with industry professionals
•    National Women in Roofing participation,
•    spotlighting diversity in the trades
•    Prizes, giveaways and community partners on site

Journalists, photographers and broadcasters are encouraged to attend for compelling visuals, interviews with tradespeople and community-driven storytelling. Opportunities for one-on-one interviews with company leadership, educators and participating youth will be available throughout the day.

Event details:
Community Roofing Day
📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025
🕘 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 The Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner, Massachusets
🎟️ FREE & open to the public
🎫 Public registration link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-dogs-roofing-week-community-day-tickets-1348164599609

About Red Dog’s Roofing:

Founded in Fitchburg, MA, Red Dog’s Roofing is a multi-state company grounded in family values, craftsmanship and community leadership. The company is committed to workforce development and proudly creates opportunities for the next generation to thrive in the skilled trades.
 

By Emma Peterson. 

How the industry has come together to support the next generation of professionals. 

The 2025 SkillsUSA competition is coming to a close at the end of June with the SkillsUSAChampionships! This is the premier showcase of the United States’ most highly skilled career and technical education students. It is held in conjunction with the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, which will be held from June 23 to 27 in Atlanta, Georgia this year. This inspiring event will see more than 6,500 students from across the nation compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in over 100 different skilled and leadership categories. 

Roofing is a newer competition on the SkillsUSA stage, having been added in 2023. Rick Damato, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recruiter, entrepreneur and dedicated member of NRCA and the Roofing Alliance, explained a bit of the history when he stopped by for a Roofing Road Trip® last year. He shared, “There was every conceivable skilled trade represented... Every manner of construction except roofing. And the light bulb sort of went off that roofing has never been recognized as a specialty trade in career and technical education in this country. It was this huge gap and a real opportunity when it comes to workforce development as we are seeing our highly skilled workforce aging out, they're retiring.” 

And so, people like Rick jumped in to bring roofing to the SkillsUSA competition. Now, two years later, the industry has truly come together to support the education of the next generation of roofing professionals. The Coffee Shops™ crew will be on the ground interviewing some of the incredible students in Atlanta this year! And a lot of our friends from the industry are chipping in as well!  From donating funds to the continuation of the program to supplying products and tools to the students competing, countless companies have stepped up to help these students succeed. Others who are contributing include Elevate, EagleView, ABC Supply, Roofing Alliance, SRS Distribution, Johns Manville, TAMKO, GAF, Central States, Leister and IB Roof Systems. 

Patrick Cochran, the owner of Red Dog's Roofing and the driving force behind Massachusetts's roofing SkillsUSA program, put it best when he said, “Our industry is willing to come together to donate time, money and materials to make this is an easy lift for schools. We just want them to put us in front of students and then we can help them with curriculum, hands-on material, tools and ultimately the financial support for whoever's going to nationals — we want them to succeed.” 

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with Patrick Cochran of Red Dogs Roofing. You can read the interview below or listen to the podcast.

Intro: Welcome to Roofing Road Trips, the podcast that takes you on a thrilling journey across the world of roofing. From fascinating interviews with roofing experts, to on-the-road adventures, we'll uncover the stories, innovations and challenges that shape the rooftops over our heads. So fasten your seat belts and join us as we embark on this exciting roofing road trip. 

Hello everyone. Welcome back to a Roofing Road trip. My name is Megan Ellsworth, here at rooferscoffeeshop.com. I am so excited because we're talking about something really, really important today and  that is SkillsUSA and training for roof application careers program, bringing new people into the industry and young people and getting young people excited about the trades. It's something that is really special and I care a lot about. So I'm excited to have Patrick Cochran, here from Red Dog's Roofing to chat with me about it. So, hi Patrick, how are you? 

Patrick Cochran: Great, Megan. How are you? 

Megan Ellsworth: I'm so good. I'm excited. So let's just start out and have you introduce yourself to everybody. 

Patrick Cochran: So my name's Patrick Cochran, owner of Red Dog's Roofing, headquarters is in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. We also have an office in Waterford, Connecticut and in Sarasota, Florida, predominantly focused on roofing, but also siding in the Northeast. We do residential and commercial and  really excited to talk about SkillsUSA today with you. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. Okay, so let's level set and could you explain what exactly is SkillsUSA and why it's important? 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. SkillsUSA is a national organization that really empowers students to give them the skills that they need to be professional within their trade and really help them out on their career. But they also have local chapters. So each state has their own chapter and  for lack of a better way to put it, I tell people it's like the Trade School Olympics. So all the trade schools get together and they compete and they see who does the best within their trade. 

Megan Ellsworth: Love it. 

Patrick Cochran: And it's a great organization. They wrap the kids very well, not only for their trade, but also for life skills, which is great. 

Megan Ellsworth: And the thing that I learned recently too is it's all sorts of trades. So cosmetology, plumbing, electric, it's more than just what people think of off the bat when you hear trades. I was surprised when I heard cosmetology was there. I was like, "Oh, that's so cool." 

Patrick Cochran: So it's really everything. You see from, like you said, people getting their nails done, hair done. It's a wide range of trades. The trade schools have definitely come a long way. It's not just the traditional trades that you might think of and they're all showcased there, which is really cool. It's a great event for the students. 

Megan Ellsworth: Can you share how Red Dog's Roofing got involved with SkillsUSA? 

Patrick Cochran: So I personally volunteered for the Continuing Technical Education Committee for the NRCA. They were working on SkillsUSA, so this will be the third year. We got involved this year in Massachusetts. And the way that we got connected was we reached out to the executive director, Karen Ward and  she basically invited us out. We went out there, we did a quick presentation for administrators for the different trade schools that are involved with SkillsUSA in the state of Mass. 

And from there they invited us back to the fall leadership program that they have. And what that is really the administrators coming out, students coming out. But they gave us an opportunity to talk a little bit about roofing and really showcase roofing as the next competition in Massachusetts. So we went out there, I presented the opportunity that it was and how the industry was standing together and really trying to make this a positive experience for the student. 

But then I also talked about beyond the roof and opportunities outside of installing. So it was very well received. And then after that, we split the 64 administrators up into eight groups of eight. From there, they actually did a little mock up, so we created a little PVC mock up. They didn't do any hand welding, but we gave them MacGyver baskets, so they had tape and glue and staples. We just made it really fun for them. 

So they went out there and they got hands-on experience of what a student would kind of get in the field, minus the hand welding. And then they have to do poster boards per group. And they actually presented the poster boards to us on how they would bring it back to their school. It was such a great event that we actually had to cap it off at eight schools because there was such a big interest in it. So we have eight schools competing in the state of Massachusetts for their upcoming competition, which is awesome. It was a great turnout for it being the first year. 

Megan Ellsworth: That is really cool. The fact that you were turning schools away, you had to cap it, that many people were interested. That just goes to show the resurgence of trade schools and people going into the trades right now, which is so heartwarming. That's really cool. 

Patrick Cochran: That's great. There's definitely a renaissance of the trades coming back, which is nice to see. 

Megan Ellsworth: It is really nice to see. So the Massachusetts State SkillsUSA. Wow. Say that five times in a row. The Massachusetts State SkillsUSA competition is just around the corner in May and  then the national event is in June. What are you most excited about leading up to these competitions and what role is Red Dog's playing in these events? 

Patrick Cochran: So I think what I'm most excited about is really seeing the students be able to continue to learn. They're doing a lot of their hands-on training now, which is really cool to see. So our team's going out there, getting photos and documenting the process, which is awesome. 

I think leading up to the event, that's probably what the most exciting part is is that these students are hands-on and they're getting involved, which is really nice to see. Leading up to SkillsUSA and at the event, really our job is to just make sure that the kids have the material that they need, the training that they need. And then day of, we're going to just make sure that it's a smooth process. 

We wanted SkillsUSA, Massachusetts to have a plug and play with us there and  it really took all of our vendors coming together and really just being a part of this whole initiative. So I think that's really cool and  we're going to be the ones judging the students and  then we'll have somebody that will be ready to go to nationals and we'll be sponsoring that student to get them to nationals in June. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow, that's amazing. Okay, so you're sponsoring the student that wins to go to nationals? 

Patrick Cochran: Correct. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow, that's awesome. So as we look ahead to that national competition, what are some of your goals for the Massachusetts teams in and how do you also see the roofing trade evolving in these programs, CTE programs across the US? 

Patrick Cochran: So I think the number one goal for us is to win gold. Like any state, I think we probably all feel the same way. Massachusetts has a great program though, I mentioned Karen Ward, the executive director. She's been with SkillsUSA, Massachusetts for quite some time and  they just do a great job. They have great leadership there and  they've really made it seamless for us to be involved. 

We did a lot of the heavy lifting as far as coordinating stuff like that, but they really welcomed us with open arms and they made it very easy for us to be a part of it. So I think that that's really important. But when it comes to the goal, I think it really is, it's us winning that gold and they've got a great program there to be able to do so. 

But bigger picture, I think with CTE, I think getting students involved and having them involved early on in their career on the install side and  then really working their way up to really be a crew lead or a project manager or eventually, maybe right off the roof, but understanding that when they go beyond the roof, they really have a skillset that is going to be able to carry them and make them more valuable in positions either within the roofing industry or construction trade itself. 

So I think getting CTE involved is really going to help continue to build the professionalism of the industry and really just help kids come out and be a little bit more ready for what's going to happen in the field. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's so important, having that experience, the hands-on experience before going into technical school or trying to further their career already, that's huge. And having the support of a business owner like you, also is so cool. And being able to lean on a mentor that is pretty special. 

Patrick Cochran: I appreciate that. I appreciate that. 

Megan Ellsworth: Okay. So what would you say success looks like for you when it comes to these students participating in SkillsUSA and the roofing industry's workforce? What does this look like moving forward? 

Patrick Cochran: So I think SkillsUSA is a great foundation for them to learn both personal and professional skills. 

Megan Ellsworth: For sure. 

Patrick Cochran: I think getting these students well wrapped so they're ready for that step after high school, if they're not going to college. So I think this is a great opportunity to allow them to grow and be ready for that. And I think for me, really the successes is bringing the industry to the front and just saying, "Hey, there's a lot of opportunity here." 

And to see students and  also the administrators so excited about the opportunity that we brought to them, it was great. And the students there at SkillsUSA, they're very wrapped, they're very respectful. They can have a great conversation with you and really carry themselves in a great way. And I think bringing that to the roofing industry and building the workforce with that specifically in the roofing industry is going to be very, very valuable for the future. 

Megan Ellsworth: I couldn't agree more. It's so valuable. And also as a reminder to everyone listening, all these students in SkillsUSA, they're high school students, right? 

Patrick Cochran: Correct. So there is college students as well, but I think all of Mass schools are high schools. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. So they're all under-eighteen, ready to go into the workforce. That's really cool. That's really, really cool. Okay. So can you tell us a little bit more about the TRAC program and how it helps prepare students for careers in our industry, the roofing industry? 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. So TRAC is a great program put out by the NRCA and  there's computer portion and there's also hands-on training. So there's about 20 hours I believe it is for computer training. So students or even employees, we use it in our business, but students and employees will be able to learn basic stuff about the roofing industry, safety, but also about the material. And then they'll get hands-on training, particularly for TRAC, for the schools, for SkillsUSA, we're hosting the training with our vendors, so we're supplying the material. We're also supplying the vendor to come out and do the training, so they'll get the hands-on experience that way, but they're really going to see what it entails to install a roofing system, which is [inaudible 00:11:35]. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's really cool. And I love that you all use it for employees as well, bringing new people into the industry, even if they're in the office, that's really valuable information to be able to communicate with coworkers and clients in any job in the industry. 

Patrick Cochran: I agree. And it gives them a good foundation, like you said, they don't have to be an expert in it, but at least it allows them to be involved with different conversations that they hear throughout the office. And it's been a great program for us internally, but also giving to the students. It allowed us to have a full curriculum for them, so there was really no heavy lifting for the schools or for SkillsUSA. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's cool. What does that hands-on curriculum look like that you said you were putting together for the students? 

Patrick Cochran: So essentially what we're doing is we've built the mock-up that they'll be working on and  we've given them additional material so they can practice upfront to learn a little bit about welding and how their welder works, but then actually give them the hands-on training to install the mock-up. The mock-up I believe is actually the same they would use for pro certification. So it goes hand-in-hand with NRCA's Pro certification, which is really cool. So it really just allows them an opportunity to get hands-on experience of not only just touching and feeling the material, but actually putting a mock-up roofing system together. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. Okay. Very cool. What has some of the response been from the students you work with, especially when they present their ideas or when they presented their ideas for bringing commercial roofing to their schools? Can you share any memorable moments? 

Patrick Cochran: So I think for me, the whole experience was memorable. We worked directly with the administrators, so we didn't have direct contact necessarily with the students about bringing commercial roofing. And with the administrators, they were just very excited because they saw how much the industry came together with my presentation to ensure that we would make this as smooth as possible for them, between getting the material and getting the equipment for the students, like the hand welders and the rollers and  just getting the training together, having the curriculum all ready. 

They were just blown away by it. And the response was great. We made the mock-ups really fun when the administrators had the hands-on portion, so they were getting a kick out of it. We had bubblegum in there. We had all these things. We're like, "Okay, you have to make it watertight," and we wanted to make it fun and they had a lot of great questions. They gave a lot of great feedback and  they were just like, "I could see our students doing this. I could think of a specific kid that I know that would want to do this." 

That was really cool. And then when I sat there and  I think the biggest memorable moment was when I sat there and eight groups of eight presented to me on what they heard me say and what their experience was and how they would bring commercial roofing back to their schools. And then I just sat there thinking how surreal it was, because I'd always really thought about how can we bring the trades back and really get the next generation into it at a young age and allow them to progress through. 

And I think sitting there and  that was just... it was, it was surreal. I don't think there's any other way to describe it. And then to know that we had more than eight schools want to go and have to cap it off, it just really drove the point home for sure. I will say though, with the Skills USA students just in general for, I can't speak on all the states, but in Massachusetts and  I'm sure it's for all the states, but my experience with Massachusetts is those kids were very respectful. They were very welcoming, very nice. They asked us great questions, great eye contact. They were just very, very professional. And it just made me feel really... It just really solidified the fact that this is a partnership that we're taking on and  it was a great, great initiative for us to be involved with. 

So the students were great, but it was a good time. We had a lot of fun. There was a lot of laughs and  we had our mascot there Red and  he was grading people and  it was a whole thing. And the students loved it, administrators loved it and  it was nice to see the turnout that we've had so far. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's really cool. Like you said, it's cool to see that next generation of, not only our industry, but the world really, is coming up really well. They're ready and respectful and excited to take this on. So that's fabulous. I love it. And what a great example you're setting also for those students, but also other roofing companies, not only in your area but nationwide. 

So if you're a roofing contractor listening to this and you're not involved with SkillsUSA, you should absolutely get involved and with the TRAC program and NRCA, all that stuff. You should definitely get involved because, so the roofing industry obviously offers a wide range of career opportunities beyond installing. What other career paths can students pursue in the industry, like marketing, sales and  have you seen any interest in that? 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. So we've actually been, we went out to another event called Sail for the Massachusetts SkillsUSA and  we talked to students there and  they may not necessarily be interested on the install side, but there's a great opportunity within construction and specifically roofing with, like you said, marketing, technology, stuff that people might not necessarily think of when they think of roofing. 

I was explaining to the administrators at the fall leadership that I think the slide I had was called Beyond the Roof and  it was really talking about the fact that it's not just roofing companies that these students can get involved with. They can come in, they can come into a roofing company, they can learn how to install if they really like the install, maybe become a lead installer or a project manager or   maybe they want to get into sales or   maybe they want to pursue something in marketing or something like that. 

And I told them there's a lot of opportunity within roofing companies now. Roofing companies look a lot different than they did before. 

Megan Ellsworth: For sure. 

Patrick Cochran: And in addition to that, you have technology companies, marketing companies, like rooferscoffeeshop where you guys focus on the roofing industry, but it's not necessarily, you guys aren't out there installing roofs every day. 

Megan Ellsworth: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: So you have the manufacturer's distribution. There's just an array of opportunities beyond even just the roofing company. So we really highlighted that and spoke about that and  I think that was a big piece that we've seen all the administrators continue to talk about as they presented to us that day at fall leadership. I think a lot of them really said to themselves, "You know what? There are a lot of opportunities within the roofing industry." 

So to really showcase that I think was something that really helped them see, "Hey, this is a good opportunity for students," but getting the knowledge on the install side and getting out of that and being able to move forward or become a leader on the install side is huge. But that stuff translates to other departments as well. To be a sales rep and to really understand and have sold before, you'd think that that's prerequisite, but it's just not anymore, unfortunately. 

Megan Ellsworth: No, that's so true. And what a great example you're leading with those students, showing them all the opportunities, not just installing. I think that's really exciting because there might be kids involved with SkillsUSA that they're... with the installing, but they are really creative and want to get into graphic design or   marketing or   something like that. And there's still opportunity for them within roofing. That's cool. 

Patrick Cochran: Exactly. Exactly. 

Megan Ellsworth: Okay. Well, is there anything else people should know about getting involved with SkillsUSA? How to contact a local chapter? Anything? How did you get involved originally? 

Patrick Cochran: I sit on the committee for Continuing Technical Education for the NRCA. The NRCA has done a great job. If anybody wants to get more involved or even hear more about my experience, I'm more than happy to connect with anybody. 

Megan Ellsworth: Amazing. 

Patrick Cochran: I think if they want to send me an email, something like that, I'd be more than happy to point them in the right direction. Every state is very different, so there's definitely some things to navigate through, but it does, it takes the whole industry. Even if you're not a roofing contractor and you're a vendor, supply side, manufacturer, whatever it might be, we could use all the help. 

It's a heavy lift for one contractor. We've got eight schools doing it so I've definitely seen that side of it, but it takes the whole industry. If we want to move this forward and we want to have a better workforce and we want to work on all these things and get the next generation involved, it's going to require all of us to be involved. So anybody interested, feel free to reach out to me, more than happy to share my experiences or help point them in the right direction. 

Megan Ellsworth: Thank you, Patrick. And everyone can find his contact info or the Red Dog's Roofing contact info on their directory on rooferscoffeeshop.com because you all are our club members. So thank you for in our club member and  thank you for chatting with me today and sharing all this great stuff about SkillsUSA. 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. Happy to do so. 

Outro: Yay. Okay. Well, everyone, please go learn more on the Red Dog's Roofing Directory and also SkillsUSA has a directory on rooferscoffeeshop.com. You can find more information on how to get involved there and  we'll see you next time on the next Roofing Road trip. Thank you, Patrick. 

If you've enjoyed the ride, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and join us on every roofing adventure. Make sure to visit Rooferscoffeeshop.com to learn more. Thanks for tuning in and  we'll catch you on the next Roofing Road trip.