Por Jesse Sanchez, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Conoce cómo el nuevo propietario de Wil-Mar planea hacer crecer la empresa mientras preserva la calidad, la confianza y el enfoque en la resolución de problemas que distinguen a sus productos. 

Durante casi 10 años, Mike Bothman conoció a Marianne Sumter antes de comprender por completo el negocio que ella y su familia habían construido. Lo que comenzó como una relación de servicio se convirtió poco a poco en una oportunidad para que Mike se convirtiera en el nuevo propietario de Wil-Mar. Mientras él consideraba darle un nuevo rumbo a su carrera, Marianne se preparaba para su retiro. Esas conversaciones finalmente dieron paso a la adquisición de los activos de Wil-Mar y al inicio de un nuevo capítulo tanto para Mike como para la empresa. 

La oportunidad llamó su atención porque los productos de Wil-Mar reflejan los valores que han guiado su trayectoria profesional. La empresa es reconocida principalmente por sus pipe collars, diseñados para proteger las penetraciones en el techo donde pasan las tuberías y brindar a los contratistas una solución sencilla para prevenir posibles filtraciones. Mike comentó: “Me gusta ayudar a las personas y me gusta resolver problemas, y este pipe collar hace precisamente eso, ya sea en un techo existente, uno nuevo o simplemente como reemplazo de un producto de menor calidad.” 

Ese enfoque va más allá de los productos. Mike considera que las relaciones sólidas con los clientes se construyen a través de una comunicación clara, expectativas realistas y el cumplimiento constante de los compromisos. Como él mismo señala: “Creo en decir lo que realmente quieres decir y en cumplir lo que prometes.” Para él, hacer crecer la empresa también significa garantizar que una mayor demanda nunca comprometa la calidad de los productos ni el servicio confiable que los clientes esperan. 

Asumir la propiedad de la empresa también implica una responsabilidad adicional: preservar la historia y la reputación de un negocio familiar. Mike reconoce que vender una empresa requiere confianza, especialmente cuando ha sido construida durante años gracias a las relaciones con contratistas y clientes. Él ve esta nueva etapa como una oportunidad para proteger ese legado mientras presenta Wil-Mar a una audiencia más amplia. 

Mike agregó: “Significa mucho para mí ser quien continúe este legado, tomar la antorcha y seguir adelante.” Su relación con los anteriores propietarios, así como sus propios vínculos familiares con el Área de la Bahía, donde se encuentran muchos de los clientes de Wil-Mar, han ayudado a brindar un sentido de continuidad durante esta transición. 

De cara al futuro, Mike espera ampliar la base de clientes de Wil-Mar y convertir los pipe collars en una parte estándar del proceso de instalación de techos. Su visión es ambiciosa, pero sigue basada en el mismo principio que lo atrajo a la empresa desde el principio: ofrecer un producto de alta calidad que ayude a los contratistas a resolver problemas reales. 

¡Conoce más sobre Wil-Mar y sus soluciones para la industria del roofing!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

New owner plans to build on the quality, service and contractor-focused problem-solving that established the Wil-Mar Products brand. 

The trusted Wil-Mar Products, Inc. pipe collar is entering a new chapter under the ownership of Mike Bothman. During this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Mike explained how an unexpected service call led to a long-term relationship with the company and, eventually, its acquisition. 

Relationship beginnings with Wil-Mar Products 

Mike first encountered the Wil-Mar team in 2017 while working for an audio and video company. A contractor needed assistance with a custom television installation, bringing Mike to the property and introducing him to the business. “It started very, very small with, ‘Thank you for your purchase. If anything comes up in the future, we’re here to serve you,’” Mike explained. 

That initial project developed into an ongoing professional relationship as the company returned to Mike for additional services. Over the next eight or nine years, he got to know the team before discussions began about purchasing Wil-Mar Products. 

What was attractive about the company? 

As Mike learned more about Wil-Mar Products, he became impressed by the company’s commitment to product quality, attention to detail and responsive customer service. “Their ability to find a solution to a problem and take care of customers really stood out to me,” he shared. Rather than accepting recurring challenges, the team focused on identifying practical ways to address them and provide dependable solutions for customers. 

How Mike's background prepared him to continue a legacy 

Mike’s experience in construction-related work taught him to judge quality by how well the completed work performs over time, not simply by how it looks on the day of installation. “You really need to hang your hat on the quality of the job you do. It’s not just about the quality now or a few weeks from now; it’s about the quality five or more years from now,” Mike explained. 

That long-term perspective aligns with the principles that helped establish Wil-Mar Products. Mike plans to preserve the company’s contractor-built legacy by maintaining its focus on durable products, careful service and solutions that continue performing well after installation. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about the Wil-Mar Products acquisition! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How this contractor-designed rubber pipe collar continues to solve a common roofing problem across new construction and repair projects. 

Live from the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Karen Edwards welcomed Wil-Mar Products representatives Stuart Pendleton and Michael Bothman to The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage sponsored by SRS Distribution. The three sat down for a conversation focused on products shaped directly by contractor experience from the Wil-Mar brand.  

Wil-Mar Products was founded in the early 1990s and remains focused on a single core solution. The company’s primary product is a rubber roof pipe collar designed to slide over existing vent pipes to create a seal or provide a long-term repair when traditional flashings fail. The collars are made to fit pipe sizes ranging from three-quarters of an inch to four inches. That origin story continues to resonate with contractors in the field. As Stuart explained, crews previously relied on temporary fixes that rarely held up over time. “They were using tape, they were using caulking, they were using mastics and they would just all fail over time,” he said.  

The rubber pipe collar is commonly used across a wide range of applications, including new construction, replacement roofs and re-roofing projects. It is also frequently installed as a repair solution when other types of pipe flashing have already failed. In practice, the appeal is its simplicity. The collar slides up and over the pipe, providing a straightforward installation that does not require additional sealants or complex detailing. 

Wil-Mar Products are sold through roofing distribution and shipped nationwide. While much of the company’s customer base is located in the Bay Area, contractors and distributors across the nation have access to the product. 

For contractors interested in trying the pipe collar firsthand, the brand offers free samples through its directory listing. Sample sets include multiple sizes, giving crews the opportunity to test the product on real jobsites before committing. As Michael noted, “We’ll send you a free sample for you to try out and take a look at and of course call us with any questions.”  

Watch the full interview to learn more about how a contractor-designed rubber pipe collar provides a simple, long-term solution for preventing leaks at roof penetrations!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Discover what these long-standing products are intended to solve for contractors in the field. 

Roof penetrations and repair work often expose the small details that can cause long-term problems if they are not handled correctly. From vent pipes to tear-off and reroofing repairs, contractors rely on tools and accessories that are designed to work with the realities of roof movement, materials and jobsite conditions. Wil-Mar Products, Inc. focuses on products intended to address those everyday challenges through purpose-built designs. 

The Roofers’ Saw from Wil-Mar Products, Inc. is designed specifically to address that challenge. Described as a hand saw for shake, shingle and slate applications, the Roofers’ Saw is intended to cut nails and staples quickly. The product literature notes that the saw is self-feeding and cuts on the pull stroke, a design approach that can help contractors maintain control while working in tight or elevated conditions. 

For crews focused on repairs and reroofing, speed and precision matter. The manufacturer states that the saw increases productivity for repairs and reroofing, which saves time and money. By targeting fastener removal directly, the tool is positioned as a practical solution for situations where access and efficiency are critical. 

The Roofers’ Saw consists of a wood handle paired with a removable saw blade. Worn blades may be replaced, allowing the tool to remain in service rather than being discarded. This replaceable blade design supports continued use over multiple projects. 

In roofing, incremental time savings can compound over the course of a job. A purpose-built hand saw that addresses common tear-off obstacles reflects a focus on durability and task-specific performance; qualities contractors look for when selecting tools that will see daily use on active jobsites. 

Learn more about the Roofers’ Saw and how it is designed to support faster, more efficient reroofing and repair work!

By Jenny Yu.  

Learn why crews stock Wil-Mar pipe collars in their toolboxes so you can be the contractor who’s always ready. 

When an unexpected leak, last-minute roof job or sudden snowstorm hits, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. That is why many forward-thinking crews keep stock of Wil-Mar Products, Inc. pipe collars. Wil-Mar's pipe collars help well-stocked contractors reduce response times that other crews might pass up. 

Wil-Mar’s signature product, known simply as the pipe collar, is made of durable EPDM rubber that slips easily down any vent or plumbing pipe and seals tightly without tape or mastic. That simple, secure seal offers a waterproof counterflashing that stays attached even if the pipe shifts with temperature changes. 

With hectic December schedules when homeowners want to address leaks, vent issues and pre-sale inspections before the holidays, crews with Wil-Mar collars aren’t scrambling to order materials; they’re ready to complete repairs on the spot. This results in more jobs finished before the new year and fewer missed opportunities. 

Furthermore, beyond rapid response, Wil-Mar pipe collars protect the roof’s integrity over time. Properly sealed vent penetrations help prevent leaks that can lead to water damage, mold, structural decay or compromised insulation. They also help maintain energy efficiency by preventing air from escaping through unsealed gaps. These benefits make for happy customers, and happy customers can lead to referrals down the road.  

Keep your crew ready and deliver quality, efficient service with a full stock of Wil-Mar pipe collars.  

Learn more about Wil-Mar pipe collars or request a free sample today.

By Jenny Yu.  

Ensuring vent pipes are fully sealed and safeguard jobs this winter season.  

As temperatures drop and the possibility of the first rain or snowfall looms, roofing contractors must ensure their clients’ roof systems are fully sealed and ready for winter challenges. Proper roof maintenance is essential to preventing leaks and mitigating damage once snow, ice and cold weather arrive. Regular fall evaluations should include checking gutters and downspouts, inspecting for damaged or missing shingles, ensuring attic ventilation and clearing debris from the roof surface because clogged drainage and trapped moisture often lead to winter problems. 

One of the most vulnerable spots on any roof is the pipe vent penetration. That’s where the right product can make a big difference. The Wil‑Mar pipe collar has been the trusted go-to for roofing contractors since 1990. This EPDM-rubber collar is available in six common sizes — ¾″, 1″, 1½″, 2″, 3″ and 4″ — and provides a waterproof counter-flashing that slides down over the vent pipe rather than relying on roof sealant or tape. By clamping to the pipe itself, it removes the weak link of adhesive or surface-mounted seals, offering a long-lasting barrier against ice, snow melt and wind-driven rain. 

For roofing contractors gearing up for winter, now is the time to stock up on Wil-Mar pipe collars. A full inventory ensures you’re ready to handle retrofit work, new vent installations and seasonal maintenance projects.  

Seal roofs properly this fall and winter. Equip your crews with Wil-Mar pipe collars today and offer clients the peace of mind their roof is locked down for winter. 

Learn more about how Wil-Mar products like the pipe collar can help make your crew winter-ready.

By Emma Peterson. 

From tools to training courses, The Coffee Shops™ crew wraps up the perfect presents for roofing pros in this guide to giving this holiday season. 

If your year has been anything like ours here at The Coffee Shops™, it’s going by faster than you can flip the months on the calendar! We’re shocked, too, but the gift-giving season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning what to get for your friends, family and coworkers. To make things a little easier if this season caught you off guard like it did us, our team has created the ultimate gift giving guide perfect for any contractor or professional in your life.  

1 – Yule be sad if you miss out on this R-Club discount  

Do you have a contractor in your life looking for a network of support or learning opportunities? Look no further than R-Club! R-Club is a Coffee Shops program created to make an exclusive space for roofing professionals where they can learn and socialize with other professionals from across the industry. Gifting the roofing professional in your life with a membership is a great way not only to give them a present but also to uplift their business savvy! 

And for a Black Friday special, we are thrilled to offer a 50% off discount for R-Club memberships using code HOLLYJOLLY50!

2 – Don't fir-get a pipe collar 

The last thing anyone wants when getting ready for the holidays is a leaky roof ruining the festivities. That’s what the Wil-Mar Products’ pipe collar helps avoid! These products are made out of an EPDM rubber that provides long-lasting waterproof counterflashing for vent pipes and is a must-have for any roofing professional’s toolkit.  

Eliminating a variety of tape and mastic leaking problems, a case of these can help the roofer in your life avoid an avalanche of problems later.

3 – Jingle and mingle at IRE 2026 

From innovative solutions and hands-on demos to a dynamic education program and unmatched networking opportunities, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the place to be for anyone in the roofing world. The next show will be hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 20 – 22, 2026. Have a contractor or installer in your life looking to level up their knowledge and relationships? Consider giving them an IRE pass!  

If you register using The Coffee Shops’ promo code (INVITES492) for a free expo hall admission or 10% off a conference pass!

4 – Malco’s rotary sheer is snow special 

Combining high-performance with a reasonable sales tag, Malco’s TurboShear is a special accessory that saves professionals time and labor. It can easily be used with the chuck of a standard 1200 rpm A/C or cordless drill and cuts precisely enough to navigate tight curved patterns and squares.  

TurboShear is a great addition to the toolbag of anyone working with metal on the jobsite.

5 – John Kenney's contractor training is always a sleigh 

John Kenney is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and a household name in the roofing industry. With over 45 years of experience, he helps contractors around the country scale knowledge across topics such as estimating, field leadership and project operations. No matter the role of the person you’re shopping for, he has a training program that will help them get the job done. 

Learn more about his classes so you can find the perfect match for your loved one!

6 – The KARNAK 671 shines bright 

This amazing product is a single-component, silicone roof sealant from KARNAK. Not only does it resist weathering, hardening, chalking and cracking (making it a well-rounded, high-performance solution), it has been proven to stick to a roof in a variety of conditions, including when it’s wet. And the best part about this product? KARNAK offers it in three different forms – buckets, caulk tubes and pouches! This makes it easier for contractors to bring KARNAK 671 with them to every job site.  

KARNAK 671 is the perfect way to level up any applicator’s toolbox.

7 – Light up someone's life with a cordless Leister hand welder!  

Leister is known for their wide range of plastic welders and heat guns that make contractors' lives easier in the field. A great gift option from their collection is the NEXTHEAT overlap welding kit. This kit is a complete solution for wireless welding. The kit not only includes the NEXHEAT 300 A-LP, which is known for consistent and reliable welds, but also an eight-amp battery from Bosch and a matching charger. 

Learn more about this handy kit!

8 – Gelt them a Kool Seal product! 

Kool Seal has been a leader in the roofing products industry for over a century. Their products reliably deliver exceptional durability, weather resistance and ease of application.  You can help a contractor in your life elevate their roofing projects with Kool Seal products by connecting them with a Sherwin-Williams sales representative to get samples of their premium roof coatings. 

Contact a representative today!

9 - Flurry up and get one of Wryker’s contractor bags 

For the contractor on-the-go, Wryker’s branded contractor bags will put a smile on your loved one’s face every time they use it! These are hyper-tough bags perfect for everything from metal scraps and drywall to packaging and shingle scraps. Designed out of 3-mil film, these bags hold 43 gallons and give Santa’s sack of toys a run for its money in functionality.  

Learn more about Wryker’s contractor bags!

10 – Brrrrr-ing on the savings with Instant Roofer 

Designed by roofers, for roofers, Instant Roofer connects professionals with AI-powered sales tools that help their businesses grow. These tools include their high-quality roofing leads, instant measure reports and the built-in roofing calculator. And the best part? There is a special deal on a bundle of the measure reports and roofing calculator that would make a great gift! 

Get the AI Sales Tool Bundle and get 30 days free!

11 – CIDAN is not elfing around with their portable break 

New this year, CIDAN Machinery Group launched ONROLL, a revolutionary portable roll former, to the U.S. market! This roll former is designed to operate on urban rooftops and at remote installs through wind and rain without a problem. Combined with a 90 FPM speed and center-driven pinch-roller drive, ONROLL is perfect for the installer that needs accurate, smooth and efficient seams on site.  

Get the CIDAN ONROLL today!

12 – A Geocel sealant is always a n-ice gift!  

Looking for a versatile gift that will definitely be used? Geocel’s 4600™ Hybrid Structural Adhesive Sealant is a jack-of-all-trades sealant that combines powerful performance with amazing adaptability. It can be used on a variety of materials (metal, masonry, wood, foam, glass, etc.) and can be applied in conditions as harsh as 0° Fahrenheit.  

Get them a multi-tasking product that works as hard as they do.

13 – Santa's elves work hard, but the Catch-All Nail Catch works harder 

The Catch-All was founded on the goal of keeping roofing construction sites clean – far from an easy goal. But their products rise to the challenge every time, using chute nets, reinforced ground nets, collapsible support poles and more to keep roofing debris from hitting the ground. As a part of their extensive protection system, they also designed the Nail Catch, which is a filter system that collects debris in the first few weeks after the job.    

The Nail-Catch is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer! Use code “RCS” to get a 5% discount on your purchase.

14 - Make a fa-la-la-la-lasting impression with the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program 

Looking for a gift for the roofer in your life who’s always looking to learn new skills? Consider gifting them one of Roofing Alliance and Clemson University’s self-paced online courses tailored to the roofing industry! There are three different courses to choose from: roofing fundamentals, roofing management and roofing business and leadership. Each course is 60 days long and if a contractor finishes all three, they can earn a Roofing Professional Management Certificate! 

If you want to give the gift that keeps giving, look into the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program.

Stay up to date with the latest industry news when you sign up for the Coffee Shop eNews. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Wil-Mar pipe collars are a contractor’s go-to solution to prevent leaks and block moisture when the weather turns. 

When autumn leaves begin to pile up and moisture in the air rises, even a minor weakness around roof penetrations can signal trouble. That’s where the Wil‑Mar pipe collar steps in.  

Designed to seal vent pipes and guard roofs against debris blockage, seepage and weather-driven damage, Wil-Mar pipe collars are a contractor’s secret weapon to completing a clean, professional job. Its EPDM rubber composition slides snugly down a pipe and creates a long-lasting counter-flashing barrier that lasts for years — much more robust than collars made of less resilient materials. 

While generic pipe collars often crack, shrink or fail under UV exposure and freeze-thaw cycles, the Wi-Mar pipe collar meets ASTM D-2000 standards for heat, ozone and sunlight resistance — a critical advantage when decomposing leaves and other autumn debris traps moisture around roof penetrations like vents and accelerates deterioration. 

Roofing professionals have taken notice. One Ohio roofing contractor found that instead of scheduling a temporary fix for a leak, the Wi-Mar pipe collar “performed so well that it ended up being the permanent repair on the first visit.” Another installer noted that the product’s flexible fit “saves time on the roof and eliminates call-backs after heavy rain.” 

Wi-Mar’s reliability isn’t limited to autumn conditions — it’s built for year-round, long-term protection. The EPDM material maintains its elasticity in both freezing and high-heat environments, creating a tight seal that won’t fail when expansion and contraction occur. That level of consistency gives contractors and homeowners confidence that their roof penetrations are protected, no matter the season. 

In a chaotic market filled with flashy products and constant upgrades, Wi-Mar stands out for its simplicity, longevity, tested performance and real-world results. When leaves fall and moisture lingers, investing in high-quality pipe collars isn’t just smart, but essential. 

Learn more about Wil-Mar's line of contractor-approved products.

By Jenny Yu.  

Don’t forget to stock up on this key product to deliver strong, precise service for your clients.  

Now that school is back in session and the weather is slowly shifting from warm summer breezes to crisp fall air, homeowners and property owners are looking ahead to the next season. In preparation for the harsher winter weather, building owners are ticking off roof maintenance and repairs from their to-do list, which means you can expect more calls to start trickling in. 

Just as homeowners are reviewing their property maintenance needs, so should you complete a routine audit of your products and services in this final dash before winter. At Wil-Mar Products, we believe no detail should be overlooked to ensure you are providing the best service possible for your customers.  

One key product to stock up on this fall is the pipe collar. If they aren’t already in your roofing process, now’s the time to incorporate them. A pipe collar is an EPDM rubber collar that provides a waterproof counterflashing to protect roof penetrations from the elements. Uniquely designed to slide easily down any pipe (plastic, copper, galvanized, etc.), pipe collars stay firmly attached to create a completely weatherproof seal.  

The role of pipe collars in roof integrity 

Though small, pipe collars are critical details in preventing leaks and maintaining watertight protection. Wil-Mar pipe collars are known for their reliability, quality and consistency of performance under tough weather conditions. 

• Durability: Made from a special EPDM rubber compound that meets ASTM D-2000 standards, pipe collars are designed to withstand the harsh winter weather as well as high-low temperature, oil, ozone and sunlight resistance.  
• Quick and easy installation: Pipe collars have fast and intuitive installation, making them contractor friendly. They also eliminate the need for unreliable mastic, caulking or taping. 
• Compatibility: Pipe collars are compatible for use with most roofing systems, including pitched and flat roof systems. They come in six sizes, sure to fit over any of your customers’ vents and shield them from water.  

So, now is the time to gear up. Prepare for winter early by securing your inventory of pipe collars ahead of peak season demand! 

By Jenny Yu.  

Prevent leaks and boost professionalism with the pipe collar. 

Experience is a great teacher, but even the most experienced professionals can still benefit from focused training and education. With more contractors exploring new ways to stand out from their competitors, a business with strong leadership dedicated to the ongoing education of its crew will result in service that sells itself.  

That’s why, when it comes to the roofing industry, business owners should implement regular training and ongoing educational opportunities to ensure their technicians and crew members stay up-to-date on the newest technologies while refining their skills on the more fundamental jobs, too.  

One key area to include in your next training session is refining your crew’s treatment of roof penetrations. Crucial for the functionality of a structure’s internal systems, roof penetrations like pipes and vents provide ventilation, HVAC operation and gas outlets. With such essential functions, roof penetrations can also pose potential points of weakness or threat if not properly installed or maintained. 

Incorporating Wil-Mar Products' pipe collars is an important step in roof penetration treatment. Leaks and water damage are common consequences of poorly installed or maintained roof penetrations. Most roof leaks start at penetrations like vent pipes, and properly installed pipe collars can prevent these leaks from occurring. 

Pipe collars come in six sizes: ¾-inch, 1-inch, 1½-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch and 4-inch. Training your crew in selecting the correct pipe collar size, installing the pipe collar and inspecting previously installed pipe collars can reduce future service calls and improve your overall quality of service. 

In the long run, proper training can reduce the risk of future problems, boost professionalism and trust with customers and increase overall efficiency. By utilizing pipe collars with ongoing training, you and your crew can prevent leaks before they even happen.  

Learn more about Wil-Mar products and how to incorporate pipe collars in your next roof penetration training session.