The FEI Group concluded its 26th annual National Conference on Sept. 11, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to learn and collaborate on the industry's future.

The Exterior Contractor Alliance, a division of FEI Group, used this year's theme, "Organizational Health," to host an event with high-level presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. The event aimed to empower members and supply partners to stay ahead of market trends, offering insights into emerging technologies, sustainability practices, and cutting-edge business strategies.

Keynote speaker Ret. Lt. Col. Scott Mann told his story addressing leadership, resilience and overcoming challenges and shared a Green Beret’s guide to leadership and getting ‘big sh*t’ done. That night, the group packed 20,000 meals and hygiene kits for “No Child Hungry,” the feeding program of My Neighbor’s Children.

Working with corporate and community-based groups, No Child Hungry packs nutritious meals, holds drives, and works with those groups to give the meals to people in need.

The SupplyConnect trade show was another excellent opportunity for roofing business owners and operators to interact with some of the industry's biggest manufacturers.

“Each year, we allot intentional, meaningful time with supply partners such as Atlas, Beacon Building Products, GAF, LP, Royal Westlake, SRS and others,” said ECA Director Keely Roberts.  “This tradeshow further strengthens the increasingly valuable relationships between our member companies and our supply community.”

Joe Hoffman accepts the ECA Ambassador Award with Keely Roberts and Earl Ward. Image courtesy of FEI Group.

The working sessions featured panels on topics paramount to the roofing industry: private equity in the marketplace, company culture, investing in the right people, the most significant changes arising in the storm restoration industry and the effects ECA members are experiencing or anticipating.

Panelists included Doug Cooper, Advocate Construction and Maxx Challenger; Tony Flattum, Built Strong Exteriors; Patrick Cochran, Red Dog’s Roofing; Scott Riopelle, Interstate Roofing and One Solutions; Marcus Kuhlmann, Apple Roofing; Scott Mullins, Legacy Restoration; JR Emrich, Reroof America; Joe Hoffman, Hoffman Weber Construction, ROOFLE and SMA Support Services; Ethan Andes, Andes Roofing; Jewels DeCorsey, All Craft Exteriors; and Martin Pettigrew, Monarch Roofing.

ECA makes a point to recognize excellence within the membership community, and this year was no exception. Members Patrick Cochran of Red Dog’s Roofing, Joe Hoffman of Hoffman Weber Construction, and Doug Cooper of Advocate Construction were each honored with the Exterior Contractor Alliance Ambassador Award for outstanding achievements in bringing brand awareness to ECA and supporting the group’s mission of industry excellence and continuous business improvement.  

It's been an exciting year for ECA. The group recently celebrated its fifth year as a business division with more than 100 contractor members. Moreover, the division also launched “Trailblazers,” a subgroup within ECA. The ECA Trailblazers are a community of emerging, ambitious business owners beginning to build their brand presence and scale sustainably. The Trailblazer candidates who attended the conference eagerly reached out after the conference to officially join.

The next FEI Group National Conference will be held Sept. 25-27, 2025, in San Diego, Calif.

FEI Group is an interior and exterior finishes organization founded in 1998. Focusing on delivering solutions and services, FEI Group has established itself as a partner for businesses seeking to thrive in the rapidly evolving new home construction, multifamily, remodeling and kitchen and bath segments.

For more information about FEI Group, visit feigroup.net.