“We can never expect young people to be drawn to our industry or respect what we do, until we respect what we do,” he said to a standing ovation in New Orleans. “Once you have self-respect, there is nothing that can pull that away.”

Show officials said they expect him to draw on some of the fiery passion and perspective after stepping away from the industry to deliver an update on the state of the American dream – and how it relates to the roofing industry.

Ribble will also provide his broad view of the actual state of the American dream and why so many people still seek it, despite what pundits, politicians, and economists are messaging.

The keynote address begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theater at the Henry Gonzalez Convention Center. Registration for IRE 2025 is now open!