The Roofing Alliance released its 2023-24 Annual Report, underscoring a landmark year of innovation, philanthropy, and educational advancements. Guided by its mandate to help shape the industry’s future and advance education, sustainability, and technology, the philanthropic arm of the National Roofing Contractors Association believes it has set new benchmarks for success. 

Growth and Membership  

The Roofing Alliance expanded its reach in 2023-24, welcoming 10 new members, including notable organizations like Division 7 Roofing, RoofersCoffeeShop, and Roofing Contractor magazine. Despite the publication’s cutoff listing of 199 members, the organization welcomed Progressive Roofing as its 201st member at the Governor’s Level earlier this month. 

Reflecting on the year, Greg Bloom, 2023-24 president and Beacon Building Products executive, noted, “This past year, we continued to innovate and streamline our operations to enhance efficiency and productivity," he said, adding, “Your trust and confidence in the Roofing Alliance motivate us to constantly raise the bar and deliver exceptional results.”  

Educational Investments  

A cornerstone of the Roofing Alliance’s efforts lies in education and training. Collaborating with Clemson University, the organization unveiled three online certificate programs — Roofing Fundamentals, Roofing Management, and Roofing Business Principles and Leadership — totaling nine credit hours. Since the program's inception, more than 150 graduate and undergraduate students have enrolled in these courses. 

The organization also committed to sustainability through its Clemson partnership by funding the creation of a minor in roofing studies. Through an initial four-year budget of $1 million, the Center for Roofing Research and Workforce Development aims to drive sustainable growth across the roofing supply chain through innovative research and educational initiatives. The initiative also supports a Ph.D. candidate specializing in roofing-related sustainability research, ensuring the industry remains at the forefront of environmental innovation. 

The initiative has seen robust industry engagement, with more than 50 Roofing Alliance member companies contributing as guest lecturers and over 90 companies volunteering to donate roofing materials. Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with an average satisfaction score of 9.3 out of 10.

This roofing curriculum is now available at multiple universities, including Arizona State University, Bradley University, Drexel University, Colorado State University, California Polytechnic State University, Kirkwood College and Santa Fe College. 

“Education is the cornerstone of growth,” said Bloom. “Through targeted investments, we are equipping the next generation with the tools to lead and innovate.”  

The Roofing Alliance again demonstrated its commitment to future leaders through its annual Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program. The Program offers three scholarship opportunities: an accredited post-secondary institution scholarship, a career technical education scholarship, and a diversity scholarship. 

The categories are open to employees of companies throughout the roofing industry, their spouses, and dependent children. Undergrad students enrolled in construction management and CTE programs or schools, regardless of industry affiliation, are also eligible.

This year, it awarded $80,000 to students, contributing to a cumulative total of $1.075 million for 155 recipients since the program's inception.  

Workforce Development and Philanthropy  

Recognizing the urgent need for skilled labor, the Alliance pledged $150,000 over three years to support the National Roofing Contractors Association’s SkillsUSA initiative. This program connects educators with trade industries to develop a sustainable workforce and inspire the next generation of roofing professionals.  

Rick Damato, Roofing Contractor’s recently retired editorial director — and staunch advocate of the SkillsUSA competition — says the NRCA sees value in how the industry can leverage SkillsUSA for recruiting and that contractors have a prominent role in nurturing this vast pool of budding talent.

“If there's a contractor who happens not to be an NRCA member, we're still going to help them get into trade schools,” he said. “The ideal scenario is having a roofing contractor serve as a topic expert for those classrooms and helping them with supplying the materials and equipment they need.”

The Alliance’s philanthropic outreach also extends to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Since 2017, the roofing industry has donated labor and materials valued at over $3 million, helping maintain and repair roofs for RMHC’s facilities nationwide.  

“This partnership showcases the heart of our industry,” Bloom said. “We’re proud to provide comfort and care for families during their most challenging times.”  

Financial Milestones  

The Roofing Alliance reported raising $194,000 this year for its scholarship programs, thanks to generous contributions from members and donors. The organization has also invested significantly in the Roofing Industry Center, a new initiative designed to introduce roofing careers to students as early as middle school.  

Since its founding, these financial commitments are part of the $16.5 million the Alliance has invested in research, education, and scholarships.  

Industry Recognition and Safety  

The Roofing Alliance celebrated excellence within the industry through its MVP Awards Program. Luis Villalta of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing earned the Best of the Best Award, recognizing his outstanding performance and leadership.  

The Alliance launched a heat stress training course and report to enhance worker safety. These resources address the risks of heat-related illnesses and provide practical strategies for prevention, underscoring the Alliance’s dedication to workforce well-being.  

Looking Ahead  

As the Roofing Alliance transitions to new leadership under Reed Gooding, the focus remains on driving innovation, sustainability, and education. “Together, we will shape a brighter tomorrow for the roofing industry and generations to come,” Gooding stated.  

With initiatives like the Roofing Industry Center and expanded educational programs, the Alliance is poised to build on its successes and address the challenges ahead.  

For more information, visit roofingalliance.net.