LAS VEGAS – A record number of roofing contractors and other roofing professionals from throughout the Western portion of the United States were drawn to Las Vegas for the 2024 Western Roofing Expo from Sept. 30-Oct. 1. According to officials with the Western Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) more than 4,500 people attended the event, the most in its 50-year-history. In addition to the annual Davis Memorial Foundation scholarship auction, roofer education and training were at the forefront of dozens of educational sessions hosted by industry experts over the two days.

Unstoppable Inspiration

Members of the Western Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) got a first-hand look at what can be achieved with determination and both physical and mental strength from former NCAA Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles during the Western Roofing Expo.

Robles, a three-time all-American selection from Arizona State University, keynoted the WSRCA’s annual luncheon and shared his inspirational story of how he overcame not having a right leg to become an unstoppable force in collegiate wrestling while competing against and beating able-bodied opponents.

Born without his leg up to the hip, Robles never used a prosthetic after early childhood, instead strengthening the rest of his body with various exercises that helped him leverage an unusually high center of gravity on the mat. He was inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012 and wrote a book that is the basis of “Unstoppable,” a film featuring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez scheduled for release in December.

Using crutches to help keep his balance, Robles pivoted along the stage while telling his riveting story of how he persevered through physical pain and self-doubt to reach the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling.

“As human beings we do this sometimes. We set a goal and plan to get there, which is great, but when the challenges start popping up, and the difficulties start to arise, instead of focusing on the goal, we focus on the challenges,” he said. “And I learned that by shifting the focus there, we prepare ourselves to lose.” 

One of the biggest factors in his success, Robles said, was learning not to focus on what happened to him or why it was happening, but instead on how he reacted to it. The same can apply to any situation in life or work – even when you’re in roofing.    

“I know we don’t have the same goals, but as a team or as individuals, I know you’re chasing after something,” he said. “And I know you have your own opponents, but just keep that unstoppable mentality.” 

Who’s Next?

The Davis Memorial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association, presented the winners of its 2024 student scholarship program at the annual Western Roofing Expo.

The ten winners represent current or future students at universities, colleges or trade schools who aspire to be the next generation of workers in the skilled trades. Awards are made possible through funds established by the organization’s sponsors and various fundraising events, including the annual auction at the Western Roofing Expo. 

Members of the WSRCA presented this year’s awards to a small gathering of members, family and friends prior to the auction. 

WSRCA to Provide Roofing Resources in Spanish 

Spanish speaking roofing contractors may soon get a boost from the Western Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA).

Upon officially taking over as president of the WSRCA during the association’s annual luncheon, Kris Hitesman, of Capitol Roofing in Utah, said one of her primary goals is to better engage with the growing number of Latino roofers across the West. One way she intends to do that is by converting the WSRCA’s vast collection of resources from English into Spanish. 

“I want to ensure that our robust library of resources are available in Spanish so all Latino roofing contractors can utilize the tools we have,” Hitesman told hundreds of roofing contractors and other industry professionals during the 2024 Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas earlier this month. 

Members of the WSRCA have special access to the technical information and research collected over the years that are intended to help roofers install various roofing systems in compliance with the latest safety and environmental regulations. 

Big Winners

The WSRCA executive board handed out its share of awards and hardware during the expo, none bigger than Trent Cotney’s selection to the organization’s Hall of Fame.

Association officials said honoring Cotney with group’s highest honor for his legal and strategic support over the years was a “no-brainer.” Outgoing WSRCA President Mike Wakerling compared his attitude to that of a “mama bear” protecting its cubs with unparalleled strength. 

Cotney humbly accepted the award and said he already had a place in mind to display it prominently in his office in Tampa. 

“Western States really means a lot to me. From the first time I started coming to these expos many years ago I’ve been welcomed. And everyone here, we fight for the industry, and that’s what is important to me.”

About a dozen roofing contractors from across the west competed against one another in a timed installation of Malarkey Roofing Products during The Roofing Games™. The competitors nailed roofing systems on a small wooden deck and were judged on accuracy, aesthetics, workmanship, and speed. For the second-consecutive year, Nelson Friesen of Northern Sky Roofing took top honors home to Kelowna, Canada, with a time of 1:52. He received the title belt and other rewards, including $500 gift card from Malarkey Roofing Products.