Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) has opened nominations for its 2025 Innovator of the Year Award, recognizing roofing contractors who advance the industry through technology and innovation.

This award was created to nationally recognize a roofing contractor that has contributed to the advancement of the roofing industry through technical innovation and/or product development in one of the following areas: 

• Production/Technology Efficiency
• Safety Innovation
• Client Service/Quality of Delivery  
• Employee Recruitment/Training/Retention
• Environmental Impact 

The 501(c)(6) association, which is focused on technology education and the advancement of technology solutions for the roofing industry, will judge entries based on innovation, results, design and strategy.

To be eligible, a roofing contractor must be licensed and bonded for a minimum of five years and have an annual revenue of at least $2 million. They also must be a member of a professional industry association and be able to cite community enrichment ties through support of non-profits or company culture programs.

Nominations are reviewed blindly by a team of RT3 members and past award recipients who select the winner. The 2025 recipient will be announced at the Best of Success conference, December 3-5, 2025, at Live! By Loews Arlington, Texas.

Previous winners include: 

• Paul Spies of Corvallis, Oregon-based Iron Head Roofing (2024)
• John Kiesel of Galena, Ohio-based Division 7 Roofing (2023)
• Joe Hoffman of Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Hoffman Weber Construction (2022)
• Ken Kelly of Naples, Florida-based Kelly Roofing (2021)
• Scott Riopelle of Denver, Colorado-based Interstate Roofing (2020)
• Curtis Sutton of Carthage, Tennessee-based Rackley Roofing (2019)  

Nominations close September 30, 2025, with a $50 processing fee. Applications are available at www.rt3thinktank.com/2025award.