Each year, RT3 recognizes an individual who is committed to advancing technology use in the roofing industry, whether that is through technical innovation or product development in areas like production, safety, client services, employee recruitment and environmental impact.

Zavala, who was named a Young Gun in 2023, has been instrumental in adapting his company by embracing solar technology through product offerings and enhancing operations. He has brought on products like solar panels, solar shingles and tiles, electrical panel installation and EV chargers.

"I'm just so honored and thankful, and surprised," said Zavala. "We got into solar about five years ago, six years ago, and we wanted ot be on the cutting edge with solar roofing integrated products, not just panels on the roof ... and being able to blend an incredible roofing system and solar and make it beautiful, so we really dove in."

American Home Contractors credits Zavala and his team with integrating a task management solution into its CRM, streamlining project execution. This helped customers take advantage of solar tax credits that are set to terminate after Dec. 31, 2025.

According to the submission nominating Zavala, by leveraging technology for task management and customer engagement, “he has created a process-driven design that simplifies project tracking, enhances communication, and ensures quality delivery at scale.”

Nominations for Innovator of the Year are reviewed blindly by a team of RT3 members and past award recipients who select the winner.

"What's really amazing about this person's mindset is their ability to organize and make things efficient and run a really, really good company," said Ken Kelly, an RT3 Innovator of the Year winner, while presenting the award.

To be eligible, a roofing contractor must be licensed and bonded for a minimum of five years and have a minimum $2 million in annual revenue. They must also 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.

Previous winners include:

• Paul Spies, CEO of Corvallis, Ore.-based Smart Safety Solutions (2024)
• John Kiesel, president of Division 7 Roofing in Galena, Ohio, and Imagine Technologies (2023)
• Joe Hoffman, CEO of Hoffman Weber Construction in New Brighton, Minn., and Roofle (2022)
• Ken Kelly, former president of Kelly Roofing in Bonita Springs, Fla.(2021) 
• Scott Riopelle, owner and CEO of Denver-based Interstate Roofing (2020)
• Curtis Sutton, president of Rackley Roofing in Carthage, Tenn. (2019)