How would you assess the state of the roofing industry heading into 2026?

EM: The roofing industry is entering 2026 with a nuanced outlook. While demand for re-roofing remains steady—anchored by homeowner trust and brand-driven decisions—new construction is experiencing slower starts, making relationships with and loyalty to our roofer, builder and distributor customers more critical than ever. The market is split between homeowner-driven re-roofing and builder-driven new construction. Regional resilience and a growing interest in design and sustainability are shaping opportunities. The good news? Our lineup is broad and built for both. We’re ready to win on performance, value, and a great story behind every product.

What trends will you continue to watch as the year moves on?

EM: A few things are sticking around: sustainability and design are still hot topics, and builders are asking for more complete system solutions. Digital marketing is a big differentiator—telling our story online and highlighting our performance value really sets us apart. Plus, there’s a lot of consolidation and private equity activity, so we’re keeping an eye on that. Bottom line: we’re staying nimble and focused on what matters to our customers.

What impact did tariffs have on your material supply and costs?

EM: Tariffs, insurance, labor—you name it, costs are up. We’ve tackled this by diversifying our suppliers, keeping strong vendor relationships, and only passing along price increases when absolutely necessary. We’re upfront with our partners and customers, so there are no surprises.

How did you handle price increases, or fears over price increases and material shortages?

EM: We don’t sugarcoat it—when prices go up or materials get tight, we talk to our customers and partners right away. We manage inventory smartly, source strategically, and always highlight the long-term value of our products. Our warranties and performance guarantees help reinforce that value, too.

Was your company impacted by increased immigration enforcement? How and how did you respond?

EM: Labor’s been a challenge for everyone, especially with more immigration enforcement. We’re supporting our contractors with education, advocacy, and resources to help them adapt. We’re all in this together.

Our annual survey of roofing contractors showed a lot of optimism in the marketplace. Do you share that viewpoint?

EM: Contractors are feeling good about sales and new products, and so are we. Our broad portfolio, strong brands, and focus on performance-driven solutions put us in a great spot. We’re here to help contractors succeed and grow their businesses with expanded tools and resources.

What economic factors will play the biggest role in a roofing contractor’s success this year?

EM: Inflation, insurance, material availability, labor—these are the big ones. Weather can throw us a curveball, too. Our system approach, premium products, and strong warranties help contractors manage these challenges and stay competitive.

What product categories or new tech capabilities are you most excited about?

EM: I’m excited about our high-performance, system-based solutions and the new tech we’re rolling out (components based)—think better durability, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. Our digital tools make life easier for contractors, and our sustainability-focused products are getting a lot of attention as well.

How is your company/organization responding to the growing consolidation and private equity involvement in the roofing industry?

EM: TWith all the consolidation happening, we’re not just doubling down on what makes us different—we’re also stepping up our game when it comes to supporting architects and mid-size builders. First and foremost, Westlake Royal Building Products’ extensive, diverse portfolio of roofing materials—comprising stone coated steel, concrete, composite, clay, and components—ensures customers across a broad national footprint can find the ideal material and style for each project’s unique geography, design needs and budget.

Our team is rolling out new programs and resources to help the architectural community with product education and spec adoption, making it easier for them to choose and specify our products. We’re also investing in tools and support for our channel partners, so they can keep growing their businesses right alongside us. At the end of the day, it’s about building strong relationships, sharing knowledge, and making sure everyone in our network has what they need to succeed.

Were there any completed capital projects over the past year?

EM: We’re always looking for ways to invest in our business—whether that’s facility optimizations, product refinements for efficiency, or expanding into new markets. One big highlight this year is the expansion at our Okeechobee facility in Florida. We’re boosting production capacity for our Newpoint Saxony 900 profile, which means shorter lead times and better service for our partners in the region. This is all about meeting the growing demand for flat concrete roof tile and making sure we’re ready to support both re-roof and new construction markets. Alongside that, we’ve made enhancements at our Lake Wales, Florida, facility and rolled out upgrades to our e-commerce and delivery services, so we can reach more customers and make the whole experience smoother. Bottom line: we’re investing in the future to help our partners grow and succeed.

What are you proudest of about your organization as the year unfolds?

EM: I’m proudest of our team, our reputation, and our commitment to innovation and customer support. We’re leading with a strong portfolio and adapting to whatever the market throws at us.

What are the biggest concerns moving forward?

EM: Managing costs, keeping our brands clear and strong, and staying ahead of industry changes. We’re focused on adapting quickly and delivering what our customers need.

For our customers, labor continues to be one of the biggest challenges, and we’re continuing to offer education and resources to support both newcomers and industry veterans alike. This includes our Installer Program, featuring expert-led, hands-on training designed to elevate contractors’ skills, efficiency and jobsite performance. Educational resources, knowledge sharing and relationship building between manufacturers and installers is essential for ensuring success up and down the supply channel.