Over the next few days and weeks, you may hear a lot of stories coming from those who ventured out to Roofing Day 2026 and came home from Washington unscathed, which these days may be considered a feat in itself. 

Participants of the annual fly-in will talk about whom they met or saw meandering through the hallways of congressional offices around our nation’s capital. They’ll share stories they shared with people they elected, or their key staff, relay a few things they learned, and hopefully, a message to bring back to the offices and roofing yards in their respective states. 

They may also talk about the degree of patriotism and optimism they feel from participating directly in the democratic process, even if just for a day. There’s a thrill in sharing their passion for an age-old industry that still feels on the rise. An authenticity to how they represent an economic engine driven mostly by people with humble beginnings, noble intentions and big dreams. And there’s a sense of accomplishment in shining a light on the issues and problems that stand out to them, and therefore, should be of concern to the nation’s elected officials. Even though I personally didn’t go to this year’s fly-in, I feel like I can anticipate these takeaways because I’ve been there a few times since the industry started doing this style of political activism over the past decade. I’ve sat in those congressional chambers, or crowded office hallways while roofers spoke their minds. 

One thing we can never really be sure about is how the message lands along the Beltway. Participants won’t necessarily talk about how it’s working. But I believe it is. In the past few years, the NRCA has chalked up victories on specific legislation that provided funding grants for career technical training and extended visas. But from where I sit, there’s more happening than meets the eye. The fact that roofers and other industry professionals speak together coherently and cohesively on anything is an achievement. This industry is so fragmented, so diverse, and driven by so many different market factors that often conflict, it once felt like speaking together didn’t seem important, or even really possible. 

Reid Ribble changed that. Fresh from serving three consecutive terms as a Wisconsin congressman, the veteran roofing contractor understood that political activism required two key components at any level: constituent engagement – actual voters have to be present and engaged in the issues they care about; and face-time matters – there’s tremendous power in numbers. Industries like agriculture, transportation and insurance realized that decades ago, and their powerful lobbyists have capitalized ever since. Ribble made Roofing Day a priority when he took over as NRCA CEO, and now we’re seeing how it’s paying dividends beyond the federal level.

In March, a coalition of roofing organizations and motivated individuals helped defeat problematic legislation in Mississippi that would have essentially outlawed low slope roofs on all new public construction projects. Seeing its shortsighted approach and lack of scientific mettle, the roofing industry – spearheaded by the NRCA and the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) -- battled against the insurance lobby pushing the measure through the Mississippi State Senate. Through that coordinated effort, that’s where the proposed legislation died before even reaching a full body vote. 

The bill’s sponsor didn’t understand all the ramifications of the proposal, and that presented an educational opportunity to change it, which the coalition seized. Industry supporters at the national and local levels responded, including some from Mississippi who have attended Roofing Day before, said the NRCA’s Duane Musser. 

Through that training, roofers have become effective advocates for issues they care about at any level of government.

“By getting that training, you’re going to understand how to respond to legislation or regulations, and how to get in there and work with government officials to get your point across, and then hopefully have success. Which we did in this instance,” he said in an exclusive podcast with RC. 

This type of activism in the roofing industry was unheard of five or ten years ago and would not be nearly as effective. It’s a case study for how local, state and regional roofing associations can collaborate with partner organizations to drive the industry forward.

For those that attended Roofing Day 2026, I applaud you with a tinge of envy and encourage you to go back again. Those positive feelings don’t get old. For those that haven’t had the chance to attend yet, I’d encourage you do so. It will be worth it, and if lawmakers truly need to hear from you to make effective decisions, how can you not? They need to hear from you now more than ever.