search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube instagram Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • TOPICS
    • Cool Roofing
    • Event News
    • Latinos in Roofing
    • Low Slope
    • Legal
    • Metal
    • Project Profiles
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Roofing Safety
    • Steep Slope
    • Sustainable Roofing
    • Technology
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Best of Success
    • Contractor Profile
    • IRE Show
    • Roofing Contractor of the Year
      • Enter Roofing Contractor of the Year
    • Top 100
      • Enter the Top 100
    • Young Guns
    • State of the Industry
    • Century Club
  • MULTIMEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Interactive Spotlights
    • Roofing Quizzes
    • IRE Videos
    • Webinars
    • Photo Galleries
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products
    • Featured Products
  • COLUMNS
    • Editor's Note
    • Exit Planning
    • Legally Speaking
    • Safety Advice
    • Technical Details
    • Guest Column
  • EVENTS
    • International Roofing Expo
    • Webinars
    • Best of Success Conference
    • Industry Events
  • DIRECTORY
    • Associations
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturer/Supplier
    • Business Services
    • Get Listed
  • MORE
    • Roofing Contractor eNews
    • RC Store
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Company Spotlights
    • Classifieds
      • Auctions
      • Business For Sale
      • Business Opportunities
      • Equipment For Sale
      • Positions Available
      • Products
      • Safety
      • Software
      • Services
      • Training
    • Contact Us
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Advertise
      • Media Kit
      • Editorial Calendar
      • Contact
    • Archive Issues
  • SIGN UP!
IRE Show Daily

Q&A with Brad Sutter, YCC Chairman

The NRCA’s Young Contractors Committee Roundtable Discusses Emerging Business Technology in Roofing

By Courtney Dobson
YCC Roundtable
February 15, 2016

Organizations and industry associations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Young Contractors Committee (YCC) are the backbone of the roofing business, continuously striving to educate young professionals on emerging technologies and best practices. The YCC is comprised of leaders from across the roofing industry that are dedicated to developing and retaining the future generations of roofing contractors. Roofing Contractor OnSite recently checked in with YCC Chairman Brad Sutter to dis-cuss prominent industry trends and challenges, as well as what the YCC has planned for 2016.

Brad Sutter is the executive vice president at Sutter Roofing Company of Florida. He is a current member of the NRCA Board of Directors 2014-present, as well as the current chairman of the NRCA Young Contractors Committee.

IRE Session WE08
Title: NRCA’s Young Contractors Committee Roundtable Discussion: Emerging Business Technology in the Roofing Industry
Speakers: : Monica Cameron, Vice President at Diamond Roofing; Chad Collins, President at BoneDry Roofing Co.; Cory Duchein, Global Account Representative at CentiMark Corporation; John Embow, President at Grove Roofing Services Inc.; Chris Fry, Vice President at Fry Roofing Inc.; Christian Madsen, President, CEO at Madsen Roofing & Waterproofing Inc.; Geoff Mitchell, CEO at Mid-South Roof Systems; Robert Morgan, COO at Upstate Roofing & Painting Inc.; J.J. Smithey, President at Frost Roofing; Brad Sutter, Executive Vice President at Sutter Roofing Company of Florida; Kelly VanWinkle, Vice President of Contracts at King of Texas Roofing Co. LP
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Room: W108A

 

RC: What’s the best advice or specific tip for a young roofing contractor just starting out?

Brad Sutter: Get involved with industry associations like NRCA or your affiliate at the regional or local level. You’ll access the latest information and trends affecting your business, which can give you an advantage over competitors that aren’t paying attention. The single best tip that I can pass on is one given to me by a wise industry veteran — always do the right thing and you’ll never have to worry about telling the truth about what you did or why.

 

RC: What would you say are the most prominent trends in the industry today?

Brad Sutter: The most pressing trend is the difficulty for contractors and suppliers alike to find and retain young workers. I don’t think this classifies as a trend, but it’s without question the top issue affecting our industry and construction in general.

 

RC: What are the biggest challenge(s) facing young roofers? What can they do to overcome them?

Brad Sutter: One of the challenges we hear about quite often is the difficulty of staying on top of the different types of systems and products. Understanding what’s acceptable or can be used in specific applications is important. Knowing what systems are in compliance with the specifications, building code, or intended manufacturer’s warranties can be difficult and requires guidance. Contractors can work with their manufacturers and suppliers to obtain the correct documentation. Of course, if you’re an NRCA member, you can also rely on their technical staff for help.

 

RC: How does the rapid development of technology affect the roofing contractor and how can they stay at the forefront?

Brad Sutter: Technology continues to play a huge role in our industry. From start to finish, we’re all using technology in many different forms. From aerial measurement services and weather apps, to online warranty submission and drones for documenting the finished results, today’s roofing contractors are embracing them all. These technologies are allowing us to be more efficient with our time and accomplish many different things without having to leave our desks. I like to read the industry publications and attend events for roofing and construction contractors. This allows you to see firsthand what’s available and talk with other industry professionals about what they’re doing to run successful projects. 

 

RC: What else can an attendees expect to learn about emerging business technology from your session?

Brad Sutter: I feel that this event is unlike any other, because you get the real life experiences — both good and bad — from other contractors around the country. There are valuable tips and strategies to be gained from those experiences. One of the things I find most interesting is that you truly get to hear the pros and cons, successes and failures of technology implementation, soft-ware, and hardware directly from the people who’ve lived it. You get that without any spin or sales pitch, which is refreshing and unique.

 

RC: What are some common best practices to foster and grow professional, mutually-beneficial relationships among peers in such a competitive industry?

Brad Sutter: One bedrock that must exist is respect for this industry and the professionals in it. In talking to people all over the country, we all understand that this is a unique industry with inherent challenges and some danger. To be successful in it requires a strong work ethic and resolve. When contractors recognize the commonality that we’re all in this together it usually starts a good discussion. They can focus on what’s good about the industry and where we are heading, rather than who won a particular job, or overcame that day’s crisis event. Just because we compete does not mean that we can’t respect each other. The best relationships start with a conversation. You can’t be scared to talk to other contractors, including your competition. You might find more common ground than you thought existed.

 

RC: What can we expect from YCC in 2016?

Brad Sutter: CC is continuing to reach out and connect with more new and established professionals in the industry through social media and events. We recently launched a new “Emerging Roofing Professionals” Facebook group, where we hope to drive traffic and build a following. We hope to build a more dynamic, interactive, and engaged following in order to plan events with face-to-face interaction and networking opportunities. At this year’s IRE, the YCC hosts its first Emerging Professionals Meetup at the NRCA lounge (booth 841) from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 17. We hope to create those connections while continuing to share ideas from sessions earlier that morning.

KEYWORDS: NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) roofing business young contractors

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Courtney dobson author
Courtney Dobson is the Managing Editor of Roofing Contractor. She attended Oakland University and graduated with a degree in journalism.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Roofing Contractor Group Publisher Jill Bloom

    Physics, the Power of Authenticity and You

    In February's Publisher's Note, Jill Bloom describes a...
    Columns
    By: Jill Bloom
  • The Family Food Fare supermarket in Midland, Mich.

    ‘Rooftop Ninja’ Discovered Living on Roof, Inside Grocery Sign

    A bizarre tale out of Midland, Mich.: a woman dubbed the...
    Roofing News
    By: Bryan Gottlieb
  • A before and after heat measurement comparison

    How Hot is Too Hot in the Attic?

    If the ventilation is working, how hot should the attic...
    Sustainable Roofing
    By: Paul Scelsi
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Sign Up for the eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Roofing Contractor audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Roofing Contractor or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Snow Guard Solutions for Metal Roofs by S-5!
    Sponsored byS-5!

    Safeguard Your Building: How Snow Guards Prevent Costly Roof & Property Damage

  • A hand holding a wooden block that reads 'EVOLVE'
    Sponsored byWatercress Financial

    Embracing Change: A New Era for the Roofing Industry

Popular Stories

QXO closed its acquisition of Beacon Building Supply on April 29, 2025.

QXO Closes Beacon Acquisition, Rebrands Immediately; Jacobs to Ring NYSE Bell

Dear Anna Podcast Lead Generation Optimization featuring Anna Anderson

Dear Anna: How Can I Optimize Lead Generation?

hourglass-with-blue-sand-black-background

QXO Extends Offer to Acquire Beacon Once More Before Closing Deal

Roofing Contractor Webinar

Events

May 22, 2025

Remote Teams 101: The New Way to Hire

Our industry experts will guide you through what remote hiring and outsourcing should look like, how it can help you grow, and why it’s easier (and less scary) than you might think. If you want to save time, find great talent, and grow your business, this is one session you don’t want to miss!

December 3, 2025

The Premier Roofing Conference: Best of Success

Join roofing professionals from across the nation at the 2025 Best of Success conference, the ultimate destination for roofing professionals seeking the latest industry insights and networking opportunities. Pick up strategies for critical challenges like workforce shortage with innovative solutions, explore the latest advancements in roofing technology and sustainable practices, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders on navigating the evolving roofing landscape.

View All Submit An Event

Related Articles

  • Roofing Contracto rQ&A

    Contractor Q&A With: NRCA Chairman Lindy Ryan

    See More
  • Aaron Nitzkin

    Q&A with Aaron Nitzkin: Solar Energy's Steady Growth in Recent Years Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

    See More
  • Young Guns

    Contractor Q&A with: Tim Newman of Newman Roofing

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • revisited.png

    Markup & Profit: A Contractor's Guide Revisited

See More Products
×

Be in the forefront of the roofing industry!

Join thousands of professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing