The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) presented Kurt Steinkuhler of Emporia, Kan., with the James Q. McCawley Award for 2019. Steinkuhler is the branch manager of Wray Roofing Inc.’s Emporia location, but started his career with George Groh & Sons more than four decades ago.

The McCawley award is the MRCA’s highest honor and has been given annually since 1969 to a roofing contractor that demonstrates outstanding service to the industry over a long period of time. Ronnie McGlothlin, president of Fort Worth-based Empire Roofing — and last year’s recipient — presented the award at the 70th MRCA Expo in Overland Park, Kan., last November.

Steinkuhler started with George Groh & Sons, a staple in the Kansas roofing community established in 1918, in the summer of 1971. He worked there on a part-time basis until heading to Emporia State University in the fall of 1975. He returned to the company in 1982 as a field supervisor and estimator, and worked his way to vice president and general manager. In 1995, he became the president and principal owner. In November of 2017 the business was sold to Kevin and Rick Wray of Wray Roofing Inc.

Steinkuhler also gave back to the industry as one of the founding members of the Kansas Roofing Association (KRA). He worked with a committee of the KRA to get the Kansas Roofing Registration passed, and also served as the first KRA president from 2010 through 2012. He now continues his involvement as a board member.

In addition to Steinkuhler’s outstanding service to the Kansas roofing industry, he has also had a very strong engagement with the MRCA. He served on the MRCA Board of Directors for many years and was president in 2007. He has served on the Membership Committee, Business Management Committee, and the Safety Committee. He also played a key role in the development of the SHARP Safety Program and continues to serve on the MRCA Foundation Board.