The adoption and use of technology in roofing has never been greater — and perhaps never more important in the industry’s history than right now.

Roofing contractors interested in improving their business by using technology can hear directly from fellow roofers with a proven track record of doing so successfully at the 2020 International Roofing Expo in Dallas. A panel discussion featuring RC Roofing Contractor of the Year award winners and Young Guns honorees will share what they’re using, how they implemented it and challenges they’re overcoming.

All five —Michelle Boykin, COO of Rackley Roofing; Kelly Roofing President Ken Kelly; Steve Little, President of KPOST Roofing & Waterproofing; and Josey Parks, CEO of J Wales Enterprises — are considered innovators in the field.

They’re also members of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry. Members include contractors, manufacturers, distributors and service providers committed to learning about technology solutions and educating others about roofing technology in order to advance the industry.

Similar panel presentations were well-received by contractors at the 2019 International Roofing Expo in Nashville and at the 2019 Western Roofing Expo. It’s back by popular demand for 2020, with panelists sharing exciting technology and updated information. Technology is constantly evolving, and new developing technologies are introduced just about every day. The contractor panelists are candid and provide an honest look inside their respective businesses in order to help other contractors find success and elevate the industry.

Learn about augmented reality and how Kelly Roofing is actively working on a solution that will have a potentially huge impact on the ability to pair more senior, experienced technicians who are located remotely with new, younger workers who are on a job site. This augmented reality is already being used in other industries and you will see it in action. Kelly Roofing is working to bring this technology to the roofing industry.

Robotics may sound like a futuristic concept but KPost Roofing & Waterproofing partnered with another RT3 member to develop solutions that are specific to roofing. They also were an early adopter of using robots to install asphalt-based roll roofing that drastically reduced the number of workers required for the installation. You will get to see and hear firsthand what they are using and how they are using it.

Virtual reality is one of the ways that is helping Rackley Roofing recruit the next generation and keep workers safe. Young workers are used to using technology and incorporating it into recruitment and everyday practices, which demonstrates that the roofing industry is a cutting-edge place to be. Rackley Roofing has also found success in bridging the language barrier using technology and will have their solution there for you to see.

Artificial Intelligence and data are buzzwords that have been around for several years in other industries but are just starting to be talked about in roofing. You will learn how you can use information and data that you already have to fine tune your leads. Mapping your data can provide invaluable insights into your ideal customers and where to find them. Technology can also let you know who has opened your emails or interacted with links they contain in order to better target your sales teams in the field. J Wales Enterprises has been doing this for several years and shares how to get started using tools that are easily accessible and some freely available.

Even if you are already using technology in your businesses, you might have multiple solutions for sales, customer relationship management, finance, human resources and more. Attending this session will help you understand how to make all those tools integrate and talk to each other. It’s easier than you think.

Heidi J. Ellsworth, owner of HJE Consulting, will moderate the panel. Everyone participating in this presentation is doing so because they are passionate about educating others in the industry and helping roofing contractors find success through technology, said Ellsworth.

“When we can demonstrate to those outside of the roofing industry how we are embracing and using technology for efficiency, accuracy, improved communications, quality and more, we succeed in elevating the industry overall,” Ellsworth said.