ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), celebrated and recognized outstanding roofing industry leaders and the next generation of construction leaders at the 2020 NRCA Industry Awards Ceremony on Feb. 5.

Held during the International Roofing Expo, the annual event named the winners of this year’s Construction Management Student Competition, the Best of the Best Award and the Gold Circle Award winners.

Student Competition

Five teams of college students gave oral presentations during the final stage of the sixth annual Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition. The teams presented their proposals for installing a new roof system on the Ford Center, the practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys, which was originally installed by KPost Roofing & Waterproofing to a panel of roofing industry experts. The oral presentation scores were combined with the teams' written proposal scores to determine the winning team.

The Roofing Alliance is proud to announce Texas A&M University as the winning school. This was the first time the university has presented in the competition. The team included Tyler Stivers (team captain), Austin Davis (alternate), Erbey Hernandez, Collin Rosser and Kyler Hardison. 

“It’s pretty crazy,” Stivers said moments after the team won the award. “It’s a lot of work and it all turned out to be worth it, and we’re very proud of our guys.”

All the students had the opportunity to go up on the Ford Center roof to get a first-hand look at the project they were “bidding” on for the competition.

“It was absolutely amazing to be able to put what we’ve been working on towards being able to see it,” Stivers said.

The faculty advisor for the team was Lance Simms, and the team mentor was Mark Standifer, King of Texas Roofing Company, LP, Grand Prairie, Texas.

 “I’m just super pleased with the team, they put in a lot of hard work,” said Simms.

In addition to the winners, the Roofing Alliance recognized Samuel Short of Auburn University as the Best Individual Presenter. This was Auburn University’s sixth time presenting at the competition.

Best of the Best Award

Now in its 20th year, winners of the Most Valuable Player award winners were recognized, and the Best of the Best winner was announced. The Best of the Best award is an honor co-sponsored by OMG Roofing Products, Agawam, Mass. and Professional Roofing magazine.

Todd Dunlap, who was an MVP Winner of Outstanding On-the-Job Performance and Workmanship and a Finalist for Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Work Place, was named the Best of the Best winner.

Dunlap is a superintendent, warehouse operator, foreman and equipment operator with Frost Roofing in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The Roofing Alliance had this to say about choosing Dunlap:

“Since his first day on the job, Todd has demonstrated exemplary performance with an eagerness to learn and the ability to master assignments and tasks. His commitment to always lead by example, while continually embracing sensitivity and passion for those around him has earned him complete respect and total trust of the entire Frost Roofing organization and all those that the company serves.

“Helping others is a priority for Todd and over the holidays, he opens his home to those who have nowhere else to go, treating everyone like family. Todd lives his life to serve others and he strives to help his coworkers wherever he can to help their days go just a little smoother.”

Gold Circle Award

The Roofing Alliance and NRCA members are encouraged every year to submit their best work in order to win a Gold Circle award in the following two categories: Outstanding Workmanship and Innovative Solutions; and Safety Preparedness and Performance.

More than 99 winning companies have been recognized for their achievements since the award's inception. This year's Gold Circle Award winners for outstanding contributions and unique roofing-related jobs and services are:

Outstanding Workmanship and Innovative Solutions

• Chadwick Technology Pty. Ltd., Killarney Heights, NSW, Australia for the Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal, United Arab Emirates
• The Durable Slate Co., Columbus, Ohio for Steeple Square, Dubuque, Iowa

Safety Preparedness and Performance Winner

• CFE Inc., Elmira, New York for Kellogg's® Florence, Phase I, Florence, Ky.

For more information on the Roofing Alliance and all the awards and award winners, visit www.roofingalliance.net or contact Bennett Judson at bjudson@nrca.net.