Basketball Hall of Famer and Emmy-winning broadcaster Bill Walton will be the keynote speaker at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas on Feb. 3 where he is sure to grab the attention of the thousands of roofers who are looking for a winning formula in the industry.



Basketball Hall of Famer and Emmy-winning broadcaster Bill Walton will be the keynote speaker at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas on Feb. 3 where he is sure to grab the attention of the thousands of roofers who are looking for a winning formula in the industry.

Walton’s address at Mandalay Bay is titled “Nothing but Net,” but after a nearly 2-hour interview with Mr. Walton, I can tell you this will be among the best motivational speeches you’ve ever heard.

The following excerpt is a sample of what to expect from Mr. Walton - one of the most unusual champions of our time - and small peek into our feature story to appear in the On Site Show Daily thatRoofing Contractorproduces for the show.

Teamwork Is Essential

Bill Walton knows there’s a difference between a basketball court and a rooftop, but he points out there are a lot of similarities.

“The concept of teamwork, overcoming adversity, hard work, a mastery of the fundamentals, and a positive attitude are exactly the same in sports as they are in construction,” Walton said. “You need to establish friendships, develop loyalty and foster cooperation. Pride comes from that loyalty; it’s what drives you. And as you keep building up the progressive tiers of life, remember intentness, initiative, alertness and self-control. Those are the things that allow you to be in charge of your own life.”

Walton said that as part of the concept of teamwork you should expect to develop qualities that will allow you to become the best. “At the top it’s all about poise, confidence and competitive greatness flanked by faith and patience,” Walton said. “Build a winning team with the foundation of the fundamentals. The world of roofing is exactly the same. If the core of who you are is not as solid as it can be, even the greatest roof will not protect you; it will not keep you dry; it will not provide the necessary shelter from the storm.”

Want more of the Bill Walton story? You’ll get it all in the IRE On Site Show Daily in Las Vegas Feb. 3-5. For more information, visitwww.roofingcontractor.com.