How do you become a winner in the roofing business during these uncertain times? For starters, the International Roofing Expo held Feb. 3-5 in Las Vegas was an ideal launching pad.

How do you become a winner in the roofing business during these uncertain times?

For starters, the International Roofing Expo held Feb. 3-5 in Las Vegas was an ideal launching pad.

You didn’t have to be the top dog in the industry to be considered for the “Best New Product.” It was at the New Product Pavilion where judges picked first, second and third place winners based on a selection of products.

With product terms flying around IRE like ‘cutting-edge’ and ‘advancement technology,’ it was no surprise we witnessed companies coming out on top who were not the widely known variety.

Toronto-based RoofLogic was awarded “Best New Product” for its RoofLogic Mobile module that uses the latest handheld technology so roofing professionals can collect inspection and job information right on the rooftop complete with drawings and photos.

Bilgin Roof Dock, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, designed its product for a lifetime of secure roof access and ladder docking safety.

And Chicago Clamp Company's Framing Clamp System - Tube Frame, showed off its product that allows contractors to frame roof openings and support roof loads without welding or drilling holes. Perhaps these three companies had no business being the top new products at IRE this year, but then again they give all small and large companies a reason to believe that becoming a winner in 2009 is indeed possible.

Other companies at the New Product Pavilion included AccuLynx.com, Amerisafe, Appian Way Sales, Architectural Building Components, Cosella-Dorken Products, DECRA Roofing Systems, Duraflo-Canplas Industries, East Coast Roof Specialties, ES Products, GeoEstimator, Metal Sales Manufacturing, National Coatings Corp, Perma-Coat / RMI, Polyglass USA, Professional Engineering Co., PWT, The New England Slate Co, and Turtle Plastics (Cleveland Reclaim).

Becoming a winner in the industry this year started at IRE - a good start to a challenging year. The rest of the year is up to you.