We fly home from Beijing tomorrow. It is always good to visit our friends in China, but it will be good to be back home. 

Our meeting with the CEO of the China National Building Waterproofing Industry Association (CNBWIA), Mr. Zhu Dongqing, took place on the last day of China’s four-day long Workers Day (May Day) Holiday. 

As this is being written I am on a bullet train (300 km/h) from Xi’an to Suzhou with my wife, traveling partner, and editorial assistant, Micki. This is our second trip to China together and my fifth.

Let’s take a quick look at a pair of events organized by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

Since the very beginning of my journey in the world of roofing I have encountered a small number of individuals who have, for one reason or another, made an indelible imprint on my life. Last week I received notice that one such individual had passed away; Morris Swope, founder of Tampa Roofing Company Inc., Tampa, Fla. 

Or should I leave the “happy” part out? Thankfully (finally) women are stepping into the light and finding their way in the roofing and construction industry. It has been a very long time coming and has a very, very long way to go in my opinion. Maybe not time for a celebration yet, but we’re working on it. 

The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center recently issued a report containing several jobsite recommendations for all roofers following investigation of a 2018 incident in which a 16-year-old was killed.

Roofing Contractor Editorial Director Rick Damato traveled to the CES to have a peek into the future and have a little fun while looking for business and productivity solutions for roofing contractors.

So the take-away for roofing contractors? The same as with every business owner in the country: safer and more efficient roadways.