A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words – Farewell from VARP Member, Harvey J. Sorum

By Anna Lockhart / Harvey J. Sorum. 

Harvey J. Sorum, journalist for the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals, says farewell after 41 years volunteering for the association.  

Since 1967, the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP) has been dedicated to supporting and advocating for roofing professionals across the state. VARP is a non-profit organization composed of a network of dedicated volunteers working to promote the state’s roofing industry through advocating for educational and ethical standards within the community.  

After more than four decades of hard work and dedication to the association, VARP bids farewell to long-time volunteer, Harvey J. Sorum. As a designated writer and photographer for the cause, Harvey has documented thousands of memorable and cherished moments for the organization over the years. And now, so many years later, he’s decided to hand that duty off to the next volunteer.  

“I’ve always been amazed at his spriteliness,” said VARP Executive Director, Heather Greenwell, “I never thought Harvey would stop taking photos...There is nobody prouder of the roofing industry than Harvey. Those that know him, know Harvey as a fixture within the industry, and they know he will never quit this industry.”  

After celebrating his 85th birthday at the 2021 Fall Golf Classic, an event Harvey has always eagerly volunteered to photograph, he announced it was time to turn over the reins to the next person. Though his time with VARP as a volunteer has come to an end, he will forever be noted as a VARP Hall of Fame member for his devoted efforts for the cause.   

As a last farewell, Harvey wrote a letter titled A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words as his final parting from the position: 

It all started in 1982. I met with the executive director of VARP at the time and asked him what I could volunteer to do with VARP to be a viable part of its growth and value in the roofing industry. He said, "Get a camera, take pictures of all VARP activity and write stories so everyone knows what VARP is doing for our membership.” I did just that because association directors, like Heather Greenwell, know what they're talking about and are worth their weight in gold. So, for the next 41 years I took thousands of pictures of meetings, conventions, outings like golf, and lobbying days with legislators. If one picture is worth thousands of words, I've done more writing than all issues of the Encyclopedia Britannica. 

Was it all worth it? You bet your life it was. I met hundreds of VARP members, many of whom I'll remember for the rest of my life. They were successful with their businesses, respected by the community, peers and each other. I was so very proud to be a part of the roofing industry. 

In 1982, the roofing industry had a tarnished reputation. Because I knew the makeup of most of the reputable roofing contractors and suppliers, I knew we were getting a bad rap. If it was so bad, why were there so many roofing companies with second, third and even fourth generations continuing working with their fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers and more? So, I vowed to tell the real story and educate the public. 

Today, I know my efforts telling the other side of the roofing story have been fruitful. It's one of the best vocations for anyone looking for a long-term career. For those looking for an above average income, roofing is it. For those looking for daily challenges, it's roofing. For those looking to work outdoors rather than behind a desk, look at roofing. For those who are nervous about heights, roofing is not for you. 

So, this is my swan song with VARP, but not with working in the roofing industry. I have some very high-end products, safety-oriented products to market which have an excellent future. I can help other sales agents with promotional ideas. I can help with news releases for contractors and others. As a newspaper reporter, I can write stories about outstanding roofing projects. 

When I retire, you'll read about it in an obituary column. But until then, I'll still remain in contact with many of you. Roofing is an industry flavored with love because of the people in it. Thanks for making it that way.