Adapt and thrive in the era of Gen Z

By Dani Sheehan. 

With guests all under 28 years of age, this stimulating Coffee Conversations explores the emergence of Gen Z in the roofing industry and how to harness their potential for business growth in a new era. 

We are at a precipice in the industry as the world settles into a post-pandemic era and Generation Z enters the workforce. With new technological solutions, an emphasis on sustainability and increasing ecommerce, it is an exciting time to be in roofing. In our most recent installment of Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by Beacon Building Products, Megan Ellsworth joins three young professionals for a Gen Z takeover! Don’t miss this engaging conversation to hear how the next generation of future leaders and consumers are reshaping the roofing industry. 

Ashley Jayko is the marketing manager at Jobba Trade Technologies, and is excited about the forward momentum she sees, especially with technology. She explains, “I think since our generation has grown up using it, having it in our lives constantly, I think we're going to be a great push to advance the industry and really make it more efficient and use technology because I know the roofing industry has been a little bit behind.” 

Similarly, Rachel Hoover, director of marketing at Ace Roofing LLC, feels Gen Z is unique in their ability to work with the older generation through a new, tech-savvy lens. Especially in the roofing industry, she shares, “It’s interesting seeing the marriage of these two different generations of an older generation that's like, ‘Go out, figure it out, get it done,’ and then you're seeing this new generation come in with a very similar [approach], like it's mirrored. But I feel like they're very much like, ‘Work smarter, not harder.’” 

While this younger generation is entering the workforce, Audrey McGarrell, project manager for the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), reminds us that this generation is also a target population of consumers. When looking at the number of homeowners, Audrey says, “Even though Gen Z is just entering the world of being homeowners and they only make up a really small percentage of homeowners right now, there was an interesting analysis done by Redfin, I think it was at the end of last year, about how Gen Z are actually purchasing homes at a higher rate than earlier generations were at that same age.” 

Whether entering the industry as a new employee or purchasing a roof as a new homeowner, Generation Z offers unique perspectives, preferences and innovative approaches to business growth and sustainability in the field.  

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar as these professionals uncover actionable strategies to thrive in the era of Gen Z.