Bradley University places in 2024 student competition

By Dani Sheehan. 

This team proved their hard work after taking third place in the 2024 Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition at IRE. 

After months of preparation and research on the chosen project, Bradley University returned for another year to present in the Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition during the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year, the chosen project was the Formula 1™ Paddock Building. Teams researched the project and submitted a written, qualified bid package proposal by November 2023. Five teams were chosen as finalists to present their proposals to a panel of judges at IRE.  

Heidi J. Ellsworth met up with Bradley University for a live interview from our sound stage sponsored by SRS Distribution to talk about the competition and how their presentation went. Team captain Adam Wascher boasted, “This is a great experience to be able to see all the different vendors and talk with different people from the industry and be able to present.” 

When asked why roofing is important to have as part of their construction management education, Adam said, “Roofing is one of the key components of a building. So, if you don’t know what is going on within your roof, then you could have multiple problems, whether it’s water or anything else.” The team agreed they loved walking the exhibit floor, talking to industry professionals and collecting free items from the various booths.  

Hoping they all choose roofing as their industry of choice upon graduation, Heidi asked what they are looking for in a potential employer. The overall sentiment from the team was that work should feel like a second family and support your growth through a collective selflessness. Team member Attilio Levato explained, “[It’s about] the company culture. How I fit in and how everyone interacts with each other and a level of trust within a company [is important].” 

Tyler Pilon added, “What I look for is just to share knowledge. I like it when the employers and the people you’re working with are sharing knowledge with you and helping you to develop yourself and your career.” 

Bradley University tied with Auburn University for third place this year. Watch the full interview below and find the other 2024 competing schools on our YouTube playlist.