Celebrating 50 years of excellence

By Jesse Sanchez.

A milestone event showcasing industry innovation and community spirit. 

In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, hosted by Megan Ellsworth of RoofersCoffeeShop®, listeners are treated to an insightful discussion about the upcoming Western States Roofing Expo, marking its 50th anniversary. The podcast features engaging conversations with key figures from the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), including Joel Viera, executive director; Mike Wakerling, president; and Alec Ward, ,membership and trade show director. 

Joel opens the podcast by reflecting on the origins of the WSRCA, noting, "Western States was started in 1974. Really, the uniqueness of our western region and its weather climates was the primary function of Western States. We're one of the only regional associations with so much variance in our weather." This historical context reflects the association's enduring relevance and adaptability. 

Mike, who has been involved with the WSRCA for 15 years and currently serves as its president, adds a personal touch by describing the association as a "big family." He states, "To me, it's like a big family. Everybody's family, and you take care of family. We try and take care of our members." This sense of community and support represents the association's mission to prioritize contractors' needs. 

Alec shares his journey from starting as a temporary worker to becoming a key director, describing the inclusive and growth-oriented culture within WSRCA. He remarks, "I started out just a small little envelope stuffing job as a temp way back then, and then slowly, or actually more quickly just became membership director.”  

The podcast explores the WSRCA's achievements over the decades, including technical advancements and educational initiatives that have defined its mission. Joel proudly mentions the association's TPO weathering farm studies, which have provided invaluable data on roofing materials' performance over time. He also notes the significant expansion of their educational offerings at the Expo, from eight seminars to 28, showing the WSRCA's commitment to continual professional development. 

Read the Transcript or Listen to the Podcast to hear more of the discussion with guests from WSRCA!