Filling the industry’s workforce gaps

By Jesse Sanchez.

Tackling the industry’s labor shortage by connecting contractors with the specialized talent they need to succeed.

The roofing industry has long grappled with a shortage of skilled professionals, but Luke McCormick, CEO of Roofing Talent America, is tackling the issue head-on. In this interview with Megan Ellsworth at the International Roofing Expo (IRE), Luke detailed his company’s mission to connect top-tier talent with contractors across the U.S. while elevating the industry’s professional standards.

Luke, who started his career in recruitment, saw a glaring need for specialized hiring solutions in roofing. "It’s no longer about winning projects; it’s about having the people to fulfill them," he said. He cited a National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) report that found 80% of contractors struggle with hiring. While much of the discussion around labor shortages centers on roofers, Luke expressed the industry’s need for operational specialists — estimators, superintendents, project managers and sales professionals.

His company, Roofing Talent America, is the only recruitment firm that is a member of both the NRCA and the Roofing Alliance. "Usually the candidate gets an uplift in their wage, they get a new career path, the company gets a brilliant candidate that can hit the ground running and you know, we get paid a fee for it as well. So it's certainly a win-win," Luke said. By partnering with companies at all levels, from branch managers to executive leadership, his firm ensures contractors have the right personnel to sustain and grow their businesses.

Beyond recruitment, Luke is making waves with his podcast, People Make Roofing. Originally launched in Scotland in 2021, the show highlights success stories in the industry, aiming to bridge the education gap between academia and the trades. He explained, "I wanted to bring these stories to young people, teachers and career counselors to show that roofing offers real career opportunities."

Luke’s journey from Glasgow to the U.S. roofing scene has been marked by strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to the industry. By aligning Roofing Talent America with major associations and media outlets, he has rapidly expanded its presence. "We didn’t come in to try and take from the industry to get money — we’ve come to give back," he said. From investing in the Roofing Alliance to advocating for digitalization, Luke is positioning his firm at the forefront of industry transformation.

For contractors facing labor shortages, Luke offers a clear message: "Any good people, good companies that you know, their values are in the right place, they want to grow, we'd be happy to work with you." Roofing Talent America’s impact continues to expand and as the industry evolves, Luke and his team are determined to lead the way.

Watch the full interview to discover how Luke and Roofing Talent America are transforming the industry by connecting top-tier professionals with contractors who need them most!