Giving Back To The Industry

By Rod Petrick, President, Ridgeworth Roofing Co., Inc.

My dad gave me some of the greatest advice that has inspired me throughout my professional life.

I have spent my entire professional life in the roofing industry. Becoming involved in 1975, over the span of 45 years, I transitioned from an apprentice roofer to journeyman, foreman, superintendent, and project manager, until I eventually became the owner of our family business, Ridgeworth Roofing Co. Inc.

During that time, I also became involved with CRCA, beginning in the early 1990s. I can remember my dad calling me to let me know that I was being considered for the CRCA Board of Directors. My response at the time was that “I have no time for this.” His comment was direct: “You need to give back to the industry that you work in.” My dad was a wise man. I have been giving back ever since.

I have been involved with CRCA as a board member, executive board member, and president in 2007-08. I have probably been on every committee that CRCA has, with one notable exception: the new Emerging Leaders’ group. I emerged years ago!

During my time at CRCA, I also became involved with the MRCA as a board and committee member, finally working up the chairs to president in 2008. Yes, I was president of both associations during 2008, so I believe I am uniquely qualified to tell you to be careful and know your calendar. However, I felt it was not an overburden due to the fantastic members of the CRCA and its staff, who pulled together to help me out.

In 2011, I was asked to join the NRCA Board of Directors. Over the years, I had served on numerous technical committees and was the Technical Operations Committee (TOC) chairman for two years. I am now the newly elected chairman of the NRCA for a one-year term starting on June 1, 2020.

Looking back, I realize I have been able to see firsthand how we at the CRCA are embedded throughout the roofing industry. CRCA has members on the boards at MRCA and NRCA. Many before me have become leaders of these associations. People like Tom Bollnow, Jim Mansfield and Jim Brosseau have been MRCA Presidents. CRCA has also been a big influence at the NRCA, from its first president, Col. M.W. Powell in 1882, Maj. Elias Powell in 1903, Mark Cronin in 1921, Clyde Scott in 1958, and the most recent, Mike Promen in 2001. Seventeen other CRCA contractors have been involved since Col. Powell. We cannot overstate the importance of this organization.

I have learned quite a bit during my years in this industry.

In my short time as Chairman Elect of the NRCA, I have been able to meet with contractors throughout the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, the UK, Germany, and Central America. What is interesting is the fact that we all have the same issues, the most important among them is the development of a trained workforce. Many countries are ahead of us here in the U.S. with regard to certification of workers.

Another issue we share is the challenge of finding any workers. All areas are looking at getting women into the workforce. In fact, the first woman master roofer was highlighted at this year’s DACH+HOLZ Trade Fair for the International Roofing and Timber Industry in Stuttgart, Germany.

Something that stood out to me while I was attending the DACH + HOLZ is how the roofers in Europe are respected. They are proud of what they do and are viewed by others as professionals in the roofing industry. This is something that needs to gain traction here. Accordingly, CRCA and the NRCA work hard to develop programs that highlight the professional roofing contractor and the roofing professionals we bring to the owners’ projects every day.

Another program or training that benefits contractors is the MRCA CERTA program, which was joined with the NRCA years ago due to a major insurance carrier debating whether or not to drop all torch application coverage. Working together, the NRCA and MRCA have added key components to a good program and, with the help of many manufacturers, made the current CERTA program a success. Many CRCA contractors have CERTA-certified applicators within their workforce.

I had the opportunity to be part of the CRCA’s group that worked with the entire industry on the Chicago Roof Reflectivity Ordinance. It took more than six years, along with major contributions of funding by manufacturers and associations, to develop the current Reflectivity Ordinance we work under today in Chicago. This work is currently looked at by municipalities worldwide.

Throughout my years in this industry, I have enjoyed the “giving back” that my dad felt was so important. I have made lifelong friends I otherwise would never have had the opportunity to meet. I have been involved in research that has impacted our industry and protected the contractors. I have seen and heard firsthand the issues contractors in our industry face worldwide—the same issues we face here. These connections have given me the opportunity to discuss best practices with a wide range of professionals, and I have brought those best practices back to my company to make it even better.

To the younger CRCA members, don’t shy away from board service at the CRCA or other associations. Your involvement is something that will pay you back tenfold, and you will benefit from it both personally and professionally. I’m forever grateful for my dad’s guidance and hope that you, too, will heed his advice: “You need to give back to the industry that you work in.” I am living proof that it will make you and our industry better.

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