Growth and giving back rank high with these student competitors

By Dani Sheehan. 

Texas A&M students share their excitement for roofing after the 2024 Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition during IRE. 

During another successful International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, one of our favorite events, the Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition, celebrated its tenth anniversary. Five teams were invited to give oral presentations on-site after submitting qualified bid packages to a panel of judges in November 2023. Among the competitors this year was Texas A&M University, giving an Aggie “howdy!” to start their presentation. Heidi J. Ellsworth met up with them after their presentation for a live interview from our sound stage, sponsored by SRS Distribution, to hear about their experience. 

Team captain John Falavolito, who also won best individual presenter, shared about the competition and roofing overall: “All of us have learned quite a bit. Good takeaways, really learning more about the industry. Our program doesn’t really focus on roofing. It’s more the general contracting side of things but hearing from subcontractors and specifically those in the industry has been good.” 

One of the major benefits of this competition is that it gives students the opportunity to meet with roofing professionals and walk the exhibit floor during IRE. Providing this exposure further exposes them to the industry and promotes a career in roofing after college. When asked what he is looking for in a prospective employer, John answered, “I think the biggest thing is growth opportunity. Having the ability to move up in a company and make an impact in a meaningful way.” 

Teammates Kolten Heine and Yahir Santiago agreed with John, adding that they want a company that will help them achieve their career goals and act as mentors in their growth. Julian Hood shared, “Community service. Being able to give back to the people that foster the growth of your community and your business.” 

The student project this year was the Formula 1™ Paddock Building in Las Vegas, which was a particularly challenging roof. Not only does it provide protection to the building and its occupants, but parts of the roof system serve as viewing areas of the Paddock. These oral presentations not only looked professional, but the students spoke eloquently, presenting well thought out proposals with very specific details and a comprehensive knowledge of roofing. 

Watch the full interview below and find interviews from the other 2024 competing schools on our YouTube playlist.