Keeping Up With the Latest Industry Updates!

By Anna Lockhart. 

Hear about the latest industry topics from the experts as they share their insights on the state of the roofing community.  

In a recent episode of the Roofing Roadtrips podcast, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Brad Van Dam, who serves as Metal-Era's vice president of sales, president of SPRI and an active member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The pair discussed Brad’s involvement in the NRCA as well as the latest news and topics of interest relating to the roofing industry.  

Brad explained that he became involved in associations like the NRCA and SPRI to help bring to light the concerns and best interests of fellow members of the roofing and construction community. “I think industry association involvement is the best way to constructively amplify your voice. And I think that it offers me an opportunity to do that for the 300 employees in our team, but also for our customers, our end users, our partners throughout the industry. And I feel like it's a responsibility that we have.” Brad continues, “When you take on your role in the industry, you have to find a way to give back and so being able to take the needs, the issues, the code changes, the different things that are hitting the industry and constructively amplify your voice.”  

By amplifying the voice of his team and fellow members of the community, Brad has attended various events that highlight the industry, like the Roofing Day in D.C. event that happened this April. Attendees of Roofing Day gathered to bring attention to the needs and concerns that many in the roofing community have, and to advocate for change. Roofing professionals like Brad were able to meet with representatives and legislators from across the country to discuss issues, such as the Innovation Workforce Act, expanding technical education and training, and expanding the building technology office.  

During their time together Brad and Heidi also discussed the findings that, despite years of hardship due to COVID, many contractors are keeping positive and hopeful for a successful year in 2023, according to a survey. Brad explained, “It was over 78% positive that the industry would see growth year over year in number of projects installed, and that functionally was healthy and resilient through the balance of 2023. Really great for us to see. It was awesome feedback from them.” Brad continued, “And I think there's also some really unique green shoots that have kind of shown up through the course of these troubles. Like most things, you learn a lesson. There are lessons that come in failure or difficulty. I think we've actually started to see a lot of the messaging NRCA and contractor members are putting out there, getting through.” 

Listen to the rest of the podcast to learn more about Brad’s experience at Roofing Day and the popular topics in the roofing industry for 2023!