Mingle With Success Through Networking and Membership

By Adam Cabrera. 

Networking and learning from successful contractors are vital for smaller contractors looking to thrive in the industry. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Wayne Sorensen, owner of Top Line Roofing, who explained the merits of joining roofing associations like the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). This non-profit group serves contractors in the Western U.S., providing invaluable resources, educational materials and networking opportunities. 

Former accountant turned roofing contractor, Wayne says, "You better know how things work if you want to run your own business." He firmly believes in the importance of networking and learning from the experiences of other successful contractors. He encouraged other contractors, especially smaller ones, to join associations, saying, "What goes on is always a big asset to a smaller contractor who is just trying to make a living." 

Membership in the WSRCA provides several benefits, including weekly safety training, discounts on industry events like the WSRCA Expo and access to legal advice from industry experts. Wayne was particularly enthusiastic about the technical bulletins, webinars and the chance to tap into the collective knowledge of successful contractors. 

There is definitely value in region-specific resources provided by groups like WSRCA. For contractors facing unique challenges in their locales, the insights gleaned from such associations can be well worth the small cost of membership. 

Joining WSRCA could be the key to unlocking growth and success in the roofing industry and those who do often benefit. "They're the guys that want to get out of their shell. They want to get out of the cave they live in and see what's going on out there... Those are the ones you want to mingle with. You want to mingle with success," Wayne says. Whether it’s access to resources, networking or professional development opportunities, membership offers numerous benefits to roofing contractors. 

Listen to the Roofing Road Trips podcast to hear more about membership in the WSRCA and what they are doing to help contractors.