Talking to Legislators About Our Industry Should be a Top Priority

RCS Influencer Jon Stantz says that contractors need to take the time to be active and try to make an impact on the industry.

Thanks to RoofersCoffeeShop® and the NRCA, we are just really getting involved with the larger picture of work-related issues that affect all of us in our industry. I believe that our continued work with Roofing Day in D.C. is of utmost importance as we get to speak with our legislators directly and participate in discussions about our work. 

Now on a more local focus, there are a couple of trade organizations that I am interested in as well as the Midwest Roofers Contractors Association that deal with some of the same issues (labor being the most important of all) that we all have spoken about. Also, I have participated in our state legislative members meetings discussing taxes, employee training, right to work legislation, etc. 

As an industry, I believe that we are just touching the tip of the iceberg as far as our involvement in our communities, our schools and our government. On a personal note, please take the time to be active, you never know what kind of impact you may have. Be safe, be smart...Regards, Jon

Editor’s Note:  Last year, RoofersCoffeeShop® invited Jon to join us at the first Roofing Day. Jon was selected from a pool of interested contractors to represent the Coffee Shop.  He said he got a lot of value from the trip, meeting with his representative and was thrilled to have a chance to meet NRCA CEO Reid Ribble, who was instrumental in arranging the first-ever Roofing Day event.

He noted in a previous RCS article, that his main concerns on Capitol Hill in 2018 were workforce development, immigration reform and regulations. He participated in meetings with his senators and representatives, meeting with Sen. Todd Young and Rep. Larry Bucshon’s legislative aide, Susie Davis. He stressed that many changes need to take place for a bright future, and he personally will work diligently to keep roofing messages in the forefront of his legislators. 

Jon Stantz is a supervisor, salesperson and repairman for Pell Roofing and Siding in Brazil, Indiana. See his full bio here.