The First Canadian Roofing Alliance President Reflects on his Term

As Dave Lawlor's term as president of the Roofing Alliance comes to a close, he reflects on his work with the foundation.

Dave Lawlor, national sales manager of  ROCKWOOL International, Milton, Ontario, Canada, had a strong year as the president of the Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). As a Canadian native, Lawlor was honored to be the first Canadian to hold this esteemed position within the Roofing Alliance.

For more than 23 years, Lawlor has dedicated the majority of his career to ROCKWOOL International, the world’s largest stone wool manufacturing company. Prior to that, Lawlor studied architectural technology in Toronto and landed a job as a laborer with a waterproofing contractor.

Rockwool joined the Roofing Alliance nine years ago, and Lawlor participated and got involved in all the meetings from day one. He played a significant role in the Branding Committee as the Alliance redefined its messaging, name and mission, and it wasn’t long before his service and dedication were recognized. Shortly thereafter, Lawlor was asked to join the Board of Trustees in 2016, and in 2020, he was asked to serve as vice president.  

Lawlor also started his term in the midst of the Roofing Alliance’s 25th year and was instrumental in helping form its 25th Anniversary celebration. “It was a huge success,” stated Lawlor. “It is impressive to think about all the great work and collaboration among the membership that transpired over a quarter of a century’s time. I was proud to serve during this special celebration.”

Through his involvement, Lawlor witnessed first-hand the good work the Roofing Alliance brings to people and the community. Some of his favorite initiatives included the work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), where the Roofing Alliance was able to donate 165 roofs to families who desperately needed them, and the Student Competition, which is helping to develop a roofing curriculum for construction management programs in several state universities.

And during his term as president of the Roofing Alliance, Dave led the organization in advancing all four pillars of the Roofing Alliance’s foundation, the student competition grew, a new faculty retreat to educate construction management faculty was introduced, and he instituted a strategic planning initiative with the Roofing Alliance Board of Trustees as they embark on the next 25 years to ensure the Roofing Alliance continues to advance its mission to benefit the roofing industry.

One of the important initiatives that Dave planned from the beginning of his term was the inaugural presentation of the Bennett Award. The award was established in honor of Bennett Judson, former long-time Roofing Alliance executive director who was also the first recipient. She received the award during a Roofing Alliance ceremony at NRCA’s Fall 2021 Meetings. Receiving the first annual Bennett Award, Judson was recognized as an individual who makes things happen for the betterment of the roofing industry.

“The Bennett Award acknowledges the venerable Bennett Judson and her inspiring 40-year career in the roofing industry,” stated Lawlor. “Bennett is an exemplary team player who is also organized, passionate, tireless, professional, humble and positive. Anyone who has had the pleasure to work with or alongside her knows this recognition is well deserved. I am very proud that we were able to establish this during my presidency.”

Lawlor has been humbled every step of the way from membership, to serving as a board of trustee, and then vice president and president. “I know there were many impactful leaders who have fulfilled this role in the past, and there will be more to come. I focused on doing everything that I could with my own Canadian viewpoint to broaden our horizons a little bit — to get people in Canada thinking about this great organization as more of a North American entity,” he added.

Dave Lawlor will finish his presidential year on May 31, leaving behind a great legacy for the Roofing Alliance and the industry overall.