Category: <span>2026</span>

Roofing Technology Think Tank Opens Nominations for 2026 Innovator of the Year Award

The award recognizes a roofing contractor who has demonstrated a commitment to technology and the advancement of the roofing industry.

York, Pennsylvania, July 14, 2026 – Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a 501c6 association focused on technology education and the advancement of technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced that it has opened the nomination period for the 2026 Innovator of the Year Award.

This award was created to nationally recognize a roofing contractor that has contributed to the advancement of the roofing industry through technical innovation and/or product development in one of the following areas:

  • Production/Technology Efficiency
  • Safety Innovation
  • Client Service/Quality of Delivery 
  • Employee Recruitment/Training/Retention
  • Environmental Impact

Award judging criteria will be based on innovation, results, design and strategy. Nominations are reviewed blindly by a team of RT3 members and past award recipients who select the winner. The 2026 recipient will be announced at the Best of Success conference, December 7-9, 2026, at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, Florida.

To be eligible, a roofing contractor must be licensed and bonded for a minimum of five years and have a minimum of $2 million in annual revenue. They also must be a member of a professional industry association and be able to cite community enrichment ties through support of non-profits or company culture programs.

Previous winners include:

For more information and to submit an award application visit https://rt3thinktank.com/innovator-award/. The nomination period closes September 30, 2026.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)
Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry.  RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses.  With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. www.rt3thinktank.com.

How Forge’s Hyperion Is Bringing Roofing Work Into a Faster, More Digital Future

The roofing industry has long depended on a mix of field experience, manual processes, and a lot of spreadsheets. But in a recent episode of the Roofing Technology Think Tank Podcast, host Karen Edwards sat down with Mark Lord of Forge and Samantha from All Weather Roofing to discuss a product that could change how contractors scan roofs, build proposals, and move jobs forward: Hyperion. What makes this story compelling is that it starts with a real pain point, not a flashy tech trend. Mark didn’t build Hyperion because he wanted to chase AI hype. He built it because he saw the workflow problems contractors face every day — leaving a job site, losing momentum, waiting on proposals, and trying to close deals before the customer’s attention fades.

From frustration to practical innovation

Mark explained that Hyperion came out of his own frustration with tools that looked impressive but didn’t actually help contractors do the work. He wanted something grounded in reality: a way to capture accurate roof data, create usable models, and keep the sales process moving while the contractor was still on site. That led to the idea of using LiDAR-equipped Apple devices to scan roofs and generate detailed 3D models. Instead of relying only on aerial images or estimates from a distance, Hyperion aims to give roofing teams “ground truth” — a more accurate view of the actual roof conditions, including pitch, angles, blemishes, and other details.

Why Samantha was willing to test it early

Samantha, who manages customer communication, project coordination, production oversight, warranties, permits, and office operations, immediately saw the value. Like many contractors, her team had been managing work through spreadsheets and manual systems. She was already familiar with the inefficiencies that slow projects down, so trying a new digital workflow made sense. Her role also gave her a clear view of where technology could help most: faster estimating, smoother coordination, and better communication with customers. That matters because new software only succeeds when it solves a real business problem. In Samantha’s case, Hyperion wasn’t just a novelty — it had the potential to make her entire operation faster and more organized.

Accuracy and confidence are everything

One of the biggest questions with any field scanning tool is accuracy. Samantha said their scans were coming in at a minimum of 95% accuracy, and in some cases 95% to 98% when compared against existing aerial scan tools like EagleView. That level of confidence is critical. Contractors need to trust the numbers before they can trust the workflow. And Mark took that seriously too — he even tested the system on his own home before putting it in front of customers. The result is a product that feels built for the real world, not just a demo.

Faster proposals mean better close rates

A major benefit of Hyperion is speed. Once a roof is scanned, the data can be processed in about five minutes to create a model and bill of materials. From there, contractors can generate proposals and present “good, better, best” options while the customer is still engaged. That speed is a big deal. Samantha shared that delayed proposals can cost jobs. In roofing, if you wait too long, another contractor may get there first with an estimate and win the work. Hyperion helps preserve momentum by making it easier to present and sign off on a proposal immediately. That kind of real-time workflow can directly affect revenue.

More than scanning: a larger operating system for contractors

Hyperion is part of a broader Forge ecosystem. Mark described a larger software suite that includes proposal generation, CRM functions, payroll processing, GPS-tagged labor logging, a customer portal, and even an AI-powered outsourced customer service solution called Iris. The long-term vision is ambitious, but the underlying theme is simple: reduce friction for contractors and help them stay in contact with customers more effectively. For smaller offices especially, customer communication is often a bottleneck. Mark’s system aims to close that gap with proactive notifications, chat access, and call-handling support that can flag dissatisfaction before it becomes a bad review.

What this means for the roofing industry

The conversation made one thing clear: roofing technology is moving from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.” Contractors are under pressure to be faster, more accurate, and more responsive. Tools like Hyperion offer a way to do all three without adding complexity for the team. The most interesting part is that this innovation came from inside the industry, not outside it. Mark built something based on actual contractor pain points, then tested it with a real roofing company willing to give direct feedback. That kind of product development often leads to better adoption because it starts with the realities of the job, not assumptions about it.

Final thoughts

 

Forge’s Hyperion is a strong example of what happens when technology is built around workflow instead of hype. It helps contractors capture data more accurately, create proposals faster, and communicate more clearly with customers — all of which can make a measurable difference in closing jobs and running a smoother operation. For roofing teams still juggling spreadsheets and manual follow-up, this is the kind of tool that could genuinely change the game. Want to explore it yourself? Mark said Hyperion will be available as a free download on the App Store, and contractors can also visit buildwithforge.app to see the live demo and product walkthroughs.

Unlocking Roof Stories at Scale: How AI and Data Are Reimagining Roofing Opportunities

Imagine each roof and home has a unique story — about its condition, its owner’s financial capacity, their sense of responsibility, and their potential to need your services. This is the core insight behind the innovative solutions being developed today. Fred Castonguay, co-founder of Reworked.ai, emphasizes that every roof “has a story to tell” and that by analyzing aerial images and extensive data sets, contractors can uncover those stories at a national scale.

Traditional roofing sales often rely on reactive approaches — waiting for homeowners to notice leaks or visible damage. But with aerial imagery from Eagleview, combined with AI-powered analytics on homeowner data, contractors can proactively identify whose roof is failing or likely to need attention, before a leak shows up. This shifts the entire dynamic from “responding to damage” to “predicting opportunities,” which is faster, more efficient, and less stressful.

The Heart of Data-Driven Roofing: Who Is Ready to Buy?

Fred explains that their models focus on two key homeowner attributes: financial capacity and responsibility.  Is the homeowner financially able to undertake a roof replacement? Do they perceive the roof as part of their responsibility to protect their family and property?

Using a massive database of images and information, Reworked.ai can analyze hundreds of data points — from visible roof damage to homeownership status and even lifestyle indicators like whether they carry pet insurance. By filtering for these “great homeowners” with “bad roofs,” contractors receive a curated list of prospects who are both capable and likely to buy, even if they aren’t actively looking.

This approach also bypasses traditional, often inefficient lead-buying methods. Instead of buying a lengthy list with no context, contractors get targeted, high-potential opportunities at a price of about $1.79 each, with the assurance that these prospects want a solution — the roof tells the story.

“Every roof has a story,”  Fred says. “We’re decoding that story from 6,000 feet in the air so contractors can act on it.”

Communicating with Homeowners: How Data Fuels Persuasive, Personalized Outreach

Once prospects are identified, the next challenge is reaching out effectively. Fred highlights how their platform now allows contractors to launch direct mail campaigns that are highly targeted and personalized, similar to Amazon’s frictionless shopping experience. Instead of cold, generic “I am a roofer” messages, homeowners receive specific tailored mail with a strong call to action based on the known fact that the roof is facing problems, such as missing shingles, water pooling, streaks and/or discoloration.

The message is framed around responsibility: “Our records show your roof may be facing an issue; we’re here to help.” This approach yields astonishing response rates — up to 8%—and conversion rates that often surpass traditional marketing by several multiples. Homeowners appreciate the direct, relevant communication and respond when they see a letter with their name, address, and a problem that’s clearly visible.

Fred points out that this method doesn’t just increase sales; it helps homeowners avoid major disasters — like coming home to a ceiling collapse due to unnoticed damage. Plus, the process is designed to be seamless and automated, requiring minimal effort from contractors.

“It’s about getting in front of the homeowner early — before they know they have a problem—and offering a solution that’s tailored just for them,” Fred explains.

Cost-Effective Opportunities: How Much Should Contractors Invest?

One critical question is often about the cost and ROI of such data-driven marketing. Fred explains their pricing model: about $1.79 per opportunity, with a minimum spend of around 500 opportunities, roughly $800. This is a fraction of what competitors spend on traditional multi-touch campaigns but with results that dramatically outperform generic outreach.

To put it into perspective, a typical campaign of 1,500 targeted homes might cost around $5,000 but could generate dozens of appointments—sometimes up to 50 or 60—and a solid number of closed jobs. Conversely, a broad, non-targeted mailing could easily waste thousands of dollars on uninterested prospects. Moreover, the platform allows staggered, scalable campaigns. Contractors can start small, test results, and then expand while ensuring they’re not inundated with calls or overloading their team.

The Power of the Data: Staying Ahead With Less Waste

And here’s the biggest advantage: the exclusivity of the data. If multiple contractors buy opportunities in the same area, the system ensures no overlap, giving each one a fair shot at nurturing leads without fighting over the same prospects. By combining data points such as homeowner financial responsibility, existing damage signs, and even lifestyle indicators (pets, subscriptions), contractors can prioritize outreach effectively. This focused strategy results in higher response rates, better conversions, and happier homeowners — all while using fewer resources. Fred summarizes it well:  “All we want is to put you in front of the right homeowner, with the right message, at the right time.”

How This Tech Can Transform Your Roofing Business

The future of roofing sales isn’t just about more leads; it’s about better leads — those who are most likely to buy and most receptive to your message. By harnessing the power of aerial imagery, AI, and comprehensive homeowner data, contractors can proactively identify and communicate with their best prospects. This approach gives you control over your marketing spend, heightens your industry edge, and ultimately allows you to serve homeowners more effectively. As Fred says, “We’re helping contractors move from reactive to proactive — and that’s where the real growth is.”

Ready to Embrace the Future of Roofing Opportunities?

If you want to learn more about leveraging AI-driven data for roofing success, visit reworked.ai. Fred is accessible via email at Fred@reworked.ai, and you can schedule a call to see how this innovative approach can fit into your business. Don’t let your competition get ahead — start empowering your sales process with smarter, targeted opportunities today.

How Technology Is Transforming Roofing: The OpenbooQ Revolution

The roofing industry is experiencing a seismic shift, driven by innovations like AI-powered systems, online buying models, and smarter scheduling. In this post, you’ll learn how OpenbooQ is pioneering a new way to buy and sell roofs—leveraging tech to make roofing more affordable, efficient and accessible for everyone. From AI-driven estimates to crew management apps, discover how this disruptor is reshaping the roofing landscape, and what it means for contractors and homeowners alike.

The New Paradigm: OpenbooQ’s Innovative Business Model

Roofing is traditionally a hands-on, labor-intensive industry. But Mike and Patrick, co-founders of OpenbooQ, are rewriting the rules by harnessing technology for a radically different approach. Their goal? To make roofing more affordable and efficient without sacrificing quality. OpenbooQ started as a vision to put roofing online—bringing transparency and cost savings straight to the customer’s doorstep. Instead of the old school model, marked by door-to-door sales and expensive overhead, OpenbooQ utilizes AI and automation to offer consumers top-tier roofing services at 30-45% less than market rates. How Does It Work?

  • AI-Driven Pricing & Estimates: Using proprietary AI, OpenbooQ can generate precise estimates and order materials automatically. This reduces the need for manual labor and cuts costs significantly.

  • Online Market for Roof Sales: Customers select their product, design their roof and purchase in one seamless online experience—a Carvana for roofing, if you will.

  • Autonomous Ordering & Scheduling: The entire supply chain—from material orders to crew scheduling—is handled by AI agents, ensuring smooth coordination and optimal resource use.

Cutting Costs Without Compromising Quality

One of the key reasons OpenbooQ’s model resonates is affordability. The platform’s AI-driven process allows them to deliver roofs at a much lower cost than traditional roofers, critical during a time when homeowners are already strained financially.

OpenbooQ also emphasizes fair pay for roofing crews. “Steady work, higher wages,” Mike points out. The company’s app-based scheduling allows workers to accept jobs based on their availability—giving control back to the crews and ensuring they get higher, more consistent pay. And with AI-powered equipment monitoring—like cameras capturing nail patterns and equipment checks—OpenbooQ is building a safer, more reliable workforce.

Technology at the Heart of Operation: AI, Automation & Innovation

It’s no exaggeration to say that technology is the backbone of OpenbooQ’s operation. From AI-powered estimates to real-time order placement and crew management, their system is built for the modern era.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time for AI in Roofing

    • AI has matured rapidly over the past few years, making previously impossible tasks feasible.

    • OpenbooQ’s founders have leveraged AI even without computer science backgrounds, showcasing AI’s accessibility.

    • The platform uses multi-agent AI systems to verify measurements, cross-check estimates, and flag discrepancies—minimizing human error.

How AI Ensures Accuracy and Trustworthiness

    • Multiple AI checks monitor the accuracy of measurements and estimates—flagging potential hallucinations or errors.

    • Satellite imagery and real-time data feed into the AI system, providing accurate on-site measurements.

    • Continuous learning from customer feedback and new data makes the system smarter over time.

Patrick explains, “We built this from scratch to be AI-first, not trying to retrofit old processes. AI is guiding everything. We can build products and offers that were unimaginable just a few years ago.” This commitment to AI-driven processes isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about creating a reliable, transparent experience for the customer.

The Future of Roofing: From Local to National Expansion

OpenbooQ launched in Dayton, Ohio, and the response has been overwhelming. They’ve rapidly expanded into Cincinnati and Columbus, with plans to reach Texas soon—starting in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.

The company’s innovative approach is gaining traction because it aligns with broader market trends:

    • Customers are used to buying everything online—from clothes to cars—and now roofing.

    • Homeowners seek transparency and lower costs.

    • Contractors want scalable models that reduce overhead and streamline operations.

Next steps: OpenbooQ plans to offer their platform as a turn-key solution for other contractors, allowing smaller roofers and midsize firms to run their sales and operations through OpenbooQ’s system. This opens opportunities for existing contractors to adopt the model, improving margins and consistency.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces Brad Strawbridge as New Board Member

The board supports the RT3 mission and leads the organization in its efforts to educate and advance technology in the roofing industry. 

York, Pennsylvania, June 10, 2026 –- Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced Brad Strawbridge, Founder & CEO of Capital City Roofing and co-founder and CEO of BuilderLync as its newest board member.

“The roofing industry is at a technology inflection point, and most contractors are still watching from the sideline. RT3 is the room where that gets changed,” said Strawbridge. “As a new board member, I am excited to help shape the next three years of contractor technology, not just sit in on the conversations about it.

Karen Edwards, RT3 executive director commented, “Brad is bringing his passion for technology and love of the industry to the organization. We are excited to have him be part of our leadership team.”

Other board members continuing their service include:

  • Wendy Marvin, Matrix Roofing & Home Solutions, president
  • John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group, treasurer
  • Jon Gardner, Owens Corning, board member
  • Rich Carroll, Carroll Consulting Group, board member
  • Jeremy Dickmann, Apollo Primm Commercial Roofing, board member

RT3 also extends its gratitude to Thomas Basch, Infinity Home Services, for his commitment to the organization during his term on the board.

Follow RT3 on social media for continuing updates and listen to the RT3 podcast on your favorite listening platform.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)
Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry.  RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses.  With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. Learn more at www.rt3thinktank.com.

How Nick Zavala and American Home Contractors Is Redefining Roofing with Solar and Smart Technology

Are you curious about how roofing companies are transforming into full-service energy providers? In this post, you’ll learn how Nick Zavala, the 2025 Innovator of the Year, is leading the way with innovative solar technology, integrated systems, and cutting-edge customer engagement tools. Discover how a roofing firm evolved into a tech-driven energy ecosystem—plus, actionable strategies to implement similar solutions in your business.

When homeowners think about roofing, they usually imagine shingles, durability or repairs. But some forward-thinking contractors like Nick Zavala are expanding the narrative—leveraging innovative technologies that increase energy efficiency, offer independence from the grid, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. In this deep dive, you’ll learn how American Home Contractors is transforming their service offerings, embracing solar, smart systems, and AI-driven customer solutions to stay ahead in a competitive market.

From Custom Homes to Cutting-Edge Roofing Technology: Nick’s Journey

Nick Zavala’s path into the roofing and exterior space is a classic story of discovery and evolution. Starting with a background in construction and carpentry, Nick’s early work involved building custom homes and working in Baltimore. But it was his move into the roofing industry in 2018 that truly sparked his innovative mindset.

Upon joining American Home Contractors as a production coordinator, Nick quickly saw opportunities to grow and diversify the company’s service offerings. He was initially skeptical of sales but soon immersed himself in every aspect of the business—from marketing and operations to sales and customer service. His relentless curiosity and passion for improvement led him to become the company’s president just two years later.

Today, Nick is recognized as a top innovator in the roofing industry, especially for embracing solar and smart technology—reshaping how customers view the roofing process and its potential for energy independence. His story exemplifies how a traditional contractor can evolve into a holistic energy solutions provider.

Integrating Solar: Owning the Roof as a Power Hub

One of the standout initiatives that earned Nick the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award is his company’s embrace of solar technology. Recognizing the limitations of traditional roofing, Nick saw an opportunity to own the entire rooftop ecosystem—blending roofing, energy generation, storage, and management.

The journey began around 2017 with exploration into building-integrated photovoltaic systems—like the GAF DecoTech panel. This approach allowed American Home Contractors to install solar panels that seamlessly integrated with roofing, creating a unified, aesthetic system. As technology advanced, they evolved into Tesla’s solar roof, which offers not only generation but also battery storage with Powerwall, energy management, and vehicle integration.

Why does owning the roof matter?

Because it streamlines the process, ensures quality control and improves customer experience. By managing the entire system, from roof installation to energy storage, Nick’s team reduces complications—like coordinating multiple trades and dealing with fault points in the process.

Control over the entire solar ecosystem translates into better quality, fewer issues, and happier customers—factors crucial for industry differentiation.

Building the Ecosystem: From Generation to Home & Vehicle Integration

The evolution of solar systems at American Home Contractors exemplifies the move toward fully connected energy solutions. Starting with building-integrated systems, they now cover the entire ecosystem:

  • Solar panels generating electricity on the roof
  • Battery storage (Powerwall) for backup and energy management
  • Load management systems like Span to control home energy use
  • Electric vehicle (EV) chargers for transportation energy needs
  • Starlink satellite internet for global connectivity

This comprehensive approach not only provides energy independence but also enhances resilience against grid outages—an increasingly critical concern in today’s climate. Nick emphasizes the importance of giving homeowners control over their energy costs and security.