Category: <span>Announcements</span>

Category: Announcements

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) Plans Activities Around the 2022 International Roofing Expo

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Activities include a virtual reality experience and a future workforce-focused contractor educational panel.

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced activities scheduled for the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2022.

Members will meet Monday, January 31 at the Pan American Life Center in New Orleans. Together they will hear updates on Tesla Solar roofs, recent technology company acquisitions and then will participate in a hands-on virtual reality experience to understand how the tool can benefit the roofing industry.

RT3 will also host an educational panel on Tuesday, February 1 at 7:45 a.m. The session is titled Casting the Net for Your Future Workforce. In this panel, RT3 contractor members share how they are working with their schools, youth programs and communities to build a pipeline for the future roofing workforce. From multi-organizational apprenticeship programs to working with youth from schools who don’t want to pursue college to getting involved in the community and developing in-house training opportunities, these contractors will share what they are doing, how they got started and tips for success.

The panel is moderated by Heidi J. Ellsworth and participants include RT3 contractor members John Peck of PB Roofing, Charles Antis, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Christee Holbrook of Graham Roofing, and Josey Parks, CEO of J Wales Enterprises.

“Building our future workforce has been and will continue to be a challenge for our industry,” stated Karen Edwards, RT3 Director. “Several of our members have implemented initiatives that are working to attract and retain workers and we wanted to share that with the rest of the industry. This is a chance for other contractors to learn how to get started and get ideas as to what might work in their service areas.”

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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.

Foundation Software announces acquisition of RT3 member Estimating Edge

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This acquisition further enables Foundation to provide software and services that align and strengthen contractors back-office operations.

Foundation Software, LLC — provider of America’s #1 construction back-office solutions — has announced the acquisition of Estimating Edge, developer of The EDGE™ commercial construction estimating, project management tracking and takeoff software.

This acquisition further enables Foundation to serve the construction community by providing software and services that align and strengthen contractors back-office operations.

Estimating Edge creates a professional, all-in-one commercial construction estimating, project management tracking and takeoff software for acoustical, drywall, EIFS, fireproofing, flooring, painting, roofing, wall paneling and waterproofing contractors. By adding Estimating Edge to their family of products, Foundation now offers an even more complete solution for contractors to take control of their projects at every stage.

“It’s an exciting time right now,” said Adam Oaks, CEO of Estimating Edge. “We’ll continue to focus on takeoff, estimating and project management for specialty trade contractors, but now being part of Foundation Software, we’ll have more resources to provide even greater value for our customers.”

Foundation continues to grow its product offerings through both development and acquisitions. Mike Ode, CEO of Foundation Software, looks forward to what this latest addition will mean for the industry.

“We are excited to have Estimating Edge join the Foundation Software family of companies. The addition of their commercial construction estimating and takeoff products will allow us to move closer to the goal of becoming an all-in-one back-office solution for contractors,” Ode said. “We’re looking forward to working with the Edge team and learning from their years of expertise serving commercial specialty trade contractors. Together, we’ll be able to provide leading and proven software tools to both our clients and the industry as a whole.”

With their shared business and cultural alignment, Oaks knew the decision to join Foundation was the right one.

“It was the right choice to partner with Foundation Software,” said Oaks. “They are the best-of-breed accounting solution, and their customer focus and company culture is one that closely aligns with ours.”

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Raymond James served as financial advisor to Estimating Edge and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to Foundation Software.

Visit Estimating Edge or Foundation Software to learn more about their products.

About Foundation Software, LLC

Foundation Software delivers job cost accounting, project management and mobile applications, along with payroll services, to help contractors run the business side of construction. For information, call (800) 246-0800 or email info@foundationsoft.com.

About Estimating Edge

Estimating Edge is a team of tradesmen and software engineers working together to build “cutting-edge” software for the construction industry. For more than 30 years, Estimating Edge has been a trusted provider of commercial construction takeoff and estimating software. The company’s flagship product, The EDGE, is designed around the construction workflow, not the way the software companies believe the user should be estimating. The software is intuitively designed to help both new and seasoned professionals work smarter, bid sharper and build better. Supported trades include roofing, drywall, acoustical, fireproofing, flooring, exterior insulation, painting and wall panels. For more information, call 561-276-9100 or email marketing@estimatingedge.com.

RT3 member Joanne Rodriguez of Mycocycle named to 2021 Environment+Energy Leader 100 Honoree List

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The list includes CEOs, VPs, managers and engineers who are all making a difference.

Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, announced that CEO Joanne Rodriguez has been named to the 2021 Environment+Energy Leader 100 Honoree List.

“It’s exciting to be included among such an elite group of changemakers who are committed to helping the environment,” stated Rodriguez. “Together, this group of honorees will have an impact on the future of how efficiently we use our resources through the development of innovative solutions that lead to a more sustainable environment for coming generations.”

In its fifth year, the annual Environment+Energy Leader 100 recognizes those environment and energy “doers” who break trail in creating new solutions, programs, platforms, best practices, and products to help their companies – or other companies – achieve greater success in commercial and industrial environment and energy management.

“The Honorees on the annual list show groundbreaking work and dedication to the field of sustainability and energy management,” says Paul Nastu, President of Environment+Energy Leader. “We’re thrilled to recognize this year’s Honorees and congratulate all who made the list.”

Nominations for the E+E 100 are made by Environment+Energy Leader readers and others that work in the industry, are vetted and then Environment+Energy Leader team and a select group of advisors from the industry make the final Honoree selections.

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was the winner of the 2021 1871 Momentum Awards as an Industry Disrupter, recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany’s “2021 World Changing Ideas” Awards issue, recognized as a Forbes “Next1000” Entrepreneur, selected as a Top 100 Global Deeptech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow, and a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair. Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million. For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.

About Environment+Energy Leader

For fifteen years, Environment+Energy Leader (www.environmentenergyleader.com) has provided news, best practices and research that has influenced environment, energy and sustainability conversations–and powered decision-making. We have a wide range of professional resources, including our website, newsletters, awards programs, webinars, reports, white papers and conferences to help you tackle environment and energy management challenges in order to reduce costs, increase efficiency and minimize resource waste. Environment+Energy Leader is published by Business Sector Media LLC.

RT3 member RoofersCoffeeShop® Releases Latest Roofing Industry Trends Report

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This Trends Report focuses on the labor shortage and top business and contractor needs and challenges.

RoofersCoffeeShop®, the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, announces the release of its latest Roofing Industry Trends Report. This Trends Report, which gathered information throughout 2019 and 2020, focuses on the labor shortage, the top business needs in the industry and contractors’ greatest needs and challenges.

“RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to the roofing industry and the contractors who make it great,” stated Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS president. “We want to know what the industry is seeing and experiencing as they continue to roof and protect buildings across the nation. The strength of the industry lies in the knowledge of the professionals and their ability to network, gain ongoing education and communicate effectively.”

Nearly 70% of respondents identified labor retention and recruitment as a top business issue. COVID-19, product costs, safety, technology and competition also stood out as challenges contractors are facing.  From the information gathered, digital-based marketing is a significant need within the roofing industry with contractors responding that website, digital advertising, marketing plans and content are among their greatest needs.

Since 2016, RCS has surveyed contractors in the industry and developed three Trends Reports to date that focus on the challenges faced by contractors, their likes and the tools they are using to build their businesses.

Download the 2019-20 Trends Report today!

About RoofersCoffeeShop

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop.com is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com.

RT3 member Named in 2021 Top Women in Media

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Heidi J. Ellsworth was an honoree in the Changemaker category.

RoofersCoffeeShop®, the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, announced that Heidi J. Ellsworth was named in Folio: and AdMonsters’ 2021 class of Top Women in Media as a Changemaker. 

Each year, an elite group of women who have made a lasting impact on their brands, organizations and markets are recognized for spotlighting the diversity and progress within the media industry. The Top Women in Media class recognizes an impressive who’s who of noteworthy women from the dynamic media community.

“This is an incredible honor to be recognized among these powerful women in media,” stated Ellsworth. “The team at RoofersCoffeeShop has been incredibly supportive of bringing our industry-changing ideas to life so that we can better serve our roofing contractors and industry partners to elevate the professionalism of the roofing industry. We are committed to always being a changemaker and delivering the best information, tools and experiences to our roofing community.”

“Women are a mega-force behind today’s growth and innovation in media,” said Bill Amstutz, group publisher of Folio: and AdMonsters in a statement. “It is our honor to highlight the tremendous impact of the many brilliant women leading our industry forward and inspiring what comes next.”

See the full list of honorees here. 

About RoofersCoffeeShop
As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop.com is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com.

RT3 Member Mycocycle Wins 1871 Momentum Award as an Industry Disrupter

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The 1871 Momentum Awards is the celebration of tech innovation in Chicago.

(Bolingbrook, Illinois) – Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, was awarded 1871’s Momentum Award in the Industry Disrupter category. The award is presented to a company that has developed or introduced an ingenious, non-traditional, and innovative product or service that has significantly disrupted the industry.

“It is such an honor to be recognized by 1871 for our efforts to eliminate toxins from waste and turn it into a renewable resource,” said Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle founder and CEO. “We’ve received tremendous support from the Chicago-area tech community and are thankful for their recognition of how we are trying to divert waste from landfills and create a more efficient and environmentally friendly waste-to-resource process.”

“Chicago tech is on fire right now, and the 14th Annual Momentum Awards perfectly showcased how our expansive and engaged community of innovators are playing a crucial role in spurring Chicago’s economic recovery and job growth,” said 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler. “Our group of finalists and winners this year are creating necessary solutions every day that are building a better future in their communities, and it was our honor to come together both in-person and virtually from around the world to celebrate their wonderful achievements.”

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was the winner of the 2021 1871 Momentum Awards as an Industry Disrupter, recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany’s “2021 World Changing Ideas” Awards issue, recognized as a Forbes “Next1000” Entrepreneur, selected as a Top 100 Global Deeptech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow, and a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair. Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million. For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.

About The Momentum Awards

The Momentum Awards, now in its 14th year, is an annual celebration of tech innovation across Chicago and beyond, attended by 1871’s full community of innovators, leaders, and civic supporters and partners. It is the largest gathering of the tech community and the primary fundraiser for 1871.

Finalists in all seven categories were selected from a competitive and impressive pool of ~200 nominees. Nominees were generated through public nomination and then deliberated on by 100+ judges who span Chicago’s business and innovation sectors. Winners were determined by a combination of public vote and vote by the 1871 Board of Directors.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces 2021 Innovator of the Year

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The award recognizes a roofing contractor who contributes to the advancement of the roofing industry.

York, Pennsylvania, September 21, 2021 –- Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, awarded the 2021 Innovator of the Year award to Ken Kelly, president of Bonita Springs, Florida-based Kelly Roofing. The award was announced during the 2021 Best of Success Conference.

“Ken is a visionary leader who embraced the potential that technology could bring to both his company and the roofing industry,” stated Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, Award Task Team Leader and RT3 Board President. “He fully leveraged technology to automate many of the processes in his company, doubling the size of his business without adding additional staff.”

The Kelly Roofing team is willing to share their knowledge and help others in the industry. Ken has been a speaker on several RT3 webinars and educational panels, sharing his experiences and helping other contractors with their technology journey. He has also hosted contractors at his company who want to see the operation and understand how the company is using technology on a daily basis.

In addition, Ken is heavily involved in philanthropy. He partners with Habitat for Humanity, donates a roof to a family in need each year and is also the wing leader for the Southwest Florida Angel Flight, where he arranges missions and recruits pilots to transport people in medical need.

Kelly Roofing is a member of the Roofing Alliance and National Roofing Contractors Association where he serves on the board. Kelly was a founding board member of the Roofing Technology Think Tank.

Congratulations to Ken Kelly and Kelly Roofing on being named the 2021 Innovator of the Year.

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.

RT3 Member Mycocycle Named a Finalist for 1871 Momentum Award as an Industry Disrupter

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The 1871 Momentum Awards is the celebration of tech innovation in Chicago.

Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, was named a finalist for 1871’s Momentum Award in the Industry Disrupter category. The award is presented to a company that has developed or introduced an ingenious, non-traditional, and innovative product or service that has significantly disrupted the industry.

“Having participated in the LatinX+IHCC Incubator at 1871 as one of my very first organizational experiences as a startup, I am delighted to be in contention for this award,” said Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle founder and CEO. “It is an exciting time to have a growing company in Chicago and the Midwest. The startup ecosystem is supportive, passionate, and always serves as a source of inspiration for me. We look forward to participating in the 2021 Momentum Awards and can’t wait to celebrate with all of our fellow founders!”

“The finalists for this year’s Industry Disrupter Award are leading the path forward through ingenuity and determination, and we’re thrilled to include Mycocycle among this impressive group,” said 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler. “Their innovative solutions are transforming old waste practices into eco-friendly market opportunities and building a necessary picture of a potential world without waste. We wish them the best of luck as voting begins.”

The 14th annual 1871 Momentum Awards celebrate tech innovation in Chicago, recognizing outstanding CEOs, rising stars and game-changing companies across seven different award categories. Award winners are chosen through a combination of scores from 1871 judges and public votes. Voting opens August 16 and runs through September 1. Winners will be announced on September 23 at a hybrid awards ceremony.

Place your vote for Mycocycle at https://app.reviewr.com/s1/showcase//Momentum-21.  

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany’s “2020 World Changing Ideas” Awards issue, a presenter for NREL’s 2020 Industry Growth Forum, a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair, and the winner of the Cleantech Open National 2020 Resiliency Challenge.  Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million. For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.

About 1871

1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support the early stage, growth stage, and corporate innovators that are building extraordinary businesses in their communities. We are the convenor of changemakers, bringing together the right resources, support, and connections that drive growth for businesses across the entire maturity curve, from idea to Fortune 50. Our community is rooted in Chicago with a reach that spans the globe, with over 1,500 members and an expansive network of mentors, corporate sponsors, university partners, VCs, alumni, and policymakers. Learn more at www.1871.com.  

Mycocycle Selected as Finalist in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas

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The 5th annual awards honor the products, concepts, companies, policies, and designs that are pursuing innovation for the good of society and the planet.

(Bolingbrook, Illinois) May 4, 2021 – Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, announced today that it has been named a finalist in the Best World Changing Idea North America and On The Rise categories as part of the 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards showcase 33 winners, more than 400 finalists, and more than 800 honorable mentions—with Health and Wellness, AI & Data among the most popular categories. A panel of eminent Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners and finalists from a pool of more than 4,000 entries across transportation, education, food, politics, technology, and more. Plus, several new categories were added, including Pandemic Response, Urban Design, and Architecture. The 2021 awards feature entries from across the globe, from Brazil to Denmark to Vietnam.

“We are honored to be recognized by Fast Company as a company that is creating solutions that are good for the environment,” said Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle founder and CEO. “Mycocycle’s vision is to create new circular economies that transform environmentally unstable processes into financially viable material opportunities. Mushrooms will change the way we manage and use waste now and in the future.”

Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company said, “There is no question our society and planet are facing deeply troubling times. So, it’s important to recognize organizations that are using their ingenuity, impact, design, scalability, and passion to solve these problems.”

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was recognized as a Finalist in Fast Company’s 2020 and 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards issue, a presenter for NREL’s 2020 Industry Growth Forum, a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair, and the winner of the Cleantech Open National 2020 Resiliency Challenge.  Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million.

For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.

About the World Changing Ideas Awards

World Changing Ideas is one of Fast Company’s major annual awards programs and is focused on social good, seeking to elevate finished products and brave concepts that make the world better. A panel of judges from across sectors choose winners, finalists, and honorable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact. With the goals of awarding ingenuity and fostering innovation, Fast Company draws attention to ideas with great potential and helps them expand their reach to inspire more people to start working on solving the problems that affect us all.