Category: <span>RT3</span>

How mushrooms are upcycling construction debris

A sustainable approach to waste management.

Members of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) recently visited the headquarters of Mycocycle in the Chicago area, where they met with founder and CEO Joanne Rodriguez to explore an innovative solution to a major construction industry challenge: waste.

During the visit, Joanne explained that construction materials account for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, spanning the entire lifecycle from resource extraction to disposal. While traditional waste management often depends on landfill or resource-heavy recycling processes, Mycocycle is taking a radically different approach — using mushrooms, nature’s own recyclers, to break down construction debris and reduce its environmental impact.

“So why mushrooms?” asks Joanne. “There is a huge body of work around micro remediation as a form of bioremediation. We’re not the first to do it, we’re just the first to do it in an industrial application.”

Mushrooms are known for their remarkable ability to decompose organic matter, thanks to their network of mycelium — tiny thread-like structures that act as nature’s decomposers. Mycocycle taps into this biological power to upcycle debris that would otherwise be discarded.

How it started

After spending nearly 20 years in the commercial roofing industry and being tasked with leading a recycling program for the manufacturer, Joanne realized that recycling in the roofing industry was not even close. Once she turned 50, she realized she wanted to “do better” and do something about this issue so she set out on her own.

“When I went independent, I went on a quest for knowledge, as well as to beef up my skills,” explained Joanne. “I took a course from Oregon State University, and I learned about fungi and their remediative qualities.”

“When I learned about the heavy hydrocarbons that they could cycle through, just like those we find in petrochemicals and bitumens that are going into our products, I connected with a mycologist, which is a specialist in fungi, and we put a handful of spores on some off-the-shelf asphalt roof shingles, and it grew within seven days.”

Joanne formed a company and filed a patent for that process. After meeting our own Heidi J. Ellsworth in 2018, Joanne worked to secure funding and support from leading roofing industry players but was met with skepticism and doubt. Convinced that this process would work, Joanne incubated and accelerated the company in 2019 and launched through the National Renewable Energy Labs in March 2020. After receiving validation of the problem, the Covid pandemic shut everything down, slowing down her momentum.

“I started to try to find people,” said Joanne. “I’m not a scientist, I’m just curious, trying to solve a problem.” Within a year of leasing her first space, they had outgrown it. “Today we’re in over 10,000 square feet. We have another 10,000 square feet we’re expanding to in Georgia, and we have many installations via our Mycontainers. The whole goal for us is to upcycle waste from the built environment.”

Upcycling old carpets

The one industry where Mycocycle has gained traction is the carpet industry. “One thing I wanted to solve was how we could upcycle or reuse the waste more effectively and how we could get greener, cleaner chemicals to do that.”

The carpet industry is seeing a lot of emerging regulations, says Joanne. “They haven’t hit the roofing sector yet, but they are hitting the flooring sector very hard. Within the next three years. Things like commercial carpets must have at least 5% recycled content from their industry. It can’t come from PET water bottles.”

“We’re able to reduce the embodied carbon of materials by 98% for carpet specifically. We are coming from commercial carpet waste and producing a Nylon 6 replacement. Our products are competitively priced and outperform petrochemicals today. That’s one of my very big points of pride that we’re able to compete against virgin polymers and win. We are defining a new category of materials management.”

The process and result

The Mycocycle process begins with sorting and preparing construction waste. Materials are selected based on their compatibility with the fungi’s decomposition capabilities. Once prepared, the debris is inoculated with specific strains of fungi that thrive on the chosen substrates. Over time, the fungi metabolize the waste, breaking it down into simpler compounds.

The end result is a transformed material that can be used for various applications, such as bio-based building materials, insulation or soil amendments. This innovative process not only reduces the need for landfill disposal but also creates sustainable products that can re-enter the construction cycle.

This summer an athletic field is being installed in South Carolina that will be the first carbon neutral athletic field. One of the largest suppliers of athletic turf is using MycoFILL, upcycled from old carpet, in the manufacture of their turf infill that not only keeps the field cooler and is safer for athletes, but eliminates the need for using rubber and microplastics in their manufacturing process.

Implications for the future

Mycocycle’s work represents a significant step forward in sustainable waste management. By harnessing the natural capabilities of mushrooms, the company is addressing one of the construction industry’s most pressing problems in an innovative and environmentally responsible way. As the technology gains traction, it has the potential to revolutionize how waste is handled across multiple industries, setting a precedent for bio-based solutions to global challenges.

In a world where sustainability is increasingly critical, Mycocycle stands as a shining example of how nature and technology can work hand in hand to create a better, greener future.

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) Announces Activities for the 2025 International Roofing Expo®

Activities include a solar technology lunch and learn and a technology panel designed to help contractors on their technology journey.  

York, Pennsylvania, February 3, 2025 –- Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced activities scheduled for the 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE).

Members will participate in a lunch and learn session on Tuesday, February 18 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio Riverwalk where they will learn about a new solar technology from Australia that has recently entered the U.S. market.  

RT3 members will also take part in an educational panel on Friday, February 21 at 8:30 a.m. The session is titled Navigating the Technology Landscape. In this panel, RT3 members share resources, tips and advice for navigating the ever-changing and growing field of technology in roofing.

“Technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that it can be hard to understand the changes and what that can mean for your business,” stated Karen Edwards, RT3 Director. “Our members met throughout this past year to develop resources to help contractors navigate the tech landscape. This panel shares those concepts and guides contractors on their technology journey.”

The panel will take contractors through the business maturity guide to help them figure out what their pain points are and how technology may be able to help them get to the next level. Next, the technology landscape resource will lead contractors through the types of solutions available, educate on how other contractors are using these solutions and provide direction on what questions to ask the vendor as well as what they should be considering for scaling their business.

In addition, the team will share do’s and don’ts for using AI in roofing businesses and how to ensure they are using it responsibly and ethically. The panel is moderated by Heidi J. Ellsworth and participants include RT3 members John Kiesel, Division 7 Roofing, Wendy Marvin, Matrix Roof & Home Solutions, Kyrah Coker, National Roofing Partners and John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

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 STG Announces Open Registration and Speaker Lineup for TRANSFORM 25

Sales Transformation Group (STG), provider of the premiere sales coaching and training platform for the trades, today announced the speaker lineup and officially opened registration for TRANSFORM 25, its annual growth conference to be held in April at the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center in Dallas, TX.

TRANSFORM brings together growth-minded roofers, contractors, and other professionals shaping the future of the building and construction sector with the objective of “Building Elite Teams” and equipping them to scale their businesses.

For the first time this year, TRANSFORM 25 will consist of back-to-back events for residential and commercial markets. TRANSFORM Residential will be held April 14-16. TRANSFORM Commercial will be held April 16-18. Each includes learning tracks for owners and executives, sales leaders, and sales representatives. The agendas are jam-packed with inspiring keynotes, targeted breakout sessions, immersive training, and even live competitions. There will also be a welcome reception and off-site excursion for each event.

“We’ve reimagined TRANSFORM to offer the highest level of targeted learning, development, and training for owners and their teams. We strongly believe that the sales team is the engine that drives growth for every contracting business and our goal through this conference is to equip attendees to ‘Build Elite Teams’ from the top down,” said STG Founder and CEO Ryan Groth. “Not only are we offering the flexibility for residential and commercial contractors to attend on their own or with their teams, but we’ve also attracted the highest caliber of speakers for both events and every track.”

Past speakers included Damon West, Caroline Leaf, Jordan Norwood, Jamie Winship and Inky Johnson.

This year’s agenda includes the most renowned industry leaders from across the trades, such as Tommy Mello of A1 Garage, Ken Kelly of Kelly Advisors, Victor Smolyanov of Victor’s Home Solutions, Steve Little of KPost Company, Luke McCormack of McCormack Partners, Todd Eichholz of A&A Paving, Chad Fortney of ESKOLA Roofing & Waterproofing, Rocky Cherry of Cherry Coatings, Casey Mynatt of City Wide Facility Services, and many more. Previous speakers include former NFL first-round prospect Inky Johnson, RYNO Strategic Solutions CEO Chris Yano, Breakthrough Academy Co-Founder Danny Kerr, Exit Momentum Founder Cullen Talley, and Author of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change Damon West.

Event sponsors include Convex, JobNimbus, McCormack Partners, RYNO Strategic Solutions, ServiceTitan, Siro, Terial, and Unstoppable365.

For more information and to register, visit www.sellonstg.com/transform

About STG – Sales Transformation Group

STG is the leading provider of sales training and coaching for commercial and residential contractors across the trades. Our platform and programs have helped more than 1,000 clients improve their sales processes, build high-performing sales teams, and drive consistent, predictable revenue. Based in Dallas, TX, Ryan Groth, a former professional baseball player turned contractor sales leader, innovator, and entrepreneur founded STG in 2018.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces 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 25, 2024 –- Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced Richard Carroll, Carroll Consulting Group, Minneapolis, Minnesota as its newest board member.

“We are looking forward to Rich joining the board,” said Karen Edwards, RT3 director. “He has been an active member of RT3 and brings a strong background in the roofing industry that will help us continue to advance the adoption of technology.”

RT3 would also like to extend its gratitude to Andrew Centauro, Elmer W. Davis, Inc. Commercial Roofing, Rochester, New York, for his commitment to the organization during his three-year term on the board.

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
  • Thomas Basch, Infinity Home Services, board member
  • Jeremy Dickmann, Apollo Primm Commercial Roofing, board member

RT3 Think Tank meets throughout the year, with a combination of virtual and live meetups that focus on learning about new and emerging technologies.  Past live meetups have been held at innovative locations that help educate the group on progressive technologies that can make a difference in the roofing industry, including Renovate Robotics, MTL Holdings, Texas A&M, Boxabl, 3M Innovation Center and Roofing Granule Lab, OMG Roofing Products, Vanderbilt Wond’ry, Microsoft Innovation Lab, Georgia Tech, BuiltWorlds and the U.S. Capitol. 

The next live meetup is planned for the fall 2024. RT3 contractor members will also be participating in educational panels during industry tradeshows to share tips and resources that help contractors successfully adopt and implement technologies that not only help their businesses but also contribute to recruiting their future workforce.  

Stay up to date with RT3 news and events by signing up for the RT3 SmartBrief e-Newsletter at www.rt3thinktank.com. 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.

RT3 member Eagle Roofing Products launches Time Is Money app

In the roofing and building industry, every second counts when fulfilling orders and traveling from one job site to another. To alleviate some of the stress affecting customers waiting in the order pick-up line, Eagle has launched a new initiative with trucking partners top of mind.

Last September, Eagle Roofing Products soft-launched Time Is Money, an online reservation system designed to save truck drivers approximately 15 minutes of loading time. Due to its overwhelming success, the initiative has since been expanded and launched nationwide across all manufacturing plants and satellite yards.

Time Is Money is a free app that allows builders, roofers and distributers the opportunity to be proactive and productive with their concrete roof tile and components pick-ups. Through the digital platform, full and partial orders as well as those including trim are booked in advance of the pick-up, which are then built and staged in a central location prior to the driver’s arrival time. This simple step not only helps drivers stay organized and connected to Eagle, but it also helps customers save time and money.

Eagle’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, John Campbell, explained, “This platform was inspired by the need to better utilize time between the extreme peaks and valleys we experience daily in our yards. By utilizing T-I-M to provide our customer service and yard teams with advance notice of shipments, we are afforded the opportunity to pre-stage trim, components and concrete accessories up to 48 hours before pick-up.”

Roof tile and component pick-up slots can be reserved up to seven days in advance. Once date, time and sales order information are processed, Eagle team members pre-stage orders and get customers back on the road in record time. The scheduling system was not designed to allow customers to skip the line; however, by showcasing time slots for the next week, Eagle is furthering its commitment to transparency with every reservation.

“Eagle is committed to providing value-added solutions that save builders, roofing contractors and distributors time and money,” John reiterated, “because Time Is Money.”

For more information on accessing the link to your nearest regional T-I-M site, please visit https://eagleroofing.com/time-is-money-app/ or contact your local Eagle account representative.

About Eagle Roofing Products

Eagle Roofing Products is a division of Burlingame Industries, a California-based, privately held family organization that has been in the concrete roof tile industry for over 35 years. Founded in 1989 with five employees, Eagle has grown to four manufacturing plants, nine design centers and a work force of over 500 employees. As the largest USA made, USA owned concrete roof tile manufacturer in the United States, Eagle Roofing Products specializes in providing concrete tile roofing solutions for the building industry.

2023 RT3 Award Finalist Profile: Ken Kelly

There are many roofing contactors in the industry who are innovating every day and we are spotlighting those who were finalists in the Innovator of the Year awards program. While Ken Kelly was the recipient of the award in 2021, this nomination netted him a final spot in 2023 for his incredible work in the Tesla Solar Roof program.

In a rapidly evolving world, where innovation is the driving force behind progress, Ken Kelly stands out as a true trailblazer and a deserving candidate for the 2023 Innovator of the Year award. His relentless pursuit of innovative solutions, transformative ideas, and unwavering dedication to creating a positive impact on society sets him apart as a visionary leader shaping the future.

One of Ken’s standout achievements is his pioneering work with the Tesla Solar Roof. Embracing Kelly Roofing’s core value of Kaizen; continuous improvement, Ken Kelly along with a dedicated group of Kelly Roofing staff flew to California to participate in hands-on learning to become part of Tesla’s direct team and the first Tesla Channel Partner in Florida.

Kelly Roofing proudly cemented our position as a leader in the roofing industry by becoming the first company in Florida to offer and install the Tesla Solar Roof. Ken’s bold decision to integrate innovative technologies into traditional roofing practices showcased his keen understanding of the evolving market landscape and commitment to sustainable solutions. By embracing the Tesla Solar Roof, we have not only set a new industry benchmark but also showcased our dedication to providing customers with cutting-edge, environmentally conscious options for their roofing needs. This achievement positioned Kelly Roofing at the forefront of innovation in the state of Florida.

Ken’s leadership is driven by inclusivity and collaboration. He understands that innovation flourishes in an environment where diverse perspectives converge. Ken participated in regular meetings with the nation’s top three Tesla Solar Roof installers. Through these sessions, Ken was able to not only share his invaluable insights but also facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas, resulting in a streamlined and optimized installation process.

What truly sets Ken apart is not just his ability to generate innovative ideas, but his commitment to translating these ideas into tangible results. He possesses a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit that drives him to take calculated risks, mobilize resources, and bring his visions to life. He has the incredible ability to identify pressing challenges and envision groundbreaking solutions. As Ken and the Kelly team began installing the Tesla Solar Roof, they collaborated directly with Tesla on better ways to integrate their innovative technology into traditional roofing practices resulting in two newer versions of the Tesla Solar Roof.

Under the visionary leadership of Ken Kelly, Kelly Roofing has achieved several groundbreaking milestones including successfully completing the installation of the first Tesla Solar Roofs in both Florida and Tennessee as well as the first international installation of the Tesla Solar Roof in the West Indies, Caribbean. Ken’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability drove these remarkable achievements, marking a significant stride in revolutionizing the roofing industry.

Ken Kelly played a pivotal role in establishing the strong foundation of Kelly Roofing, positioning our company for a future filled with boundless possibilities. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ken transformed Kelly Roofing from a small, family-owned business into a reputable and thriving roofing enterprise. His emphasis on quality craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and innovative roofing solutions has not only earned us a stellar reputation but has also laid the groundwork for our continued success. As we look toward the future, we are poised to explore new horizons, embrace evolving technologies, and expand our reach. With the values and principles instilled by Ken, our company is well-equipped to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and write the next chapters of our journey in the roofing industry. Ken Kelly’s spirit of innovation continues to inspire and drive our staff towards creative solutions and excellence in everything we do.

In conclusion, Ken Kelly’s extraordinary journey from conception to realization, his capability to transform industries, and his dedication to cultivating a culture of innovation render him an exemplary candidate for the Innovator of the Year distinction. His influence reverberates through the roofing industry, imprinting an indelible mark on how we live, work, and envision the future. Ken’s story is not just one of individual success, but a testament to the power of innovation in shaping a brighter tomorrow for all of humanity.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces 2023 Innovator of the Year

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

York, Pennsylvania, December 4, 2023 –- Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, awarded the 2023 Innovator of the Year award to John Kiesel, president of Division 7 Roofing in Galena, Ohio. The award was announced during the 2023 Best of Success Conference in Frisco, Texas.

“John’s development and use of photogrammetry and 3D models as well as augmented reality is leading the industry into the future,” stated Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, RT3 Award Task Team Leader and past RT3 Board President. “In addition, he is sharing these technologies with local trade schools and hiring summer interns to show the appeal of a career in roofing.”

Kiesel began roofing at the age of 17 working for his father’s roofing business. He worked his way up from field worker to superintendent to general manager and today is president of Division 7 Roofing. “I feel the pain of roofing and recognize that when innovation or technology is able to disrupt the barbaric nature of roofing, I embrace that and I want to see roofing be a more accommodating career,” he said.

Congratulations to John Kiesel and Division 7 Roofing on being named the 2023 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.

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) Announces New Technology Resources for Contractors

These one-of-a-kind tools were created to help contractors successfully navigate the roofing technology landscape.

September 20, 2023 – Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced the availability of technology resources for roofing contractors to help them successfully navigate their technology journey.

Developed by members of the RT3 Technology Task Team, the resources feature three key components:

  1. Business Maturity Guide – designed to help contractors understand where their business’s maturity level to help them develop strategies, plans and technology that support continued growth and success.
  2. Technology Landscape – a comprehensive guide to help contractors understand cutting-edge software tools specifically tailored for their needs. It defines industry technology solutions, the problems they solve, what questions to ask of vendors, considerations for scaling and expected price ranges.
  3. Technology Solution Directory* – This is where roofing contractors can browse a collection of tools and apps that can help solve their most urgent business issues.

“We are extremely excited to offer this one-of-a-kind resource to the roofing industry,” said Karen Edwards, director of RT3. “The Task Team members worked together for the last 18 months both in-person and virtually to create these resources. We were very intentional in assembling the information from the perspective of an independent third party without recommending one solution over another.”

Technology providers are encouraged to submit their solutions to be included in the RT3 Solutions Directory. They do not need to be a member of RT3 to have their listing included in the directory. The directory is designed to allow peers to comment on each solution and leave feedback that can help other roofing contractors in their technology journey.

The RT3 Technology Resources are available in an interactive format on the RT3 website and also available as a downloadable PDF. They can be accessed here: rt3thinktank.com/resources

*Disclaimer: RT3 does not endorse any of these solutions but provides the platform for the industry to share their information and leave reviews and feedback that could be useful to others.

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 Featured on RE:TV as Inspiring Innovation

RE:TV highlights inspiring innovations and ideas that are emerging in response to the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste was featured in an episode on RE:TV, an initiative founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020 at the World Economic Forum (then HRH the Prince of Wales) to spotlight change makers around the world. The platform seeks innovations that are inspired by nature to address the challenges of the climate crisis.

Mycocycle’s process of using fungi to transform waste materials into a reusable resource captured the attention of RE:TV because of its ability to dramatically reduce the negative impact that the construction industry has on the environment. The resulting biomaterial that is produced is both fire- and water-resistant and can be used in the manufacture of many new products, including building materials, resulting in a true closed-loop ecosystem.

“The waste generated in the construction industry takes up space in landfills and can leach toxins into the air, water and soil,” Mycocyle CEO and Founder Joanne Rodriguez explained in the episode. “For every ton of waste that we treat, we are able to reduce CO2 emissions by almost three metric tons.” The Mycocycle spotlight can be watched on RE:TV’s website.

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. is a nature-inspired and woman-owned biotechnology startup that leverages fungi to transform industrial waste into reusable materials. Founded in 2018, the company is on a mission to drive circularity in the construction supply chain and divert waste from landfills with its innovative solution. Mycocycle blends lab-cultivated fungi with debris at the point of waste generation to detoxify hard-to-recycle building materials and turn them into new raw materials. Its customers include companies across the waste management, recycling, and manufacturing industries, as well as companies focused on reducing Scope 3 emissions.

In 2023, Mycocycle was issued a Declare label for its “MycoFILL© G” materials through the International Living Futures Institute, which recognized its products as Red List Chemical Free. Mycocycle is a FastCompany World Changing Ideas finalist and its CEO has been honored as a Environment + Energy Leader Top 100 Leader, Crain’s Chicago Top 50 Sustainability Executive and named to the inaugural Forbes Next 1000 list. To learn more visit www.mycocycle.com.