Category: <span>Technology</span>

Category: Technology

RT3 member Kelly Roofing partners with HGTV and Velux on the HGTV Smart Home Sweepstakes

Posted on

Kelly Roofing is excited to announce being hand-picked by HGTV and Velux to take part in building the HGTV Smart Home 2021 for the HGTV Smart Home Sweepstakes. The episode of the build is airing now.

“I am honored a national television network chose Kelly Roofing for their roofing needs on this one-of-a-kind home,” states Kelly Roofing President Ken Kelly. “This was an opportunity to work with the best designers, builders, and engineers showing homeowners how easy it is to create a modern smart home while keeping the home warm, cozy, and inviting.”

The latest products and building techniques were used throughout the project. The HGTV® Smart Home 2021 home celebrates Naples, Florida, using a timeless, sophisticated design paired with a coastal style. The color palette includes an updated 1960’s flair of lime green, tones of cool blue, white, and black. Even the inviting backyard has space for relaxing, entertaining, and dining with all the latest smart technology.

Kelly Roofing participated by installing the concrete tile roofing and 14 skylights. These Velux “Fresh Air” Skylights bring natural light and air into the home and are brand new to the market. At the first sign of rain, a sensor automatically closes any opened skylights to keep water and worries out. The remote control operation of the blinds to control the amount of shade with the touch of a button. These skylights highlight how to create an innovative and smart home of the future. Even the roof was installed with the latest technology, including Kelly Roofing’s patented hybrid tile installation method. The installation combined with the materials used provides insulation (for lowering energy bills), secondary waterproofing (for lowering homeowner’s insurance costs), and increased wind uplift (for hurricane protection).

Most of the Kelly crew did not know at the time of building this home would be part of the HGTV Smart Home Sweepstakes. Due to the exclusivity, the team dubbed it “The Top Secret Project” before they knew what they were working on. They are now excited to see who will win the house they helped build.

The episode showcasing this project build is airing now on HGTV. This Smart Home is also part of the price in the national HGTV Smart Home Sweepstakes. Other prizes include a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and $100,000 from LendingTree. To take a virtual tour of the home, watch videos about the Smart Design, or enter the drawing to win the house, visit https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-smart-home.

Kelly Roofing is America’s Roofing Contractor of the Year, serving the Florida market since 1972. They are family-owned and have helped over 60,000 roof owners save money and live a worry-free life. Kelly Roofing understands how to eliminate the stress of unexpected roof costs. All Kelly Roofing employees live by the core values of Care, Communicate and Consistency, allowing them to provide outstanding workmanship using the most advanced methods. To learn more about Kelly Roofing, go to www.kellyroofing.com.

HGTV, HGTV Smart Home, HGTV Smart Home Giveaway and their associated logos are trademarks of Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All rights reserved. Photos © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All rights reserved.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Opens Nominations for 2021 Innovator of the Year Award

Posted on

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

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced that it has opened the nomination period for the 2021 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.

The 2021 recipient will be announced at the Best of Success conference, September 19-21, 2021 at the Omni Hotel in Frisco, Texas. To be eligible, a roofing contractor must be licensed and bonded for a minimum of five years and have a minimum $5 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 Scott Riopelle of Denver, Colorado-based Interstate Roofing (2020) and Curtis Sutton of Carthage, Tennessee-based Rackley Roofing (2019). 

For more information and to submit an award application visit https://rt3thinktank.com/award/. There is a $50 nomination fee to cover processing and award costs. The nomination period closes July 31, 2021.

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.

RT3 Member GAF Manufactures Industry’s First Asphalt Shingles Containing Recycled Waste Shingles

Posted on

GAF, a Standard Industries company and the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America, announced a new patented shingle recycling process that has successfully produced the industry’s first asphalt roofing shingles containing recycled material from post-consumer and post-manufacture waste shingles that may have otherwise been landfilled. 

GAF asphalt shingles manufactured with recycled material from post-consumer waste shingles

This breakthrough represents an important milestone in delivering more sustainable, affordable roofing materials and has significant implications for improving sustainability and circularity across the roofing supply chain.

“This latest innovation from GAF represents the first major step towards a circular economy for asphalt roofing shingles,” said Jim Schnepper, President, GAF. “We envision a future where every homeowner, when replacing their roof, can do so with high-quality, affordable shingles made with recycled asphalt.”

The new shingle recycling process reduces the amount of raw materials required to make new shingles without compromising product quality or performance. During its successful tests, GAF was able to reclaim more than 90 percent of the waste shingle material, by weight, to be reused in the manufacture of new shingles. GAF additionally demonstrated its ability to manufacture new shingles containing up to 15 percent recycled material that were UL-certified for their safety and effectiveness. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued GAF three patents covering this new shingle recycling process. 

GAF is committing more than $100 million to bring the recycling process to commercial scale, including the development of a pilot operation in 2021 that will enable the company to conduct additional research and development on its process. Through the pilot GAF expects to assess the maximum amount of recycled asphalt that can be used to make new shingles meeting the company’s high standards while optimizing the manufacturing process prior to scaling it across its operations.

“This innovation has the potential to reduce a significant waste stream in the U.S. and represents an important advance within the roofing industry,” said Tad Radzinski, Certification Officer, GreenCircle Certified, a third-party certification organization. “Through the recovery of valuable end-of-life roofing materials, GAF is setting the course to reduce environmental impacts across the shingle product life cycle and provide a truly circular, sustainable solution for roofing products.” 

As the leading manufacturer in North America—where one in four residential roofs are covered by GAF—the company is uniquely positioned to extend the impact of this innovation across manufacturing facilities to help reduce landfill waste and continue to offer more sustainable roofing options to its customers.

About GAF
GAF is North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer and a part of Standard Industries. GAF’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of roofing and waterproofing solutions for residential and commercial properties as well as for civil engineering applications. GAF provides end-to-end support for architects, specifiers, contractors and property owners seeking high-quality performance and technical guidance. Through its innovative and customer-driven solutions, the company has protected homes, businesses, families and communities for over 130 years. Learn more at www.GAF.com.

RT3 member Reliant Roofing Ranks No. 202 on Inc. Magazine’s List of Florida’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Posted on

Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida list employed more than 83,000 people in 2019.

Jacksonville FL  – Inc. magazine today revealed that Reliant Roofing, Solar, and Hurricane Shutters (Reliant) is No. 202 on its second annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Florida-based private companies. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Florida economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses.

“It’s a tremendous achievement to be recognized on this list and we are honored to be among this remarkable group of regional organizations. We are pleased to have continued our success, even amongst the trials our country has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic” said Sean Shapiro, CEO of Reliant. “This acknowledgment truly is a testament to our amazing staff. We are very privileged and thankful to have a team of professionals, who are dedicated to our customers and our company. We are honored to be recognized by Inc. 5000 Florida Regionals.”

The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in Florida. Between 2017 and 2019, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 202 percent, and, in 2019 alone, they employed more than 83,000 people and added nearly $11 billion to the Florida economy. Companies based in major metro areas—Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando—brought in the highest revenue overall.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000/regionals/florida starting March 16, 2021.

“This list proves the power of companies in Florida no matter the industry,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay.”

Reliant Roofing, Solar, and Hurricane Shutters is a highly specialized roofing, solar, and hurricane protection contractor in Jacksonville Fl. With many years of experience proudly serving the Northeast Florida community with new roof installations, roofing repairs, roof replacements, solar panels, and hurricane shutters.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals

Methodology

The 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2017 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com

RT3 member Leap is No. 21 on the Inc. 5000 List

Posted on
Leap Ranks No. 21 on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the D.C. Metro Region 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Inc. magazine today revealed that Leap is ranked No. 21 on its second annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: D.C. Metro list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Washington, D.C., area-based private companies. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the D.C. area economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. 

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing small businesses in the D.C. area on the Inc. 5000 Regionals D.C. Metro list,” said Leap CEO, Patrick Fingles. “From the beginning, Leap was designed to challenge the outdated contractor sales model. We created a new standard that helps contractors quickly and easily increase business using the digital approach that homeowners expect. This recognition affirms our market-wide adoption and ability to scale to meet growing demand.”

The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in the Washington, D.C., region. Between 2017 and 2019, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 211% and, in 2019 alone, they employed more than 120,000 people and added nearly $15 billion to the D.C. area economy. Companies based in major metro areas—Baltimore, Maryland, the Washington, D.C. area, and Richmond, Virginia—brought in the highest revenue overall.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: D.C. Metro, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000/regionals/washington-dc starting March 16, 2021.

“This list proves the power of companies in the Washington, D.C. area no matter the industry,” says Inc. editor in chief Scott Omelianuk. “The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay.”

Leap experienced two-year revenue growth of 168%, positioning them near the top of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: D.C. Metro list. Leap is the first-ever end-to-end contractor sales software application to make the list. Leap’s software digitizes every stage of the in-home sales process including estimating, financing, contracting, and real-time customer communication. Built and backed by seasoned home improvement professionals, Leap empowers contractors and home services professionals to simplify and automate the sales process and eliminate errors.

More About Inc. & Inc. 5000 Regionals

Methodology

The 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2017 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. 

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com

View The Full Inc.5000 List

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: D.C.Metro, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at Inc. 5000 Regionals: DC Metro 2021.

RT3 member Trent Cotney forms Cotney Capital Corporation to accelerate growth in the construction industry

Posted on

Tampa, FL, March 8, 2021 – The Cotney Capital Corporation, a private equity and venture capital company designed to accelerate growth in the roofing and construction industries, is pleased to announce its launch. In addition to offering investment options for growing companies, Cotney Capital also has a revolutionary incubator program designed to partner emerging companies in the construction sector with mentors that will guide them on the path to success.

“When I surveyed the private equity and venture capital markets for construction start-ups, I did not see another company that would be able to combine the resources that we have at our disposal with the decades of experience in the industry. That singularity of focus allows our investees and mentees to gain a competitive advantage. I recognize that the industry is at a tipping point where it must embrace technology to survive. My goal with Cotney Capital is to invest and mentor the future of construction,” said Trent Cotney, CEO of Cotney Capital.

Participants in Cotney Capital’s incubator program will receive hands on training on go-to-market strategies, operations and controlled growth and scaling, among other things. In addition, Cotney Capital has the legal resources needed to assist in any corporate transaction involving a participant’s business.

“I am excited to be a part of Cotney Capital,” says John Kenney, Chief Innovation Officer of Cotney Capital. “In addition to my 45+ years’ experience in the construction industry, I have helped develop many cutting-edge technology solutions for clients that have increased efficiency and accelerated growth. I look forward to being the tip of the spear and working with the bright minds of our future.”

For more information about Cotney Capital, please go to www.cotneycapital.com.

RT3 Member Harness Software Acquires CertGround App, Hires Founder

Posted on

CertGround app is used by union locals to manage training and its founder, Sean Campbell will join the Harness development team.

Harness Software announced today that it has agreed to acquire CertGround, an app used by union locals to manage training & track certifications for their membership.  Sean Campbell, the founder of CertGround will join the Harness development team.  The terms of the deal were not disclosed and the transaction is scheduled to close in the summer of 2021.

CertGround founder Sean Campbell, a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in London, ON Canada is a self-taught developer and initially created CertGround to help his local union chapter better manage training & certifications.

“When I met Sean, I was immediately impressed with the high level of skill he has as a developer.  The fact that he has worked for over 10 years as an electrician before learning to code gives him an insight into our users that is invaluable.  I’m so excited to have him join our team,” said Tom Whitaker, CEO of Harness Software.

Existing CertGround customers will not be adversely affected as Harness will continue to support them separately for the foreseeable future.  Eventually, the features of CertGround will be incorporated into the core Harness Safety App.

Harness Software currently serves thousands of daily active users and allows construction companies to easily deploy & manage a strong health & safety program.  Companies using Harness have safer job sites, fewer injuries, lower insurance costs, and are better able to recruit & retain workers.

This is the first acquisition in the company’s history.  The company isn’t done making noise and has plans to announce more major initiatives soon. “2021 is going to be a momentous year for our company,” said Whitaker.

RT3 Member Cognitive Contractor Launches Data-Driven Customer Acquisition Solution for Contractors

Posted on

The company delivers industry-specific sales & marketing technologies backed by the science of data.

FOREST HILL, TEXAS (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Cognitive Contractor, a pioneer in the application of data-driven customer acquisition solutions to the contractor industry, formally launched its end-to-end sales and marketing solution to the roofing and solar sectors.

Developed by roofing, construction, and technology entrepreneur Josey Parks, this purpose-built solution helps companies prioritize their sales and marketing efforts to focus on the leads that are most likely to become customers.
“Our technology can accurately predict your next sale,” explained Parks. “Now, sales teams are equipped with the knowledge they need to ensure they are knocking on the right doors and not wasting valuable sales hours or marketing dollars on people who will never convert. We also back their sales efforts with multi-channel marketing campaigns that pre-set appointments, so sales reps just have to show up and close. And every campaign is tracked, reviewed, and refined, to continually improve results.”

Cognitive Contractor uses data analytics to build profiles of a contractor’s ideal core customer. Their AI-based technology uses this information to analyze the market and predict which leads are most likely to buy. Leads can also be filtered based on their highest potential value or lifetime value to hit specific revenue goals. When combined with the company’s highly targeted and personalized multi-channel marketing campaigns, contractors report closing rates that increase by double digits.

The company’s analytical approach to data-driven lead generation and engagement produces powerful sales numbers for contractors who use the solution, including Parks’ own companies. “Data is powerful. When you analyze your customer base, you can identify common attributes among your best performing customers. Then, you can use that customer profile to identify similar targets in your market,” Parks explained. “Cognitive Contractor is far more advanced and deliberate than traditional lead generation services, where sales teams scramble to respond first—even when a lead doesn’t fit the company’s ideal customer profile. We are leveraging technology to help contractors be more strategic and successful in their prospecting efforts.”

Steve Soule of CMR Construction & Roofing said, “Cognitive Contractor has completely changed the trajectory of my company. They have transformed our entire approach to customer acquisition to be targeted and refined. Data-based insights from Cognitive have charted our course, and their continuous guidance has brought us even further than I could have imagined.”

About Cognitive Contractor
Cognitive Contractor delivers industry-leading, data-driven customer acquisition, sales, and marketing technology to the contractor industry. By leveraging the power of big data, analytics, AI, and machine learning, they help contractors predict their next sales, convert leads to appointments, and exceed revenue goals. Born from a pressing need for better sales & marketing solutions in the CEO’s roofing and construction companies, Cognitive Contractor’s team of industry experts and data scientists have a deep understanding of the problems that contractors face and are uniquely positioned to solve them. Learn more at http://www.cognitivecontractor.com.

Mycocycle Founder and CEO Named to Forbes Next 1000 2021

Posted on

This inaugural list celebrates small business owners across the country on the road to success.

(Bolingbrook, Illinois) February 22, 2021 – Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, announced today that its founder and CEO Joanne Rodriguez was named to the first class of 250 business owners in Forbes Next 1000 2021.

“2021 was already starting out great for Mycocycle with excellent progress on our SEED round and moving into our new offices,” said Rodriguez. “I am beyond excited about what the future holds for Mycocycle. We are entering into the next stage of our growth so gaining recognition from Forbes via their inaugural Next 1000 list emphasizes our position as innovators of the future.”

According to Forbes, the Next 1000 is “our next big franchise to spotlight and accelerate self-funded, self-driven overachievers, providing a platform for under-represented communities.” They explain that their goal is to highlight entrepreneurs who are not the typical white male profile who lead venture-backed startups but rather feature the company leaders who look like America, are pre-revenue startups and have under $10 million in revenue.

Mycocyle’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.

“Thank you to Forbes and their panel of judges for this tremendous recognition,” concluded Rodriguez.

View Rodriguez’s profile here.

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.