Tag: <span>Roofing Technology Think Tank</span>

Tag: Roofing Technology Think Tank

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) Plans Activities Around the 2023 International Roofing Expo®

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Activities include a meetup at SRS Distribution’s new headquarters 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) 2023.

Members will meet Monday, March 6 at the SRS Distribution Headquarters where they will tour the facility, hear from technology leaders at the company and then continue their work on the technology issues facing the industry. Members have been analyzing the lack of standardization among technology platforms and brainstorming ways to improve communications and integrations among these tools.

RT3 members will also participate in an educational panel on Thursday, March 9 at 9:30 a.m. The session is titled Finding Your Future Workforce. In this panel, RT3 contractor members share how they are leveraging their communities, engaging with youth, and using technology such as robotics, virtual reality and AI to appeal to the future workforce. They 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, Josey Parks, CEO of J Wales Enterprises and John Kiesel of Division 7 Roofing and Imagine Technologies.

“We have all been challenged when it comes to recruiting young team members into our roofing companies,” stated Karen Edwards, RT3 Director. “Technology is going to play a key role in attracting the next generation into roofing, but engaging with our youth and communities is where it starts. This panel is a chance for other contractors to learn how to get started and gain 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.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces New Board Members and Officers

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

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced Jeremy Dickmann, CEO, Appollo Primm Commercial Roofing, Forest Park, Georgia and Jon Gardner, National Training and Development Leader, Owens Corning, Toledo, Ohio as its newest board members.

“We are looking forward to having Jon and Jeremy join the board,” said Karen Edwards, RT3 director. “They have both been active members of RT3 and will help us continue to educate and advance the roofing industry by working to share how technology can elevate us all.”

RT3 would also like to extend its gratitude to Anna Anderson of Art Unlimited and Tracey Prociw, former director of RCAW, for their commitment to the organization. “Anna and Tracey both played important roles in the growth and evolution of RT3. Anna continues to volunteer her time as a member of the tactical task team as well as the awards task team. We wish Tracey the best in her retirement,” said Edwards.

Other board members include:

  • Deryl Kratzer, President/COO, National Roofing Partners, will serve as RT3 president
  • Wendy Marvin, CEO, Matrix Roofing & Home Solutions, will serve as RT3 treasurer
  • Andrew Centauro, COO and Director of Marketing, Elmer W. Davis, Inc. Commercial Roofing
  • John Kenney, CEO, Cotney Consulting Group

The 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 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 2022. RT3 contractor members will also be participating in educational panels during industry tradeshows and appearing on podcasts and webinars to share tips and information to other contractors about how using technology is helping them recruit 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 members experience VR rooms and share future workforce tips at IRE 2022

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Members of the Roofing Technology Think Tank started the week of the 2022 International Roofing Expo by participating in a meetup where they learned about emerging technologies and how they will affect the roofing industry.

Tesla Solar Roofs

The group began its meetup on Monday, January 31 with several presentations. Ken Kelly, of Naples, Florida-based Kelly Roofing shared exciting updates related to Tesla Solar Roofs as his company nears their 100th installation.

Ken Kelly presents on his company’s experience installing Tesla Solar Roofs.

Automating Takeoffs

Following Ken’s presentation the topic moved on to the recent acquisition of Estimating Edge by Foundation Software. Adam Oaks, Estimating Edge CEO shared information about the acquisition and what it will mean for the advancement of technology within the roofing industry.

He then proceeded to give a demonstration of their newest program call Vector. The takeoff software automates the takeoff process, allowing users to spend more time on estimating and less on measuring, saving hours or even days.

Virtual Reality

Following the presentations, RT3 members were able to experience the power of virtual reality combined with photogrammetry to see how it has the ability to revolutionize the way we perform site inspections and even meet with our customers.

Thanks to RT# member John Kiesel of Division 7 Roofing and Imagine Technologies Group, members used Oculus VR headsets to enter virtual rooms that focused on different areas in the industry, including safety, sales and marketing and service.

For many members it was their first experience with the VR space and proved to be a fascinating adventure into what the possibilities for the future of roofing could be.

Future Workforce Panel

On the first day of the IRE, several RT3 members presented a panel titled Casting the Net for Your Future Workforce. In this session, RT3 contractor members shared 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 shared what they are doing, how they got started and tips for success.

  • L-R, Charles Antis, Christee Holbrook, John Peck, Josey Parks, Karen Edwards

It was an exciting week for the RT3 members as they continue their mission to learn about new technologies and share that information with the rest of the industry.

RT3 Members Kelly Roofing and Reliant Roofing Announce Partnership

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Naples, FL. – Kelly Roofing, a Naples-based roofing company, announced today that on June 25, 2021, they formed a strategic and financial partnership with Reliant Roofing. Based in Jacksonville, FL, Reliant is a specialized residential and commercial roofing contractor who also installs solar systems and hurricane shutter protection.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Sean Shapiro, Cameron Shouppe and the talented team at Reliant,” said Ken Kelly, President of Kelly Roofing. “The combination of our businesses will expand our presence across the state of Florida and help us in our goal of creating the premier residential roofing company in our geography. We welcome Reliant and their clients to the Kelly Roofing family.”

“As we continued to build Reliant, it was critical for us to find a partner with similar aspirations in both growth and quality of service,” said Sean Shapiro and Cameron Shouppe of Reliant. “Kelly Roofing is the perfect fit for Reliant and we look forward to growing the combined business alongside their team.”

Kelly Roofing is a family-owned company, serving South Florida since 1972. They have helped over 60,000 roof owners save money and live a worry-free life. As the 2019 Roofing Contractor of the year, 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.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces Election of Two New Board Members

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

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, elected Brad Beldon, Beldon Roofing, San Antonio, Texas and Wendy Marvin, Matrix Home Solutions, Vancouver, Washington to fill two openings on the board of directors.

“We are very excited to welcome Brad and Wendy to the board,” said Karen Edwards, RT3 director of communications and engagement. “They are both believers in the power of technology for the roofing industry and will be instrumental in helping RT3 continue to be the voice of technology in the roofing industry.”

RT3 would also like to extend its gratitude to Steve Little, Head Coach at KPost Roofing and Waterproofing and Ken Kelly, President of Kelly Roofing for their contribution as founding board members of the organization. “Their leadership and passion for the roofing industry has helped RT3 thrive and enabled the group to provide important education and information to the industry in the form of panels at events, webinars and articles,” noted Edwards.

Other board members include:

  • Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited
  • Heidi Ellsworth, Owner HJE Consulting and partner in RoofersCoffeeShop®
  • Ryan Groth, President of Sales Transformation Group
  • Tom Whitaker, President of Harness Software

The think tank meets six times a year, four virtual and two live with a focus on learning about new and emerging technologies. Past live meetings have been held at innovative locations that help educate the group on progressive technologies that can make a difference in the roofing industry, including 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 Sika Sarnafil.

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

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 Launches New Community

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The RT3 Community will allow more members of the roofing industry to engage with RT3 members.

May 18, 2020 –- Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced the creation of a new, non-voting membership called the RT3 Community.

“In more traditional times, RT3 members were able to share knowledge and information with the industry at conferences and tradeshows but we have had to adapt in order to be safe,” said Karen Edwards, RT3 director of communications and engagement. “When the pandemic began here, we launched a series of educational webinars and were blown away by the level of participation. It became obvious that we needed to find a way to continue to engage with the industry.”

The organization developed the RT3 Community membership that allows members the opportunity to join a special Slack channel with RT3 members, attend the RT3 virtual meetups and Tech Talks, be invited to RT3 popup networking groups at industry events, access the RT3 Technology Innovators Facebook group, participate in the RT3 Technology Forum on RoofersCoffeeShop® and receive the SmartBrief e-newsletter featuring progressive industry content.

The RT3 Community membership is open to anyone in the roofing industry, without needing to apply and receive approval from the membership task team. “It is our hope that opening this community to everyone will continue to advance the understanding and implementation of technology into the roofing industry,” said Edwards.

Full voting individual and corporate memberships remain capped at 100 members maximum in order for RT3 to continue to be agile and maximize the learning opportunities for the rest of the industry. “When full membership spots become available, the RT3 Community is the perfect feeder system to fill those seats with engaged, passionate new members,” concluded Edwards.

Join the RT3 Community by visiting www.rt3thinktank.com and choosing ‘Join now.’

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.

Webinar Recording: Virtualizing Your Roofing Business in Light of Coronavirus

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March 18, 2020 – During this worldwide pandemic, many owners of roofing companies have questions and concerns about their ability to thrive in this uncharted territory.

In this webinar recorded March 18, 2020 you’ll hear the following roofing industry experts share their insights on how a roofing company can virtualize their business to avoid the inevitable impact of the virus.

Marketing Expert: Anna Anderson, Art Unlimited
Sales Expert: Ryan Groth, Sales Transformation Group
Commercial Roofing: Steve Little, KPost Company
Residential Roofing: Ken Kelly, Kelly Roofing
Legal Ramification Expert: Trent Cotney, Cotney Construction Law

Access the Master Resource Document here. 

 

Roofing Technology Think Tank Launches Podcast

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The RT3 Podcast highlights emerging and disruptive solutions that help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry.

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced the launch of the RT3 Podcast, hosted by Ryan Groth RT3 board member and founder of Sales Transformation Group.

“The podcast was an idea brought to the table by the RT3 communications task team as one more way that we can provide education and promote the use of technology in the roofing industry,” explained Groth. “It is our hope that listeners will be able to learn from the guests and find solutions that they can implement into their own businesses.”

In the first episode, Ryan is joined by Curtis Sutton and Michelle Boykin, the CEO and COO of Rackley Roofing, respectively and winners of the RT3 2019 Innovator of the Year award. They discuss the kinds of employees to look for, brand innovation by becoming the official roofer of the Tennessee Titans, and investing with trainers to empower your employees. They conclude by going in-depth on the future of roofing and how to adopt and integrate software to help streamline everyday operations.

The second episode features Charles Antis, CEO of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. Ryan and Charles go in depth as to what, and more importantly, why you should implement some of these innovative and adaptive strategies with your brand and positioning.

The podcast will release new episodes every month. Future episode releases will feature Ken Kelly of Kelly Roofing and Rast Bryant from Target Roofing and Sheet Metal. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or find us on Apple podcasts.

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

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 has strong presence at 2020 International Roofing Expo®

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By Karen L. Edwards.

The International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the roofing industry’s largest educational conference and exposition. RT3 members took advantage of the opportunity to share their knowledge and educate others while also learning at the same time.

The week started on Sunday, February 2 with National Women in Roofing Day. The opening Turbo Talks featured RT3 board member Anna Anderson, speaking about what RT3 is and sharing a glimpse of the technologies that are currently being used in the industry as well as what is coming.

On Monday, February 3, nearly 50 RT3 members met at the Omni Hotel and were shuttled to fellow member KPost Roofing & Waterproofing headquarters for a technology tour. KPost partners Steve Little, Keith Post and Jayne Williams opened their operations and shared the technologies that they have implemented and the difference that it has made for their company’s productivity and efficiency.

Following the operations tour, RT3 members saw a live demonstration of the Mini Macaden, which automates the installation of modified bitumen membrane, reducing the number of crew needed and increasing the speed and quality of the installation while dramatically reducing the amount of propane used. Steve shared that they learned about the automated machine after losing a phase two project bid to a Canadian contractor that came in $700,000 lower. Knowing the requirements of the project, the KPost team was baffled as to how they could have bid so low. To find out the answer, Steve’s team visited the jobsite to see how they were doing the work. That’s when they saw the Mini Macaden in use.

After touring the KPost Roofing & Waterproofing campus, RT3 members visited and toured Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers that features a retractable roof. Steve and his project team shared the details of the roof installation and the challenges of installing the PVC membrane on the curved roof.

Tuesday, February 3 started off with the RT3 Contractor Technology panel featuring Ken Kelly, Steve Little, Michelle Boykin, Josey Parks and moderator Heidi Ellsworth. The well-attended session covered how each of these contractors is using technology in their everyday business, including augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and more. The goal was to educate contractors and share their experiences to help others consider and implement the valuable technologies that are elevating the roofing industry.

The conversation continues weekly on social media and through the SmartBrief e-newsletter. Follow us on Twitter (@RT3_ThinkTank) and join our Roofing Technology Innovators group on Facebook.