Tag: <span>Roofing Technology</span>

RT3 Member Mycocycle Joins Chicago H1-B Connect to Support Displaced Tech Workers

The member companies have come together to reinforce that Chicago is a welcoming city for all.

(Bolingbrook, Illinois) January 30, 2023 – Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, announced that it has joined Chicago H1-B Connect, a coalition of Chicagoland companies who are willing to sponsor the H1-B visas for technology workers who have been displaced in the nationwide technology industry layoffs.

According to the website Layoffs.fyi, over 157,000 tech workers lost their jobs in 2022, and the tech layoff rate isn’t slowing down. Over 50,000 workers at U.S.-based tech companies have been laid off this year alone. When an H1-B technology worker loses their job, they are left with 60 days to find a new one and the company must be willing to sponsor their visa.

“We are proud to be a member of this coalition and demonstrate our commitment to support and attract H-1B visa holders to the Chicago area,” stated Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle founder and CEO. “For foreign workers on H-1B status, losing their job jeopardizes their ability to stay in the U.S. Being part of this program is a win for all parties involved as companies benefit from the skills these workers bring to our businesses and the workers benefit by being able to continue living and working in this country.”

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 one-of-seventeen companies worldwide selected to The Circulars Accelerator in 2022 through the World Economic Forum and Accenture, was the winner of the 2021 1871 Momentum Awards as an Industry Disrupter and Chicago Innovation “Up and Comer” Award, recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany’s “2021 World Changing Ideas” Awards issue, recognized as a Forbes “Next1000” Entrepreneur and Energy+Environment Top 100 Leader, 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. For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.

About Chicago H-1B ConnectLed by P33 and World Business Chicago, the coalition brings together the city’s leading civic organizations including the Commercial Club of Chicago, 1871, the Executives’ Club of Chicago, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Corporate Coalition of Chicago, and MATTER, along with Fortune 500 corporations and rapidly scaling, well-funded startups to help support and to retain highly skilled and valuable international talent. For more information, visit gotechchicago.com/h1b/

RT3 member AccuLynx, recognized as Best SaaS Product for the Construction Industry

International Software Awards Program announces initial shortlist for Best SaaS Product for the Construction Industry.

AccuLynx, the leading provider of all-in-one business management software for roofing contractors, today announced it has been recognized in the 2022 SaaS Awards program shortlist for Best SaaS Product for the Construction Industry.

The SaaS Awards program, which celebrates software innovation across the US, Canada, Australasia, EMEA, and the UK, annually recognizes the best solutions in each category. AccuLynx demonstrated its leadership position in the roofing industry through years of innovative software development and proven success across thousands of customers.

“The shortlisted candidates announced today have proven to be truly innovative thinkers in the SaaS industry,” said James Williams, Head of Operations for the SaaS Awards.
“We are delighted to be recognized by the SaaS Awards program as one of the best SaaS products for the construction and roofing categories,” said Mike Stein, CEO of AccuLynx. “We’ve continued to put innovation and customer satisfaction at the forefront, and this award underlines those efforts.”

This recognition follows a stream of recent awards for AccuLynx’s roofing software in the Construction Management Software and Construction Management CRM categories from large software review sites including Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice. To read more about the SaaS Awards and other recognized solutions, visit the awards page.

About AccuLynx
AccuLynx is the leading provider of cloud-based business management software for roofing contractors. Recognized as a pioneer in the industry, AccuLynx has helped thousands of companies—from rapidly-growing start-ups to multi-location operations—streamline their processes and grow their business. Used by more contractors than any other roofing software, AccuLynx’s simple business management tools include CRM, estimating, production scheduling, project management, aerial measurements, material ordering, photo sharing, payment processing, custom reporting, and homeowner financing, and more. AccuLynx has direct integrations with Beacon Building Products, SRS Distribution, ABC Supply, QuickBooks, HomeAdvisor, GAF, GreenSky, EagleView Technologies, and others. For more information, visit acculynx.com.

RT3 member Jobba announces partnership with Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network  

One-of-a-kind connection to help roofers grow and succeed in the ever-changing digital world. 

Chicago, IL— Jobba, the roofing industry’s leading software provider, announced that it has partnered with Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network (PRIN) to help contractors win more jobs with major accounts and position them for success with a seamless integration into the network. 

PRIN is a proven system that connects clients with contractors through a cutting-edge platform. Roofing contractors in Pegnato’s network work with some of the largest companies with the most physical locations throughout the United States. 

“We are excited to be able to offer this invaluable resource to our roofing contractors,” explained Scott Keith, Jobba CEO. “This seamless integration with the PRIN network will bring more jobs to our users and help them manage those jobs more efficiently and profitably, all while streamlining communications with the customer.” 

Current Jobba users can begin using the PRIN network today at no additional cost by simply requesting PRIN membership through their Setup. 

For contractors who do not have a full Jobba package, they can take advantage of the PRIN Network through Jobba Express, which is a concentrated Jobba package focused on accessing PRIN. Users can be set up within a week to start receiving and executing work orders.  

Contractors can learn about the Jobba/PRIN Partnership and Jobba Express to see how Jobba and the PRIN connection can help their business. 

About Jobba
Jobba Trade Technologies is the leading provider of business management solutions for roofing contractors. Using a contractor-driven development approach, Jobba creates tools and solutions that roofing companies use every day to successfully operate their business. The cloud-based platform is full of innovative and easy-to-use tools that allow roofing contractors to manage every aspect of their business. For more information, visit www.jobba.com.
About Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network 
Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network (PRIN) is a cloud-based facility management solution that allows commercial property managers to easily manage and maintain their roof’s health. Their cutting-edge platform uses an exclusive network of vetted roofing contractors and connects them with a variety of multi-location businesses, including retail companies, restaurants, childcare facilities, commercial real estate companies and more. Learn more at www.pegnato.com.  

Roofing Technology Think Tank Opens Nominations for 2022 Innovator of the Year Award

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

York, Pennsylvania – 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 2022 Innovator of the Year Award.

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

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

Award judging criteria will be based on innovation, results, design and strategy. Nominations are reviewed blindly by a team of RT3 members who select the winner. The 2022 recipient will be announced at the Best of Success conference, December 4-6, 2022, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottdale, Arizona.

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

Previous winners include Ken Kelly of Naples, Florida-based Kelly Roofing (2021), 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 www.rt3thinktank.com/award. There is a $50 nomination fee to cover processing and award costs. The nomination period closes September 15, 2022.

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 members experience VR rooms and share future workforce tips at IRE 2022

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.

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 share tips on cybersecurity for contractors

In a recent article from Roofing & Exteriors, editor Gary Thill spoke to RT3 members from Furman Insurance and Cotney Attorneys & Consultants about the ways contractors can protect themselves from cyber attacks. In fact, Thill writes that “construction companies are now the no. 1 target for ransomware attacks.”

John Kenney of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants said he has seen more than a dozen contractors who have been hit with ransomware attacks where hackers were asking for anywhere from $20,000 to $1 million, telling Thill, “There are a lot of contractors getting hit with ransomware, but the truth is no one wants to talk about it because you don’t want it out there.”

Furman Insurance’s Nick Ondo, a commercial risk advisor, says that contractors have become targets because hackers know that they do not have strong IT departments with protective measures in place. He told Thill, “A lot of our clients don’t have sophisticated IT departments. These hackers know that, and then they get into the system and passively monitor it and track every move.”

Kenney and Ondo share six ways that contractors can better protect themselves from these attacks ranging from education to software updates to purchasing cyber insurance. See all the tips and read the full article here.

RT3 member RoofersCoffeeShop® Releases Latest Roofing Industry Trends Report

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.

Creating a Zero-Waste Roofing Industry

RT3 member Joanna Rodriguez, CEO of Mycocycle, featured for her efforts to eliminate waste in roofing.

With 14 million tons of asphalt shingles hitting landfills each year, Joanne Rodriguez knew that she needed to do something to end this cycle of waste. In a Q&A interview with Roofing & Exteriors, Joanne shared, “When you remove a roof, you have a lot of trash, not just any trash, but construction and demolition debris. Until now, the roofing industry and other asphalt and chemical manufacturers have not been able to achieve zero-waste because the products manufactured were ultimately contaminated with toxic constituents.”

Her company, Mycocycle, uses the science of mushrooms to remove toxins from the waste. The resulting bioproduct is something that can be used in the manufacture of new materials. Through Mycocycle’s process the company addresses the concerns of how to dispose of construction material and how to stay chemically compliant.

The company also makes a huge impact on the environment. “We help lower greenhouse gasses related to waste management activities by almost 3 metric tons of CO2 emissions for every 1 ton of waste diverted. This is how we are disrupting the roofing and construction industries,” explained Joanne during the Q&A.

See the full interview 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.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces 2021 Innovator of the Year

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.