As I begin my term as NRCA’s chairman of the board, I first would like to thank my predecessor, Rod Petrick. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rod served two years as NRCA’s chairman of the board, which means double the effort and double the commitment to our industry and association.
We all hate using clichés, but “unprecedented” certainly applies to Rod’s time as chairman. When Rod began his term in June 2020, we all thought and hoped the pandemic would be over quickly. Instead, we still are dealing with it two years later. And to add to the challenges, the industry began facing major supply chain disruptions.
But Rod’s passion for and commitment to the industry never wavered. During his term, he oversaw NRCA’s efforts to ensure roofing work was deemed essential, allowing our industry to continue providing shelter and our professional installers to continue working and providing for their families. Rod accelerated the development of the NRCA ProCertification® programs, boosting our potential to revolutionize the industry and attract new workers. As a result of Rod’s efforts, we now have seven certifications and three more coming soon. There are far too many accomplishments during Rod’s term to list, so let me just say this: Thank you, Rod—it has been an honor serving as your wingman during the past two years.
I also would like to thank former NRCA CEO Reid Ribble. After five years as CEO, Reid retired at the end of May, passing the reins to McKay Daniels. I do not think it is possible to overstate Reid’s impact on the industry. He is a visionary leader who guided the association through transformational times. When Reid stepped in as CEO, NRCA leadership was updating the association’s Strategic Plan. The new vision calls for NRCA to recognize its members as professionals and unite the industry to that purpose. Reid took that to heart and created the One Voice initiative. Because of Reid's vision and leadership, I believe the roofing industry now is more united than ever. So, thank you again, Reid—I greatly appreciate your guidance and friendship. McKay—you have some large shoes to fill, and I have no doubt you will do it well with your own personality and style.
It already has been a relatively busy two months since I began my term. We held a new directors orientation; toured a manufacturing facility; conducted numerous Zoom calls with manufacturers and NRCA leadership; visited the Dach+Holz (Roof+Timber) trade show in Cologne, Germany; held NRCA’s Midyear Committee Meetings in Chicago; and attended the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association meeting. It especially was interesting meeting with the German roofing contractors association in Cologne. Its leaders and members share many of the same concerns we do—manpower challenges, supply chain disruptions, inflation and economic concerns.
The Midyear Committee Meetings were a success. There was a lot of positive energy, and it was obvious everyone was happy to be back meeting in person. This was a focus of NRCA’s leadership team—we recognize the value of face-to-face meetings and personal interactions. I don’t think I have ever heard anybody say they did not have a good time hanging out with a bunch of roofers.
As I look forward to the year ahead, I have no idea what the next big challenge may be. I believe we are headed for rocky economic times with high inflation and rising interest rates, and supply chain issues are showing no signs of abating. But as we have seen during the past couple of years, our industry is resilient and creative in the face of challenges. I have no doubt we will persevere and continue to progress, and NRCA will remain steadfast as your advocate, providing valuable support and resources.
I look forward to meeting more members and industry partners, forging new friendships and working on your behalf during the coming year.
And Roll Tide!
