Western Roofing Expo 2023 Recap
Las Vegas Hosts 49th Annual WSRCA Expo
by Marcus Dodson, publisher
The Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) hosted its 49th Annual Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 23-25, 2023. The trade show returned to the Paris®-Las Vegas and contractors, sales reps, manufacturers, and more were excited to gather at the highly anticipated event. Once again, the industry’s finest came out to the entertainment capital of the world to network, learn, and have some fun. According to the WSRCA, more than 4,000 attendees came together for the Western Roofing Expo 2023, and everyone was excited to connect face-to-face and hear from leading experts, educators, and colleagues. Popular highlights once again were the golf and sporting clays tournaments, Wild West-themed auction, and two days of seminars and demonstrations.
Tournaments
Before the Western Roofing Expo 2023 seminars and demonstrations began on the trade show floor, the Davis Memorial Foundation hosted its annual golf and sporting clays tournaments. On Saturday, September 23, 128 golfers attended the golf tournament, which was held at Revere Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada. Golfers traversed through the rugged desert canyons and valleys of the Las Vegas foothills and enjoyed breathtaking views of the skyline and the mountain landscapes beyond. The winners were: flight one, first place, Chuck Chapman, Andy Clarke, Time Raske, and Greg Bloom; flight two, first place, Paul Rodriguez, Charles Demeter, Tony Ebarb, and Heath Carley; closest to the pin, Royce Avina; and longest drive, Aaron Pascale.
The Pro Gun Club hosted 72 shooters at the sporting clays tournament that same morning, which was once again an exhilarating start to the Western Roofing Expo 2023. The winners were: flight one, first place, Lance Burks; and flight two, first place was a tie between Aaron Galloway and Darren Morgan.
The Roofing Games™ were held on Monday, which included the steep-slope nailing competition, sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products®. Contestants competed in a timed event showcasing their individual asphalt-shingle nailing skills and a chance to win a cash prize. The participants were judged on accuracy, aesthetics, speed, and workmanship. The winner was Nelson Friesen of Northern Sky Roofing, Kelowna, British Columbia, who completed the tasks in 2:16.
Scholarship & Fundraisers
The western-themed welcome party and lively-silent auction on Saturday night was a great way to kick off the Western Roofing Expo 2023. The night was a huge success full of fantastic donated items, such as hunting trips, vacations, electronics, jewelry, and roofing-related products. The lively-silent auction was sponsored by GAF. National Women in Roofing hosted a mimosa breakfast on Monday, which was a fantastic way to network with like-minded women in the roofing industry.
The Davis Memorial Foundation celebrated another astounding year of fundraising and was able to award ten $5,000 scholarships to the following deserving recipients: Andrew Foley, Texas Tech University; Angel Muniz, Mt. San Antonio College; Boston Opetaia, Baylor University; Daniel Haefli, John Brown University; Jonah Abigana, Cal Poly Pomona; Luke St. Mitchell, Idaho State University; Ryli Bowen, College of Marin; Saray Cortez, University of California Los Angeles; Siana Barker, Louisiana State University; and Tristan Black, Yavapai College.
Trade Show
Attendees were invited to walk the trade show floor on Sunday and Monday. Roofing professionals moved from booth to booth as they watched demonstrations, listened to seminars, and tested out products from some of the leading industry manufacturers, distributers, and suppliers of roof-related products, materials, equipment, and services, many only available in the Western market.
Seminars
Sunday and Monday were also filled with a diverse and exciting selection of seminars. The educational programs at the Western Roofing Expo 2023 were designed by WSRCA members contractors to help members be better roofing contractors and business people. This year, the Western Roofing Expo 2023 focused on a variety of topics that covered a broad spectrum of interests including: The History of Roofing; WSRCA Technical Bulletin Development for 2023 and Beyond; Condensation in Roofs and Design Solutions for Mitigation; Top Five Immigration Issues in Roofing; Simplifying OSHA Requirements and Rooftop Fall Protection Solutions; Why Field Documentation is Absolutely Necessary for Success in Your Service Department; Low Slope Roof Drainage, Problems, and Solutions for Re-roofing and New Roofing Projects; Comprehensive Roof Inspections; OSHA Defense for Roofing Contractors; Safety and Risk Management for Roofers; The Art of Estimating and Closing the Deal; How to Price and Sell Preventative Maintenance; Career Strategies: Navigating Your Own Pathway; Cool Roof Expansion Across the West: An Overview of New Code Requirements and Third-Party Resources; Electronic Leak Detection Testing, Standards, Science, and Practical Applications; Top Five Insurance Issues in Roofing; Effective Communication Creates a Safer Work Environment; Coaching and Mentoring Employees in the Roofing Industry; Commercial Roofing Maintenance Contracts: Creating Consistent, Recurring Income; WSRCA Young Roofing Professionals: Well, I Guess This is Growing Up; Common Repairs for Warranty on Commercial Roofing Systems; Making a Determination of How Much Longer a TPO Roofing Membrane Will Perform; Leak Investigations: How to Successfully Solve Leaks and Reduce Risk of Repeat Service Calls; Navigating the Fine Print: Tips and Tricks for Understanding Your Insurance Coverage; Critical Contract Provisions; and Creating a Playbook That Drives Operational Excellence.
Annual Luncheons
The Legislative Luncheon was held on Sunday with keynote speakers Craig Brightup and McKay Daniels. As a Washington insider, Brightup provided his views and information on how new legislation is affecting the roofing and waterproofing industries. Daniels, the new CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association, shared his invaluable insight into the future of the roofing industry.
Monday’s Annual Luncheon featured Dan Naturman, a well-known comedian that you may have seen on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed his hilarious presentation.
Awards
For his outstanding efforts in recruiting potential members to join the WSRCA, Randy Fernandez of Guardian Fall Protection won the 2023 Wrangler of the Year award. A custom-made belt buckle commemorated his first win. Immediately following the luncheon entertainment, WSRCA presented its annual awards. Board Member of the Year went to Stan Robinson. Immediately following the Board Member of the Year presentation, WSRCA announced its Committee of the Year. Hans Matheus of Eagle Roofing Products was awarded the Outstanding Service Award. Dan Cornwell was inducted into the WSRCA Hall of Fame.
New Officers
The elected officers this year are as follows: Mike Wakerling, president; Kris Hitesman, senior vice president; Brian Butler, vice president; Tyler Canaday, vice president; Ron Lloyd, vice president; Stan Robinson, vice president; and Andy Clarke, immediate former president.
Western Roofing Expo 2024
Next year, the Western Roofing Expo Convention and Trade Show returns to the Paris-Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, September 29-October 1, 2024. For more information, contact the WSRCA at (800) 725-0333.
