The National Roofing Contractors Association announced the launch of a new membership category available exclusively in Spanish. The NRCA says the initiative marks a milestone in the 138-year-old trade group’s ongoing efforts to better serve the Spanish-speaking roofing community.

The new membership site is designed to provide essential business knowledge and a wide range of benefits tailored to Spanish-speaking business owners' and workers' unique needs. The content includes educational PDF documents, videos and products in categories such as finance, legal business, operations and planning, professional certifications, safety and training.

Current NRCA members can access Spanish-only content without additional purchases by logging into their NRCA accounts. For more information, go to spanish.nrca.net or contact membership@nrca.net.

Photo courtesy of the Iowa Economic Development Corporation

Roofing materials manufacturer CertainTeed and Renovate Robotics, a leading start-up developing autonomous roofing robots, are partnering to use robotics to innovate roofing installation.

Renovate’s first robot automates asphalt shingle installation on steep-slope roofs. Under the partnership, Renovate will work with roofing professionals within CertainTeed’s network of credentialed contractors to complete pilot projects with its robot. These installations are expected to begin in 2024.

“We’re always looking for ways to provide additional value to the contractors that install our products,” said Carmen Bodden, vice president and general manager of CertainTeed Roofing. “Contractors are entrepreneurs — they are constantly looking for solutions that help them work smarter and build their business. Automation can improve productivity and efficiency, ensuring the contractor can focus on quality and service.”

Renovate Robotics' robot is designed to navigate a roof using a winch system, pulling itself along wires attached to five anchor points. Using sensors, the robot moves in a horizontal line, unloading shingles from an internal hopper and nailing them down before moving to the next spot.

Saint-Gobain, the parent company of CertainTeed, has also completed an equity investment in Renovate Robotics through NOVA by Saint-Gobain, its corporate venturing arm.

“As one of the world’s largest building materials companies, we are committed to supporting forward-thinking start-ups like Renovate Robotics that have the potential to bring meaningful value to the construction field,” said Basma Kharrat, vice president of NOVA by Saint-Gobain. “With technology that drives productivity and efficiency, Renovate represents innovation in the roofing industry, and we are excited to see their future success.”

Renovate’s growth plan also includes solutions that accelerate the deployment of other installation applications, including rooftop solar and low-slope commercial roofing.

“We’re bringing automation to the roofing industry because we believe it has the power to set new standards for safety, productivity, and installation quality,” said Andy Stulc, CEO of Renovate Robotics. “Contractors across the country are already struggling to meet demand, and climate change is causing more damage to roofs every year; our goal is to help roofing contractors be more efficient while also keeping their crews safe.”

SOPREMA celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Wadsworth, Ohio. The event brought together stakeholders to mark a milestone in the company's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and growth in the United States.

The grand opening, held last month, began with a cocktail reception, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy the new facility's modern spaces. Attendees included customers, industry professionals, media representatives, and local and regional business and community leaders. Adding to the event's significance was the presence of SOPREMA staff from across the United States, France and Canada; the company's global President and owner, Pierre-Etienne Bindschedler, traveled from France for the occasion.

“We're excited about our new headquarters and what it means for SOPREMA's future," said Tim Kersey, CEO of SOPREMA's U.S. operations. "It's more than just a building – it's a space where our team can work collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the building industry.”

A highlight of the evening was an innovative drone light show featuring 300 synchronized drones. The aerial display illuminated the night sky with various SOPREMA logos and intricate illustrations of the company's products and processes.

"The drone light show was a demonstration of our innovative spirit and a gesture of appreciation to our customers who have been central to our success," said Jennifer Grisez, director of marketing and product management. "It symbolized how we're constantly pushing boundaries, not just in our products and services, but in everything we do."

Eco-friendly features of the new HQ include an ECO₃ roofing system, equivalent to the smog-reducing capacity of 120 trees; vegetated roofs using SOPRANATURE Toundra; a two-story BioWall designed and installed by FURBISH, improving air quality and occupant well-being; Adexsi (by SOPREMA) louvers and skylights for enhanced natural lighting and energy efficiency; and electric vehicle charging stations and extensive landscaping with more than 830 new plantings.

The headquarters renovation focused on improving efficiency, enhancing collaboration, and providing expanded state-of-the-art R&D labs.

Photo courtesy of the Iowa Economic Development Corporation

O2 Investment Partners announced that Stronghouse Solutions, a leader in the roof replacement and exterior home services sector, has appointed Mike Hilcove as senior vice president, head of M&A.

In this role, Hilcove will oversee the strategic sourcing, evaluation and execution of target acquisitions to support Stronghouse’s mergers and acquisitions strategy.

“I am energized and excited to be joining Stronghouse and look forward to putting my 15-plus years of transaction experience to work to further the company’s M&A goals," said Hilcove in a written statement. "Transaction volumes are accelerating in the residential roofing industry, and our goal is to maintain Stronghouse’s status as the acquirer of choice in the space.”

Hilcove comes to Stronghouse with over 15 years of investment banking and corporate development experience leading mergers and acquisitions throughout the U.S. Most recently, Hilcove served as vice president, business development (M&A) for American Vision Partners, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing private equity-backed eye care physician services platforms.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike Hilcove to the Stronghouse team," said Mike Cotant, vice president at O2 Investment Partners. "Mike will be instrumental in the next phase of Stronghouse’s growth as we look to maintain our position as a leading residential roofing platform in the U.S.”

For business owners interested in partnership opportunities for growth support, succession planning or other objectives, contact Hilcove at acquisitions@poweredbystronghouse.com or visit poweredbystronghouse.com.

Tremco Construction Products Group (Tremco CPG), a global construction products manufacturer, announced the addition of Hopewell High School as an education partner in the Charlotte metropolitan area for its nationally renowned Rising Stars Program. The program officially launched at Hopewell on Oct. 10, making it the final location to launch for the 2024 fall semester.

The Rising Stars Program is designed to empower the next generation of underrepresented youth aged 16-24 by providing opportunities for sustainable careers in construction. Industry veterans lead the curriculum, which includes seminars and hands-on training in carpentry, project management, solar panel installation, roofing, construction management and architecture.

Offered in five cities across the United States, including Brooklyn, N.Y.; Newark, N.J.; Boston; Cleveland, Ohio; and Charlotte, N.C., the Rising Stars Program continues adding new partners in cities while growing its national footprint by launching in new locations. Before commencing the formal partnership with Hopewell, the program was offered in Charlotte at the Grier Heights Community Center.

“Bringing the Rising Stars Program to Hopewell School District reflects our commitment to helping young people find opportunities while supporting the future of the construction industry,” said David Hutchinson, director of the Rising Stars Program for Tremco CPG. “This program allows students to learn from professionals in the field and provides local employers with a skilled workforce.”

Through the program, students can network with and learn from industry partners such as architects, contractors, building scientists and manufacturers. These valuable connections can even lead to job opportunities for the students.

“At Hopewell, we strive to support our students and offer opportunities that will help them get closer to their career goals,” said Hopewell High School Career Development Coordinator Laurie Baxter. “Partnering with the Rising Stars Program is a great opportunity for our students as well as the surrounding community workforce. We’re proud to offer this program and empower the next generation of the construction industry.”

Photo courtesy of the Iowa Economic Development Corporation