Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces 2020 Innovator of the Year

YORK, Pa. — Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, awarded the 2020 Innovator of the Year award to Scott Riopelle, the owner and CEO of Denver-based Interstate Roofing. The award was announced during the virtual 2020 Best of Success Conference.

“It’s clear that Scott is an early adopter and eager to integrate the latest technologies into Interstate Roofing,” said Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, Award Task Team Leader and RT3 board member. “To eliminate any chance of bias, our panel of judges did not know the names of the persons or companies that they were reviewing. They ranked nominations based solely on the technological information provided on the nomination form.”

According to the nomination, Riopelle was one of the first contractors to adopt EagleView measurement reports as a standard in his business, as well as Xactimate and Scope Assist.

“Technology is the new future in the roofing industry,” said Riopelle. “By providing aerial and mobile access in seconds it is going to save time and be more cost effective for the jobs. I will never forget the first time I saw Xactimate. I was blown away by how far we have come in the last decade.”

Riopelle shared that Interstate Roofing has begun using virtual reality and augmented reality in its business.

“This technology speaks to the new generation of contracting salesperson," he said. "It has increased our retention base by allowing multiple avenues of education, while providing another way to evaluate the skills of a contractor before we finalize a contractor agreement or put them in the field blindly. What this caused is a more loyal base of employee and contractor alike."

He also is willing to share knowledge and help others in the industry, often presenting and educating other contractors, even competitors on how to implement technology into their businesses.

“Due to the pandemic we have been forced to look at digital technology from a different perspective. I see the challenge and accept it as a good thing. It is not always about growing more jobs but defining the good jobs from the bad ones and keeping the crews safe,” he said.   

Interstate Roofing is a member of the Colorado Roofing Association, National Roofing Contractors Association and Riopelle serves on the board for the Western States Roofing Contractors Association. Interstate Roofing is rated in the highest tier with manufacturers such as Owens Corning, Versico, Boral Steel, GAF and CertainTeed.

FEI Group Announces Appointments of CEO, President

FEI Group has announced management changes in the company following the unexpected passing of President and CEO Dave Gheesling.

Gheesling, a co-founder of FEI Group, died the age of 53 on Nov. 11, 2020. In a release, the company's board stated that Andy Hogan, co-founder of REI Group, will take over as CEO. The board also announced that Graham Howerton will take on the role of president at FEI Group, having previously served as executive vice president.

"Gheesling, who held the title of president and CEO, did a tremendous job building a team of talented professionals who will continue to run FEI Group successfully into the future," the company said in a written statement.

REI Group formed in 1998 as FloorExpo. FEI manages national networks of the largest contractors in America for single-family flooring in the home builder space, multi-family flooring in the apartment space, cabinets and decorative plumbing and hardware. FEI Group entered the roofing industry in 2020 by forming the Exterior Contractor Alliance, consisting of 27 members in 33 states.

Below is the full statement from FEI Group:

Following the recent and unexpected passing of Dave Gheesling, the company’s founder, the FEI Group Board of Directors met to solidify management changes within the organization.

Gheesling, who held the title of President and CEO, did a tremendous job building a team of talented professionals who will continue to run FEI Group successfully into the future.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors announced that Andy Hogan has been appointed to the role of CEO of FEI. As co-founder of FEI, Andy is a trusted and well-respected member of the floor covering industry and has been with the organization since its inception. He is intimately involved in the full scope of business operations. The strong relationships he has formed with FEI members, vendors and the internal FEI team provide both a solid foundation and the continuity in leadership to continue the forward momentum in the business. 

Additionally, the Board announced that Graham Howerton has been appointed to the role of President. Graham has served the organization in varying capacities throughout his 16-year tenure, most recently as Executive Vice President. Graham’s knowledge of the industry, FEI’s business and day-to-day operations, as well as the relationships he has forged within the industry over the years, will continue to benefit the company as he takes on a larger role as President. 

The FEI team remains strong, with Randy McNatt (CFO), Brian Penabad (Vice President of FEI Group & President of KBx & K&B Alliance), Allison Rea (Vice President of Marketing) and the newest business leader, Mark Erdman (SVP of Exterior Contractor Alliance) in place. Eddie Schukar (VP of KBx and K&B Alliance) and Earl Ward (VP of Exterior Contractor Alliance) are very valuable members of the team, while Tonya Land (Executive Assistant) and Jeanine Ortega (Assistant to the CFO) remain at the heart of the organization.  

FEI Group looks forward to announcing the addition of new, energetic members to the team in the near future.

BELOIT, Wis. — Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc. has promoted Kurt Fago to product category manager – low-slope roofing systems and Mark Wessinger to product category manager – liquid-applied systems.

In their new roles, Fago and Wessinger will spearhead the development and implementation of strategic opportunities for new and existing products and roofing systems nationwide. Fago will be responsible for single-ply membranes and accessories, modified bitumen membranes and accessories, insulation, cover boards and other low-slope roofing products. Wessinger will manage liquid-applied products and systems, including coatings, caulks, sealants and asphaltic products.

A 24-year veteran of Mule-Hide Products, Fago most recently served as the senior quoting specialist. He joined the company in 1996 as a warehouse associate and has advanced as the company has grown, working as a customer service representative and then as a pricing and inventory specialist. He also has been instrumental in expanding Mule-Hide Products’ presence in the modular building segment.

Wessinger came to Mule-Hide Products in 2018 as business development manager for the Southeast region, bringing deep experience in commercial roof coatings. Prior to joining Mule-Hide Products, he was Mid-South territory manager/national accounts for APOC Roof & Waterproofing Solutions. He began his career in the roofing industry with Quest Construction Products and later worked for GAF and Nations Roof. He has a bachelor's degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

“Kurt and Mark have the breadth of experience and the vast product and industry knowledge needed to help ensure that Mule-Hide Products continues to deliver the materials, systems and services to meet the evolving needs of contractors, architects and property owners,” said Mule-Hide Products Managing Director Dan Williams. “They have been major contributors to Mule-Hide’s success, and I have no doubt that they will continue to accomplish great things.”

Mule-Hide Products Promotes Kurt Fago and Mark Wessinger to Product Category Managers

Crown Roofing Names Kelly Wade as New CEO

SARASOTA, Fla. — Florida-based Crown Roofing named Kelly Wade CEO of its suite of companies and consultant to Crown Capital Management. Wade was brought on to achieve growth for Crown Roofing and Waterproofing and Crown Residential Services by leveraging her sales, marketing and strategic development background and executive management pedigree.

“We are excited to bring Kelly’s experience and style to Crown,” said Guil Geneau, co-founder and former president of Crown Roofing. "She has created structured, sound organizations that have proven to be highly successful at growth. I’m personally proud of what we’ve created at Crown, but I recognize the need for an effective leader to take us to the next level.”

Wade’s career spans 27 years, leading people, developing unique cultures and growing a diverse set of companies. Before joining Crown Roofing, Wade served as CEO of North American Roofing Inc., one of the largest national commercial roofing companies, based in Asheville, N.C. and subsequently in Tampa. Prior to that, Wade was the managing director of The Goss Agency, an esteemed advertising agency based in Asheville. She also held the role as marketing and business development manager at Mannington Mills in Salem, N.J., the second-largest flooring manufacturer in the country.

“We looked long and hard to find the right person to lead the company. We wanted the industry experience, but more importantly we wanted the right fit,” said Chris Copeland, co-founder, consultant and former CEO of Crown Roofing. “Kelly brings an unbelievable personality and confidence. And her reputation in the industry for being the first female CEO of a national company and leading the sale of that company is impressive.”

Philanthropy is an important part of Wade’s life, and she plans to fold that into the company’s ethos. Wade currently serves on the executive board of the Boys and Girls Club of America and volunteers her time serving a myriad of organizations, including All Faiths Food Bank and the Salvation Army.  

Born and raised in Ohio, Wade is the mom of a 20-year old son and a 17-year old high school senior son. She loves sports, is an avid hiker and traveler, runs daily, does regular yoga, and enjoys reading and podcasting. Wade earned her bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Miami University and Six Sigma certification from Villanova University. She is also an MBA candidate at Ashland University.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Crown. What Guil and Chris and the employees have done in a short number of years is impressive,” said Wade. “I plan to work with the team to build upon that foundation to grow the business substantially over the coming years. I’m grateful for the opportunity and ready to go.”