ABC Supply Co., one of North America’s largest wholesale distributors of roofing and building products, announced that Zac Gaydosh had been named director of commercial roofing sales, effective immediately.

In a news release, ABC Supply said Gaydosh brings a wealth of experience in the commercial roofing sector, with a strong track record of building customer relationships and driving strategic growth.

Most recently, Gaydosh served as regional manager in the Shelter Solutions division at Cornerstone Building Brands.

Previously, he was Southeast regional manager and strategic account manager at Firestone Building Products (Elevate), where he expanded market share and strengthened partnerships.

“As the commercial roofing industry evolves, we are committed to providing the best solutions and expertise to our customers,” said Rich Thompson, vice president of marketing at ABC Supply.

“Zac’s leadership, extensive industry knowledge, and passion for customer success make him an outstanding fit for this role. We are excited to have him on the team,” Thompson added.

ABC Supply stated that Gaydosh will use his expertise to expand the national low-slope customer base, strengthen partnerships, and drive strategic initiatives that enhance service, support and growth.

Image Credit: ABC Supply Co.

James Hardie and The AZEK Company have signed a definitive agreement to merge their operations. As part of the deal, James Hardie will purchase AZEK with a mix of cash and shares, valuing the transaction at $8.75 billion.

The merger would establish a premier platform for exterior and outdoor living products. The companies believe that by combining complementary products, such as siding, trim, decking, railing, and pergolas, the brand will offer an innovative material solution to homeowners, customers, and contractors.

“This combination with AZEK is an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate our growth strategy, deliver enhanced and differentiated solutions to our customers and drive shareholder value,” said James Hardie CEO Aaron Erter in a news release announcing the merger.

“Together, we will be well positioned to drive sustained above-market growth as a leader across attractive categories for the exterior of the home,” he added.

The boards of directors for both James Hardie and AZEK have unanimously endorsed the transaction. It is expected to conclude in the latter half of calendar year 2025, contingent upon standard closing conditions, necessary regulatory approvals, and approval from AZEK shareholders. A vote from James Hardie shareholders is not required to issue shares related to the transaction.

The combined James Hardie-AZEK operation will increase its total addressable market in North America to $23 billion.

Courtesy of James Hardie

QXO completed its acquisition of Beacon in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $11 billion.

The deal calls for Beacon shareholders to receive approximately $124.35 per share, with the transaction expected to close at the end of April, before this issue went to press.

“We expect Beacon to be the first of many acquisitions, putting us on track toward our intended goal of $50 billion in revenue,” QXO spokesman Joe Checkler said in an email shortly after the news broke.

Founded in 1928, Beacon Roofing Supply is a stalwart in the building materials sector, operating 580 branches across the United States and Canada, distributing roofing materials, siding, windows and waterproofing systems.

“Since QXO made its initial offer last November, we have evaluated strategic alternatives to enhance value for all of our shareholders,” Stuart Randle, Beacon’s chairman, said in a news release announcing the deal.

“Following our Board’s comprehensive review, we concluded that this transaction is in the best interests of Beacon and its shareholders given the immediate premium and certainty of value in cash it offers, particularly in an uncertain environment.”

The financing for the deal is fully committed, with major banks, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Citi, Crédit Agricole, Wells Fargo, and Mizuho, providing backing.

“Since the launch of Ambition 2025 three years ago, we successfully transformed Beacon, delivering superior financial and operational results,” said Julian Francis, president and chief executive officer of Beacon.

Both companies have indicated working together to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers, and other stakeholders.

“Acquiring Beacon is a key milestone in our plan to create substantial shareholder value and establish QXO as a leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry,” said Brad Jacobs, the QXO chairman and CEO.

Courtesy of Beacon

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association has introduced a new award to recognize safety, named after former colleague and board member Naphis Mitchell-Reyes.

In a news release, the MRCA explained that in October 2021, Mitchell-Reyes, described as a dear friend, respected colleague and board member, died.

“Those of us lucky enough to have known Naphis know that he was a man who valued honor, truth, and family above all else,” the release stated. “Always seeking excellence in all his endeavors, he would say, ‘I will never stop learning.’”

The trade group said it is proud to introduce the Naphis Mitchell-Reyes Excellent Safety Professional Award for 2025, which recognizes roofing safety professionals who exemplify the values the group most admired in Mitchell-Reyes.

The MRCA said the award's winner must show a “passion for safety, extensive knowledge and understanding of safety, and a commitment to fostering an authentic safety culture for their company or clients.”

MRCA added that, like Naphis, the award is “…special and will only be given when the nominee truly exemplifies the remarkable qualities that Naphis always shared with us.”

Nominate your favorite safety professional today; nominations are due June 16.

Image Credit: MRCA

Inland Coatings recently announced the promotion of Ken Schultz to the position of company president.

A roofing industry veteran of 30-plus years, Schultz started his career working for the roofing union right out of college and subsequently assumed leadership positions with Owens Corning, Firestone Building Products, Mule-Hide Products, and Johns Manville prior to joining the Inland team.

“Ken brings to Inland a wealth of experience,” said former Inland President Brad Money. “He is also a perfect culture fit for this organization, which prides itself on doing the right thing for our customers, taking a team approach to solving problems and aggressively seeking out opportunities for growth.”

In a news release, Inland Coatings said Schultz played a crucial role in merging Inland’s three major brands – Inland Coatings, Aldo Coatings, and TRUCO coatings – into one seamless P&L, introducing new logos and labels and streamlining the sales process.

“I have a real passion for teaching and coaching," Schultz said. "I want this company to be the kind of place where our employees would want their own children, and later, their grandchildren to come work for us.”

Photo courtesy of the Iowa Economic Development Corporation

Courtesy of Inland Coatings