METALCON 2020 Canceled Due to COVID-19
METALCON officials announced the much-anticipated METALCON 2020 convention has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the METALCON website, event officials decided to cancel METALCON 2020, scheduled for Oct. 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and mandates by the state of Nevada. In a video, Frank Stasiowski, METALCON co-founder in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, said event coordinators are pivoting their focus to next year’s METALCON.
“What everyone wants is for this virus to go away. We all want our sports teams back, we all want out bars back, our restaurants back, our ability to meet together,” Stasiowski said. “But the truth is, we can’t have that right now. We must respect that truth, and we must do the things necessary to keep ourselves safe.”
METALCON 2021 will take place Oct. 6-8 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center. Registration is open for next year’s event, and those who picked up the total experience registration for the 2020 event can seek a refund or have their registration forwarded to next year's event.
“We’re going to create the most terrific show to get us all back together physically in Tampa, Florida,” Stasiowski said.
In the meantime, the METALCON team is working on three new initiatives to continue its mission of promoting the use of metal in design and construction and boosting businesses in the industry. The first is a safety certification program that will lead into an annual credential for every participant who passes the test.
The second is a METALCON business diploma program featuring education and training that covers all aspects of business. The program will consist of virtual and live seminars held once a month that, when completed, earn participants a certificate given at METALCON.
The third initiative will be enhancing its existing METALCON Live! program with the latest information and news from industry leaders.
Last year's METALCON, held in Pittsburgh, Pa., showcased more than 200 companies, debuted CONTECH — an interactive and innovative hub showcasing the hottest trends in construction technology — and an all-women panel held by National Women in Roofing.
Visit the METALCON website for more information.
Schulte Roofing Welcomes Charles Chitwood as New Residential Project Manager
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Schulte Roofing announced Charles Chitwood as a new residential project manager. Chitwood will be leading his roofing teams and working with homeowners all over College Station and Bryan, and he will be responsible for planning and leading every stage of his residential roofing installations, roof replacements, repairs and other projects, from the new construction/pre-construction phase through completion.
"I feel good about working for a company whose name stands on its own," Chitwood said. "They have an excellent reputation for being fair and ethical in everything they do, and they don't waver. They take care of their people."
After 30 years of dedicated service with the U.S. military, with the rank of Sergeant Major for U.S. Special Forces and including almost three years as a senior observer, coach, and mentor for a Special Operations Training Detachment, Chitwood brings more than experience and professionalism to the position. He gives his colleagues and Schulte Roofing customers the confidence of a job well done and the perseverance to overcome any obstacle, all while making his friendly demeanor and neighborly attitude felt far and wide.
"I know Charles will be a great addition to our team," said President Josh Schulte. "He has a very high level of leadership skills and discipline with his military background."
Schulte Roofing has been an ardent supporter of veterans and retirees. Nevertheless, Chitwood's broad range of talents, exceptionally likable personality, and steadfast enthusiasm to tackle new challenges truly made him stand out.
"I joined Schulte Roofing just before the hail storm; my first few months were baptism by fire," Chitwood said. "Josh Schulte and Steven Martinez have carved out time to train me for my new role personally. This is a new adventure as I settle into my new role outside of the military."
As an established and rapidly growing College Station roofing company that has appeared on RC's Top 100 List, Schulte Roofing holds to the belief that the best roofers are the ones who are locals, residents and neighbors. As Schulte Roofing continues to grow, they’re always looking for more veterans like Chitwood to join the team. They also prefer local recruits because they believe in bringing value to the lives of people across Bryan-College Station, and are open to relocating people to the area.
OMG Roofing Products Welcomes New Solar Sales Manager, Promotes Regional Sales Manager
AGAWAM, Mass. — OMG Roofing Products has hired Patrick Hanley as solar sales manager, reporting to Kevin Kervick, solar business manager. In addition, OMG Roofing has promoted Jared Parli to the position of regional sales manager, responsible for the Mid-Atlantic region.
In his new role, Hanley is responsible for managing product sales of OMG’s line of PowerGrip solar roof mounts and related PipeGuard pipe support and fastening products on a global basis. This includes customer outreach, support, and gathering the voices of customer feedback, developing monthly sales plans and reports as well as cultivating new growth opportunities and relationships on a global basis.
Hanley joined OMG from the Beaux-Arts Group, a commercial furniture dealer in Florida, where he was an account executive. He previously served as vice president for Hanley Group Inc., a commercial flooring company in Orlando, Fla. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University.
In his new role, Parli will manage the day-to-day sales activities for the region, including monthly planning, on-going customer support as well as managing the territory managers and technical sales representatives. His region includes Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North and South Carolina. He reports to Brian Wroblesky, national sales manager.
Parli started with OMG Roofing Products in 2019 as a field sales representative covering Tennessee and Kentucky. Since then, he has demonstrated the ability to perform against targets, adjust sales strategies necessary to accomplish goals, maintain excellent customer service and support various product and customer initiatives. Prior to joining OMG Roofing Products, Parli held various sales positions with Portagrace Manufacturing, Nashville, and DP Nicoll of San Francisco. He started his career in the United States Marine Corps where he earned the rank of Sergeant.
Parli holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Texas State University.
Roper Whitney Announces New Partnership with EvoBend
ROCKFORD, Ill. — Roper Whitney, a Tennsmith company, is proud to announce a new partnership with EvoBend GmbH to bring the next generation of sheet metal folding equipment to the metal fabrication marketplace in North America.
As of August 2020, Roper Whitney is the exclusive sales, distribution, and service centers for EvoBend up/down folders (models D300, D600, D800) in the North American market. The product line features patented technology for the folding system as well as patented features for operator safety, making EvoBend a one-of-a-kind folding machine. Additionally, EvoBend will offer:
- 300-degree bending capabilities
- Dramatically less energy consumption
- Increased operator safety
- Easier and less-frequent maintenance
“EvoBend has re-imagined traditional sheet metal fabrication technology and delivered a truly cutting-edge product line. We are excited to be part of this effort to bring EvoBend to the United States and excited to see how our businesses can grow together,” said Mike Smith, one of Roper Whitney’s owners.
To learn more, visit www.roperwhitney.com/evobend.
ABC Supply Co. Inc. Sponsors Home Remodel of Marine Corps Veteran
BELOIT, Wis. — A commitment to American veterans is deeply embedded into the culture of ABC Supply Co. Inc., one of America’s largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding and other select exterior building products. That’s why the company has partnered with “Military Makeover,” a TV show that provides free home remodels to deserving veterans and their families.
The latest season premiered Aug. 21 and features a home remodel for Marcelino Marquez and his family. This is the second family that ABC Supply has supported through “Military Makeover” in 2020.
Marquez served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 27 years. During that time, he ultimately achieved the highest rank an enlisted Marine can achieve in the Marine Corps and Marine Reserves: Chief Warrant Officer 3. The Marine Corps provided a newfound acceptance and bond that Marquez brought with him through tours in Okinawa, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Marquez then transitioned into mortuary affairs, where the Marine creed “No One Left Behind” became his central focus.
Marquez now resides near Atlanta with his wife, Francis, their three children (Jacob, Isabella and Maya), their dog Rex and parakeet Perry.
“Marcelino’s strength and bravery during his time serving the Marine Corps is an incredible inspiration,” said Mike Jost, COO of ABC Supply. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to thank him for his service, and to be able to help his family remodel their home.”
ABC Supply was instrumental in the renovation of the Marquez family home, donating new gutters and exterior doors. Norandex donated the siding and windows. ABC Supply’s customers volunteered their time to install the donated materials.
To further the effects of its American Pride Core Value, ABC Supply has also committed to employing veterans, hiring over 1,100 veterans since 2017.
The Marquez family’s “Military Makeover” season airs on Lifetime network. The episodes will also be available to watch at militarymakeover.tv.
