Dear Member:
The legendary Chicago resident Ferris Bueller said: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Granted, he was a teenager looking to skip school for a day, but the broad principle holds true in much of our lives. We work hard, strive for the next goal, take small things too seriously or postpone “living” for some date in the future when we will have more time.
But occasionally, we take a moment to pop our heads up and appreciate how fortunate we are.
This past month, a few events highlight the profound goodness in the roofing industry.
As the industry celebrated National Roofing Week in June, the social media energy and dedication from our members was contagious—they shared appreciation of their employees, community service events and signature projects.
And on the last day of National Roofing Week, NRCA staff joined a service project organized by Showalter Roofing Service Inc., Naperville, Ill. Showalter Roofing Service has a tremendous record of volunteerism and was awarded the 2019 CNA/NRCA Community Involvement Award for creating A Roof Over Your Head, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps homeowners in need of household repairs, such as exterior decking, porches, stairs, railing repairs and cleaning, fence and gate repairs and more.
For National Roofing Week, the Showalter team rehabilitated two homeless veteran shelters in a Chicago suburb. New paint, trim, woodwork, landscaping and roof system repairs brought new light, life and warmth to the shelters. It was terrific to see a local shop giving back to these veterans who were in a moment of struggle but have given so much to this nation.
You can view a wrap-up video of National Roofing Week on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
And the good work continues! The Roofing Alliance is proud to announce the adoption of 100 percent of the 165 stand-alone Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the U.S.! Providing long-term lodging to the families of sick children undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital is about as good as it gets ... congratulations to the Roofing Alliance and a tremendous thank you to each member who stepped forward to help meet this audacious goal.
Ronald McDonald House CEO Sheila Musolino expressed her gratitude: “We are grateful to our tremendous partners at the Roofing Alliance and astounded by the collaboration of the industry to support 165 Houses. On behalf of the entire RMHC system and the children and families we serve, we thank you for your immense support.”
From coast to coast, NRCA members have taken time from their busy lives and stopped to look around, give back and help the greater good.
Being relatively new to the roofing community, this was incredible to experience firsthand. My wife and I took our kids to the Showalter/NRCA event, and they helped pull weeds and do other yardwork. My family saw Showalter Roofing Service not just offer but actively try to donate significant roof system repairs to the local church across the street from the shelters whose roof was in clear disrepair.
Driving home afterward, a little voice from the backseat of the car summed it up: “Dad, roofing people are sooo nice.”
Yes they are.
Thanks for everything each of you do as stewards of our industry. Your hard work, generosity and leadership are to be commended and admired.
All the best until next month,
McKay Daniels
COO
New members in June: 23
From June 1 to June 20: 23
Total membership: 3,553
(as of June 20)
If you have ideas or questions about this month's FMO, NRCA, the industry or want to share your experience or thoughts on any topic, feel free to email me at mdaniels@nrca.net.
