Building roofing careers through mentorship and opportunity

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how trade education, hands-on experience and encouragement can introduce young people to lasting careers in roofing. 

During this live Roofing Road Trips® interview at the CertainTeed Business Building Workshop in San Diego, Straight Above Roofing founder Alfredo Barrios discussed his path into roofing and his commitment to helping young people discover opportunities in the trade. Based in Riverside County, California, Alfredo has worked in roofing for about 20 years and has operated his company for six years. 

How his career in roofing started 

Alfredo entered the industry without a roofing background, but he quickly recognized the long-term professional opportunities available in the trade. “I started as a sales property manager and didn’t know anything about roofing, but Google helped me. I’ve been in the industry ever since, he shared. “Once you’re in it, you can see the potential and the professionalism of the people involved. It makes you want to become more engaged because roofing is a career and a trade that will be around for a long time. It can also be very lucrative.”  

His experience shows how someone can enter roofing from another field, learn the industry and develop a lasting career by recognizing its potential. 

How he is introducing young people to the roofing industry 

Building on his own unconventional entry into roofing, Alfredo now speaks with students about the variety of career paths available throughout the industry. “I started speaking with students in middle schools and high schools about different trades. At first, it was through a business entrepreneurship class, but more recently we’ve been working with high schools and junior colleges to introduce students to the roofing industry,” Alfredo explained. “We teach them about the many opportunities available, whether in sales, the labor force or the office. It’s a big trade.” 

By presenting roofing as more than field installation, he helps students understand that the industry also includes opportunities in sales, labor and office operations. 

What training looks like 

Once young people express interest, Alfredo believes their education should begin with basic, ground-level responsibilities and gradually expand as they gain experience. “All the young people we bring in who have never been on a roof start on the ground, sweeping, pulling nails and learning the basics. That gives them a chance to see whether this work is right for them,” he shared.  

This step-by-step approach gives new workers a practical introduction to roofing while allowing them to learn safely, contribute to the team and decide whether the trade is the right fit. 

Alfredo’s approach combines career awareness, hands-on experience and patient instruction. By showing young people the full range of opportunities in roofing and giving them a foundation in the basics, he is helping create clearer pathways into the industry. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about building roofing careers through mentorship and opportunity.