By Emma Peterson. 

CRCA is hosting an all-day event celebrating and uplifting Chicagoland Women in Roofing!  

The Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) was the first roofing contractor association formed in the U.S. with roots dating back to the 1870s. Originally created as an effort to rebuild the city in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, the CRCA has continued to operate, switching their focus to “unite those engaged in the roofing and waterproofing industry in Illinois and beyond.” 

To achieve this mission, they have created a suite of education programs, informational resources and networking opportunities designed to elevate their members’ careers and improve the overall roofing industry. A great example of this is their upcoming event, Women Raising the Roofs: Chicago Style!  

Planned for Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Oak Brook, Illinois, this event is run by one of the CRCA’s committees – Chicagoland Women in Roofing (CWIR) – and promises a full day of education, networking and empowerment! The day kicks off at 8:30 a.m. CT with a keynote breakfast. Sponsored by the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Northern Illinois Council, this keynote will focus on navigating recognition and self-advocacy in a professional setting.  

Then, at 9:45 a.m., there will be a variety of hands-on learning opportunities for attendees thanks to sponsors KARNAK Corporation, Raincoat Roofing, TORI Construction LLC and York Flashings! These include:  

• Harness and rope safety 
• Building enclosure: roof-to-wall transitions 
• Roof types and components 
• Ladder safety 

After a break for lunch, the day continues with an empowerment activity (at 12:45 p.m.), an expert panel discussion (1:30 p.m.) and a raffle (2:30 p.m.). Closing out the event is a networking cocktail party sponsored by GAF and the M. W. Powell Company. Registration is only $40 for CRCA members and $60 for non-members.  

Get registered for CRCA’s CWIR for Women Raising the Roofs: Chicago Style!

By Emma Peterson. 

Raincoat Roofing’s Sarah Sutton-Shouse reflects on the team’s double win at IRE 2025.  

At last year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE), Raincoat Roofing made history when two of their team members took home some of the biggest awards of the show – MVP Best of the Best and National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Rising Star awards. To learn more about the trailblazing professionals that earned these recognitions, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Sarah Sutton-Shouse, the director of service operations at Raincoat, for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

NWIR Rising Star 

Sarah herself was awarded the title of NWIR Rising Star, a win that came as a total shock. She explained, “I didn't even know that I had been nominated until I attended National Women in Roofing Day...I was absolutely honored to be nominated, and I was even more stunned when I won.”  

While Sarah might have been surprised, the award was more than well deserved. She has been an instrumental part in bringing together the Chicago NWIR council. She shared, “I really have to give credit to my board. I truly believe you're only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and I have a really incredible board. The Chicago NWIR council really was a labor of love from everyone.”  

From organizing joint events with local contractor associations like the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) to finding ways to reach out to contractors even beyond Chicago in areas like Northwest Indiana and Southern Wisconsin, there were a lot of hurdles for the board to overcome. But Sarah says that it was all worth it. She explained, “We have seen so much progress, and we've seen so much positivity come out of it...Winning this award was really vindicating of all the hard work my board has put into this. It was like, everything that we've put in is being returned. And it felt very good to celebrate that with my team, friends and peers.” 

MVP Best of the Best 

And if that wasn’t enough excitement for the Raincoat team, their production superintendent, Angel Arroyo, took home the coveted MVP award. This award is presented by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Roofing Alliance and recognizes outstanding roofing professionals “who demonstrate exceptional performance, leadership and community involvement.” 

The win was more than well-deserved, as Angel has more than four decades of experience serving the industry. Sarah was able to be a part of the nomination process, which she said was incredible being able to nominate Angel. She shared, “For the nomination process, we had to talk to his family, to past people he's worked with and to the current people he's working with. And I almost had to pick and choose what we were going to submit because everybody had such incredible things to say about him. It was awesome to get the opportunity to hear all the incredible things his friends and peers had to say about him.” 

Angel himself couldn’t believe the win, sharing, “I was not expecting to win. I thought for sure that one of the other two amazing nominees won. It's a wonderful feeling. I am beyond honored and grateful. This is a win not just for me but for our team, for Raincoat.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to hear more about Sarah, Angel and Raincoat Roofing.

By Jenny Yu.  

After diving into the roofing world six years ago, Sarah Sutton-Shouse works with a team of incredible women to elevate the industry every day. 

When Sarah Sutton-Shouse won a National Women in Roofing (NWIR) award at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2025, she was stunned. She hadn’t even known she was nominated.  

“One of my other board members from my council was like, ‘Hey, that's your face.’ And I'm like, ‘That's my face.’ I was just shocked,” she told Heidi J. Ellsworth in a recent Roofing Road Trips® episode.  

Each year, NWIR gives two major awards: World Veteran Award and the World Rising Star Award. After having been nominated the year prior, this year was Sarah’s time to shine.  

Six years ago, Sarah joined Raincoat Roofing as a service coordinator and was immediately thrown into a complex landscape when the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses online. Filling a need for her new company, Sarah helped digitize Raincoat Roofing’s processes and grew a whole department from the ground up. Now, she serves as service manager and as one of the company’s leadership team members. 

“Somebody told me one time, ‘You don't find roofing, roofing finds you,’ and it’s very much been that way,” Sarah shared. “And I just can't get enough of it. I was on a roof on Monday. I've got bids going out today. I'm working on scheduling. I'm doing all of these things. And if I wasn't so busy, my head would explode. I don't know what I would do with myself.” 

Sarah has taken this passion and her ability to recognize and address needs into her work with National Women in Roofing. She collaborated with several major organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) to expand NWIR’s reach to Chicago and became a founding leader and chair of the NWIR Illinois Council. Under her leadership, this new chapter has already organized impactful philanthropic initiatives for the Chicago community, evidence of why Sarah was this year’s NWIR Rising Star Award honoree. 

“It's just about doing what's right for the members we're serving. It's been a labor of love, and I have an immensely incredible board. I am so privileged to be able to work with women like that,” Sarah expressed. “You do it because you want to, and to have won that award, it was very fulfilling. Everything that we've put in is being returned.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Sarah’s transformative work with Raincoat Roofing, National Women in Roofing and beyond. 

Sarah Sutton-Shouse of Raincoat Roofing wins the NWIR Rising Star Award for her leadership, advocacy and commitment to empowering women in roofing.

Raincoat Roofing proudly announces that Sarah Sutton-Shouse, service manager, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Rising Star Award. This award recognizes outstanding professionals with less than 10 years of roofing industry experience who exhibit exceptional leadership, innovation and inspiration within the field.

Sarah was honored with the award by Amanda Veinott, owner and founder of Maven Roofing & Exteriors and 2024 Rising Star winner, at this year’s NWIR Awards Ceremony. Veinott praised Sarah’s unwavering dedication to fostering education, mentorship and philanthropy in the roofing industry. “Her impact on the roofing industry, her community and NWIR reflects her commitment to creating opportunities for women and advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Amanda.

Since joining Raincoat Roofing in 2019, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the roofing industry. She actively serves on the Chicago Women in Roofing (CWIR) Committee for the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA), participates in service manager roundtables and engages in peer group collaborations that drive innovation and best practices in roofing service departments. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her completion of advanced roofing courses and her ongoing pursuit of educational excellence.

“Sarah’s passion for roofing and her tireless efforts to support women in the industry make her an invaluable leader at Raincoat Roofing,” said Eric Suess, Raincoat Roof maintenance president. “Sarah has forever changed Raincoat and become a rockstar in the industry and a true member of the Raincoat family. She embodies the core values we believe in and loves the industry and will be a force for many years to come.”

Sarah’s contributions extend beyond the workplace. She is a founding leader and chair of the NWIR Illinois Council, where she has been instrumental in expanding NWIR’s presence in Chicago and forging connections with major organizations like the NRCA and CRCA. Under her leadership, the NWIR Illinois Council has organized impactful philanthropic initiatives, including the "Build a Bag" drive for Ronald McDonald House and the "Pack the Pantry" initiative for Almost Home Chicago.

Additionally, Sarah has spearheaded Raincoat Roofing’s philanthropic efforts, leading charitable campaigns such as the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bell Campaign and planning a Habitat for Humanity build in 2025. Her dedication to community service is further exemplified through her involvement in the Chicago Wolves’ Score for Charity program and numerous community outreach drives.

Sarah’s exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was honored with National Roofing Partners’ Spirit Award for her hard work, dedication and positive impact on the industry. Her recent recognition as the NWIR Rising Star further solidifies her role as an industry leader and advocate for women in roofing and workforce diversity. In her acceptance speech, Sarah expressed gratitude to her colleagues, mentors and the NWIR Illinois Council for their support. “I love all of you and thank you,” she said, acknowledging the encouragement she has received along her journey. “This award is not just about me — it’s about all the incredible women working to elevate the roofing industry every day.”

Sarah continued, “I am truly humbled and grateful for the nomination and win of the Rising Star Award. My true passion is empowering women and young girls, and I am proud to have this platform to be able to further that mission. As a mom and stepmom of three young girls, I feel it is my duty to set a strong example for them. Young girls, and boys, should know that they are capable and that your gender does not dictate your station. Glass ceilings are meant to be shattered, and I’m going to continue breaking glass until I see the equality that I truly believe in.”

Raincoat Roofing congratulates Sarah on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her achievements in advancing the roofing industry, supporting women in the field and uplifting those around her.

About Raincoat Roofing

Raincoat Roofing is a leading roofing contractor based in Chicago, dedicated to providing high-quality roofing solutions and exceptional customer service. With a strong commitment to industry excellence, diversity and community engagement, Raincoat Roofing continuously strives to set new standards in roofing innovation and leadership. The company proudly supports women in the roofing industry and actively promotes inclusivity and mentorship.

By Dani Sheehan.

Deliver unmatched quality in every commercial roof restoration by partnering with a manufacturer known for exceptional technical expertise and innovation.

According to Everest Systems, every successful roof restoration hinges on three critical factors: the right products, the right specifications and the right contractor. Everest Systems has built its reputation by excelling in each of these areas, particularly through its commitment to partnering with top-tier coating restoration contractors nationwide.

Partnering with a manufacturer like Everest Systems offers numerous advantages. Their Certified Contractor program connects you with an extensive network of certified professionals who ensure every commercial roof restoration project is executed with precision and care. Rick Murphy, technical support and specifications director for Everest Systems, emphasizes, “Using a certified Everest contractor will give [your customers] peace of mind for your project, knowing that it’s done correctly from start to finish.”

From superior products to technical support and detailed project specifications, Everest equips contractors with the tools and knowledge they need to excel. This collaborative approach guarantees exceptional outcomes but also positions you as a trusted leader in the competitive commercial roofing market.  

As this network of contractors continues to expand, now is the perfect time to explore this partnership. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, enhance your knowledge or deliver exceptional value to your customers, Everest Systems offers the resources and support to help you succeed.

Want to learn more? Everest Systems will be attending the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Show, January 22-24, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Visit them at booth 136 to discover how you can elevate your services by partnering with Everest Systems. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the future of commercial roof restoration.

By Emma Peterson. 

From physical wellbeing to mental health and everything in between, wellbeing is key to building a successful company and legacy. 

When the The Chicago Roofing Contractors Association’s (CRCA) Health and Safety Committee met in 2023, they realized that their focus on wellbeing needed to go beyond just the traditional safety conversation. Committee Co-Chair Kevin Froeter explained, “We now live in a world where employee physical safety is no longer the only gauge of company's health.” 

Research from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of five major industry groups. This data highlights a concerning lack of mental health awareness and wellness in our workplaces. But there are things that can be done. 

In 2022, OSHA recognized the need for emphasis on workplace suicide prevention and came up with five goals for the industry: 

1. Raise awareness that individual actions can make a difference in preventing suicide. 
2. Learn and teach employees the warning signs. 
3. Build cultures where you ask, “Are you okay?” 
4. Create systems where a person in crisis is not left alone and appropriate help is called in. 
5. Ensure suicide prevention resources are available to all.   

With the CDC’s data and OSHA’s initial ideas for solution strategies, CRCA has made sure to emphasize mental and emotional health alongside physical when it comes to safety and wellbeing in the workplace. In order to support this mission of awareness, CRCA launched a wellness award. This award had members submit examples of how they integrate awareness and care for mental, emotional and physical health in their day-to-day operations. In the beginning of 2024, CRCA Contractor Member Korellis and Associate Member Richards Building Supply were highlighted for their promotion of wellness in their respective teams.  

Learn more about how the CRCA is promoting wellness in the industry.

By Dani Sheehan. 

After another season of giving, Trent Cotney shared insights on the significance of industry associations and his vision for future advancements. 

Over the last several years, RCS Influencer and partner at Adams and Reese, Trent Cotney, has made it his mission to give back to the roofing industry around the holidays by matching donations to select associations. This year, he set out to match donations made to the following organizations: Roofing Alliance, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) and the Davis Memorial Foundation. For the Roofing Alliance and FRSA, Trent matched his highest promised donation, and he donated $5,500 in total thanks to this generous campaign. 

Trent loves giving back to the industry that has helped him provide for his family throughout his career. He shares, “I feel like it’s an obligation for us to give back to our next generation. A lot of these charities that we’re supporting give out scholarships and the goal is to leave the world a better place than what it was when you were there.”  

The holidays may be over, but there are still ways to give back, and a great way to get involved in the industry is to join an association, whether it’s state, regional or national. As Trent explains, “Associations serve as the mouthpiece of the industry. Roofing has a variety of challenges, everything from regulatory to liability to insurance issues and it’s hard to get a lot of that stuff out to legislators or wherever it needs to go without having some sort of mouthpiece to do that.” 

Additionally, these associations help to promote and conduct research to further advance our industry. The Roofing Alliance has several ongoing projects and the FRSA Education and Research Foundation has done a variety of studies dealing with hurricane impacts and how that affects the Florida roofing industry. 

It’s an exciting time to be in the roofing industry this year. Trent talks about his anticipation for 2024: “I’m always looking at risk mitigation. What does the future look like? There’s some uncertainty there. I look out into the landscape, and I don’t know what’s over the next hill, but with that I think comes opportunity. I think roofing is on that precipice where it can take the next step. Climb that next hill and start looking into technology or sustainability and see a change in how this industry is perceived.” 

Thank you to everyone who donated this year and helped Trent give back to this incredible industry. Whether it’s donating time, money or resources, the little things throughout the year go a long way. Get involved in an association this year and see if you can feel the buzz of all the exciting possibilities in roofing too.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Join industry experts in a three-day event of cutting-edge programming, innovative products and engaging networking to kick off your new year. 

January 17 – 19, 2024 marks the 40th Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Trade Show and Seminars in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois. Join incoming CRCA President Mark Moran, Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co., Inc., and other manufacturers, suppliers and service providers in an event that offers the opportunity for educational resources and practices to promote the best roofing, waterproofing, insulation and air barrier installations in the industry.  

This year’s trade show will offer over six hours of Continuing Education Credits through educational seminars. Don’t miss the exhibit floor for products and services from over 120 manufacturers, suppliers and service providers! Kick off the event on Wednesday, January 17 with round table discussions led by CRCA’s Chicagoland Women in Roofing (CWIR) and Emerging Leaders Committees to explore mentorship and multi-generational issues in the workforce, career path structuring and other key topics affecting the industry. Then, continue the networking as you relax and unwind during the Kick-off Cocktail Party as the start of Roofing Week in Chicago. 

On Thursday, January 18, 2024, start your day with the keynote breakfast with speaker Kevin Carey of Mountain Movers. Through personal stories and practical advice, Kevin discusses what it means to be a mountain mover and will give strategies for finding your purpose. The afternoon is packed with educational sessions! Join Mark Graham with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) for an in-depth update on critical technical issues in the steep-slope roofing industry. Then, Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese LLC presents with Elias Saltz of Conspectus and Mike Zimmerman of Reliable Roofing to discuss the definition of important construction documents. Learn how to protect the contractor when specs don’t align with drawings and what distinguishes the design/build approach.  

Close out the event on Friday, January 19, 2024, with a mock OSHA inspection in the morning to gain valuable insights and best practices for your next inspection. Later, John DeRosa of SRS Distribution presents on the sales process and how to move toward building an emotional connection with your customers to avoid the price-driven sale.  

You won’t want to miss this three-day event for the opportunity to gain important industry education and demonstrations of the newest products and technology in roofing and waterproofing. Explore their complete list of seminar programming and register today!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Trent Cotney will help you give back to the roofing industry by matching your donations to this incredible foundation. 

There are a number of organizations throughout the roofing industry that make it their mission to support philanthropic and humanitarian causes as well as invest in the future of roofing through research and education. This holiday season, RCS Influencer and Partner of Adams and Reese LLP, Trent Cotney wants to give back to those foundations that work so hard to make a difference. For the entire month of December, he is matching your donation to one of four foundations across the industry. Help him reach his goal of donating $10,000 ($2,500 per foundation) back to the roofing industry by giving back this season! 

One foundation on Trent’s list is the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Foundation. Their mission is to advance and support the roofing, construction and waterproofing industry in the Chicago area through the funding and support of philanthropic causes, research and education. The foundation brings together leading contractors, distributors and manufacturers committed to strengthening the future of roofing. 

Since 2000, they’ve provided over $700,000 in scholarship money to assist high school students in their dreams to enter college and work toward a degree in various fields. These scholarships are awarded and renewed based on academic performance, faculty recommendation, employment or extracurricular experience and an interest in a productive career. Additionally, they’ve provided over $120,000 to research in the roofing industry and over $65,000 to philanthropic and disaster relief efforts.  

Trent stands behind this foundation and others in helping current roofing professionals further their careers and make advancements within the industry. His purpose in giving back is to give thanks to a community and profession that has taken care of him, put food on his table and continues to spark his passions. 

Double your giving all month long and support a foundation that furthers the excellence and long-term viability of the roofing industry!