By Jenny Yu, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Una empresa de techado organizó un día para que jóvenes conocieran los oficios. 

El 10 de Julio del año 2025, Red Dog’s Roofing realizó su primer Community Roofing & Trade Day en Gardner, Massachusetts. El objetivo del evento fue mostrar a los jóvenes lo que es posible y abrirles puertas para el futuro 

“Creemos que los oficios no son solo un trabajo, sino un camino hacia el orgullo, el propósito y la prosperidad,” dijo Matt Landry, gerente de reputación en Red Dog’s Roofing, en un comunicado de prensa. “Este evento es nuestra forma de retribuir a la comunidad y mostrar a los estudiantes que el éxito puede venir de usar las manos y el corazón.” 

Desde el año 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing ha servido a su comunidad con integridad, servicio de primera y mano de obra de calidad. La empresa está dedicada a capasitar y formar a nuevos profecionales, como lo demuetra este evento educativo y comunitario. 

El Community Roofing & Trades Day incluyó estaciones de práctica donde los estudiantes pudieron explorar diversas herramientas de los oficios junto a profesionales de la industria, talleres para mejorar currículos, premios y regalos divertidos. 

Una parte clave del día fue el panel para oficios y la sesión de preguntas y respuestas. “Este panel trató de romper estereotipos”, compartió Patrick Cochran, CEO de Red Dog’s Roofing, con The Gardner News. “Los oficios ofrecen libertad: libertad financiera, libertad creativa y la oportunidad de llegar tan lejos como lo permita tu ética de trabajo.” 

El evento contó con el apoyo de varios líderes de la industria, como National Women in Roofing, SRS Distribution, CertainTeed, Owens Corning y ABC Supply. Junto a Red Dog’s Roofing, estos líderes crearon una experiencia destacó la diversidad de personas y oportunidades que ofrecen los oficios, desde la instalación de shingles y aplicación de siding hasta ventas, mercadeo y reclutamiento.  

“Así es como cambiamos la narrativa,” afirmó Patrick Cochran. “Necesitamos que más jóvenes vean los oficios no solo como una opción, sino como un camino inteligente y poderoso hacia adelante. Hoy, creo que sembramos muchas semillas.”  

Conoce más sobre Red Dog’s Roofing y sus esfuerzos comunitarios.

Fuente de la foto: Red Dog's Roofing

By Jenny Yu. 

Metal contractors from across the nation highlight growth, regional differences and workforce concerns in a special panel of industry leaders.  

On August 6, 2025, METALCON and MetalCoffeeShop® joined forces to host a special webinar titled “Metal Contractors Share the Real Deal.” The panel featured leaders from RMG Erectors & Constructors, Red Dog’s Roofing, Viotell Metal Concepts and Elevate Structures moderated by Heidi J. Ellsworth, owner of The Coffee Shops™.  

Anthony Ortega, CEO of Viotell Metal Concepts, spoke to the growth of opportunity in the metal roofing industry. “I think everybody here can speak to the crazy amount of opportunity that there is in metal,” he stated. “I think that there’s double-digit growth across the nation for metal, and specifically here in ski resort economies and market footprints like Park City, we’re seeing metal be the preferred choice for roofing and exterior. A lot of that has to do with sustainability, longevity and design intent.”  

While Anthony pointed to rapid expansion in the market, Patrick Cochran, CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing, emphasized the growth of consumer knowledge and education. “Our customers that want metal are very much reaching out for it,” Patrick said. “A lot of the time, they’ve done their homework, especially with the metal. They really know what they want.” Patrick explained that these uncertain times are driving educated homeowners to invest in metal for its longevity and resilience. 

Nigel Kreft, vice president of sales at Elevate Structures, pointed to demand differences by region. “The west coast is slow to respond to what we're seeing in the rest of the country simply because the entitlement process is so much longer,” he shared. “But in Florida and into the Carolinas, business is booming because the demand is there, people are moving into those areas. Every market has a very unique perspective. We don’t have a homogenous look at markets.” He observed that environmental concerns and insurance pressures are also fueling adoption of metal solutions as durable alternatives to traditional materials.  

Bobby Mesmer, CEO of RMG Erectors and Constructors, shared a global perspective. “In the pre-engineered sector, it’s continuously growing. Everybody wants to go pre-engineered because of its efficiency through design, manufacturing, erection.” Bobby stressed that while pre-engineered metal buildings are expanding globally, success depends on skilled labor, quality control and strict safety standards. 

Despite concerns about tariffs and interest rates, the panel agreed that demand for sustainable, long-lasting products is keeping the industry strong. Their message was clear: metal construction remains a sector of growth and innovation, even in the face of uncertainty. 

Watch the webinar to learn more about the state of the metal industry today, and join the conversation in person at METALCON 2025, October 21-23 in Las Vegas! 

By Jenny Yu.  

This roofing company hosted a day for youth to learn about the trades! 

On July 10, 2025, Red Dog’s Roofing held their first Community Roofing & Trades Day in Gardner, Massachusetts. The goal of the event: show young people what’s possible and unlock their future.  

“We believe the trades are not just a job, they’re a pathway to pride, purpose and prosperity,” said Matt Landry, reputation manager at Red Dog’s Roofing in a press release. “This event is our way of giving back to the community and showing students that success can come from using your hands and heart.” 

Since 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing has served their community with integrity, premium service and quality craftsmanship. They are dedicated to training and forming up-and-coming professionals, as evident through this educational, community-forward event.  

The Community Roofing & Trades Day included hands-on stations where students could explore various tools of the trades with industry professionals, resume workshopping opportunities and fun prizes and giveaways.  

One key part of the day was the Trades Panel and Q&A session. “This panel was about breaking down stereotypes,” panelist Patrick Cochran, CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing, shared with The Gardner News. “The trades offer freedom — financial freedom, creative freedom and the chance to rise as far as your work ethic will take you.” 

The event drew support from several industry leaders, including National Women in Roofing, SRS Distribution, CertainTeed, Owens Corning and ABC Supply. Together with Red Dog’s Roofing at the helm, these leaders created an experience that showed the diversity of people and opportunities that the trades provide — from shingle installation and siding application to sales, marketing and recruiting.  

“This is how we change the narrative,” Patrick stated. “We need more young people to see the trades as not just an option, but a smart, powerful path forward. Today, I think we planted a lot of seeds.” 

Learn more about Red Dog’s Roofing and their community efforts.

Photo source: Red Dog's Roofing

By Red Dog’s Roofing. 

Community Roofing/Trades Day introduced youth to the endless possibilities with trade career paths. 

In today’s job market, the younger generations are particularly vulnerable. For them, it seems like opportunities for jobs are few and far between, with hundreds of people carrying stacked resumes competing for the same entry-level roles. This has led to many young people feeling frustrated, disenfranchised and hopeless. 

Here at Red Dog’s Roofing, we want to make sure that the younger generations know that there are more choices available to them than they may think. There is hope for a bright future with trade careers. The trades offer so many opportunities that can empower young people to grow their skills. It's important that people who are experienced in the roofing and construction industries provide guidance to the future generations and display how a career in the trades can bring pride and purpose. 

That’s why we created Community Roofing/Trades Day, an initiative designed to connect the next generation with the world of skilled trades in a meaningful, hands-on way. 

Too often, young people are pushed toward a one-size-fits-all path. A path that might lead to college, debt or uncertainty. Meanwhile, careers in the trades go unfilled, waiting for the right people to discover them.  

We want to change that narrative. 

Community Roofing/Trades Day - Reintroducing the trades, with heart 

Community Roofing/Trades Day was our response to a growing need: to educate, empower and uplift those who might not know the trades are for them. 

This initiative started with the simple idea: if you can show someone what's possible, not with a brochure, but with real tools, real professionals and real conversation, you might just unlock their future. 

It’s about revealing a career sector that offers security, pride, growth and community.  

We also wanted to show people that the roofing industry is about more than hammers and nails. Different departments besides the contractors and laborers from Red Dog’s Roofing were represented, such as our sales, marketing, human resources and call center teams. We also featured vendors who represent our manufacturers, distribution centers and non-profits who we work hand in hand with.  

A diverse and welcoming industry 

This year’s event also included the participation of National Women in Roofing (NWIR), serving as a reminder that this industry has room for everyone. We believe that roofing and all skilled trades thrive when diverse voices and talents are not just welcomed but celebrated. 

We were also proud to include voices from across the trades in a panel discussion and live Q&A, giving students and families a chance to hear directly from those who have built successful, fulfilling careers with their hands and their hearts. 

Why we did this 

We’ve seen what the trades can do for people. We've watched teammates go from entry-level to leadership roles. We've mentored young adults who never saw themselves in construction and now can’t imagine doing anything else. We’ve heard the stories of single parents, veterans and high school graduates who found their footing and their purpose under the open sky and the structure of a roof. 

This was about giving that same chance to the next generation and letting them know that not all success wears a suit and tie or a lifetime of debt to pursue a career path. 

A community responsibility 

As a roofing company, we’re in the business of protecting homes. But as members of this community, we’re also in the business of building futures. If we can offer guidance, opportunity or simply a little inspiration to someone searching for direction, we’ll consider that just as valuable as any roof we install. 

Because the truth is, what we build matters. Not just on the job site but in the lives we touch along the way. 

Interested in learning more about our community work or career opportunities in the trades? Visit www.reddogsroofing.com or reach out at community@reddogsroofing.com. We’d love to connect. 

Original article and photo source: Red Dog’s Roofing

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Honoring family roots, scaling smart and bringing hands-on leadership to a growing roofing empire. 

When Patrick Cochran founded Red Dog’s Roofing in 2012, the name wasn’t just catchy, it was personal. “The name is very symbolic,” Patrick said in this Roofer of the Month podcast. “I named the company after my grandfather, his nickname was Red. My dad said he worked like a dog, so I kind of combined the two.” That blend of respect for the past and ambition for the future has powered the Massachusetts-based company’s growth from a one-man repair shop to a multi-market roofing force with offices in Massachusetts, Florida and Connecticut. In the early days, Patrick operated with just a single crew. Now, Red Dog’s Roofing boasts a large staff tackling various department needs and continues expanding into both residential and commercial services. 

The company’s evolution has remained tightly focused on accountability and communication; values Patrick says stem directly from his hands-on approach. He explained, “There’s an apostrophe in the name, right? So, it kind of shows ownership. I really wanted to make sure that customers knew that I was going to take ownership of projects.” 

Red Dog’s Roofing focuses heavily on residential replacements, commercial work and full exterior remodels in the Northeast. But what sets the business apart, Patrick said, is its commitment to complex, custom solutions. “We take on very intricate and tough projects that some contractors will kind of stay away from,” he said. “If a customer wants a new product, I have a team that can really research it. And work with the manufacturer to make sure new products are installed properly.” 

That dedication to both quality and innovation has earned the trust of customers and recognition within the roofing community. With July marking 13-and-a-half years in business, the company celebrates its first-ever Red Dog’s Roofing Week, timed to honor Patrick’s grandfather’s birthday and centered on three pillars: community, industry advancement and team recognition. 

The week includes multiple roof giveaways, a trade show aimed at attracting the next generation of roofing professionals and a full team training with an award ceremony. “This is really about team effort,” Patrick said. “That apostrophe kind of grew into all of us really taking that ownership.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast for the full story behind Red Dog’s Roofing, including their customer-first mindset and the deeper mission behind Roofing Week! 

A celebration of community, gratitude and giving back.

Red Dog’s Roofing is proud to kick off its 1st Annual Red Dog’s Roofing Week in Florida by giving back in a big way: a free roof giveaway for a deserving member of the community in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. 

Nominations are open now at RoofGiveaway.com and are quick and easy to submit. Whether it’s a devoted single parent, a local volunteer, a veteran or someone overcoming hardship, this program aims to uplift those who embody the spirit of giving and resilience.

The deadline to submit a nomination is June 22nd, 2025.

“The whole Sarasota community has been wonderful and this is our way of giving back,” said Matt Landry, Reputation Manager at Red Dog’s Roofing. “We believe in serving our neighbors not just with roofing solutions, but with real acts of kindness and support. That’s what Roofing Week is all about.”
The giveaway will take place in Sarasota on Monday, July 7th and marks a meaningful start to a week of appreciation, outreach and community pride.

This initiative is a heartfelt thank you to the families and neighborhoods that make Sarasota special — and a reminder of what’s possible when businesses and communities come together. Open to residents across Sarasota and the surrounding areas, the giveaway invites locals to nominate someone in need of a new roof — someone who goes above and beyond for others, but could use a helping hand themselves.

Red Dog’s Roofing has become a trusted name in Florida’s roofing industry — not just for the quality of their work, but for their unwavering commitment to community. Whether through sponsorships, youth outreach or service-based initiatives, Red Dog’s continues to demonstrate that roofing can be about more than shingles and nails — it can be about heart.

The Sarasota roof giveaway is one of several taking place during Red Dog’s Roofing Week, alongside events in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Together, they reflect the company’s broader mission: to leave every community better than they found it.

About Red Dog’s Roofing:

Founded in 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing has expanded from its original headquarters in Massachusetts to proudly serve communities across Florida and Connecticut. Led by owner Patrick Cochran, the company is dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and meaningful community involvement. Their latest initiatives include bringing Commercial Roofing to SkillsUSA competitions and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.
 

A powerful act of community care and a free roof giveaway, honoring local heroes and neighbors in need.

In conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, Red Dog’s Roofing is proud to celebrate its deep local roots and commitment to community by starting its 1st Annual Red Dog’s Roofing Week with an extraordinary gesture of gratitude: a free roof giveaway in Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 9th.

The event is more than a giveaway — it’s a celebration of the people and neighborhoods who have supported Red Dog’s Roofing and helped the company grow into the trusted name it is today. Open to residents across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the giveaway is a call to the community to help honor and uplift those who need it most.

Nominations are now open at RoofGiveaway.com, where friends, neighbors and family members can easily submit deserving candidates. Whether it’s a local teacher, veteran, caregiver or someone who has faced tough times, the goal is simple: give back to those who give so much to others.

“Our roots are here in Fitchburg and so is our heart,” said Matt Landry, Director of Development. “We built this company on the idea that when communities thrive, we all thrive. This free roof giveaway is our way of thanking the people who trust us to protect what matters most — their homes and families.”

For years, Red Dog’s Roofing has been more than just a roofing company. It has been a partner in the community, dedicated to serving Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire with integrity, reliability and a neighborly spirit. Whether through top-quality roof replacements or initiatives like this one, the company remains focused on improving lives one roof — and one act of kindness — at a time.

The Fitchburg roof giveaway marks the start of Red Dog’s Roofing Week, following similar giveaways in Sarasota, Florida and Waterford, Connecticut this week. The initiative reflects the company’s mission to create lasting, positive impacts across all the communities it serves.

About Red Dog’s Roofing:

Founded in 2012, Red Dog’s Roofing has grown from its roots in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to serve communities in Sarasota, Florida and Waterford, Connecticut. Led by owner Patrick Cochran, whose passion for mentorship drives the company’s mission, Red Dog’s Roofing is committed to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Most recently, the team successfully championed the addition of Commercial Roofing to SkillsUSA Massachusetts and proudly organized and hosted the state’s inaugural competition.
 

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with Patrick Cochran from Red Dog’s Roofing. You can read the interview below or listen to the podcast.

Intro: Welcome to the hottest podcast in the roofing industry. Get ready to meet the stars of the rooftops, the shingle sensations and  the gutter gurus. Each month we'll climb up to the top to shine the spotlight on one remarkable roofer who's nailing it. We'll dive deep into their stories, their triumphs and  the secrets behind their sky-high success. Don't miss out on these industry insights, incredible tales of resilience and  the passion that keeps these roofers at the top of their game. Tune in, subscribe and  follow us on this incredible journey as we crown this month's Roofer of The Month. 

Hello, everyone. I'm Alex Tolle with rooferscoffeeshop.com and  I'm back for another Roofer of The Month podcast. I'm so excited to celebrate Red Dog's Roofing with Patrick. Patrick, how are you? 

Patrick Cochran: Very good. How are you doing? 

Alex Tolle: Good. So go ahead and introduce yourself. Tell us a little bit about you and Red Dog's. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. So my name's Patrick Cochran, owner and founder of Red Dog's Roofing. Started Red Dog's Roofing in 2012. The name very symbolic, I named the company after my grandfather, his nickname was Red. My dad said he worked like a dog, so I kind of combined the two and that's where the name came from. There's an apostrophe in the name, right? So it kind of shows ownership. I really wanted to make sure that customers knew that I was going to take ownership of projects. 

So 2012 I started just doing repairs and maintenance and essentially I got into residential contracting right after getting my MBA. So about two years into business. Two years into business, started growing the residential side and it was really just a hundred percent word of mouth pretty much right up until I opened my second office in Sarasota, Florida. So in 2017, went down there, really didn't have a lot of employees at the time. 

It was really just myself and a crew kind of doing the work. And went down there, got the business up and running, grew residentially and commercially in both markets and  then opened a third office in Waterford, Connecticut. So opened that office and just kind of continued to grow both residentially, commercially doing replacements and repairs and  then also other exterior services in the Northeast. 

So yeah, we've really kind of grown the team. We have all the departments, marketing, inside, outside, sales, production, HR, admin, everything like that. And as a company, a big passion of ours is really working with the next generation and working with our team on training and getting new people in the industry. So yeah, that's a little bit about Red Dog's Roofing. 

Alex Tolle: I always kind of wondered about where the name came from, so that's really cool. I like the bringing your, you said it was your grandfather, right? Bringing him into it. I love it. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. 

Alex Tolle: And it's so cool to hear how your company has grown so much over the time that you have started it. So I mean, compared to a lot of roofing companies, you're still kind of new. I mean, how many years have you been in business now? 

Patrick Cochran: So I've been in business about 13 and a half years. 

Alex Tolle: Okay. 

Patrick Cochran: July will kind of mark that time. So really cool to be honored in July is for the month with Roofers Coffee Shop. 

Alex Tolle: Yay. I know. Great timing. So you kind of already talked about it, but if you can dive in a little bit more about the services that you provide. It sounds like you kind of cover a little bit everything. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah, absolutely. So we focus on residential roofing and commercial roofing, both replacements and repairs. We do a little bit of new construction, but not a ton. In the Northeast, we also do siding, windows, doors and  gutters as well. So we do a lot of siding. So we'll do full exterior remodels in the Northeast. And so yeah, so predominantly what we focus on is asphalt shingles, but our biggest, I think, really benefit for customers and that is really being able to offer them great solutions. 

We take on very intricate and tough projects that some contractors will kind of stay away from. So we do a really good job kind of getting great solutions and  if a customer wants a new product, I have a team that can really research it very well and make sure that things are installed well. And also work with the manufacturer in that to make sure new products are installed properly in that. So I think that's something that's very unique about us. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. And that's so important for the customer, the home or building owner, to be able to have a roofing company that's going to just really take care of everything, make it super easy on them. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. We want it to be a seamless process. It's a big investment into their home and they're either paying for it all up front or they're making monthly payments in that. And it's something that's got to perform after the project is done, right? 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: It's not really just about putting a roof on and the experience at that time, which is very important. But also after the fact is making sure that when the harsh weather comes, is the roof going to perform and is the home going to be kept dry and have no issues? So it is, it's really about coming up with proper solutions and  that's something we really pride ourselves on with all the products that we offer. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. Because the work that you're doing, like you said, just those first couple of days while you're putting on the roof, but then you're still, your work is showing for the next 10, 20, 30 years. 

Patrick Cochran: Exactly. 

Alex Tolle: Even longer. So yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: It has to be able to perform. I mean, that's why they're making the investment. Right? 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: And that's where you really kind of see who you have for a company. If something goes wrong and nobody's perfect, right? So when something goes wrong, are people going to be there, step up and make sure they take care of it? And are they going to take the proper precautions on the front end to make sure they have a good solution for the customer? 

Alex Tolle: Yeah, amazing. So with my time working with you and your team, you guys seem like you have a great company culture. Can you share what kind of things your company celebrates? 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. So first of all, I appreciate that. I like to think we have a great company culture too and  I get a lot of great feedback about that. So I really appreciate that. Something really, really cool that I want to share is this year we're doing our first ever Red Dog's Roofing Week. So it's actually being done in the month of July, which again makes us being honored in July with Roofers Coffee Shop that much cooler. And it's actually my grandfather's birthday week. 

Alex Tolle: Wow. 

Patrick Cochran: It's 7/11 this year, kind of falls on. And we're celebrating kind of three pillars of our success. Right? So first is our customers and our community. Second is the industry itself and the next generation coming into it. And then third is our existing team, right? Our team. 

And basically Red Dog's Roofing Week, what we're celebrating is we're doing three roof giveaways, so one in each market, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Then Thursday we're going to have a trade show where we're going to have ourselves and our vendors set up and students and parents will be able to kind of come out and see other opportunities in roofing. Like Roofers Coffee Shop, right? You guys aren't necessarily installing the roofs, but you're very involved in the industry. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: So we're allowing parents and students to kind of see other sides of the industry that they may not consider. Right? Construction and roofing specifically, there's a lot of great opportunity even if installing isn't necessarily for you. So that's going to be on Thursday of that week, July 10th. And then July 11th that Friday, we're doing a training for the entire team in an award ceremony. Right? To really be able to kind of celebrate the team. 

When I started, like I said, I named the company after my grandfather, but the point that we're at here, this is really about the team effort. Right? And this is that apostrophe and the name kind of grew into all of us really taking that ownership. Right? So we're really celebrating, like I said, the community and our customers, the industry and the next generation and  then our team. Right? Our team that kind of brings it all together and makes it all possible. So that's kind of a really cool celebration that we're doing. It's the first annual. So very excited about that and really looking forward to kind of seeing everybody come together and enjoy that week together. 

Alex Tolle: What a special way to celebrate everything that you guys do. And I love how you're bringing in the younger generation to see the industry. You already do so much work with SkillsUSA and this is just another way to do that. I think that's so amazing and we would love to be there at some point maybe next year. 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. We'd love to have you. 

Alex Tolle: That's awesome. We definitely want to hear more about it. So afterwards we could do a little recap maybe. 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. 

Alex Tolle: So how do you define superior customer service at Red Dog's Roofing? 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. So superior customer service to me, right? It really boils down to communication and effectively communicating. If you look at issues within the company or things that go on even in our personal lives, right? It usually boils down to communication or a lack of understanding. Right? So being an effective communicator is extremely important. 

And I'm not talking about just simply telling people and keeping people informed, right? But being an active listener, making sure that you understand what somebody's saying. There's a saying, "If you want to be understood, you must first give understanding." Right? So instead of talking to respond, I really want to make sure that I'm talking to be able to understand. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: Right? That's how a great conversation goes. So really having depth with the conversation and making sure that people are kept up to date. If there's changes, that they're being addressed right away and if there's issues, that they're being addressed right away. Right? Sometimes people will put something off or push it off and  what sometimes people don't think of is, this is somebody's home, right? This project, you may have multiple projects going on or  you may have another project coming up depending on the size company you are, but I mean essentially this is their sanctuary, this is their home. Right? So this is everything to them. 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: So addressing those things in a timely manner really just will set you apart in the industry. And I try to let my team know we're not perfect, right? But if something happens, we need to make sure we address it in a timely manner. We need to see what went wrong, focus on the solution, make sure that the customer's happy with where we're at. But then more importantly, when we're done, reflect on it and see what we could have done better. Right? So I think communication is by far the best way to offer superior customer service. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. I think that's great. I myself have worked a lot in customer service and retail and hospitality and  you can have someone have a huge issue, but if you actually care and you communicate and you help solve their problem, then they're going to forgive you for it and they understand that you're human. And being able to show that you really care about what's going on makes a world of difference. 

Patrick Cochran: I agree. And they can feel that too. They may not necessarily know it, but they're picking up on that. And I think sometimes people just want to vent. Right? Sometimes people are frustrated, maybe there's something going on in their personal life and this just happens to be part of their whole day that they're not having a great day. Right? So the biggest thing is not taking it personally. Right? And being able to kind of focus at the situation on hand. Obviously it's easier said than done, right? 

But being an effective communicator, listening to them, making feel like they're understood and they're heard can sometimes really turn things around like you just said. And you can start off a really bad spot and you're like, "Wow, this is kind of going a way I don't want it to go." And that can turn around completely. Right? Because what I'll tell people sometimes, whether it's an employee or in my personal life or a customer, it's like, "I can't go backwards to what happened." Right? 

Alex Tolle: Right. 

Patrick Cochran: "I understand what happened. I understand why you feel the way you feel. All I want to do is work on a solution. So this is where we're at, this is my thoughts." Or, "Hey, what are your thoughts?" Whatever that might be. But I think communication is invaluable for a good, superior customer service. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah, absolutely. So I mean, we kind of already went over it, but why should home and building owners work with Red Dog's Roofing? It seems pretty obvious to me, but maybe you could share a little bit more. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. I appreciate that. So I think somebody that values communication, as I mentioned earlier, I think unfortunately this industry a bad reputation sometimes for the lack of communication or the lack of updates and stuff like that with customers. So if customers are looking for somebody to really make it a seamless streamlined process and have good communication, that's one reason. And I think the other thing that I'd like to mention is really if they want a company that takes a hands-on approach, right? 

We really make sure we have somebody on our team that's part of the process from the first time somebody reaches out all the way up until the job's closed and even after that. So we take a real hands-on approach. We have people from our company on site. And I know that that doesn't happen as much anymore. Sometimes there's a lot of companies that are more like a broker. Right? And nothing wrong with that. But is there somebody there to answer questions? Is there somebody there to kind of take the customer through any issues? Is there somebody there to address an issue right away? 

Or is it everybody that's just kind of focused on doing the work and making sure that those things are happening, which is very important, but there's also that customer service aspect that we offer that I know that tends to be kind of unique within the industry. So I think if customers are looking for somebody that's really taking a hands-on approach and making sure that they're not having to deal with this outside stuff that they're not familiar with, then they have somebody there that can answer questions. I think that's really what brings that value to the homeowner from us. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. And having that person there on site, I mean, a lot of times people are home when they get their roofs done or any exterior projects. I was home working while I had my roof done. And so having somebody there who I could easily just go ask questions and get an update, like, "Hey, how's it going up there? Any issues?" Or they'd come to me if they found something and it was just so transparent and so easy to just communicate with that. So that makes a huge difference for the homeowner. 

Patrick Cochran: That further, right? If somebody's your home during the day when your roof is going on, maybe you have to run out. Right? So maybe you have to run out and you're leaving and you better be able to back out of your driveway at 11 o'clock and they didn't ask you and all of a sudden all the materials right there or  they dropped and they ripped the roof. Now you can't pull your car out. So are they going through, "Hey, we're going to start on the front side. We're going to work our way around. What time are you leaving? I want to make sure I'm mindful. 

Can you text me before you walk out if you're doing it at this time, because we're going to be right above the door?" So there's a lot of little details too, to make sure that are being communicated because it's a disruption in somebody's day, especially on the residential side. Right? People are there that aren't typically there. There's material there, there's equipment, there's debris kind of coming off the roof. You need to make sure that they're able to access their home safely and leave when they can. So having that communication in that I think is extremely important and you've kind had that experience, so- 

Alex Tolle: Yeah. 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah. Totally, great. 

Alex Tolle: So why are you an R-Club member and maybe what's one of your favorite things about Roofers Coffee Shop or the R-Club? 

Patrick Cochran: Yeah, so the R-Club I think is great. It's a great way to kind of just hear a lot about what's going on in the industry. Right? The world is changing very fast as we know. So being able to kind of keep up to date and kind of see what other people are doing, I think is great. And I think for myself, one of the number one things I like the most is hearing other stories. Right? What do other people value? How did they implement certain things? 

What are some hardships that they've overcome or successes that they've had? And for that, that helps me be mindful of certain things that I may not be thinking about or maybe things that I'm trying to enhance that I haven't kind of figured out yet. So I think that's probably some of the best things I like about the Club. And it's great for the industry and the community to kind of have that. I think it's very unique and that's what I really enjoy about it. 

Alex Tolle: Well, thank you and we're happy to have you in it. 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. 

Alex Tolle: So lastly, the best question of all, what would your walk-up song be? 

Patrick Cochran: So my walk-up song, I would probably say "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" from Dropkick Murphy's. I'm not from the city of Boston. I don't live in the city, although it is my favorite city to visit, about an hour away in a small town called Fitchburg, North Central Massachusetts. So just on the New Hampshire line. 

But for those of you that are in New England, you know this, when we travel for industry events, there's not a lot of us from the Northeast that typically attend these national roofing events. So we typically all say we're from Boston. And then when we see each other, we let each other know kind of really where we're from and what part of Massachusetts. But I'd say Dropkick Murphy's "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" would be my walk out song. 

Alex Tolle: Okay. I love it. That's great. Well, Patrick, thank you so much for being here today. We're so excited to honor Red Dog's Roofing as the July Roofer of The Month. And anything else you want to add? 

Patrick Cochran: No, I appreciate the opportunity and the recognition and  I'm really glad it happened in July. So that will work out. 

Alex Tolle: Yeah, I know. It was like something told me I had to pick you for July. What are the odds? 

Patrick Cochran: Absolutely. 

Outro: All right. Well, thank you so much Patrick and  we will see you all on the next Roofer of The Month. 

That's a wrap on this month's episode of Roofer of The Month. Thanks for joining us on this journey. We'll catch you next time for more rooftop celebrations. Make sure to subscribe and follow the Rooferscoffeeshop.com podcast page for more. And go to Rooferscoffeeshop.com or askaroofer.com for more information. 

Local media invited to cover free career exploration event featuring live demonstrations, youth engagement and workforce development initiatives.

Red Dog’s Roofing invites media outlets to cover Community Roofing and Trades Day on Thursday, July 10 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Colonial Hotel in Gardner, Massachusetts a, hands-on, informative event designed to educate and inspire the next generation to explore careers in the roofing and skilled trades industries.

This free event is open to the public and will feature youth-focused activity stations and a panel discussion on the growing demand and rewarding career pathways in the trades. With a special focus on workforce development and community engagement, Community Roofing Day is both a photo-friendly and newsworthy opportunity for media to highlight local efforts addressing national labor shortages in construction and skilled work.

“We believe the trades are not just a job, they’re a pathway to pride, purpose and prosperity,” said Matt Landry - Reputation Manager at Red Dog’s Roofing. “This event is our way of giving back to the community and showing students that success can come from using your hands and heart.”

Media-Worthy Highlights:
•    Hands-on stations
•    where students can get involved with different aspects of the trades.
•    Live career panel + Q&A
•    with industry professionals
•    National Women in Roofing participation,
•    spotlighting diversity in the trades
•    Prizes, giveaways and community partners on site

Journalists, photographers and broadcasters are encouraged to attend for compelling visuals, interviews with tradespeople and community-driven storytelling. Opportunities for one-on-one interviews with company leadership, educators and participating youth will be available throughout the day.

Event details:
Community Roofing Day
📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025
🕘 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 The Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner, Massachusets
🎟️ FREE & open to the public
🎫 Public registration link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-dogs-roofing-week-community-day-tickets-1348164599609

About Red Dog’s Roofing:

Founded in Fitchburg, MA, Red Dog’s Roofing is a multi-state company grounded in family values, craftsmanship and community leadership. The company is committed to workforce development and proudly creates opportunities for the next generation to thrive in the skilled trades.
 

By Emma Peterson. 

How the industry has come together to support the next generation of professionals. 

The 2025 SkillsUSA competition is coming to a close at the end of June with the SkillsUSAChampionships! This is the premier showcase of the United States’ most highly skilled career and technical education students. It is held in conjunction with the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, which will be held from June 23 to 27 in Atlanta, Georgia this year. This inspiring event will see more than 6,500 students from across the nation compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in over 100 different skilled and leadership categories. 

Roofing is a newer competition on the SkillsUSA stage, having been added in 2023. Rick Damato, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recruiter, entrepreneur and dedicated member of NRCA and the Roofing Alliance, explained a bit of the history when he stopped by for a Roofing Road Trip® last year. He shared, “There was every conceivable skilled trade represented... Every manner of construction except roofing. And the light bulb sort of went off that roofing has never been recognized as a specialty trade in career and technical education in this country. It was this huge gap and a real opportunity when it comes to workforce development as we are seeing our highly skilled workforce aging out, they're retiring.” 

And so, people like Rick jumped in to bring roofing to the SkillsUSA competition. Now, two years later, the industry has truly come together to support the education of the next generation of roofing professionals. The Coffee Shops™ crew will be on the ground interviewing some of the incredible students in Atlanta this year! And a lot of our friends from the industry are chipping in as well!  From donating funds to the continuation of the program to supplying products and tools to the students competing, countless companies have stepped up to help these students succeed. Others who are contributing include Elevate, EagleView, ABC Supply, Roofing Alliance, SRS Distribution, Johns Manville, TAMKO, GAF, Central States, Leister and IB Roof Systems. 

Patrick Cochran, the owner of Red Dog's Roofing and the driving force behind Massachusetts's roofing SkillsUSA program, put it best when he said, “Our industry is willing to come together to donate time, money and materials to make this is an easy lift for schools. We just want them to put us in front of students and then we can help them with curriculum, hands-on material, tools and ultimately the financial support for whoever's going to nationals — we want them to succeed.”