THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN 8 ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS – ISSUE 1 2026 Experience Matters: Developing Tomorrow’s Roofers Today crew requires the ability to manage people and personalities, keep pro- duction moving, work around changing weather and solve problems quickly when things do not go according to plan. These leadership skills are rarely learned overnight. They are developed over time by working alongside experienced foremen who take the time to explain not just how the work gets done, but how a jobsite is managed. Contractors and industry leaders also have a role to play in supporting structured training. Apprenticeship programs, manufacturer training and safety education all help reinforce the lessons learned on the jobsite. When practical experience is combined with formal training, it creates a stronger and more capable workforce that benefits the entire industry. At the same time, mentorship does not need to be complicated or formalized to be effective. Often it comes down to experienced trades- people taking a few extra minutes to explain a detail, answer a question or show a younger worker a better way to complete a task. These small moments of guidance add up over time and can have a lasting impact on someone’s development. When we invest in training and mentorship, we are investing in the future of our industry. Well-trained roofers produce better work, create safer jobsites and help maintain the reputation of professional roofing contractors across the province. Strong mentorship also helps develop the next generation of leaders who will guide crews, manage projects and eventually run companies of their own. Every experienced roofer has knowledge that was once passed down to them by someone else. Taking the time to share that knowledge with the next generation ensures that the skills, professionalism and pride in workmanship that define our trade continue well into the future. Chair’s Message OIRCA Board of Directors Ontario Roofing News is printed on 10% post-consumer FSC certified paper using soya based inks. When necessary to mail an issue in an enclosure, we use an environmentally- friendly, 100% oxo-degradable poly-wrap. ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS is a “market- ing and information periodical” published for the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association by MediaEdge Publishing. Advertising in ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS is restricted to the member companies of OIRCA. Published for: Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association 190 Attwell Drive, Suite 350 Toronto, ON l M9W 6H8 Tel: (416) 695-4114 l Toll Free: 1 (888) 33-OIRCA oirca@ontarioroofing.com www.ontarioroofing.com Published by: 33 South Station St. l North York, ON l M9N 2B2 Tel: (866) 480-4717 l Email: robertt@mediaedge.ca 531 Marion St. l Winnipeg, MB l R2J 0J9 Tel: (866) 201-3096 l Fax: (204) 480-4420 www.mediaedgepublishing.com President Kevin Brown Senior Vice President l Publisher Robert Thompson Sales / Branch Manager Nancie Privé Senior Editor Justyne Essery Senior Design Specialist Marisa Giesbrecht Design Specialist Bethany Giesbrecht National Sales Executive Pat Johnston All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior consent of the publisher. Published May 2026 Publication Agreement #40787580 Chair of the Board Mike Godfrey Godfrey Roofing Inc. Past President Jason Campbell Dean Chandler Roofing Ltd. First Vice Chair Mark Mollison Conestoga Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. Second Vice Chair Ryan Warner Covertite Eastern Ltd. Director Joel Dandelé Dantech Building Technologies Inc. Director Marinos Barlas Schreiber Brothers Ltd. Director Mark Agius Flynn Canada Director David Rauth Rauth Roofing Limited Director Doug Maikawa Trio Roofing Systems Inc. Director Darcy Beites Douro Roofing Sheet Metal Contractors Ltd. Director Joe DiBratto Applewood Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. Director Mary Smith Soprema Inc. By Mike Godfrey, Chair of the Board, OIRCA Please return undeliverable copies to: 190 Attwell Drive, Suite 350, Toronto, ON M9W 6H8 T he long-term strength of our industry depends on the people who are entering it today. Every experienced roofer can look back and remember the individuals who helped them learn the trade. In many cases it was not a formal classroom or a training manual, but a foreman, supervisor or senior crew member who took the time to explain how things were done and why. That type of mentorship has always been one of the most effective ways knowledge is passed along in roofing, and it remains just as important today. Commercial roofing is a skilled trade that requires far more than physical effort. Understanding roof systems, working safely, coordinating with other trades and paying attention to technical details that affect long-term perfor- mance all require experience and judgement. These skills are not developed overnight. They come from time on the roof, exposure to different types of projects and the willingness of experienced tradespeople to share what they know with the next generation. For young workers entering the trade, the first few years are critical. This is when they learn the habits that will shape their entire career. When experi- enced roofers take the time to explain proper techniques, demonstrate good workmanship and reinforce safe work practices, it creates a foundation that lasts for decades. Without that guidance, it becomes much harder for new workers to build the confidence and competence needed to succeed. Mentorship also plays an important role in helping young workers see a future for themselves in the trade. When someone is given responsibility, trusted with more complex tasks and supported as they develop their skills, they are more likely to stay in the industry and continue building their career. That sense of progression is important not only for individuals, but for the long-term stability of our workforce. Developing future foremen through mentorship is just as important. Technical skill alone does not make someone a strong foreman. Running a
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