b'Presidents MessageIndustry Relationships can Turn into ResourcesKevin Gwaltney, MRCA PresidentI t seems like it never failswe spend all winter and spring estimating, proposing and planning for the summer work schedule and just about the time we have the temperatures to stretch our wings, the spring rains come.In my company in recent years, we have lost many days in the months of May and June to rain. This is a particularly tough setback as typically this is the time of year we have a large backlog that have end-of-the-summer deadlines on the work under contract.In addition, our management staff has anticipated the busy work season ahead and have hired additional seasonal help who are chomping at the bit to get in hours and make some money. But, it is difficult to get in hours because of the rain.In addition, the tornado sirens have gone off on two different occasions at my house in the past week.Spring thunderstorms have conditioned consumers to call their roofer of choice after these events, which in turn puts our schedules even further back due to trying to fit in emergency and temporary repairs as well as fit in work that our customers need done quickly. This is very typical from year to year. I would be remised to say that this is a good problem to have, but this is still a problem that must be dealt with quickly and effectively.In the past, my company has dealt with this with a multi-pronged approach including seeking labor savings materials and applications, purchasing labor savings equipment, subcontracting out peripheral scopes like rock removal, and adding additional labor to help with tear-offs and labor-intensive jobs.This time is not only stressful on the field, but on administration, management and sales staff as the escalation of increased demand trickles throughout roles and responsibilities of common positions at a roofing company.I am grateful for the opportunity to meet the demand and to be a company that is willing and ready to meet the challenge. I am also grateful for the MRCA and the network of industry resources that are willing to share and exchange ideas of best practices.I recently attended a roofers insurance workshop that is focused on risk control activities.This event had a platform for contractor-to-contractor discussions where we can learn from others successes and failures and exchange best practices.The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association is another great resource.I was recently estimating some work that was on a 90 tall building and needed somebody to discuss the labor estimate that was familiar with working on tall buildings.I picked up the phone and called a fellow MRCA member. He answered on the first ring and he easily spent an hour of his time, trying to get me the best answer that he could.The roofing industry is made up of good people who are willing to make the extra effort and genuinely want to see their fellow contractors be successful.I would encourage my fellow contractors to seek opportunities and become active in industry events where relationships can be created that will turn into resources when a need arises, a question needs answered, or you are just without ideas on the next step forward. The MRCA is holding its 70th Annual Convention November 20-22, 2019 in Overland Park, KS at the Overland Park Convention Center.This is a great example of an industry event that you should attend and interact with your colleagues.See you there!In the meantime, stay safe and productive.Kevin GwaltneyMRCA PresidentDiamond Roofingkevin@diamond-roofing.com4 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'