www.mrca.org — Midwest Roofer 4 BREAKING THROUGH BARRIERS IN SCHAUMBURG Laurie Moore, MRCA President A s roofing contractors, we know this industry is not for the faint of heart. Every day brings challenges— whether it’s safety risks on steep slopes, navigating compliance, managing technology, or preparing the next generation of leaders. That’s why our annual conference is more than just a gathering; it’s a chance to sharpen our tools, build resilience, and strengthen the network that helps us all succeed. I am excited to invite you to join us in Schaumburg, Illinois, October 20–22, 2025, for a conference designed to meet you where you are and prepare you for what’s ahead. This year’s lineup is exceptional. We begin with “The Risk on the Roof: A Residential Steep Slope Panel”, where real-world contractor experiences will underscore the importance of proper subcontractor agreements, safety programs, and the protections available through MRCA membership. Stories like these—tragic losses on jobsites and serious heat stress investigations—remind us that liability is real, but also that tools like the MRCA Business Management Forms, SHARP+ Safety Program, and access to legal counsel can make all the difference. Safety remains at the forefront with Frank J. Marino, CSP of Safety Check, Inc., offering a practical decision-making framework for service crews handling short-duration work. We know the hardest risks to control are often the ones that sneak up on us—this session is built to address those exact scenarios. Technology and change are here whether we’re ready or not. Kevin Fox of FoxWerx Group will take us through “The Connected Contractor: AI, Automation, and Cybersecurity You Can Actually Use.” From affordable AI tools to protecting your business from phishing and ransomware, Kevin will show how contractors can embrace technology to work smarter and safer without breaking the bank. Looking ahead, we also face the question every business owner must consider: What happens next? Lee and Terry Resnick of the Resnick Succession Group will guide us through succession planning as a process—not a one-time event. Their session, “Assuring the Continuation of Your Company,” will tackle continuation goals, tax implications, and the cultural mindset needed to ensure leadership transitions are grounded in character, not just lineage. Of course, our keynote speaker, Johnny Quinn, will inspire us to push further than we thought possible. A U.S. Olympian and former NFL player, Johnny’s story of resilience and determination—of breaking through barriers and reinventing himself from football to Olympic bobsledding—is a powerful reminder that setbacks are simply setups for comebacks. His keynote, “Breaking Through Barriers: Unleash Resilience, Determination and Growth for Unbounded Success,” will challenge each of us to reframe obstacles as opportunities and leave with a renewed commitment to growth. We’ll also continue the important conversations that define our industry. The Signatory Contractors Roundtable and Happy Hour will provide insights into labor relations, bargaining trends, ERISA fund issues, and what’s ahead in the regulatory landscape for union employers. And for those looking to dig into the technical side, Richard Koziol and Heidi Mase of WJE will present their collaborative MRCA research on moisture effects in roof sheathing, while a representative from NRCA will update us on the latest technical issues impacting low-slope roofing. These sessions bring data- driven insights and industry expertise straight to your team. Every year, I leave our conference reminded that while we each face unique challenges, we are stronger when we come together. Schaumburg will be no different. Whether you are looking to improve safety, embrace technology, plan for your company’s future, or simply find encouragement to keep pressing forward—you will find it here. I look forward to seeing you in Schaumburg this October, ready to learn, connect, and break through barriers together. Warm regards, Laurie Moore MRCA President Kreiling Roofing Company President’s Message
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