Paving the way

Every two years since 1988, the International Federation of the Roofing Trade has held the World Championship of Young Roofers. Young roofing workers travel from around the world to represent their countries and compete in steep-slope, metal, low-slope and façade events.

In 2024, NRCA sent the first team from the U.S. to Innsbruck, Austria, to compete.

Training

Sponsored by Carlisle Construction Materials, Carlisle, Pa.; GAF, Parsippany, N.J.; Georgia Pacific, Atlanta; OMG Roofing Products, Agawam, Mass.; Owens Corning, Toledo, Ohio; and SRS Distribution Inc., McKinney, Texas, the U.S. team included:

• Luke Freudiger and Adam Wilcher from The Durable Slate Company, Columbus, Ohio, who competed in the steep-slope competition and were coached by John Chan.
• Kasey Green and Doug Rojos from Global Roofing Group, Phoenix, who competed in the metal competition and were coached by Shawn Wood.
• Marco Espinosa and Alexander Gutierrez from KPost Company, Dallas, who competed in the low-slope competition and were coached by Glauco Gutierrez.

According to Wood, the experience was “educational, exciting and exhausting.” Before the competition, Green and Rojos only had a few months to train with European metal roof systems featuring details not typical to U.S. practices, such as rolled seams.

Chan’s team also faced a learning curve when preparing for the steep-slope competition.

“We had never installed those types of insulation boards or insulation,” he says. “It was all new to us, but we were fortunate to be there and learn about different materials.”

Despite challenges, during the months of “intensive” training, Gutierrez says his team members learned additional valuable skills they were able to bring with them to the competition.

“Throughout the training process, Marco and Alexander honed their skills in critical areas such as precise installation techniques, safety standards, material knowledge and effective teamwork,” Gutierrez says.

Competing alongside such talented young roofers was humbling and inspiring.

Kasey Green / Global Roofing Group

The competition

Once they arrived in Austria, Team USA was supported by fellow competitors.

“The best part for me was meeting other competitors from all over the world,” Wood says. “Everyone was excited we were there and extremely helpful in getting us up to speed with how everything operated. I’m glad I was part of this and hope to be again in two years.”

Gary Howes, chief operating officer for The Durable Group, Columbus, attended as a spectator. He says though he has watched the competition in the past, having the opportunity to support Team USA this year was a special experience.

“I was so impressed by how [the competitors] stayed so focused on the task at hand despite the incredible pressure they all felt. They performed like true professionals,” Howes says. “One competitor told me he looked forward to improving in the craft enough to someday come back and be a mentor himself.”

Green calls the experience a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“Competing alongside such talented young roofers was humbling and inspiring,” he says. “Their expertise and daily experience were evident. I feel incredibly privileged to have represented the U.S. in this competition.”

Although Team USA did not place in its competitions, it set a precedent for future U.S. teams by stepping up and going first.

The following teams received medals for placing first, second or third in their respective categories:

• Steep-slope competition: Team Austria received first place; Team Switzerland received second place; and Team Germany received third place.
• Metal competition: Team Hungary received first place; Team Switzerland received second place; and Team Germany received third place.
• Low-slope competition: Team Austria received first place; Team Switzerland received second place; and Team China received third place.
• Façade competition: Team Switzerland received first place; Team Germany received second place; and Team Latvia received third place.

Looking ahead

The next World Championship of Young Roofers competition is scheduled for 2026. Gutierrez hopes NRCA will continue to send a team to the event.

“By sending young roofing workers to compete on the world stage, the U.S. is sending a message about the importance of skilled trades and the potential for future growth and development within the roofing industry,” he says.

Gutierrez offers advice to future members of Team USA: “Preparation is the key to success. But most of all, enjoy the opportunity and live in the moment as it will be a memorable experience and honor you will carry forever.”

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