Building beyond a business resource

By Emma Peterson. 

Roofing associations are incredible resources for networking and business growth opportunities. But they also foster community. 

In Season 5, Episode 53 of Roofing Road Trips™, Heather Greenwell and Rick Heath Carlisle met with host Megan Ellsworth to talk about the Viriginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP). Heather described VARP as more than just a business resource, saying, “It's a great group of individuals made up of all different kinds of roofing professionals in Virginia. I’m just happy to be here.”   

That emphasis on the community formed within and around VARP was displayed during their 56th Annual Convention last summer. Rick emphasized that the conference was a time to “talk about best practices, what went right, what went wrong, and enjoy each other's company for a couple of days.” He believes that one of the things that makes the VARP convention special is the relaxed atmosphere that fosters community and conversation. Heather echoed that sentiment, saying, “We worked hard to create this atmosphere of collegiality and comradery so that business competitors can come together and hang out and enjoy each other's company and really work together for the industry.” 

Beyond their conference, VARP works to build up and develop the industry community in Virginia. Heather explained, “We have tangible benefits for joining, such as membership discounts on our awesome events and insurance rebates through our partnership. But really, I feel like the purpose of VARP is to support and advance the roofing industry.” One way they do this is look for ways to work together to expand the industry and bring new workers into their community. Rick elaborated, saying, “We are working with the local school districts and the guidance counselors to find younger persons, males and females, to try to get them in the roofing industry.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about the ways VARP supports the roofing community.