By Dani Sheehan. 

Discover the Latino-focused occasions as they steal the highlight at IRE 2024 and embrace the tradition on the rooftops. 

The Worldwide Roofing Expo (IRE) isn’t just a platform for showcasing the newest improvements in roofing; it’s additionally changing into a hub for celebrating range and inclusion within the business. This yr, IRE is internet hosting a sequence of Latino-focused occasions, highlighting the significance of embracing the Latino tradition inside the roofing sector. 

Ernestina Smith, a customer support consultant at Cougar Paws Inc., shares her expertise as a Latina within the roofing business, saying, “It’s superb to know that per the final survey in 2021, 57.7% of roofing skilled are Hispanic. It makes me happy with my individuals as they’re laborious employees too.”  

On February 6, be part of RCS Influencer and President at Southeast Contracting Providers, Teresa Ramirez, as she presents on the significance of speaking in Spanish and English. She’ll share the sources that the Nationwide Roofing Contractors Affiliation (NRCA) offers to their members and speak in regards to the sources we’ve within the palm of our palms.  

Don’t miss the tutorial session “Tips on how to Begin with Industrial Initiatives” on February 7 designed for small and medium-sized roofing firms trying to broaden into industrial roofing. Performed completely in Spanish, the workshop covers essential elements akin to licensing necessities, security protocols, bidding methods and monetary administration. Attendees will acquire invaluable insights to propel their companies into profitable industrial initiatives.  

Edgar Saucedo of SRS Distribution Para Latinos, regularly markets to the Hispanic inhabitants, discovering methods to fulfill them of their houses, of their platform and really regularly of their native language. He says, “We perceive it’s laborious to elucidate roofing in Spanish, or it may typically be laborious to elucidate a particular phrase. I all the time just like the phrase, ‘I like to color cafecito.’ Cafecito means brown, gentle brown, but in addition means espresso. So, we’re making an attempt to attach one of the best expertise for our prospects to allow them to really feel extra at dwelling.” 

Addressing a important side of the business, one other session on February 8, titled “5 Keys to ‘Promote’ Security to Latinos,” offered by Luciano Perez, security director at KPost Firm, explores the challenges of speaking security measures successfully. Regardless of security professionals conducting conferences and coaching, points like fall safety persist. The session goals to unlock the keys for security professionals and superintendents to bridge the communication hole with employees and create a safer working atmosphere. 

Recognizing the numerous progress potential inside the Latino market, Owens Corning is main the cost with a session on understanding and serving Latino owners, contractors and installers authentically. Partnering with Black//Brown, a Los Angeles primarily based strategic advisory and affect studio which makes use of diversity-focused methods to assist firms develop, Owens Corning makes use of deep information and insights to develop a culture-forward technique, acknowledging the Latino group’s affect on the roofing business’s progress. 

SRS Distribution is devoted to supporting the Latino and Spanish-speaking contractor group. The Para Latinos lounge, returning for the third consecutive yr at sales space #6321, affords specialised roofing companies, training and networking alternatives in Spanish. Attendees can take part in numerous actions, and have an opportunity to win thrilling prizes, together with an all-expenses-paid journey to a soccer match, a 70-inch tv, a drone and extra. 

The dedication to range and inclusion extends past the exhibit flooring! Be part of SRS Distribution as they host the Para Latinos VIP Cocktail Occasion and Premios Exito, recognizing excellence in numerous classes. These occasions not solely rejoice success but in addition foster a way of group inside the roofing business. 

Because the business evolves, occasions like these at IRE show the business’s dedication to embracing range, fostering inclusivity and recognizing the contributions of the Latino group. It’s a step in the direction of making a extra vibrant and consultant roofing business for the long run.